Melissa Allen
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Sydney Arrival
Upon your arrival down under, you'll meet our representative at your gate and fast-track through immigration and customs. Then, meet your private driver and head to your first hotel. After some time to refresh, set out to explore Australia's largest city. We suggest a visit to Darling Harbor, a vibrant waterfront neighborhood. With the Harbor Bridge in sight, stroll along the lively quays, explore the National Maritime Museum, or enjoy the many bars and restaurants of Barangaroo. Don't miss the famous Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont, and taste the many fresh fish dishes prepared right in front of you!
Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening unwinding. Relax in your bathtub or visit the spa for a rejuvenating treatment. Delightful cuisine and luxurious amenities await.
Overnight Capella Sydney
Day 2
Sydney Harbor
Today, it's time to visit one of Sydney's most iconic sites: the Opera House! In the heart of one of the world's most beautiful bays, the Sydney Opera House is the unmistakable symbol of the city. You'll head inside with a guide for a behind-the-scenes look at the building. More than a million white ceramic tiles and 580 pillars were needed to build the opera house, which is considered one of the greatest architectural feats of the 20th century! Venture into the backstage areas before enjoying breakfast in the exclusive Green Room.
After some time wandering the historic streets of Sydney in the afternoon, hop on board a luxurious cruise boat to sail through the harbor while enjoying lunch. Marvel at the classic Sydney landmarks along the coastline before venturing into the calm waters and national parks of Middle Harbor, teeming with wildlife and Indigenous history. Enjoy a sumptuous gourmet lunch onboard, while soaking in the scenery. There will even be time for a swim!
Overnight Capella Sydney
Day 3
Art and Culture in Sydney
After breakfast, meet your First Nations guide to learn about the history and present-day culture of Australia's Indigenous Peoples. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney with your guide as they showcase the traditional uses of native plants for food. Learn how these Indigenous foods were harvested, prepared, and integrated into local culture, and how some of them have been adapted to contemporary cuisine. Your guide will also offer tastings! This experience provides insight into the deep connection between Indigenous communities and nature, showcasing ancestral botanical knowledge and its relevance in a modern context. It also provides insight into the relationships between plants, ecosystems, and human uses, with an emphasis on the resilience of living cultural heritage.
Following your tour, stop at the Art Gallery Museum within the Botanic Gardens to explore a diverse collection, featuring works by Australian masters alongside contemporary pieces, and Indigenous art that connects history, land, and spirituality.
In the evening, return to the Opera House - this time for dinner! Savor a three-course meal during this gastronomic journey in a unique setting. The restaurant Bennelong celebrates the Sydney Opera House and its extraordinary architecture with a culturally meaningful, inspiring menu showcasing a stunning selection of Australian dishes and wines.
Overnight Capella Sydney
Day 4
Lord Howe Island
After a short flight from Sydney, you'll arrive at Lord Howe Island. The island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its geology, flora, and fauna. This natural wonder is a special place where endemic species coexist with spectacular landscapes. With a strict limit of 400 visitors at a time, the island remains preserved and offers an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Here, there is no phone network, no skyscrapers, no crowds: just the wind, the birds, and the ocean setting the rhythm of life. There's no better spot for a digital detox!
Your driver will take you to your hotel, Arajilla Retreat, nestled between forest and lagoon. Look out at Kentia palms and Banyan trees from your private deck and enjoy delightful cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the hotel's garden. If you'd like to explore the island, there are plenty of ways to do so, including snorkelling over untouched coral reefs, kayaking across crystal-clear waters, hiking dramatic peaks, and practicing yoga while breathing in the fresh island air.
Overnight Arajilla Retreat
Day 5 - 7
Leisure Time on Lord Howe Island
You'll have three full days to immerse yourself in the uniquely peaceful ambiance of Lord Howe Island. The island is incredibly beautiful, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
On land, you can take walks in the heart of the island, exploring small coves and gorgeous vistas and looking out for rare birds and plants along the way. Hikers and trekkers will be delighted with some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Australia. Mount Gower, which rises to 2870 feet, offers one of the island's most iconic hikes, rewarding adventurers with panoramic views of the island and the ocean. Other trails lead to viewpoints such as Malabar Hill and Kim's Lookout, offering panoramas of white sandy beaches, tropical forests, and the turquoise sea.
Out on the water, exploring the world's southernmost reef is a must-do, whether by snorkeling or scuba diving. From many beaches, you can visit sites for snorkeling such as Comets Hole, Erscots Hole, or Ned's Beach, where you might be lucky enough to see rays, angelfish, or even whale sharks. With over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral reef in the area, there's so much to uncover!
Overnight Arajilla Retreat
Day 8
Adelaide
It's time to say goodbye to island life and take a quick flight to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Upon arrival, meet your driver and head to the Oval Hotel, which boasts a central location perfect for exploring the city. The quiet city of Adelaide features lots of museums and small restaurants, plus a bustling Central Market. In the summer, the city's many parks and green spaces are a perfect spot to relax in the shade. Spend your day enjoying the city or unwinding at your hotel.
Overnight Oval Hotel
Day 9
Into the Outback
After a leisurely breakfast, you'll meet your private driver and head to Flinders Ranges National Park, one of the world's most ancient landscapes. Your hotel, Arkaba Homestead, is located on a private wildlife conservancy, making it the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the remote wilds of the Australian Outback.
Surrounded by Elder and Chase Ranges and Rawnsley Bluff, Arkaba is recognized as one of the most beautiful properties in the South Australian Outback. Here, you'll feel the vastness of the rugged landscapes surrounding you as you discover the land's ancient geology and diverse wildlife. You'll also have the chance to learn more about the incredible conservation and rewilding projects taking place on-site!
In the evening, join field guides and other guests on the outdoor terrace for a three-course dinner, where you'll share stories as you listen to the quiet stirrings of the surrounding bush. Then, with a glass of wine in hand, gather around the firepit and gaze up at the sparkling stars overhead.
Overnight Arkaba Homestead
Day 10 - 12
Flinders Ranges National Park
Take two full days to discover the magic of this unique setting. With a knowledgeable guide, you can set out on a walk through the bush, where you'll have the chance to spot native wildlife and take in the scale of these special landscapes. If you'd like, you can spend a day on a 4x4 safari to explore the national park. Cross the Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, visit the old mining town of Blinman, and savor lunch at a country pub.
Your guide can also take you to Aboriginal sites to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of this area. The region is rich with Aboriginal culture, and the Elder Range on Arkaba is filled with stories and rarely visited art sites.
Spend your downtime nestled in your unique homestead guest room, with its 1850's charm still intact. Gaze out at the surrounding ranges from your shaded verandah, or choose to cool off at the hotel's pool. As the crisp evening air comes in, curl up by the fireplace in the lounge room.
Overnight Arkaba Homestead
Day 13
Adelaide
After a final breakfast set in the enchanting Flinders Ranges, it's time to leave the Outback feeling rejuvenated and recharged.
You'll transfer back to Adelaide, where you'll have the rest of the day free. If you'd like, you can walk along the city streets and admire the impressive colonial architecture, stroll through one of the many parks, or visit one of the finest collections of Aboriginal art. In the afternoon, take a walk in Glenelg or Rundle Mall, where you'll likely find a restaurant to your liking with a terrace.
Overnight Oval Hotel
Day 14
Fleurieu Peninsula
This morning, meet your private guide and spend the day discovering the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula! This spectacular wine and gastronomic region is located in a pristine area of bush and coastline in South Australia. With your guide, you'll go deeper and discover its hidden delights. While aboard a luxurious 4x4 vehicle, venture off the beaten path to explore exclusive sites in national parks and private estates.
Cruise through vast vineyards with rolling hills in the background as your guide points out the local flora and fauna. Pause for a stroll along the beach, which will also offer a glimpse into Aboriginal history. Stop mid-morning to refresh and sample locally made cheeses and wines accompanied by the sounds of the didgeridoo. Then, continue to the renowned McLaren Vale wine region, where you'll have a wine tasting at your guide's family estate and vineyard. Savor a specially made three-course meal on the estate's lawns. Return to Adelaide with the night at leisure.
Overnight Oval Hotel
Day 15
Adelaide Departure
After a final breakfast in Australia, it's time to head home! In time for your international flight, you'll have a private transfer to the airport. Leave Australia with memories of time spent unwinding and connecting in remote landscapes and with a deeper understanding of important environmental initiatives, Indigenous cultures, and the unique flora and fauna of Australia.
