AUSTRALIAN GETAWAYS
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, 2600 Wolgan Rd, Wolgan Valley, New South Wales +61 6350 1800
The height of indulgence is only a three-hour drive from Sydney. This resort and spa boasts 40 freestanding luxury suites all with a private terrace, pool and thoughtful extras in the rooms such as binoculars for a great view of the stunning Blue Mountains scenery. Visit the Timeless Spa for Australian-inspired treatments such as the Wattle Seed Renewal Body Exfoliation and signature Australian Mineral Facial. Heritage Suites start from $1950 per night and includes meals.
Longitude 131°, Uluru, Northern Territory +61 8 8957 7131
Arguably the best way to see Australia’s most iconic rock. With only 15 tents, this is “glamping” at its best. The three-day tour will take you through the Kantju and Walpa Gorges, to a spiritual and cultural centre where locals tell dreamtime stories. However the three course dinner under the stars is a definite highlight and of course, visiting Uluru at sunrise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Prices start at $2,070 twin share with meals.
The Agrarian Kitchen, 650 Lachlan Road, Lachlan, Tasmania +61 3 6261 1099
The Agrarian Kitchen is a getaway to appease even the most discerning foodie. The hands-on based cooking school is set on 5 acres of farmland bursting with vegetable and herb gardens as well as geese, pigs and chickens. Try an Agrarian Master class which is dedicated to one artisanal subject such as cooking a whole pig, charcuterie, cheese, pasta or bread making. Prices start at $295.
The Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef, Far North Queensland
There are infinite ways to explore this little slice of heaven. Must-do’s are snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef and visiting Whitehaven Beach for blindingly white sand. For the ultimate in island-living, stay at Paradise Bay Eco Escape. The resort has no mobile or internet access, TV or A/C and maximum of 20 guests. Prices start at $996/night. Or forget 5 star accommodation and charter a yacht for 5 million star accommodation – a salt-water sleep will do wonders for the soul.
Barossa Wine Region, South Australia
Hire a car and visit the vineyards of Australian wine heavyweights such as Jacobs Creek, Penfolds and Henschke. Or combine your love of food and wine and partake in the Butcher, Baker, and Wine Maker trail. Simply pick up a voucher book for $65 from South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre and visit the best of Barossa at your own pace. Stay at The Louise hotel and dine at their esteemed restaurant, Appellation.
Cradle Mountain Lodge, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania +61 1300 806 192
The best time to visit Cradle Mountain is during July for a Yuletide treat complete with Christmas themed dining. Located on the edge of Lake St. Clair National Park, the lodge offers over 20 wilderness walks, all of which can be counteracted with a Highland Healing massage at The Waldheim Alpine Spa. Rates start at $250/night including breakfast.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
For one of the best Sunday drives around, leave Melbourne behind and head for the coast. Stop in seaside towns such as Anglesea for a traditional Devonshire tea and visit Bells Beach to check out where the world’s best surfers contend in the Rip Curl Pro. However, nothing beats seeing the 12 apostles – proof that the ocean is one pretty amazing sculpture of its own.
By Carla Seeto
