Rugged coastline, subtropical jungle, dazzling landmarks. World-famous surfing and wineries steeped in history. In a region where you can experience ‘four seasons in one day’, the southern corner is as varied as the indigenous wildlife that calls it home. Make some of the best boutique hotels in Australia your base, and treat this itinerary as a source of endless inspiration.
After gazing at the sail-like Sydney Opera House, stroll through picture-perfect botanic gardens and over the historic Harbour Bridge. Feeling peckish? Take your pick from a multi-cultural array of restaurants showcasing quality local produce and fresh seafood. While numerous hole-in-the-wall bars invite you to wind down over a delicious wine or beer.
Explore Sydney’s turquoise waters on a luxury yacht, by helicopter or seaplane. If body surfing or conquering the best breaks is your thing, head for the crystal-clear waters, golden sands and beautiful people of Bondi beach.
Or, leave the crowds behind on the Bondi to Coogee 6km coastal trail. It’s hilly in parts, but keep going south and you’ll be rewarded with the Royal National Park and tucked-away coves. Take extra care at Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach, as the rip tides can be strong. Clovelly Beach, however, is a much calmer story. Surrounded by rock walls, the refreshing water looks like a large swimming pool.
Go further afield: Take a day trip out to Hunter Valley, roughly two hours north of Sydney. Its eclectic mix of over 150 wineries range from small-batch producers to vast estates still producing flagship wines from vineyards planted back in 1866. Book onto a tasting tour departing from Sydney and sample a glass or two as you explore different wineries – or even over a long lunch.
Beside Sydney Harbour in trendy Woolloomooloo Wharf, Ovolo Woolloomooloo adds a touch of warehouse art gallery style to your stay. Postmodern comforts extend to personal iPads in your room and a 24-hour pool. If you like the look of this former wool warehouse turned boutique hotel, make time for a trip up the coast to its equally stylish sister hotel, Ovolo The Valley Brisbane, just a 90 minute flight from Sydney. Suggested stay 4-5 nights.
Where new-agers hang out with city slickers, Cabarita Beach grooves to its own tune. As well as the amazing cycling and horse riding tracks, Cabarita Beach’s rolling waves make learning to surf a breeze. Hastings Point Headland, off the Tweed Coast Road, promises 360 degree-views of migrating wales and dolphins shooting the waves.
After relaxing at the beach, get in a 4×4 vehicle and go back 100 million years. The Gondwana Rainforest in Lamington National Park is one of the world’s largest (and oldest) subtropical rainforests. Look out for grey kangaroos and endangered frog species. And don’t miss the guided 50-feet (15 metres) high walk through the treetop canopy.
Halcyon House is set in a tranquil spot on the Gold Coast’s Cabarita Beach, with its own spa. The blue-white simplicity of this boutique retreat makes you feel perfectly at home. Suggested stay 5-6 nights.
If you’re not quite ready to leave the natural beauty of Australia behind, see the other side of the sun-soaked coast by heading west to Smiths Beach Resort in Yallingup, a collection of beautifully furnished beachfront apartments set within a National Park. Suggested stay 4-5 nights.
Sydney Airport is considered the main hub for a trip such as this. But, with direct flights to Gold Coast Airport for Cabarita Beach, you could fly into one city and return from another. If you’re planning to cross the country, there are daily direct flights between Hobart and Perth which take around four-and-a-half hours. Ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.
To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.
