With 20 lodges in diverse regions offering more than 350 individual experiences, there is always something interesting to look forward to at the Luxury Lodges of Australia. Several exciting new initiatives are on the horizon for 2026, highlighting the lodges’ enduring commitment to excellence and enhancing the guest experience.
Major redevelopment at Bullo River Station
Bullo River Station in the East Kimberley will take a break in 2026 to embark on an exciting transformation of its guest wing and homestead. The project will deliver an elevated guest experience with thoughtfully redesigned layouts by Australian designer Sibella Court, resulting in guest rooms almost twice the size, all in Bullo’s signature style. Guests can look forward to more dining options, both indoors and out, along with a purpose-built open kitchen that allows front row connection with the Bullo chef for an authentic outback hospitality experience. Bullo River Station will reopen May 2027.
New private luxury villa at Saffire Freycinet
Opening in spring 2026, The Jewel at Saffire Freycinet is a masterpiece of Tasmanian luxury – an 800 sqm private sanctuary where pink granite of The Hazards mountain range and local gem artefacts weave Tasmanian storytelling through its features, furnishings, and vistas. Designed for small groups and multi-generational escapes, it offers three master suites, an infinity pool, curated local artworks and a fire terrace. Exclusive inclusions such as a private chef, dedicated guide, sunset canapés and spa treatments complement full access to Saffire’s signature experiences, exceptional award-winning service, and a sense of place that deeply connects guests to Tasmania’s Freycinet region.
Wellness-led transformation at qualia
In 2026, qualia will deepen its meaning – a collection of richer, more nuanced sensory moments – through a thoughtful, wellness-led transformation. Enhancements to the gym, spa and in-room experience, including indulgent Aesop amenities, will quietly elevate the qualia experience while continuing to reflect the understated style of Australian luxury. Private journeys to Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and the Great Barrier Reef, by boat or helicopter, remain at the heart of the experience, as does access to the Hamilton Island Golf Club on Dent Island.
New mineral pool at Dairy Flat Lodge and lido deck at Lake House Daylesford
At Dairy Flat Lodge in Daylesford, a new nine-metre mineral pool carved into the hillside offers guests a seductive blend of rural luxury and modern indulgence. The pool overlooks the estate’s pinot and chardonnay plantings, providing front-row seats to the estate’s viticultural rhythms, from the morning mist that rises from the vineyard rows to the spectacular sunsets that paint the landscape in amber hues. The addition deepens Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm’s position as a destination where authentic regenerative agricultural pursuits meet contemporary luxury. At Lake House, guests are invited to enjoy the Australian summer at the newly unveiled Lido Deck — a relaxed yet refined lakeside setting offering curated cocktails, attentive bar service and sweeping lakeside views, further extending the Wolf-Tasker family’s commitment to considered, endlessly warm, season-led hospitality.
Uncharted waters for True North
True North will launch Kimberley Untold, a brand-new 13-night itinerary, in 2026. This voyage marks a new chapter for True North, which will be charting parts of the Kimberley coastline it has never explored before. It’s a true off-the-beaten-track adventure, designed to showcase the untouched corners of this vast region and reaffirm True North’s commitment to continual innovation in experience design. Kimberley Untold represents the spirit of True North – always pushing further, always discovering more
Further innovations in 2026
Lizard Island on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef has announced plans to remodel its front of house areas in 2026, whilst Bamurru Plains in the Northern Territory’s Top End has engaged an interior designer for a soft refurbishment. Sal Salis on Ningaloo Reef is planning an upgrade to camp facilities, as well as strengthening relationships with Western Australian suppliers to heighten its local connections. Keep an eye on our website’s news page for updates on these and other developments, reflecting the continuous investment and innovation that is the signature of this collection.
