Local Connections

The friendships forged from shared interests and passions can be the greatest reward derived from travel. The deep connection between the teams at the luxury lodges and a vast network of small regional businesses allow guests to be introduced to people who share their passions, their skill, craft, knowledge and expertise. They share the fruits of their labours via meaningful, authentic and exclusive experiences. Crafted and hosted by local experts, explore homegrown identity with excursions into a region’s heritage, be it cultural, historical or natural. By staying at a Luxury Lodge of Australia guests frequently have an element of exclusivity of access to many of the great characters of the region. The true luxury and privilege of these local connections is in experiencing a home away from home. Warm, welcoming and laid-back Australian hospitality with informative activities and personalised experiences leave you with so much more than a token souvenir.

Luxury Lodges of Australia hold dear a network of artists, musicians, growers, bakers, gardeners, guides, photographers and distillers - artisans that take guests on a journey only they can lead. Meet the makers and learn the art of beekeeping, distilling, cooking, or winemaking and celebrate with a tasting of wine from your birthyear. Go behind the scenes and try your hand at shucking oysters straight out of the water. Be guided to take your best shot on a wildlife photography tour. Regale stories and swap recipes with chefs, discover quality craftmanship and hidden talents. Be led on a hike and learn to identify the nuances in nature or trace the land and seascape from overhead on a scenic flight. It’s often these personal introductions that open your eyes to a different perspective.

Exchange contacts and keep in touch, it is after all, a small world.

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Browse sample itineraries that encourage behind the scenes moments. View Local Connections itineraries

experience Experiences 26086

Local Connections Experiences

Stop by the Prairie Hotel - iconic for it's innovative dishes with all-Australian ingredients. More »

Stop by the Prairie Hotel - iconic for it's innovative dishes with all-Australian ingredients. More »

Stop by the Prairie Hotel - iconic for it's innovative dishes with all-Australian ingredients. More »

A captivating Welcome Ceremony is performed by Aboriginal Elders upon request as part of an immersive introduction to Pretty Beach … More »

A captivating Welcome Ceremony is performed by Aboriginal Elders upon request as part of an … More »

A captivating Welcome Ceremony is performed by Aboriginal Elders upon request as part of an immersive introduction to Pretty Beach House. More »

Exclusive tours of Dairy Flat Gardens and Bake House run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. More »

Exclusive tours of Dairy Flat Gardens and Bake House run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. More »

Exclusive tours of Dairy Flat Gardens and Bake House run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. More »

Go on a roadtrip to meet the winemakers and sample signature drops at Craigie Knowe Vineyard. More »

Go on a roadtrip to meet the winemakers and sample signature drops at Craigie Knowe … More »

Go on a roadtrip to meet the winemakers and sample signature drops at Craigie Knowe Vineyard. More »

Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate’s creative and delicious dishes is prepared from start to finish, in front … More »

Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate’s creative and delicious dishes is prepared from … More »

Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate’s creative and delicious dishes is prepared from start to finish, in front of you. More »

Relax, reset and focus on you with private in-suite yoga, meditation and wellness classes. More »

Relax, reset and focus on you with private in-suite yoga, meditation and wellness classes. More »

Relax, reset and focus on you with private in-suite yoga, meditation and wellness classes. More »

Delve into a private tasting and enjoy rare access to sample Hill of Roses and Hill of Grace. More »

Delve into a private tasting and enjoy rare access to sample Hill of Roses and … More »

Delve into a private tasting and enjoy rare access to sample Hill of Roses and Hill of Grace. More »

Visit the orchards and the mill and learn about the English heritage apple varieties that go into the award-winning ciders. More »

Visit the orchards and the mill and learn about the English heritage apple varieties that … More »

Visit the orchards and the mill and learn about the English heritage apple varieties that go into the award-winning ciders. More »

Encounter Australia's unique fauna up close and personally with this exclusive experience for Lake House guests. More »

Encounter Australia's unique fauna up close and personally with this exclusive experience for Lake House … More »

Encounter Australia's unique fauna up close and personally with this exclusive experience for Lake House guests. More »

Walk the vines and taste the current release at Cape Lodge Estate. More »

Walk the vines and taste the current release at Cape Lodge Estate. More »

Walk the vines and taste the current release at Cape Lodge Estate. More »

Delve into the creative heart of Indigenous Australia, its history and rich ancient culture on a trip to the remote … More »

Delve into the creative heart of Indigenous Australia, its history and rich ancient culture on … More »

Delve into the creative heart of Indigenous Australia, its history and rich ancient culture on a trip to the remote Pukatja homelands to visit the colourful arts hub of Ernabella Arts. More »

Try your hand at cattle mustering on the 28,000-hectare station in Northern Outback Queensland. More »

Try your hand at cattle mustering on the 28,000-hectare station in Northern Outback Queensland. More »

Try your hand at cattle mustering on the 28,000-hectare station in Northern Outback Queensland. More »

Allow the sommelier to guide you through a selection of the country’s finest wines matched with artisanal cheeses. More »

Allow the sommelier to guide you through a selection of the country’s finest wines matched … More »

Allow the sommelier to guide you through a selection of the country’s finest wines matched with artisanal cheeses. More »

For serious birders staying at Bamurru Plains, bespoke excursions can be arranged, providing private tours with ornithologists who specialise in … More »

For serious birders staying at Bamurru Plains, bespoke excursions can be arranged, providing private tours … More »

For serious birders staying at Bamurru Plains, bespoke excursions can be arranged, providing private tours with ornithologists who specialise in this Top End region of Australia.  More »

Enjoy an intimate birdwatching and photography tour operated by renowned naturalist, Doug Herrington. More »

Enjoy an intimate birdwatching and photography tour operated by renowned naturalist, Doug Herrington. More »

Enjoy an intimate birdwatching and photography tour operated by renowned naturalist, Doug Herrington. More »

Learn the traditional art of making fresh pasta, with dedicated classes run by Italian chef Matteo Carboni and his Australian … More »

Learn the traditional art of making fresh pasta, with dedicated classes run by Italian chef … More »

Learn the traditional art of making fresh pasta, with dedicated classes run by Italian chef Matteo Carboni and his Australian wife Fiona at their cooking school, Casa Carboni. More »

Enjoy a welcome gin and distillery tour before getting hands-on in a gin blending class to create your own take-home … More »

Enjoy a welcome gin and distillery tour before getting hands-on in a gin blending class … More »

Enjoy a welcome gin and distillery tour before getting hands-on in a gin blending class to create your own take-home gin to share with family and friends. More »

A half-day tour to historic family winery Elderton Wines for a private tasting of rare wines to discover the dedication … More »

A half-day tour to historic family winery Elderton Wines for a private tasting of rare … More »

A half-day tour to historic family winery Elderton Wines for a private tasting of rare wines to discover the dedication required to restore a heritage vineyard. More »

Go behind the scenes on a complementary tour of the whisky production process, sampling local ingredients at Waubs Harbour Distillery. More »

Go behind the scenes on a complementary tour of the whisky production process, sampling local … More »

Go behind the scenes on a complementary tour of the whisky production process, sampling local ingredients at Waubs Harbour Distillery. More »

Embark on a journey that seamlessly combines a wilderness expedition with a culinary adventure. More »

Embark on a journey that seamlessly combines a wilderness expedition with a culinary adventure. More »

Embark on a journey that seamlessly combines a wilderness expedition with a culinary adventure. More »

Gain exclusive access to a remote rock art site in Arnhem Land, before a flight over Magela Falls, with a … More »

Gain exclusive access to a remote rock art site in Arnhem Land, before a flight … More »

Gain exclusive access to a remote rock art site in Arnhem Land, before a flight over Magela Falls, with a stop at the Aboriginal community of Jabiru. More »

Join a privately tailored tour to two cellar doors including a winery and Daylesford cidery while you meet the makers … More »

Join a privately tailored tour to two cellar doors including a winery and Daylesford cidery … More »

Join a privately tailored tour to two cellar doors including a winery and Daylesford cidery while you meet the makers one-on-one and enjoy their stories. More »

Lake House can introduce you to Dan The Bee Man, who will share with you his wealth of knowledge and … More »

Lake House can introduce you to Dan The Bee Man, who will share with you … More »

Lake House can introduce you to Dan The Bee Man, who will share with you his wealth of knowledge and experience. More »

Lake House and Dairy Flat Farm invite you to learn about Aboriginal Australia through a Welcome to Country - a … More »

Lake House and Dairy Flat Farm invite you to learn about Aboriginal Australia through a … More »

Lake House and Dairy Flat Farm invite you to learn about Aboriginal Australia through a Welcome to Country - a ceremony performed by Traditional Owners of the Djandak /Daylesford region. More »

Try hyper local, limited release, cellar-door-only wines by the glass, Barossa small batch brews and gins distilled just down the … More »

Try hyper local, limited release, cellar-door-only wines by the glass, Barossa small batch brews and … More »

Try hyper local, limited release, cellar-door-only wines by the glass, Barossa small batch brews and gins distilled just down the road. More »

Join a hands-on class to create a signature perfume or lip balm, or join the Extra Virgin Olive Oil 101 … More »

Join a hands-on class to create a signature perfume or lip balm, or join the … More »

Join a hands-on class to create a signature perfume or lip balm, or join the Extra Virgin Olive Oil 101 Masterclass. More »

Explore the protected cultural and natural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the privacy of a luxury four wheel … More »

Explore the protected cultural and natural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the privacy … More »

Explore the protected cultural and natural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the privacy of a luxury four wheel drive vehicle and personal guide. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Each year between mid-March and August these slow-moving, gentle, filter-feeding giants migrate past Ningaloo Reef. More »

Silky Oaks Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the ancient forest via specialty guided tours on foot, … More »

Silky Oaks Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the ancient forest via … More »

Silky Oaks Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the ancient forest via specialty guided tours on foot, by boat or four-wheel drive safari. More »

Capella Lodge collaborate with local artists, designers and locally-sourced, sustainable materials creating a unique feeling of a ‘sense of place’. More »

Capella Lodge collaborate with local artists, designers and locally-sourced, sustainable materials creating a unique feeling … More »

Capella Lodge collaborate with local artists, designers and locally-sourced, sustainable materials creating a unique feeling of a ‘sense of place’. More »

Learn the symbols behind Central Australian Aboriginal art and take home your own dot painting as a memento. More »

Learn the symbols behind Central Australian Aboriginal art and take home your own dot painting … More »

Learn the symbols behind Central Australian Aboriginal art and take home your own dot painting as a memento. More »

On the way to or from Pretty Beach House, guests can stop in for fresh Broken Bay Oysters on the … More »

On the way to or from Pretty Beach House, guests can stop in for fresh … More »

On the way to or from Pretty Beach House, guests can stop in for fresh Broken Bay Oysters on the Hawkesbury River. More »

An educational and interacive bushcraft experience with a conservationist specialising in edible and medicinal native and introduced plants in Australia. More »

An educational and interacive bushcraft experience with a conservationist specialising in edible and medicinal native … More »

An educational and interacive bushcraft experience with a conservationist specialising in edible and medicinal native and introduced plants in Australia. More »

Experience sailing on the exquisite WA coast with lunch and a swim or a full day on a charted yacht. More »

Experience sailing on the exquisite WA coast with lunch and a swim or a full … More »

Experience sailing on the exquisite WA coast with lunch and a swim or a full day on a charted yacht. More »

Be guided through the carefully curated art and sculpture of Spicers Peak Lodge during this 30 minute art excursion. More »

Be guided through the carefully curated art and sculpture of Spicers Peak Lodge during this … More »

Be guided through the carefully curated art and sculpture of Spicers Peak Lodge during this 30 minute art excursion. More »

Learn the art and craft of dry stone walling, lettering and carving with Daylesford’s esteemed stonemason. More »

Learn the art and craft of dry stone walling, lettering and carving with Daylesford’s esteemed stonemason. More »

Learn the art and craft of dry stone walling, lettering and carving with Daylesford’s esteemed stonemason. More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time on the island, whatever your … More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time … More »

There is no better person who can ensure you make the most of your time on the island, whatever your interests. More »

This wine and nature lover's tour starts with a leisurely canoe tour down a stunning section of the tranquil Margaret … More »

This wine and nature lover's tour starts with a leisurely canoe tour down a stunning … More »

This wine and nature lover's tour starts with a leisurely canoe tour down a stunning section of the tranquil Margaret River. More »

Be immersed in the rich cultural history of the region as Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland introduces you to the … More »

Be immersed in the rich cultural history of the region as Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” … More »

Be immersed in the rich cultural history of the region as Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland introduces you to the world’s oldest living culture.  More »

Southern Ocean Lodge supports Kangaroo Island’s rapidly developing status as a haven for artisan growers and food producers.  More »

Southern Ocean Lodge supports Kangaroo Island’s rapidly developing status as a haven for artisan growers … More »

Southern Ocean Lodge supports Kangaroo Island’s rapidly developing status as a haven for artisan growers and food producers.  More »

This experience includes viewings of Indigenous sites, information on edible/medicinal wild plants, a didgeridoo lesson and a traditional fire-making session. More »

This experience includes viewings of Indigenous sites, information on edible/medicinal wild plants, a didgeridoo lesson … More »

This experience includes viewings of Indigenous sites, information on edible/medicinal wild plants, a didgeridoo lesson and a traditional fire-making session. More »

An immersive experience extracting honeycomb & witnessing the breathtaking natural phenomenon of honey-making by Tasmanian bees. More »

An immersive experience extracting honeycomb & witnessing the breathtaking natural phenomenon of honey-making by Tasmanian … More »

An immersive experience extracting honeycomb & witnessing the breathtaking natural phenomenon of honey-making by Tasmanian bees. More »

An internationally-renowned paddock-to-plate experience; don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm to shuck fresh prized pacific … More »

An internationally-renowned paddock-to-plate experience; don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm … More »

An internationally-renowned paddock-to-plate experience; don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm to shuck fresh prized pacific oysters with Tasmanian sparkling. More »

Guests of Pretty Beach House embark on a journey of discovery about the rare, locally grown Australian Akoya Pearl. More »

Guests of Pretty Beach House embark on a journey of discovery about the rare, locally … More »

Guests of Pretty Beach House embark on a journey of discovery about the rare, locally grown Australian Akoya Pearl. More »

The magical light in beautiful region of Daylesford is often remarked upon by visiting photographers and avid lovers of art. … More »

The magical light in beautiful region of Daylesford is often remarked upon by visiting photographers … More »

The magical light in beautiful region of Daylesford is often remarked upon by visiting photographers and avid lovers of art. More »

Winter is the perfect time to indulge with some great food and wine, so perch yourself by the open fireplace … More »

Winter is the perfect time to indulge with some great food and wine, so perch … More »

Winter is the perfect time to indulge with some great food and wine, so perch yourself by the open fireplace in the Valley Lounge and savour a local pinot. More »

Sample local bush tucker, learn about tools and foraging and gain a greater understanding of time gone by and your … More »

Sample local bush tucker, learn about tools and foraging and gain a greater understanding of … More »

Sample local bush tucker, learn about tools and foraging and gain a greater understanding of time gone by and your own connection to Country. More »

A morning of bush culture is the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of The Kimberley. More »

A morning of bush culture is the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating … More »

A morning of bush culture is the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of The Kimberley. More »

On a Saturday morning guests of The Louise have the opportunity to join one of Appellation’s chefs at the Barossa … More »

On a Saturday morning guests of The Louise have the opportunity to join one of … More »

On a Saturday morning guests of The Louise have the opportunity to join one of Appellation’s chefs at the Barossa Farmer’s Market More »

In a collaboration between Longitude 131° and Ernabella Arts, regular artists in residence programs take place at the lodge during the … More »

In a collaboration between Longitude 131° and Ernabella Arts, regular artists in residence programs take place … More »

In a collaboration between Longitude 131° and Ernabella Arts, regular artists in residence programs take place at the lodge during the year. More »

An opportunity to connect with the land through Aboriginal stories and learn of the deep interconnectedness that Adnyamathanha Elder Pauline … More »

An opportunity to connect with the land through Aboriginal stories and learn of the deep … More »

An opportunity to connect with the land through Aboriginal stories and learn of the deep interconnectedness that Adnyamathanha Elder Pauline McKenzie holds with Ikara - Flinders Ranges. More »

Each TRUE NORTH itinerary in The Kimberley features opportunity to admire pristine examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style art. … More »

Each TRUE NORTH itinerary in The Kimberley features opportunity to admire pristine examples of both Wandjina … More »

Each TRUE NORTH itinerary in The Kimberley features opportunity to admire pristine examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style art. The best time to see rock art is during the cooler months from May to … More »

Depending on the weather, Vintage can run anytime from late January to early April, More »

Depending on the weather, Vintage can run anytime from late January to early April, More »

Depending on the weather, Vintage can run anytime from late January to early April, More »

Immerse yourself in the stone country of Kakadu and one of Australia's greatest strongholds of Aboriginal rock art and culture. More »

Immerse yourself in the stone country of Kakadu and one of Australia's greatest strongholds of … More »

Immerse yourself in the stone country of Kakadu and one of Australia's greatest strongholds of Aboriginal rock art and culture. More »

Explore Kangaroo Island’s artisanal food and wine trail, savour local produce and experience the journey of produce to plate. More »

Explore Kangaroo Island’s artisanal food and wine trail, savour local produce and experience the journey … More »

Explore Kangaroo Island’s artisanal food and wine trail, savour local produce and experience the journey of produce to plate. More »

Lake House’s own 38 acre regenerative growing property is located 10 minutes down the road from the lodge. More »

Lake House’s own 38 acre regenerative growing property is located 10 minutes down the road … More »

Lake House’s own 38 acre regenerative growing property is located 10 minutes down the road from the lodge. More »

An icon in regional dining, Lake House has long been considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants. More »

An icon in regional dining, Lake House has long been considered to be one of … More »

An icon in regional dining, Lake House has long been considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants. More »

Go foraging on Lord Howe Island with the resident Chef for a bounty of local produce and the opportunity to … More »

Go foraging on Lord Howe Island with the resident Chef for a bounty of local … More »

Go foraging on Lord Howe Island with the resident Chef for a bounty of local produce and the opportunity to meet the makers. More »

Spend time visiting a multitude of award winning, family owned wineries. Cape Lodge neighbours include the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Moss … More »

Spend time visiting a multitude of award winning, family owned wineries. Cape Lodge neighbours include the great … More »

Spend time visiting a multitude of award winning, family owned wineries. Cape Lodge neighbours include the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Pierro and Cullen.  More »

Go on tour to the Hunter Valley wine country and sample highlights of history, culture and wildlife of the area. … More »

Go on tour to the Hunter Valley wine country and sample highlights of history, culture … More »

Go on tour to the Hunter Valley wine country and sample highlights of history, culture and wildlife of the area. More »

Wildlife Tour at The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, a once in a lifetime experience and a must for international guests. More »

Wildlife Tour at The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, a once in a lifetime experience and … More »

Wildlife Tour at The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, a once in a lifetime experience and a must for international guests. More »

The ancient culture of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people is built around a deep respect for nature and an … More »

The ancient culture of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people is built around a deep … More »

The ancient culture of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people is built around a deep respect for nature and an intimate knowledge of its cycles. Experience firsthand the invaluable knowledge passed down through the generations. … More »

A personalised experience of tasting acclaimed Single Vineyard wines in the exact vineyards from which they were produced. More »

A personalised experience of tasting acclaimed Single Vineyard wines in the exact vineyards from which … More »

A personalised experience of tasting acclaimed Single Vineyard wines in the exact vineyards from which they were produced. More »

The 5 Lands Walk is a day-long cultural festival along 10 kms of New South Wales spectacular coastline. More »

The 5 Lands Walk is a day-long cultural festival along 10 kms of New South … More »

The 5 Lands Walk is a day-long cultural festival along 10 kms of New South Wales spectacular coastline. More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable staff. More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable … More »

To enrich your dining experience, qualia offers private 'talk and taste' events, hosted by knowledgeable staff. More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July to October each year. More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July … More »

Guests at Sal Salis now have the opportunity to swim with Humpback Whales from July to October each year. More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as the major island-based … More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally … More »

The Lizard Island Research Station is a facility of the Australian Museum and is internationally recognised as the major island-based research facility on the Great Barrier Reef. More »

Local Martial Arts Master, Diederik Haneveld, is offering his 30 years’ experience with private tutorials for Lake House guests.  More »

Local Martial Arts Master, Diederik Haneveld, is offering his 30 years’ experience with private tutorials … More »

Local Martial Arts Master, Diederik Haneveld, is offering his 30 years’ experience with private tutorials for Lake House guests.  More »

The Central Coast Surf Academy prides itself on offering an elite level of surfing tuition to all surfers. More »

The Central Coast Surf Academy prides itself on offering an elite level of surfing tuition … More »

The Central Coast Surf Academy prides itself on offering an elite level of surfing tuition to all surfers. More »

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