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wildlife encounters

Australia has more than 2,300 animal and bird species. Abundant on land, in the water and in the air, encountering Australia’s diverse wildlife is a highlight of any itinerary.

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Marine and /sland Life
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

Marine and /sland Life

Fish, snorkel and dive the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the marvellous Monte Bello Islands.
Safari Drives in the Flinders Ranges
Arkaba Experience

Safari Drives in the Flinders Ranges

Explore the vast Arkaba landscape on a wildlife-viewing safari drive. Its picturesque high ranges, plateaus, gorges, valleys and creek lines provide a huge variety of habitat for wildlife.
Koalas and Kangas
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Koalas and Kangas

Spot koalas snoozing at the Hanson Bay Sanctuary and later, soak up the history of the early settlers at Grassdale glass in-hand as shy-by-day marsupials venture out to graze.
Peak Walkabout
Spicers Peak Lodge Experience

Peak Walkabout

From Spicers Peak Lodge, join your guide in a walk around the lodge plateau rim, ambling the track around the Lodge Plateau rim and learning about the history of Cedar Mountain.
Tasmanian Devil Experience
Saffire Freycinet Experience

Tasmanian Devil Experience

Visit Saffire’s open-range devil enclosure and encounter these rare and unique creatures in a natural setting led by knowledgeable guides.
El Questro Birdwatching Tour
El Questro Homestead Experience

El Questro Birdwatching Tour

Take an early morning excursion to birdwatching sites close to the El Questro Homestead. The variety of ecosystems in the park attracts more than 100 different bird species.
Arkaba Conservation Activities
Arkaba Experience

Arkaba Conservation Activities

Join the Wild Bush Luxury mission to restore Arkaba’s biodiversity and gain a true insight into what’s involved in conservation with some hands-on activities.
Wildlife Safari /n The Daintree
Silky Oaks Lodge Experience

Wildlife Safari /n The Daintree

Experience native Australian wildlife up close in this immersive exhibition across the wetlands, rainforest, woodland and savannah environments of The Daintree.
Birdwatching & Photography /n The Daintree
Silky Oaks Lodge Experience

Birdwatching & Photography /n The Daintree

Enjoy an intimate bird watching or photography tour, or combination of both, covering many different habitats of The Daintree, from coastal heath to rainforest and dry woodland environments.
Seal Bay Safari
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Seal Bay Safari

In the company of a Southern Ocean Lodge guide, guests can wander into the heart of the sea lion colony via a dedicated boardwalk through the sand dunes and along the shores of the beach.
Swimming With Humpback Whales
Sal Salis Experience

Swimming With Humpback Whales

Sal Salis guests have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales from June to November each year or may witness a whale breaching the surface just beyond the breakers of the Ningaloo Reef from the comfort of the camp.
Wonders of Kangaroo /sland
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Wonders of Kangaroo /sland

In the company of a Southern Ocean Lodge guide, guests venture west from the lodge to explore the vast frontier of Flinders Chase National Park.
Wild Action: Nature Up Close
Lake House Experience

Wild Action: Nature Up Close

On a trip to Daylesford, guests staying at Lake House have the opportunity to encounter Australia's unique fauna in an exclusive visit from the Wild Action Team.
Wildlife Safari Drives
Bamurru Plains Experience

Wildlife Safari Drives

Journey out with one of the lodge's knowledgeable guides in a 4WD vehicle to gain a unique insight into the Top End's fragile ecosystem.
Diving & Snorkelling With True North
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

Diving & Snorkelling With True North

Dive and snorkel some of the world’s most revered coral habitats including The Rowley Shoals and Ningaloo Reef with True North.
Red Centre Birdwatching
Longitude 131° Experience

Red Centre Birdwatching

78 species of bird have been recorded in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, including several rare species such as the scarlet-chested parrot, the striated grasswren and the grey honeyeater.
Reef Explorations
Capella Lodge Experience

Reef Explorations

Lord Howe Island is home to the world’s southern-most coral reef. Protected by marine reserves, it harbours a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, turtles and marine invertebrates.
Birdwatching On Lord Howe /sland
Capella Lodge Experience

Birdwatching On Lord Howe /sland

The island’s teaming colonies of seabirds can be viewed at different times of year, including red-tailed tropic birds, shearwaters (mutton birds), sooty turns and masked boobies.
Turtle Encounters
Capella Lodge Experience

Turtle Encounters

Lord Howe Island’s protected marine environment makes an ideal home to both green sea turtles and hawksbills and a small number of expert turtle guides an unforgettable experience to get up close.
Swimming With Whale Sharks
Sal Salis Experience

Swimming With Whale Sharks

Get an up-close-and-personal view of these gentle giants - snorkelling alongside their huge 1.5 metre-diameter mouths is a once in a lifetime experience!
Fish Feeding At Ned’s Beach
Capella Lodge Experience

Fish Feeding At Ned’s Beach

At any time of day, wade into the shallows at Neds Beach on Lord Howe Island to hand-feed the mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver-drummer, spangled-emperor and the metre-long kingfish.
Wildlife Observation Hide
Arkaba Experience

Wildlife Observation Hide

Observe an array of wildlife including 36 different bird species, kangaroos, wallaroos, echidnas and a wide variety of reptiles.
/nto The Wild
Mt Mulligan Lodge Experience

/nto The Wild

On this three hour road trip, take the scenic route from Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge through the Atherton Tablelands and observe the ever-changing landscapes that showcase bountiful birdwatching opportunities.
Wildlife Everywhere
Bullo River Station Experience

Wildlife Everywhere

Wallabies, crocodiles, dingoes, goannas, and many more wildlife species are native to the station. The cool mornings and evenings are the best time to see wildlife as they congregate at the water’s edge and around the Homestead.
Bullo Birdwatching
Bullo River Station Experience

Bullo Birdwatching

The station is a birdwatcher's paradise with around 200 resident and migratory bird species spotted on the property. It's a hotspot for finches, with more than ten species found here including the exquisite star finch, and the colourful and threatened Gouldian finch.
River Cruises
Bamurru Plains Experience

River Cruises

Enjoy a cruise along the Sampan Creek, spotting wildlife during the journey and enjoying sunset canapes as the light begins to fade.
Wildlife & Sealife
On Board Experience

Wildlife & Sealife

Decipher the tracks of wallabies, quolls, wombats and Tasmanian devils and spot whales, dolphins, seals and native birdlife on excursions with On Board.
Guided Kayaking Snorkelling Trips
Sal Salis Experience

Guided Kayaking Snorkelling Trips

The lagoons in the Ningaloo Reef are some of the best snorkelling spots, as they showcase the life-cycle of the reef. Sal Salis' guided kayak-snorkel tours take you further off shore to snorkel some of the deeper lagoons.
Airboat Safari
Bamurru Plains Experience

Airboat Safari

A morning trip out from Bamurru Plains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience the Top End wetlands.
Wildlife Spotting On Kangaroo /sland
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Wildlife Spotting On Kangaroo /sland

Widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, native animals including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and echidnas can all be found in abundance on Kangaroo Island.
Breakfast With The Roos
The Louise Experience

Breakfast With The Roos

Breakfast and an up-close encounter with the ‘locals’ is a wonderful way to start the day in the Barossa. Kangaroos are often spotted hopping between vineyards, or in the pristine surrounding bushland.
Glass Bottom Boat
Capella Lodge Experience

Glass Bottom Boat

Observe the colourful and mesmerising inhabitants of the lagoon’s reef and coral holes such as the endemic double-header wrasse, stingrays and turtles.
Naturalist Presentation with /an Hutton
Capella Lodge Experience

Naturalist Presentation with /an Hutton

Learn from world-renowned naturalist Ian Hutton, who has been exploring Lord Howe Island, researching and recording its flora and fauna for almost 35 years.
Top End Birdwatching
Bamurru Plains Experience

Top End Birdwatching

An extraordinary diversity of birdlife can be found at Bamurru Plains, with the Mary River Catchment boasting 236 species.
The Magnificent Rowley Shoals
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

The Magnificent Rowley Shoals

The Shoals’ remoteness means that less than 500 people a year are fortunate enough to give testimony to their brilliance.
Barrayak & Barramundi Fishing
Mt Mulligan Lodge Experience

Barrayak & Barramundi Fishing

The weir at Mt Mulligan Lodge is home to the iconic Australian Barramundi. Cast your line from the riverbank or a kayak and try your hand ‘yak angling’ for the elusive fish.
Dive Or Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef By Helicopter
qualia Experience

Dive Or Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef By Helicopter

Fly by helicopter or seaplane to dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, with stunning aerial views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Passage en route.
World-Heritage Listed Maria /sland
On Board Experience

World-Heritage Listed Maria /sland

Visit World-Heritage Listed Maria Island, an animal sanctuary, marine reserve and national park. The wide, sandy expanse of Maria Island’s isthmus makes for great beachcombing.
Wildlife Tour
Pretty Beach House Experience

Wildlife Tour

The Wildlife Tour at The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park is a once in a lifetime experience and a must for international guests.
Paperbark Valley & Lakeview Huts
Bullo River Station Experience

Paperbark Valley & Lakeview Huts

Cross the Bullo River and explore the northern section of the property with a full day guided 4WD tour. Spot Bullo's premium Brahman breeders as you drive through active cattle paddocks, before heading into rugged ranges and vast valleys.
Nature Walk /n Queensland’s High Country
Spicers Peak Lodge Experience

Nature Walk /n Queensland’s High Country

With your Spicers Peak Lodge guide, explore the geology, ecology, flora and fauna that make this area of Queensland High Country so incredibly unique.
Bullo Helicopter Touring
Bullo River Station Experience

Bullo Helicopter Touring

See Bullo River Station's half a million acres of breathtaking pristine landscape by helicopter. Fly along winding gorges and land near private waterfalls to enjoy a gourmet picnic or explore swimming holes high up on the escarpment, far away from crocodiles.
Whale Watching On The Kimberley Coast
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

Whale Watching On The Kimberley Coast

During July-September humpback whales and other whale species become a common sight for those onboard True North when the itineraries visit the Kimberley Coast.
Whale Watching Cruise
Pretty Beach House Experience

Whale Watching Cruise

Join a whale watching cruise and see the majestic beauty of the humpback whale during their migration to/from Antarctica up the east coast of Australia.
Self Guided Hikes On Kangaroo /sland
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Self Guided Hikes On Kangaroo /sland

A series of hiking trails starting right from the doorstep of Southern Ocean Lodge offers walks of varying degrees of difficulty, from a 7km circuit to a 12km half-day trek.
Expedition to Balls Pyramid
Capella Lodge Experience

Expedition to Balls Pyramid

Balls Pyramid is the world’s largest sea stack and is home to extraordinary birdlife. The surrounding waters teem with marine life and provide an unparalleled adventure for experienced divers.
Tasman Peninsula Sea Cliffs
On Board Experience

Tasman Peninsula Sea Cliffs

Take an adventure boat excursion beneath the 300m high dolerite columns of Cape Pillar, Australia’s highest vertical sea cliffs, and past the monumental rock formations of Tasman Island.
The Hide
Bamurru Plains Experience

The Hide

Raised six metres above the ground in the tree canopy, the Hide is in a prime location to observe birdlife and other wildlife undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Coastal Clifftop Walk
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Coastal Clifftop Walk

Step out from Southen Ocean Lodge's doorstep for a scenic walk traversing the pristine limestone clifftops of Hanson Bay.
Bush Culture, History & Nature
El Questro Homestead Experience

Bush Culture, History & Nature

A morning of bush culture is the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of The Kimberley.
Diving Admiralty /slands
Capella Lodge Experience

Diving Admiralty /slands

Ranked highly as among the country’s best dive sites, the Admiralty Islands are a fascinating group of volcanic formations - home to impressive pinnacles, coral reefs and teaming with schooling fish.
V/P Private Pearl Farm Tour
Pretty Beach House Experience

V/P Private Pearl Farm Tour

A rare opportunity to learn about interesting and intricate details of Australian pearl farming in an immersive and fascinating hands-on experience.
Admirals Arch
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Admirals Arch

Located within Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, Admirals Arch is a magnificent coastal archway sculptured by the wind and sea and where hundreds of New Zealand fur seals play on the shore platform below.
Victoria River Lookout
Bullo River Station Experience

Victoria River Lookout

From a rocky outcrop, look out over the north eastern paddocks of Bullo to the vast Victoria River and the rugged ranges beyond. Early risers will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise, accompanied by the dawn chorus of birds.
Journey to Heart /sland
qualia Experience

Journey to Heart /sland

The ultimate adventure to the iconic Heart Reef. Fly by helicopter to the private Heart Island pontoon and snorkel in the lagoon close to the beating heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Chamberlain Gorge Tour
El Questro Homestead Experience

Chamberlain Gorge Tour

Boating through the Chamberlain Gorge is a must. Enjoy a guided cruise of this 3km fresh waterhole in the Homestead’s private “dinghy”.
Explore Brachina Gorge
Arkaba Experience

Explore Brachina Gorge

Explore Brachina Gorge on a guided excursion from Arkaba and marvel the Flinders Ranges 'Geological Trail' - a journey crossing rocks 525 to 640-million years old.
Bullo River Fishing
Bullo River Station Experience

Bullo River Fishing

The wild Bullo River winds 80km through the station, offering tidal and freshwater fishing. Guides are available to take novices through to professional anglers to experience some great fishing spots, off the riverbank or from a motorboat.
Wildlife Abounds
The Louise Experience

Wildlife Abounds

The Barossa Valley is home to 200+ species of birds and all the furry Australian favourites including wallabies, koalas and echidnas.
Cruise The Bullo
Bullo River Station Experience

Cruise The Bullo

When you come to Bullo, it’s only natural to spend some pleasurable hours on our namesake river. The Bullo River Gorge is a stunning location that can only be taken in from a boat. Travel through the gorge at a relaxed pace so you can decide to drop a line or just take in the scenery.
Signature Remarkable Hike
Southern Ocean Lodge Experience

Signature Remarkable Hike

Encounter the Southern Ocean's powerful swells, towering limestone cliffs and sweeping coastal views on this signature guided hike from the Remarkable Rocks to Southern Ocean Lodge.
Raptor Refuge
On Board Experience

Raptor Refuge

This rare experience provides guests the opportunity to meet a masked owl up close on a walking tour that includes private viewing time with wedge-tailed eagles in Australia's largest flight aviaries.
Guided Gorge Walks
Sal Salis Experience

Guided Gorge Walks

Start your day with a guided hike across this unique landscape, where you can get out on foot and explore a different kind of ecosystem; the Australian bush.
Mossman River
Silky Oaks Lodge Experience

Mossman River

Silky Oaks Lodge has an unrivalled riverside location on the beautiful Mossman River just downstream from the Mossman Gorge. The river provides abundant activities for guests to enjoy and immerse themselves in this incredible tropical location.
Champagne Springs By Helicopter
El Questro Homestead Experience

Champagne Springs By Helicopter

The perfect way for guests at El Questro Homestead to greet The Kimberley dawn is with a spectacular morning helicopter flight to Champagne Springs.
Daintree Rainforest /mmersions
Silky Oaks Lodge Experience

Daintree Rainforest /mmersions

Located adjacent to the Daintree Rainforest, 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.
Lizard /sland Whale Migration
Lizard Island Experience

Lizard /sland Whale Migration

From July through to September Humpback Whales and Minke Whales make their migration through the outer reef to warmer waters for calving.
/le De Phoques
On Board Experience

/le De Phoques

Jump in the tender for a wilderness cruise around the granite islets of Ile de Phoques, taking a closer look at the hundreds of seals who call this rock home.
Horse Riding /n The Kimberley
El Questro Homestead Experience

Horse Riding /n The Kimberley

Horse treks are a great way to sneak up on all types of Kimberley wildlife and see the countryside from a new vantage point.
Wildlife Spotting /n The Red Centre
Longitude 131° Experience

Wildlife Spotting /n The Red Centre

Despite the often harsh climate, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to hundreds of different animal and bird species.
Wildflowers
Sal Salis Experience

Wildflowers

Visit late winter and into spring to witness vibrant wildflower blooms that contrast with the pindan earth, rugged canyons and the turquoise sea.
Wilderness Walking Safaris
Arkaba Experience

Wilderness Walking Safaris

Join an Arkaba walking safari and become immersed in the story of the Ikara - Flinders Ranges of South Australia and Arkaba's 64,000 acre private wildlife conservancy.
Horse Trail Ride
Lake House Experience

Horse Trail Ride

Ride along scenic country roads and through native bushland amongst the picturesque hills of the Daylesford region, with the possibility of native wildlife sightings along the way including koalas, kangaroos and echidnas.
Guided Nature Walks Around Lizard /sland
Lizard Island Experience

Guided Nature Walks Around Lizard /sland

A guided nature walk with a resident naturalist provides a greater understanding and knowledge of the treasured natural wonders, history and eco-systems of Lizard Island.
Self Guided Walks Around Lord Howe /sland
Capella Lodge Experience

Self Guided Walks Around Lord Howe /sland

World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is a paradise for hikers. Numerous marked trails traverse the island, from easy grade paths through palm groves and rainforest to challenging mountain assaults.
Self Guided Hikes /n The Kimberley
El Questro Homestead Experience

Self Guided Hikes /n The Kimberley

There's over 200km of terrain to explore in the outback wilderness landscape of The Kimberley at El Questro Homestead.
Waterfalls in The Kimberley
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

Waterfalls in The Kimberley

Experience the emotive beauty that accompanies the end of the wet season onboard True North's The Kimberley Waterfalls itinerary.
Whale Season /n The Whitsundays
qualia Experience

Whale Season /n The Whitsundays

During the months of June to September you can spot these magnificent creatures in the waters around the Whitsunday islands and occasionally on the Great Barrier Reef.
Millar Vale Creek Hike
Spicers Peak Lodge Experience

Millar Vale Creek Hike

Embark on a 4 hour return private hike to Millar Vale Creek from Spicers Peak Lodge and explore volcanic rock walls, millions of years old, along with platypus habitat and bat caves in Queensland High Country.
Birdwatching /n The Kimberley
True North Adventure Cruises Experience

Birdwatching /n The Kimberley

The Kimberley is a superb destination for bird watching year round, although the drier months are when birdlife is more noticeable around billabongs and other watering points. 
Water Based Adventure On Lizard /sland
Lizard Island Experience

Water Based Adventure On Lizard /sland

Lizard Island guests can enjoy an extensive range of activities including snorkelling directly off a private beach, as well as the unlimited use of non-motorised water sports and motorised dinghies.

OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK

The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.