A signature of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection is continuous investment and innovation. Now, five major initiatives and milestones, a major rebuild, two extensive refurbishments, a new private villa and new expeditions continue to define the future of Australian luxury travel.
From Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula to the Ningaloo Coast and the East Kimberley, the current program of works and owner-investments began with the reopening of Orpheus Island Lodge in July and continues over the next eight months, culminating in May 2027 with the reopening of Bullo River Station and the 40th anniversary of True North Adventure Cruises. In chronological order:
On the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island Lodge reopened in July this year following a six-month refurbishment of its North Beachfront rooms, suites and villas by award-winning Australian architecture and interior studio Dubois. Expanded villas, elevated ceilings, private outdoor bathtubs and natural, sustainable materials now complement the timeless appeal of the island, with the lodge’s signature infinity pool overlooking the Palm Islands among the most memorable pool views on the Reef.
On Tasmania’s sparkling east coast, Saffire Freycinet will open the Saffire Jewel 800m2 private villa in December 2026. Hero-ing local elements including granite, lichen and charred timber the villa has three bedrooms, each with ensuite, an 18-metre infinity pool, private guide and concierge team and private wine cellar. Additionally, interior upgrades to the guest suites in the main lodge are being made. And a continually evolving program of experiences includes Saffire After Dark, a guided stargazing encounter introduced in May 2026 enjoying some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. With the lodge’s renowned ‘plus one’ service, the additions make Saffire a compelling destination in every season.
In Western Australia, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef will reopen in late March 2027 following a significant $5 million refurbishment by owners Journey Beyond, designed by Woods Bagot. Uniquely located among the dunes of Cape Range National Park, just steps from the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and its seasonal humpback whale and whale shark swim experiences, Sal Salis will introduce new eco-luxury wilderness tents with ensuite bathrooms, a central sundeck and lounge, a new dining area and an open bar showcasing premium Western Australian wines. This will be a complete reinvigoration of a much-loved lodge that epitomizes the luxury of rare access and location.
In May 2027, Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory’s East Kimberley will reopen following a major redevelopment of the homestead and guest wing and a new guest wing. The nature led design by Sibella Court, will feature twelve beautifully appointed guest rooms, but now doubled in size and including a 2-bedroom family suite. Private guiding is a feature at Bullo River Station for all guests, allowing each party to connect with the epic wilderness experience and warm, intuitive outback hospitality for which the station is known. Spanning more than 400,000 acres of private wilderness, the working cattle station and wildlife conservancy is where agriculture, conservation and luxury tourism meet.
May 2027 also marks 40 years of True North Adventure Cruises, which has been defining and refining coastal expedition style exploration around Australia since 1987. The 2027 sailing schedule introduces new brand-new expeditions including North of Ningaloo, a journey through turquoise lagoons to the remote and untouched Rowley Shoals, and a 10-night Great Barrier Reef Explorer voyage featuring a day at Osprey Reef. Together with investment in new cabin configurations and the annual multi-million-dollar refit of both vessels. True North’s point of difference remains unchanged: small ships accessing remote coastal wilderness that few others can reach, and a crew with expert local knowledge delivering genuinely Australian expedition adventures.
Luxury Lodges of Australia Executive Chair Penny Rafferty said the members’ investment in both infrastructure and guest experiences was a strong statement of confidence in the future of Australian luxury travel and demonstrates a deep understanding of the evolving needs and desires of the contemporary traveller.
“The vision and commitment behind each of these projects represents significant investment in some of Australia’s most remarkable places, and a clear belief in the enduring appeal of genuine Australian hospitality,” Ms Rafferty said.
“It’s particularly exciting to see how each lodge offering is evolving to heighten appeal for today’s travellers while staying true to what makes them special, whether that’s the timelessness of Orpheus Island, the rare access to remote coastlines aboard True North or the meeting of agriculture, conservation and luxury at Bullo River Station.”
“With a new, ultra luxury Jewel villa designed for multi-generation families and small groups of friends travelling together at Saffire Freycinet, a refreshed Sal Salis and a reimagined Bullo River Station all welcoming guests by May 2027, there’s never been a better time to plan an Australian journey that combines multiple lodge stays in one extraordinary itinerary,” she said.
The investment builds on a year of outstanding recognition for the collection’s members. In September, eleven members were recognised in the 2026 MICHELIN Keys selection, with Saffire Freycinet and Southern Ocean Lodge rising from Two to Three Keys to join Lizard Island Resort, making the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection home to all three of Australia’s Three Key hotels.
In October, seven members were voted among the world’s best in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, led by Silky Oaks Lodge as the number one resort in Australia and New Zealand for readers of the US-based Condé Nast Traveler. Silky Oaks Lodge, Southern Ocean Lodge and qualia were each honoured by readers of both the US and UK titles, a testament to the ongoing appeal of the collection among discerning travellers worldwide.
