Around Australia in 14 Days
We teamed up with our friends at The Tailor to create a two-week-long sample itinerary showcasing some of the best of Australia, and the results are dazzling. . .
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
No one knows the land down under better than our pals at The Tailor. Together with the team at Poe Travel, they have created some of the most memorable trips for Poe Travel clients. This is why we decided to share a sparkling sample itinerary featuring a fortnight in Oz.
Bear in mind, all of our trips are tailor-made. This itinerary gives you an idea of what is possible, but your trip will be totally customized to your interests and energy levels.
It goes without saying, Australia is a LONG-haul flight away. If you have longer than two weeks to spend, we wouldn’t blame you for extending the trip (or perhaps hopping over to New Zealand while you’re there). If you only have fourteen days, though, here’s a way to make it work!
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Day 1
Sydney
Arrive after your long flight from the States and stretch those legs, shaking off the jet lag. After a private transfer to your hotel, conquer the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge from toe to tip on Bridge Climb Ultimate, a first-of-its-kind adventurous climb over a 3.5-hour journey, taking you over 1,600 steps (some 440 feet) into the air.
We will recommend a luxury hotel in Sydney based on your preferences.
Day 2
Sydney
Explore Sydney today on a full-day Harbour and City tour. Begin with your knowledgeable private guide in an area known as The Rocks, where the European colonization of Australia began. Weave through the streets as you learn about the discovery of Australia and its early settlers.
On the way to the botanical gardens, pause under the Harbour Bridge for views of the Sydney Opera House at Dawes Point.
Journey through Woolloomooloo and into Kings Cross, before exploring Paddington for morning tea at a quaint local café. Indulge in shopping at Double Bay, Sydney’s Rodeo Drive, and end the morning at Rose Bay, where you will board your 48-foot luxury motor cruiser for a half-day cruise.
Cruise to the harbor’s north side, past Kirribilli, home to the Prime Minister, and under the Harbour Bridge. Pass within meters of the Sydney Opera House before heading east to a picturesque bay for a gourmet lunch made of fresh seafood, delicious salads, barbecue treats, and homemade dessert.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
After lunch, head back to Rose Bay. Drive to Vaucluse House, an 1800s colonial dwelling. At Watson’s Bay, enjoy dramatic cliff and city views. Finally, stop at Australia’s most famous beach: Bondi. Explore the coastal walk or venture onto the white sands. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.
Day 3
Sydney
Put on your comfy shoes for a half-day VIP gourmet food tour of Sydney on foot with a local guide. Known as the destination to experience the most delicious multicultural cuisine, Sydney has its place firmly marked on the international foodie map. Today, you will have the chance to indulge in incredible flavors, taste succulent local seafood, and savor some of the world’s finest produce. You’ll return to your hotel by mid-afternoon.
This evening is a special affair indeed. Head to the Sydney Opera House for a special one-hour private tour, including unparalleled access to areas normally off-limits to the public. This is your chance to get to know this iconic building better than most will ever be allowed to!
Day 4
Fly to Arkaba
Late this morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Hawker. From here, you’ll be taken to Arkaba, your home for the next three nights.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Set within 60,000 acres in the primordial Flinders Ranges, Arkaba Homestead is a true escape to the country. Once a sheep station, it is now a private wildlife conservancy.
The original layout of the 1850s farmhouse has been retained, with each guest room having plenty of character. Five rooms have their own en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Four of the rooms are located in the homestead, with the final accommodation being the Coachman’s Cottage in the garden. This is very private and perfect for honeymooners.
Arkaba features all-inclusive dining prepared by their resident chef and embracing the very best local produce of South Australia. Their purely South Australian wine cellar is a nice touch, too.
Relax in a library with deep leather chairs and a large stone fireplace, or sun yourself by the pool overlooking the Arkaba Creek. Arkaba is all about unplugging and reconnecting with yourself and your surroundings, so there is no Wi-Fi, television, minibars, or the like to distract. Instead, share hosted dinners and stories with field guides and fellow guests as you immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most ancient living landscapes.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Days 5 & 6
Arkaba
Enjoy these days getting lost in Arkaba and all it has to offer. Explore this landscape of rugged gorges, furrowed valleys, dry creek beds lined with river red gums, and vistas of sprawling outback plain via four-wheel drive, on foot, or even by air. Arkaba offers a uniquely Australian safari experience, giving you a chance to delve into the best of the outback.
Expert field guides offer outstanding knowledge of the unique flora, fauna, and geology on daily guided explorations, included in your stay. Spot wildlife and learn the pastoral heritage of the region alongside activities to suit all kinds of interests. Learn about wildlife conservancy, take open-top safari drives, or ramble on early-morning or late-afternoon walks. The Flinders Ranges region features some of the most dynamic wildlife and birdlife in Australia. The elusive and rare yellow-footed rock wallaby is a particular favorite.
All activities are designed to take in the best of the morning and afternoon light. Spend the hot middle-of-the-day relaxing on-site.
Day 7
Fly to Kangaroo Island
Take your charter flight from Hawker to Kangaroo Island, which has been described as one of Earth’s last unspoiled refuges. You’ll be privately transferred to Southern Ocean Lodge, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.
Southern Ocean Lodge sits on the wildly beautiful cliffs of Kangaroo Island and is celebrated as the pioneer of experiential luxury in Australia. Located near Flinders Chase National Park and set in an untamed setting, this is the place to enjoy some of the finest lodging, cuisine, and hospitality Australia has to offer.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
25 luxury suites feature high-touch amenities such as heated floors, custom-designed furnishings, spacious living areas, and interior design reflecting the dramatic landscape. Throw open floor-to-ceiling glass doors to fill the room with sounds of the ocean and calls of seabirds and spot dolphins from your balcony.
You’ll dine like royalty here as well. The Baillie Lodge’s culinary philosophy is to source local produce for its daily changing menu. Take time to pamper yourself at the Southern Spa, footsteps from the main lodge in a separate pavilion and featuring an Australian-made product range.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Day 8
Flinders Chase National Park
Explore your surroundings on a private full-day tour of Flinders Chase National Park, a vast area of wilderness with many of the island’s iconic attractions.
This stunning natural environment is a sanctuary to many iconic Australian species, including koalas, platypus, kangaroos, rare birdlife, and more. Search these remarkable creatures out and explore the landscape with your highly qualified local guide. Travel deep into the national park, visiting a non-profit refuge along the way.
From there, explore Remarkable Rocks, a natural sculpture perched atop a granite dome that plunges straight into the ocean. Take a break for an elegant picnic lunch in the bush or, weather permitting, on a spectacular clifftop.
Continue to the historic Cape Du Couedic and the tip of the island at Admirals Arch, a striking coastal grotto that provides shelter to the island’s resident colony of long-nosed fur seals. Stroll the boardwalk around the cliff to enjoy spectacular ocean views.
Day 9
Southern Ocean Lodge
Enjoy today at Southern Ocean Lodge, where you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you like.
Take a guided walk along limestone cliffs to a rocky outlook home to osprey nests, with dolphins frolicking below. For those looking for something more challenging, hike four to eight miles through varied terrain, from beaches to cliffs to bush to grassland. Visit Grassdale, near to the lodge, to spot kangaroos wandering calmly through the fields, with wine and canapes served at the lodge’s pop-up bar. Discover a world that comes alive after dark with a visit to the Hanson Bay Sanctuary, looking out for constellations while spotting koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. If you just want to relax, the lodge’s Southern Spa awaits.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Day 10
Adelaide
Today, you’ll fly to Adelaide and set off on a full-day tour of the Adelaide Hills.
The high-country Adelaide Hills showcases award-winning artisanal food and wine amongst picturesque settings. Take an epicurean expedition of the region. Your guide will meet you at the airport, and you’ll drive to Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views.
Drive through the winding roads to arrive at Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement and combining European village charm with Australian influences. Discover this historic town and its variety of boutique stores and heritage-rich museums and galleries.
Visit a local winery on a behind-the-scenes tour, followed by a hosted wine tasting accompanied by a South Australian produce plate. Afterwards, stop for lunch at one of the region’s most premium dining experiences and choose from their a-la-carte seasonal menu.
After lunch, visit a boutique, family-run winery for a sit-down tasting of their sparkling wine. Time permitting, visit a local gin distillery to sample botanical gins before heading to your accommodations in Adelaide city.
We will recommend a luxury hotel in Adelaide based on your preferences.
Day 11
Fly to Lizard Island
You will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Lizard Island, where you will be staying for the next three nights—an incredible end to your Australian explorations.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Located right on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is only accessed by air. With only 40 rooms and villas, and 24 private beaches, you can literally escape to your own secluded beach for a day. Explore the reef or simply take in the breathtaking nature around you. The resort takes up a tiny portion of this 1,000-hectare island, with the rest being a protected national park.
Room interiors exude understated luxury and a light, airy feel befitting the tropical climate. Stay in a Beachfront Suite, set along the sweeping arc of Anchor Bay; an Oceanview Villa, perched high above sunset beach; or a Garden View Room or Suite, set in the garden near the pool and day spa.
The resort’s main building houses reception, the Driftwood Bar (with its climate-controlled wine cellar), a lounge for pre- or post-dinner drinks, and the Salt Water Restaurant. Take full advantage of the 180-degree ocean views and blazing evening sunsets. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, unless you opt for a private picnic. Most of the produce is local, especially the seafood, featuring delicacies such as coral trout and softshell crab.
You will not find any cell phone signal, roads, or cars here. Lizard Island is truly immersive.
Photo courtesy of The Tailor
Days 12 & 13
Lizard Island
Enjoy all Lizard Island has to offer on these days—and it has a LOT to offer.
Either explore on your own at your own pace, or be accompanied by an expert guide (at additional cost). Throughout your stay, you’ll have access to a range of water gear, inviting you into the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy unlimited use of non-motorized water sports, including stand-up paddleboards, clear view sea kayaks, and snorkeling gear, as well as motorized dinghies to beach-hop to white sand beaches.
An estimated 1,500 fish species exist within the region and are ready to be discovered. In addition, dolphins are often seen in the region, and seasonal Humpback and Minke whale-watching is available between July to September. Private vessel charters for fishing, snorkeling, dive excursions, or simply basking on the deck of a yacht can all be organized in advance.
The Lizard Island resort itself also offers a range of activities. Take a serene, self-paced journey through the waters of Anchor Bay, enjoy a picnic hamper in an isolated spot on the beach, take a glass-bottom sea kayak over marine- and plant-life in the waters of Anchor Bay, hike to the highest point of the island at Cook’s Look, or venture on a nature walk and talk with the island’s resident naturalists looking for birds and other wildlife. Alongside the holistic and spiritual treats of yoga, stargazing, and the on-site Essentia Day Spa, there’s activities for all kinds of adventurers at Lizard Island.
Day 14
Begin Your Journey Home
Fly from Lizard Island to Cairns today to begin your journey home to the US, probably a bit more bronze than you were when you arrived!
If you would like to Go Away to Australia, simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to set you on your way.