Alquemie: Sample Itinerary - Australia Uncovered

Park Hyatt Sydney features an outdoor rooftop heated swimming pool with spa, private sun-deck and cabanas. Exclusively for guests staying at the hotel, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbour while relaxing poolside.

To complement the new design elements, Park Hyatt Sydney has commissioned renowned Australian artists to feature an array of photography, paintings and sculpture to reflect characteristics unique to the Australian landscape.

Commissioned artists include painter Tim Johnson, sculptors Bruce Armstrong and Robert Bridgewater, and photographer Robert Billington. Artwork inspired by The Rocks and Harbour connect the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms to Sydney’s past and present.

Marvel at the abundance of visuals throughout the hotel, with artwork displayed from the lobby to guest corridors, rooms to suites, private dining rooms, event spaces and the newly designed restaurant and bar.

Please ask us for restaurant or activity recommendations

Enjoy close-up interactions with soaring sea birds, playful marine mammals and a diversity of life on your way to Schouten Island aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire. The adventure also includes a visit to culturally significant sites of past and present inhabitants, including the Australian fur seal. Morning tea is included and prepared by the team of chefs at Saffire.

A wine lover's delight! At the local Freycinet Winery, you will learn the art of winemaking and indulge in some fine Tasmanian fare – and some wine tastings of course!

Don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm located in a beautiful setting within an internationally significant wetland and ornithological site. Develop an understanding for wetland and marine ecology,

Freycinet National Park is a must see during your stay at Saffire Freycinet. Join one of our informative guides on a walk to the lookout over Wineglass Bay.

Join one of our guides for an easy two-hour tour, which combines two of the popular shorter walks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Your first walk will be around the Cape.

Take a coastal stroll along the beach from Saffire with our indigenous guide Mick Quilliam. Discover the history of the Oyster Bay people, taking in the beauty of the coastal tracks and rock platforms and the wonders of the fauna .

Unwind and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Swanport estuary on this guided canoeing adventure at the mouth of the internationally significant Moulting Lagoon wetland. Observe the flocks of pelicans and gaze into the crystal clear waters teeming with marine life.

CLOSE

Explore iconic Wineglass Bay on a guided 5km walk, taking you to the crystal white sands and azure waters of South Hazards beach. Loaded with history and untouched beauty, you’ll then be greeted by one of Saffire guides who will indulge you with a gourmet picnic of locally sourced produce, served with a distinctly French flavour. Enjoy charcuterie, local oysters, barbequed seafood and free range meats, farmhouse cheese and petit desserts before being ‘chauffeured’ back aboard our Saffire vessel via the peninsula’s spectacular fiery red coastline. Cost $450 per person, minimum four people.

CLOSE

Come aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire, to discover the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, you will stop off at one of many white sandy beaches that are dotted around the Freycinet coastline. Stretch your legs with a short, guided walk, or try your luck fishing with our skipper. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before a leisurely cruise back into Great Oyster Bay. Cost is $395 per person, minimum four people.

With the Freycinet National Park on your doorstep, there’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushlands, secluded beaches and other Tasmanian attractions to explore. Our third-party experiences place you in the hands of local operators who have an intimate knowledge

Saffire Freycinet invites thrill-seekers on a quad bike tour along four-wheel drive tracks through coastal heathland to southern Friendly Beaches in the Freycinet National Park. Join our adventurous guides on an exciting and challenging half-day adventure. Early bookings essential! (A valid driver's licence is required to operate the quad bikes. Learner's licences are not accepted. Maximum of three drivers plus one passenger per tour permittted.) Cost $240 per person.

Love your food? Watch, learn and participate as one of Palate’s creative and delicious dishes is prepared from start to finish. This is an interactive, must-do activity for lovers of luxury dining.

Mountain biking offers an opportunity to observe Freycinet’s natural assets at close quarters. We’ll equip you with a bike, plus all the accessories you’ll need for a comfortable and memorable self-guided adventure.

Join one of our guides for an easy two-hour tour, which combines two of the popular shorter walks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Your first walk will be around the Cape Tourville lighthouse, with stunning views of the Tasman Sea and glimpses of Wineglass Bay. The second walk is to Sleepy Bay, where you will descend gently graded steps to the rocky shoreline, while learning about how the Hazards mountain range was formed.

Take a coastal stroll along the beach from Saffire with our indigenous guide Mick Quilliam. Discover the history of the Oyster Bay people, taking in the beauty of the coastal tracks and rock platforms and the wonders of the fauna and flora right on our doorstep. Sample local bush tucker, learn about tools and foraging and gain a greater understanding of time gone by and your own connection to country.

Enjoy close-up interactions with soaring sea birds, playful marine mammals and a diversity of life on your way to Schouten Island aboard our purpose-built vessel, Saffire. The adventure also includes a visit to culturally significant sites of past and present inhabitants, including the Australian fur seal. Morning tea is included and prepared by the team of chefs at Saffire. Cost $275 per person, minimum four people.

At Saffire Freycinet Tasmania, our highly skilled therapists and masseurs have the skill to help you achieve your highest health and wellness potential. Following your Spa Saffire consultation, your therapist will prepare a program of day spa treatments and therapies to reflect your personal needs and preferences. Men’s treatments are also one of our specialties.

Would you go to Versailles without visiting Paris? Enhance your Saffire experience by seeing the best of Hobart and surrounds.

Explore Australia’s second oldest capital with its prized

Tasmanian honey production is on the rise, with some local apiaries drawing international attention for their sweet, decadent and golden produce. This honey already forms part of the unforgettable culinary encounter here at Saffire, but now guests can learn the secrets behind the sweetness in our brand new Beekeeping Experience. In perhaps our most immersive offering yet, guests can don a full-body apiarist suit and venture into an onsite Saffire apiary, with hives overlooking the Hazards Mountains. With the safety and guidance of Saffire Horticulturalist, Rob ‘The Bee Man’ Barker, guests will not only approach the hives, but extract honeycomb to witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of honey-making by Tasmanian bees. Such immersion in nature is as exciting as it is fascinating, particularly when considering that bees are the cornerstone of our eco-system – without which our world would be a very different place. Experience the wonder of Tasmanian nature at its most raw, captivating and sweet.

Offers you the rare opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural setting, and to participate in the quest to save this endangered species from extinction. Led by your knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit Saffire’s free-range Tasmanian devil enclosure, where you’ll meet some of our resident population of Tasmanian devils and observe them as they feed and interact. You’ll hear the story of the Tasmanian devil and the crucial effort to find a cure for Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

Accompanied by field guides with expert knowledge of the native fauna and flora and the incredible geological history of the area, guests are taken on guided wildlife safaris tailored around their specific interests. An open-top 4WD vehicle is used to deliver the ultimate bush experience. Guests can expect around seven hours of guided safaris each day, and these are usually topped off with sundowners on top of the ranges with the scale and grandeur of outback Australia laid out for miles around.

Get a completely different perspective of Arkaba’s magnificent wilderness on an included walking safari. Our expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region that will deepen your connection with the land.

Our expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region that will deepen your connection with the land.

Walking safaris are individually tailored to your interests and cover some of the best bushwalking territory in Australia.

Arkaba’s new wildlife viewing Hide a complimentary experience and an ideal place for a spot of morning or afternoon tea as you admire wildlife behaving naturally in the wild just three meters away from you at eye level.

The Hide continues to deliver a hive of exciting activity including 36 different bird species, Western Grey Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos, Common Wallaroos, an Echidna, Sand Goannas, Bearded Dragons, Shingleback Skinks and the Tawny Dragon endemic to Australia.

Learn about the challenges Australia faces in saving its biodiversity and join one of Arkaba’s field guides on a conservation activity. Wildlife conservation on the property is an ever changing and ever improving endeavour which has immensely enhanced the wilderness experience.

Gaining a true insight into what’s involved in conservation is one of the most rewarding experiences to be had and guests can join our mission to restore Arkaba’s biodiversity with some hands-on conservation activities. These can include tracking a radio-collared feral cat with a telemetry device, setting up the trip cameras that monitor key sites across the property, looking for signs of vegetation critical to endangered animals, or joining a biologist on land surveys.

From mobs of emus, Australia’s largest flightless bird, to wedgie-tailed eagles soaring high, to the tiny Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo perched in the trees, spotting birds at Arkaba will delight any serious birders. We can arrange for private experiences with ornithologists who specialise in this region of Australia.

For some of the best birds-eye views in Australia you can’t miss an air safari over Arkaba and surrounds. It’s one of the best ways to get a real sense of place and the scenery is spectacular. Whether it’s a heli safari of Wilpena Pound or a small aircraft flight over Lake Eyre, this opportunity is not to be missed.

Available to be booked throughout the year. See your agent ahead of travel or your field guide while at Arkaba.

Embrace your inner explorer and ‘Heli Hike’ along the spine of our very own rainbow-hued Elder Range. Lose yourself in the landscape and drink wine fireside on our new private overnight ‘Heli Swag’ experience in the wilderness. Or enjoy a sundowner drink atop your own mountain as the sun sinks behind Wilpena Pound.

Available to be booked as an additional experience from March to October. See your agent ahead of travel or your field guide while at Arkaba.

Take in the compelling geology and ever-changing palette of the Flinders Ranges with a stunning 15 minute scenic helicopter flight. Marvel as the light changes with the late afternoon sun hitting the raw natural appeal of the outback. You'll be treated to view of Wilpena Pound, the Chase Range to the east and Elder Range to the west - a complete 360 degree panorama of prehistoric beauty - before landing on a remote ridge top, only accessible by helicopter, to enjoy the last light of the day with a glass of bubbles in hand and a Wild Bush canapé platter. Return to the homestead by helicopter at the light finally disappears.

Capture the changing lights reflected over Uluru’s many faces as the sun slips down below

the horizon, chilled glass and canapé in hand. The essential outback experience!

Artist Bruce Munro’s internationally acclaimed solar installation Field of Light arrives at the Red Centre in April 2016, offering visitors to the region a transformative experience of iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Bruce conceived the idea for the Field of Light while visiting Uluru in 1992, but it first materialised in 2004 at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. The work has since appeared in varying incarnations around the UK, in the US and Mexico.

The Field of Light at Uluru is the largest recreation of the installation, made up of 50,000 bud-like stems and crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, which will bloom and appear to sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spiritual heartland. Pathways will invite visitors into the artwork, which will come to life under a sky brilliant with stars. Longitude 131° guests will experience the interactive artwork as part of the signature experiences program, arriving at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture from April 1, 2016.

Table 131° is without doubt the perfect way to wind down after a day of discovery. Dine out on sumptuous outback fare and discover the wonders of the night sky. Arrive to the mesmerising sounds of an ancient culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with the finest Australian wines. Later, Longitude’s resident astronomer regales the gathering with tales of the Southerly constellations. Return to the Dune House for after dinner drinks or float back to your luxury tent, for a deep slumber under the stars.

Table 131° operates subject to weather and climatic conditions.

Explore the impressive formation of Kata Tjuta, the walls of Walpa Gorge rising obliquely on each side and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today’s landscape. Pause for a long distance perspective and photo opportunity before a visit to the Cultural Centre where informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Join the Lodge guide for a gentle walk along a portion of Uluru’s base and learn about the history of the Mala people, viewing cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the rock walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Revel in the silence sunset drinks and canapés.

Discover peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti as the sun

lights up the ancient monolith. Along this walk our guide shares the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru, adding greater depth to Uluru’s striking features. Should departure flight times allow, consider extending the morning’s tour and join a guided Uluru Base Walk. Please note, this activity must be booked prior and an additional charge applies.

Return to Longitude 131° for breakfast in the Dune House. Take stock of the journey, capture some last images, complete a journal or send a postcard of Australia’s most recognisable natural icon and the resilient presence that has been a constant throughout the stay.

Guests looking to explore more of the outback, or who have a special interest to pursue can choose from a selection of bespoke experiences in addition to their signature Longitude 131° itinerary. Activities may be relaxed and intimate, like romantic private dining or sunset viewing options to more energetic pursuits like guided hikes, which include the classic Uluru base walk and rewarding Valley of the Winds circuit at Kata Tjuta. There are day trips to Kings Canyon or an exclusive visit to the remote art community at Ernabella and private arrival and departure tour options, most thrillingly via helicopter.

Longitude 131° also partners with outback adventure operators for specialist ventures, ranging from ‘bush tucker’ tours to day trips to Cave Hill, a renowned rock art site. Scenic flights over Uluru, Kata Tjuta and beyond to Mount Conner, the region’s ‘other’ distinctive monolith offer an exhilarating aerial perspective of the outback, revered as a ‘must do’ by those in the know.

Adventure seekers can jump on a Harley-Davidson for an unforgettable ride around Uluru, join a camel train for a mesmeric encounter of the outback at dusk in the style of the western pioneers, whilst others take to mountain bikes for a more down-to-earth adventure. Possibilities to explore Australia’s outback are as vast as its horizons; the team at Longitude 131° will choreograph each guest’s stay to create a highly tailored, personal experience of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and beyond and always in stylish comfort.

The 40-foot jet boat departs daily and is at the full disposal of our guests to experience the activities and sights in our local area. She has a twin 700hp jet propulsion system and capable of 40knots in shallow water.  This enables us to access shallow reef as well as uncharted river systems. All activities are family friendly with no previous experience required. Full use of the jet-boat is included in the accommodation rates and further details of the activities can be found under the other activity pages.

    •    Fishing
    •    Snorkelling and Spearfishing
    •    Other

With knowledge of the area built from thirty years of experience we have the pleasure of guaranteeing an unparalleled fishing experience.

Although we rely on our freshly caught seafood for meals we still maintain a high catch and release ration for the fish we don’t need.

Some examples of the common species caught are:

Red Emperor,
Coral Trout
Finger mark
Spanish Mackerel
Blue fin Tuna
Queen fish
Dog tooth Tuna
Giant Trevally
 

The Reef in our area is utterly untouched and demonstrates what coral and fish life used to be before human interference. Float over florescent gardens, or plunge into the cavernous formations created by centuries of uninterrupted growth. Expect to see Green Turtles, Manta Rays and prolific fish life during your stay.

Every day out on the boat we visit a different destination and often will not repeat the same location within a month or even a year. Some of our favourite snorkelling locations we have named:

• The Garden - A shallow and brillianlty coloured corner or reef known for its variation in coral types. Expect to see vivid coloured staghorn, plate, boulder and fan corals.
• Ashmore Banks - A beautiful sand cay with an incredibly clear fringing reef and deep drop-off. Expect to see large Maori Wrasse, huge brain coral formations, briliantly clear water and the possibilities of Manta Rays, Crayfish and even Dolphins.
• The Outer Barrier Wishbone Reef - On calm days we often venture out the the incredible outer reef formation located due east of the island. Wishbone reef is a large marine park where the reef curves away from the coast in the shape of a wishbone, cereating many points and channels where marine life gathers to escape the current. Expect to see every imaginable form of marine life in its most impressive condition.

Close by we have discovered an 1840s shipwreck in a shallow reef garden. Its giant anchors, winching blocks and bronze keel bolts are all visible from surface snorkelling and make a memorable dive experience.

Snorkelling is possible both off our day boat and straight off the Haggerstone shore. 

For those who want the ultimate adventure experience, we recommend the use of our chartered helicopter service to visit private waterfalls, sand-cays, fish untouched river systems or enjoy a sunset champagne atop mountainous sand dunes.

Quotes for helicopter use are wholesale and come directly from the charter company. For details or to organize one for your stay, simply include the request in your booking enquiry.

Activities both on the island and out on the boat include:

• Oyster gathering
• Jet skiing
• Island walks
• Beachcombing
• Mud Crabbing
• Wakeboarding
• Waterskiing
• Personal Dingy Use (for licensed visitors)
• Beach Fishing
• Kayaking
• Bird Watching

On the local waterways

With local guide or Indigenous elder

Private yoga practice

Cruise and swim at local bays or head out for deep sea fishing

Hiking & bush-walking