Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Flowing through Australia’s Northern Territory, the Mary River stretches for over 220 kilometres encompassing the Mary River National Park and spanning lush wetlands, monsoon forests, and freshwater billabongs. Mary River makes for an excellent stop on the way to Kakadu. Take a leisurely cruise down the river and view abundant wildlife such as jumping crocodiles, kangaroo and wallaby; visit Fogg Dam Conservation Area to view over 200 bird species including kingfishers, herons and kites; and join a fishing charter and enjoy world-class fishing along the river.
Darwin is a tropical seaport in the Northern Territory of Australia that serves as a convenient access point to Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with more than 50 nationalities represented here. With a strong Asian influence, you can expect a kaleidoscope of cuisines and a cultural blend of Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian. Of course it is an excellent place to experience Aboriginal culture as in fact Darwin is home to the largest proportional population of indigenous Australians.
Darwin's city centre buzzes with a lively vibe, while unique museums celebrate the city's past and galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Sail to the intriguing Tiwi Islands, take a speedboat ride or go fishing in a tinny – the local version of a small boat.
Located in Far North Queensland, just a 10- minute drive from Port Douglas, the picturesque town of Mossman serves as a gateway to the stunning surrounding rainforest. Resting amidst sugarcane fields at the base of forested mountains, this country town is a great place to learn about Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal culture who have lived in the rainforest for over 4000 years. Visitors can look forward to discovering the spectacular scenery of Mossman Gorge and the Daintree National Park with its tropical vegetation fringing magnificent emerald pools, and enjoy a drink at one of the historic pubs which line the town's main street.
Haggerstone Island Resort is an all-inclusive boutique resort that offers unfettered access to superb fishing and adventure. Located on the Great Barrier Reef, this resort is just a two-hour flight from Cairns, North Queensland, yet feels a world away. The resort promises to turn “the notion of fictional paradise into reality”.
Each of the four ‘huts’ are individually designed and built by the resort’s owners to blend into the island and offer private beachfront access and stunning ocean views. Rough hewn timber, billowy canopies, and rustic, handmade details exude barefoot luxury. Each hut offers its own unique character and charm, but if you can’t choose, the entire 42-hectacre island is available to rent for those that want a truly exclusive experience.
The main house features a library, bar, fireplace, wine cellar, day bed, lounge, dining area, two bathrooms, loft, observation deck, and an open kitchen. Meals served on the island are simple but satisfying with most of the produce and seafood is picked and caught in the resort’s orchard or just off the island’s shores. Enjoy the freshest coral trout, crayfish, and oysters.
Our team loves this resort because it offers a completely quintessential ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience that anyone would be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
