Reading time: 5 minutes

None of us could have imagined the unprecedented events that have unfolded in recent months. For most of us, travel is now paused but that doesn’t mean dreaming and planning should be put on hold. Here is some inspiration for when we can travel again. Travel invites the chance for unforgettable experiences. And while these are bound to happen anywhere you go, indulging in luxury travel can make the invaluable memories you make even richer. From the awe-inspiring natural landscape and wildlife to the activities on offer, every area of Australia has something special to offer in the way of luxury. We’ve rounded up a list of the most unique experiences available in Australia and will share some tips on achieving a luxury holiday on a budget.

What is luxury travel?

Everyone has a different idea of what luxury travel is. For some, luxury is a feeling that manifests when a destination or activity enthrals or sparks inspiration. Others define luxury travel by the service, facilities and personalisation given. It all depends on preference, which can also be formed on the basis of price, location and uniqueness of the offering. No matter which type of traveller you are, all luxurious trip seekers have a longing for an unforgettable sojourn. Luxury travel experiences in Australia With such a vast and varied landscape, pinpointing exactly where and how to spend your holiday in Australia can be tough. To help you decide, we’ve handpicked some of the best luxury vacations across the country to inspire your next trip.

1. Australia flying safari with The Classic Safari Company

Jet to some of Australia’s remotest terrain and iconic sights aboard a private aircraft on this incredible 10-day air safari. While in the sky, you’ll see captivating bird’s-eye views of Uluru, Lake Eyre and the Bungle Bungle touching down throughout the trip in the isolated outback where you’ll enjoy local delicacies, comfortable accommodation and action-packed activities. Some highlights:

• Exclusive stay at Bush Camp in Faraway Bay
• Views of the largest cattle station in the world
• Visit a rich selection of aboriginal rock art in Arnhem Land
• Guided tour of the largest salt lake in Australia led by an aboriginal elder
• A night’s stay at the iconic one-storey Birdsville Hotel

2. Cruise around the Kimberley coast with True North

Spacious enough to relax and nimble enough to go where bigger ships can’t reach, the Kimberley Ultimate cruise offers the best of both worlds. Over 13 blissful nights, you’ll sail from point to glorious point where you’ll stop to meander the rivers on expedition boats, fish for (and eat) fresh oysters, helicopter to the top of waterfalls and watch the sunrise over a river. A smaller group onboard allows for a more personalised experience and the chance to become acquainted with your fellow cruisers and crew. While the list of incredible activities for this trip is seemingly never-ending, some highlights include:

• Hike to the top of the Twin Falls
• Marvel at the oldest paintings known to man
• Heli-picnic atop a waterfall
• Spot crocs
• Scenic flight to Cape Londonderry
• Copter ride to view the sunrise with champagne on a mountain top

3. Red Centre to Reef

If you can’t decide between the sandy outback, bustling cities or the Great Barrier Reef for your holiday, don’t worry! The Red Centre to Reef trip by The Tailor allows you to experience them all in one trip. Starting off in Sydney, you’ll travel to Uluru and Cairns before you touch down on Lizard Island. Some highlights of this trip are:

• Stay at an award-winning wilderness camp – Longitude 131
• Watch the sunrise over Uluru from your private deluxe tent
• Snorkel around the secluded beaches
• Indulge in the Essentia Spa for ultimate relaxation

4. Wolgan Valley by One&Only

If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway, where you can embrace nature in all its glory, the Emirates One&Only in Wolgan Valley oozes luxury. Set on a 7000-acre conservation, you’ll delight in the serenity of the Blue Mountains. Whether you want to relax in your private villa or venture through the dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests and waterfalls of the region, One&Only is the ultimate retreat. Our only recommendation is to be mindful of the bush fires that can occur in this area. A stay with One&Only include:

• A stroll through the natural park by horseback
• Sunset-lit swimming from your private pool
• Authentic Australian bush dining experiences with panoramic views

5. The East Coast of Australia with Elegant Resort

Discover the East Coast of Australia in style with Elegant Resorts. Spread over two weeks, you’ll begin in bustling Brisbane, then head through the Scenic Rim, Byron Bay and Port Douglas before finishing in Melbourne. With accommodation ranging from an exclusive lodge to luxury hotels and bungalows, you can explore activities like guided food tours, water sports and wildlife parks before retreating to your own space. During this trip, you’ll enjoy things like:

• A guided walk through tropical rainforest and woodland where you can spot wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and a range of birds
• Kayaking with dolphins in The Cape Bay Marine Park on a three-hour guided tour
• Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef from a helicopter before landing on a private island for lunch
• Spearfishing and mud crabbing in Cooya Beach
• An exclusive Aussie Rules Footy Session with AFL stars

6. Tasmania Culinary Journey

If your ideal holiday involves tantalising your taste buds with the finest local food and beverages in a stunning setting, then this 7-day Tasmanian Culinary Journey could be exactly what you’re looking for. Your stay in Hobart will reveal ever-surprising views of Mount Wellington and a fresh seafood feast from the Derwent river before boarding your helicopter transfer to the famous Saffire Freycinet luxury lodge – your home for the remainder of your trip. Things you’ll experience on this trip are:

• A gourmet lunch overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel following a drive through the Huon Valley
• Guides catching and preparing seafood and pairing it with local wines for the freshest of meals
• Three nights at Saffire Freycinet – world-renowned as one of the most luxurious retreats in Australia
• A visit to a working oyster farm

How to achieve a luxury holiday on a budget

Luxury travel is one of the finer things in life, but it can also be expensive. The good news is that by following a few simple yet effective tips, you can achieve your dream holiday on a budget.

Do your research

When planning your holiday, instead of aiming for a specific location think about what you want to get out of the trip instead. The most popular resorts and destinations operate on a supply basis meaning the most hyped-up hotels are expensive. Still, by doing your research, you can find alternative places that match everything you’re looking for at a much lower cost.

Seasonality

The time of year has a significant influence on price when it comes to holidays with factors such as weather, school holidays and local events making it fluctuate. If you can travel outside of the peak season for the area you want, you can save a significant amount of money – giving you luxury without the price tag! The best months to book a cheap hotel room in Australia are during in December and August.

Promotions and deal hunting

If travelling off-season isn’t an option, then this is even more of a reason for you to plan your trip in advance. Keeping an eye on travel sites, like lastminute.com.au, TripADeal and Scoopon, for deals and promotions at key times of the year means you could get a substantial discount on your booking. Joining loyalty programs is also a clever hack and can help you save money on travel and accommodation when used wisely.

Sit and swap

A less conventional method – but one that will save you a ton – is becoming a house-sitter. House-sitting occurs when a homeowner is going on holiday and needs someone to either watch their property or perform some minor duties while they’re away, and so will allow a person to stay in their house for free. You can become a house-sitter by joining a network, like Aussie House Sitters, and expressing your interest. While house-sitting can be a fun and spontaneous option, there are some things to bear in mind:

• You’ll usually be expected to pay an annual membership for a house-sitting profile
• The homeowner has to accept your request to house-sit (and you may have some tough competition with other established members of the network)
• Dates will be less flexible

By keeping these tips in mind and putting them into practice a luxury holiday on a budget is within reach. No matter what luxury holiday or experience you choose, purchasing travel insurance beforehand minimises the risk of things going wrong so you can remember your trip for all the right reasons.