Signature Experiences of Australia

FISHING The warmer months in The Kimberley (March, April, August and September) are best for barramundi fishing and September is also when TRUE NORTH visits the Rowleys - best for reef and blue water species - keen anglers will match wits with big blue-water pelagics such as black marlin, sailfish, wahoo and yellow-fin tuna.For accomplished flickers or novices, this is fishing in style, and in some of the most pristine fishing waters on earth. And to share 'catch of the day' with all the guests onboard just adds to the thrill of the catch.

BEACH SPORTS Take to the calm, clear water on a catamaran, stand up paddle board, pedal board or sea kayak. Let the expert beach activities team at qualia take you on a guided catamaran sail to explore the local waters on a 16-foot Hobie catamaran.Or, simply watch all the action from a sun lounge on qualia's private Pebble Beach.

WINE HARVEST With its maritime influenced climate the Margaret River wine region is highly regarded as a producer for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and has forged a great reputation for its Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. The region offers a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks. While the region’s 60 plus wineries produce less than one per cent of Australian wine, they are responsible for over 15 per cent of the country's premium wine. Spend time visiting a multitude of award winning, family owned wineries. Cape Lodge neighbours include the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Pierro and Cullen.

Tasmanian Devil Experience:Saffire Freycinet is passionate about local conservation and biodiversity. In partnership with Wildcare, Saffire is a major sponsor of Tasmanian Devil research, funding a wildlife veterinary to research prevention & cure of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, protect & manage wild devil populations, care for insurance populations & support breeding programs. Visit Saffire’s open-range devil enclosure and encounter these rare and unique creatures in a natural setting led by knowledgeable guides. This enclosure was established as a safezone for healthy, breeding devils in the face of the deadly facial tumour disease, and forms part of the Statewide Save the Devil Program. Guests can experience daily devil feedings at the free-range enclosure, and ‘adopt a devil’ to contribute to Wildcare’s gift fund and support this vital ongoing research to ensure the survival of this iconic Tasmanian marsupial.

BIRD WATCHING & PHOTOGRAPHY Operated by renowned naturalist Doug Herrington, guests at Silky Oaks Lodge can enjoy an intimate bird watching or photography tour, or combination of both, covering many different habitats of The Daintree, from coastal heath to rainforest and dry woodland environments. Of the 850 species of birds found in Australia, about 630 species occur in Queensland, 12 of which are local endemics of the tropical regions.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOUR Uncover the magic beneath the sails on an exciting journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes and history and discover what makes this building a World Heritage-listed masterpiece. Experience the future within a new purpose-built venue that boasts heritage-inspired interiors, and state-of-the-art technology, including 270-degree visuals and surround sound. Image credit: Brett Stevens

NGURRUNGURRUDJBA (YELLOW WATER) CAMPGROUND & CARAVAN PARK The Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground & Caravan Park offers a shady camping area and is located next to Yellow Water Billabong and surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Kakadu National Park. Cooinda Lodge’s two swimming pools, resort facilities and restaurants are all open to the campground guests. From powered sites or a space to pitch your tent Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground & Caravan Park caters for all budgets.

EXPEDITION TO BALLS PYRAMID Twenty-three kilometres to the south of Lord Howe Island is a spectacular 550-metre spearhead of grey basalt that seemingly explodes from the ocean. The world’s largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife and the waters surrounding Balls Pyramid are teeming with marine life. The towering spearhead also supports the last known wild population of the world's rarest insect (the Lord Howe Island Phasmid). A cruise to Balls Pyramid is astonishing. For experienced divers, Balls is an unparalleled adventure.

BARRAYAK & BARRAMUNDI FISHING The weir at Mt Mulligan Lodge is home to the iconic Australian Barramundi. Cast your line from the riverbank or a kayak and try your hand ‘yak angling’ for the elusive fish. Mature Barramundi can be brought back to the lodge and prepared to your liking by the Chef.

WILDFLOWERS Visit in late winter and witness vibrant wildflower blooms that contrast with the pindan earth, rugged canyons and the turquoise sea.Aeons ago the range near Sal Salis was an isolated island and as a result, there are several species of plants and animals that are endemic to the area, including the red centred variety of the Sturt Desert Pea. There are numerous gorges that provide a haven for wildlife and contain rare and unusual flora. A beautiful array of wildflowers can be seen in late winter including Sturt Desert Peas and the beautiful Bird Flower. Surveys have recorded over 630 species of flowering plants on the peninsula – a surprisingly high number for an arid limestone area.