Complete Luxury Australia

Explore the laid-back seaside city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. This lively metropolis is a great spot to catch an Aussie Rules football match, or to swim and sunbathe on the calm (and often empty) beaches. Perhaps take a trip down to Fremantle, 14 miles from the heart of Perth, and while away an afternoon people watching on the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ or sample a craft beer and fresh seafood on the waterfront.

Surf, wine and dine in Margaret River, where the warm and sunny climate has given rise to a number of world class wineries producing some of Australia’s finest wines. Touring the vineyards is the best way to see the countryside and taste some of their prized vintages. Many also have excellent restaurants serving gourmet meals (with wines to match) so why not make a day of it? To wear it all off again, perhaps set off on one of the regions many hiking trails.

Head on to Adelaide and soak up the eclectic atmosphere. Here, the sun shines, the streets are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and the people seemingly spend all day outside, be that in one of the many parks or on the beach. While you’re in town, do not miss a trip down to Glenelg – it’s best to take the tram – to check out the galleries, museums and ice cream shops in this charming suburb. And keep a look out for dolphins while you’re at it.

Look out for koalas and wallabies on Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven also home to penguins, echidnas, fur seals and platypus, although you’d have to be very lucky to see this shy creature. This 96-mile island really is a naturalist playground with 891 species of native plants and 46 endemic species of animals, plus five Wilderness Protection Areas. While you’re here check out the Remarkable Rocks, a cliff-edge collection of twisted geological formations.

Slow down the pace in Maryvale at the luxury Spicers Peak Lodge and take in the views of Queensland’s Scenic Rim from your mountaintop location. Dine in style at the lodge’s award-winning restaurant, where you can tuck into Hervey bay scallops with asparagus, zucchini flower and lemon confit or perhaps Flinders Island wallaby with beets, blackcurrants and miso eggplant? After all that indulgence, pamper yourself at the spa, relax in the pool, or do nothing at all.

Fly to Sydney and tick off the icons: tour the Sydney Opera House and perhaps take in a show, climb the Harbour Bridge for unrivalled city views or learn to surf on world famous Bondi Beach. For something a little more relaxed take a stroll around the pretty Royal Botanic Gardens and look out for flying foxes sleeping in the trees. In the evening, watch the sun sink behind the horizon and the harbour lights come alive on your romantic dinner cruise.

Head into the heart of the Blue Mountains, where the mists emanating off the eucalyptus trees give the region its name. Here you can choose to head out on any number of walks, hit the lookout points (don’t forget your camera) or simply admire it all from the comfort of your luxury retreat, Spicers Sangoma. When not chilling out in the pool, you can choose from horse riding, cycling, kayaking and even fruit picking in this peaceful area.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands. Snorkelling, diving and swimming among the colourful fish and corals are the order of the day here, and you can also try your hand at sea kayaking. If you’re feeling flush perhaps splash out on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, or stay on dry land and hike through the forest to Passage Peak, which gives far-reaching views across the Whitsunday islands.

In the Daintree National park, Mossman Gorge is a wonderfully relaxing spot, surrounded by nature. Here you can swim in cool rocky pools nestled among the trees and relax with a cocktail or two in the rainforest canopy, taking in the sounds of the forest from your luxury riverside lodge. For something more active join a rainforest walk and learn all about the local flora and fauna, or sign up for a kayaking or canoeing trip along the river.