AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA. Lizard Island. Cooktown. Cairns. Green Island Orpheus Island. Townsville. Hayman Island Daydream Island Hamilton Island

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1 48 AUSTRALIA Cooktown Lizard AUSTRALIA Darwin Cairns Townsville Airlie Beach Green Orpheus Mackay Hayman Daydream Hamilton Broome NORTHERN TERRITORY Cairns G reat B arrier Reef Rockampton Bundaberg Wilson Heron Lady Elliott Fraser Rottnest Perth WESTERN AUSTRALIA Alice Springs Uluru SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide Kangaroo QUEENSLAND NEW SOUTH WALES VICTORIA Melbourne Sydney Brisbane Port Macquarie Sydney Brisbane Lord Howe Photos: (this page) Tourism Queensland; (opposite, left to right) Hamilton, Tourism Australia, Tourism Australia, Tourism Australia, Lizard TASMANIA Hobart maps not to scale

2 AUSTRALIA 49 Australia is fringed by more than 8,000 islands, offering many types of vacation experiences. Sail the Whitsundays, 4WD to Fraser s rainforests and lakes or select a tropical paradise in the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the wild beauty of the islands off Tasmania, Australia s biggest island. Explore the wildlife havens of Kangaroo in South Australia or French and Phillip in Victoria. Day trip to gorgeous Rottnest, island hop around Sydney Harbour or fl y to Lord Howe, home to the world s southernmost coral reef. From sandy beaches to rainforests to untamed wilderness areas, Australia s islands offer a myriad of island adventures. THE WHITSUNDAYS Sail, swim, snorkel, dive or just relax in the beautiful Whitsundays 74 pristine, palm-fringed islands tucked inside the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Enjoy luxury on Hayman and Hamilton islands, walk the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach or discover one of the other untouched tropical oases by sea kayak, seaplane or sailboat. THE GREAT BARRIER REEF World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, is a living masterpiece so large it can be seen from outer space. Stretching over 1,200 miles along the Australian coast are pristine, palm-fringed islands and more than 3000 individual reef systems teeming with rare marine life. There are many ways and places to explore the reef. KANGAROO ISLAND For an Australian wildlife adventure you can t beat Kangaroo. Off Australia s south coast, the island has spectacular fi shing and diving, secluded beaches, rugged rock formations and underground caves. 96 miles long, Kangaroo has unspoiled terrain, captivating wildlife and some of the best local produce and gourmet food in Australia. LORD HOWE ISLAND Tranquility reigns on this World Heritage-listed island, less than a 2-hour flight from Brisbane or Sydney. Packed into just 7 square miles long and 1.2 miles wide are a beautiful tropical lagoon, breathtaking beaches and forests. Explore the island, hike through native palm forests and discover the world s southernmost coral reef.

3 50 AUSTRALIA Lizard Understated luxury coupled with natural beauty and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef make Lizard a unique experience. Accessible only by private plane, guests at this exclusive island can snorkel coral gardens right off the beach, enjoy world class big game fishing, or explore the 24 pristine white powdery sand beaches. Premium accommodation ranges from rooms with a view to the stunning Pavilion perched high above the Coral Sea with complete seclusion, spectacular panoramic views, private plunge pool, sun lounger and daybeds. Dining is 5 star from dawn until dusk, with meals included guests enjoy the relaxed and intimate Ospreys Restaurant in an idyllic location overlooking the ocean. Guests can also enjoy private romantic dinners, sunset beachside degustations, or escape to an empty beach with a private picnic for two. The Azure Spa offers a range of treatments inspired by nature to nurture the mind, body and spirit. These powerful spa treatments combine ancient indigenous medicines and massage techniques, with aromatherapy, color therapy, sound therapy and herbalism principles. { barefoot luxury }

4 AUSTRALIA 51 Hayman Australia s most awarded five-star resort offers discerning guests unsurpassed luxury, total relaxation, indulgent dining, leisurely island activity, fascinating Great Barrier Reef adventures and breathtaking scenery. The 1 hour luxury launch transfer from Great Barrier Reef Airport across the spectacular Whitsunday Passage is the perfect entrée to the Hayman experience. This exclusive resort is flanked by lush rainforest and the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef and is a supreme indulgence in every way. Hayman offers elegant resort living in 212 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, penthouses and beach villas all featuring private terraces or balconies. Guests here enjoy watersports, racquet sports, scuba diving, snorkel safaris, sea kayaking, tube rides, water skiing, dinghy hire, fishing charters, lunch drop offs at private beaches, kids club, personal training, pilates, and tennis lessons to mention a few. The luxurious Spa Hayman offers much more than pampering, they have an extensive menu of traditional favorites and an array of treatments that indulge the senses. The Hayman experience begins before arrival and lingers long after leaving. { island chic } Restaurants 4

5 52 AUSTRALIA qualia The striking qualia is a unique world class luxury resort tucked into the secluded northern tip of Hamilton, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for the discerning traveler and exclusively for adults, qualia is the ultimate retreat, boasting a private pebble beach, fi ne facilities, relaxed indulgence and attentive personalized service. Leeward pavilions are studio style and have spectacular sunset views. Windward pavilions are north facing with expansive views and a private plunge pool. This secluded beach house is sumptuously spacious and boast an elegant dining room, lounge, kitchenette, private infi nity-edge pool and panoramic island or ocean views. A round on the Hamilton Golf Club on neighboring Dent, Australia s only island championship golf course is a once in a lifetime experience. There are also a plethora of activities available for qualia guests including diving or snorkeling, charter yachts, picnic on Whitehaven Beach or experience the reef from above on a scenic helicopter fl ight. qualia has two pools, a fi tness center, library, private dining room, two bars and restaurants and a spa that is the ideal place to unwind with a luxurious selection of holistic spa treatments. pure { luxury } Restaurants 2

6 AUSTRALIA 53 Heron Accessible by launch or spectacular helicopter transfer, Heron is a true reef resort on an island located on a bed of coral in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Heron is a rare wonderland in a World Heritage protected coral cay and a haven for nature lovers. The translucent waters surrounding the island are host to fl ourishing coral gardens and marine life, including seasonal visitors such as nesting Green and Loggerhead turtles and whales. Heron is a mecca for divers, snorkelers and visitors keen to learn about marine life during guided island and reef { } walks and semi-submersible cruises. island adventure It is also a natural choice for those who like to explore and laze on beaches or cozy up on a private picnic far from crowds. The vibe on Heron is supremely relaxed and comfortable, casually styled rooms overlook gardens, beach or reef. Activities include: guided reef walks, island ecology walks, guided birdlife walks, wildlife presentations, snorkeling lessons in the swimming pool, tennis, table tennis, nature slide show presentations, marine documentaries and a trivia night.

7 54 AUSTRALIA Beach Club Hamilton WHITSUNDAYS, AUSTRALIA The Beach Club is a delightful boutique hotel sophisticated and stylish with a fantastic beachfront location. Romantic, intimate and perfect for couples, with beautiful views of palmfringed Catseye Beach and the Coral Sea, it is a luxurious base in the Whitsunday s. The modern, well appointed rooms have a stylish beach house vibe, designed for relaxing. All rooms have a private courtyard or balcony looking onto the beach and ocean. Hamilton offers a number of dining options from casual fare through fi ne dining, including the Beach Club Restaurant for fi ne dining and complimentary a la carte breakfast. The resort also offers an infi nity pool, access to gym, sauna and tennis courts, use of catamarans, windsurfi ng and snorkeling equipment. One of the ultimate ways to see the reef from Hamilton is visiting the prisitne Whitehaven Beach, just 30 minutes by catamaran or 10 minutes by seaplane or helicpoter. island { chic } Wilson Wilson is a private place in the Great Barrier Reef, untainted, untouched and understated with luxurious safari style tent accommodation for just twelve guests at any one time. Located on a divine sweep of white sand in a world heritage listed area that is also home to rare turtles and birds, guests step off the beach into a kaleidoscope of marine life. The resort is divine by virtue of its sheer simplicity; it is about enjoying the lack of glitz and welcoming uncomplicated pleasures of island life. Designer-inspired tented accommodation is unique, with reef and ocean views. Wilson is a fabulous place to be shipwrecked down to earth and natural, yet stylish and supremely comfortable. Meals are enjoyed at The Longhouse, a spacious communal dining room in a relaxed setting with sand fl oor and open sides. Here bourgeois campers unwind over a drink at the end of the day. simple { pleasures}

8 AUSTRALIA 55 Coral Princess Cruises An ultimate way to experience the incredible scenic coastline and Great Barrier Reef is cruising the waters on a boutique ship. Coral Princess Cruises offer 3, 4 or 7-night cruises of the Great Barrier Reef for intimate groups of just 50 guests at a time. For most, a visit to this region is a once in a lifetime experience. With just a few precious days to discover the region s natural wonders, guests cruising the reef wake each morning at exclusive moorings with the best coral gardens, rainforests and secluded tropical islands right outside. Departing from Cairns, cruises explore remote coral cays, deserted aside from the myriad of tropical fi sh and discover pristine tropical islands to wander ancient rainforest trails well beyond the reach of most visitors. Onboard the ship is relaxed and comfortable with activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat exploration and presentations by a Marine Biologist. Or guests can simply relax on the sundeck or jacuzzi while cruising through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery Australia has to offer. small ship { cruise }

9 56 AUSTRALIA Southern Ocean Lodge KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA Luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge fl oats atop a secluded cliff on a dramatic stretch of deserted Kangaroo coast commanding staggering views of the wild Southern Ocean. This internationally celebrated lodge showcases nature and contemporary opulence even through its distinguished epicurean culture fed by a profusion of fresh seafood, unique local produce and the acclaimed vignerons of South Australia. The 21 deluxe eco chic suites feature lavish furnishings and sleeping areas, sunken lounge, glass-walled ensuites and outdoor terrace, each extending to arresting views. Signature design elements such as sandblasted limestone fl oors and recycled spotted gum feature walls, as well as contemporary bespoke furnishings and artworks commissioned from local artisans promote a real sense of place and compliment a philosophy of true ecological sustainability. The secluded Southern Spa features signature treatments with Kangaroo botanicals to relax and rejuvenate. All inclusive rates include gourmet breakfast, lunch, 4-course dinner with inspired daily menu, all beverages (cellar masters list additional), island airport transfers and exceptional guided adventures and experiences. pure { luxury } Capella Lodge LORD HOWE ISLAND, AUSTRALIA The boutique Capella Lodge is perched above Lord Howe s spectacular Lovers Bay, and delivers all the hallmarks of opulent beachside living. The 9 intimate beach house style suites feature fl oor to ceiling windows and sophisticated seashore ambience. Rising from the Tasman Sea just 430 miles northeast of Sydney, tiny Lord Howe island is just 7 miles long and 2 miles at widest. To preserve the precious natural environment, a mere 280 people are privileged to call it home and no more than 20 guests are hosted at Capella Lodge. Long recognized for its pristine natural heritage, around 75% of the island is permanently preserved as Marine Park and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in The petite Capella Spa indulges body and soul. A signature menu of rejuvenating and relaxation treatments embraces the s endemic kentia palms and marine environment. Capella s innovative menus change daily showcasing fresh fi sh, house-made pasta, organic island greens, daily baked breads and lodge-churned ice creams. Combining pristine natural beauty with relaxed luxury, Capella Lodge delivers a unique and exclusive Lord Howe experience. boutique { retreat}