Australia is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. With its coral reefs, varied wildlife, and jaw-dropping scenery most visitors to the land Down Under are left spellbound. And for those with a bit more money to spend than the average traveler, there are some truly luxurious experiences to be had. Here are a few suggestions for the hi-so holidaymaker to get the best out of their trip to the world’s sixth-largest country.
Hire a Box at the MCG Stadium for the AFL Grand Final
To get a proper Australian experience all visitors should check out the national sport, Australian Rules Football. The locals are completely obsessed with Aussie Rules, and for good reason too. It’s an incredibly fast-paced sport which is kind of like a cross between football and rugby. The current Premier champions are Western Bulldogs, and they can be backed at AFL odds of 3.3 to make it to the final again this season.
The AFL Grand Final takes place at the end of September at the spectacular Melbourne Cricket Ground. The ground has a capacity of 100,000, and for the luxury traveller there are corporate box tickets available. The MCG function rooms have an array of award winning food and beverages, where guests can enjoy an ambient and impressive atmosphere before watching the game from the best seats in the house. Visitors can also check out Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia in the National Sports Museum, and there are guided tours of the stadium available as well.
Jet Fighter Experience
For people with money to spend but also a taste for white-knuckle experiences, a jet fighter ride (see video above) is up there with bungee and parachute jumping. In Sydney it is possible to become a fighter pilot for the day with the world-famous Jetride company based in the area. Visitors will have the opportunity to fly in an L-39 jet fighter, and will be treated as a crew member rather than a tourist. Once up in the air the experts will take you on an adrenaline-fuelled sky tour with speeds up to a rip-roaring 900 kph. People come from all over the world to get this “Top Gun” experience, and friends of the thrill-seekers can watch all the action from the viewing area where there are plenty of restaurants.
Charter a Yacht
What could be more luxurious than taking in Australia’s breath-taking coastlines than from the comfort of a private yacht? As one of the most stunning waterways in the world, Sydney harbour is a great starting point. There are plenty of companies in the area that offer half-day yacht chartering, up to week long rentals. You can choose to hire a boat with a captain, or if you are experienced on the waters you can take the vessel out and skipper it yourself. The boats can accommodate between 11 and 16 people and include gourmet catering as well as refreshments. Take in the awesome view of the city’s skyline as well as the famous Opera House, or sail out and find a quiet cove to stop and relax for a while.
Good times to visit are during the New Year and Australia Day holidays when there are special events going on in and around the harbor. For Australia Day there is usually a parade of around 40 boats on the harbor (see video above) that are decorated with flags and colors in an effort to win “best-dressed boat.”
Visit Lizard Island
Lizard Island is on the Great Barrier Reef and a prime location to stay in if you want to go out and do some scuba diving. It is also a perfect spot for just kicking back and relaxing in some elite hotels and resorts. Captain Cook supposedly named the island due to the fact that the only land animals he saw during his time there were lizards.
The north-western side of the island is home to an ultra-luxury resort operated by Delaware North. The resort consists of 40 villas in a secluded spot near Cod Hole. It specialises in privacy, peacefulness, and providing watersport activities around the Great Barrier Reef. The reef should be on everyone’s bucket list, and words can’t describe its beauty. But after a long day of tiring water adventures, having a world-renowned resort to wind down in is essential.
Ultimate Winery Experience
Australia is home to some of the best winemaking regions in the world that have produced sensational wines over the years. You may have heard of the famous vineyards of Barossa Valley (see video above), Hunter Valley, and Margaret River, and great winemakers like Lindemans and Penfolds. Part of your Australian tour should be to take a tour of some of these famous locations first-hand.
Australia is home to some of the best winemaking regions in the world that have produced sensational wines over the years. You may have heard of the famous vineyards of Barossa Valley (see video above), Hunter Valley, and Margaret River, and great winemakers like Lindemans and Penfolds. Part of your Australian tour should be to take a tour of some of these famous locations first-hand.
Take a trip to Barossa valley, home to over 70 wineries and a region famous for its Shiraz and Riesling varieties. There are 160-year-old villages, quaint heritage towns, and some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vineyards. This isn’t just a must for wine lovers; even those who aren’t partial to the grape can appreciate the picturesque scenery.
In addition to these amazing experiences, Australia has so much more to offer. If you plan to be there for a while make sure to visit Lake McKenzie, Daintree Rainforest, the Blue Mountains, and the Kakadu National Park. Don’t worry; there are plenty of fantastic hotels to stay in. Australia caters well for the luxury traveler.