At the likely risk of sounding redundant, this tumultuous year has shown us all to not delay nor to take things lightly. The present is ours for the taking and your Wander List is one to start checking off!
Right before the turn of the Millennium, I decided to take my Lonely Planet, a TB test, and a coveted entry visa to the Land of Oz for one year of my life.
As travel usually lends itself, It was an eye opening, awe inspiring, mind blowing adventure that left me changed…
This soul searching surfer girl found that a bucket list trip achieved makes the salt saltier and the waves tastier.
And I want to make sure you are putting a pin on your dream trip.
Let’s book your trip to Australia Mate! It will be more than worth the wait.
This list is very limited to the wonders of Australia, but highlight some gems in New South Wales, Queensland, and Northern Territory.
Gaia Retreat & Spa, Brooklet, Australia
Just a mere 15 minutes from my Seaside Retreat Byron Bay, this place is bliss. Surrender yourself to the beauty and healing cultures of the multi award winning Gaia Retreat & Spa, nestled in the stunning hinterland region of Byron Bay which quite possibly could have a homing device beneath the service as I could not stay away. Co-owned by Olivia Newton John, you will be singing, “Have you never been mellow” at this healing haven. Gaia offers 25 beautifully appointed retreat-style bungalows, suites, and villas immersed in a subtropical wonderland. A place where service redefines luxury, Gaia celebrates your senses and nourishes your being with grounding spa experiences, fresh organic spa cuisine, morning yoga, and myriad activities. Gaia is one of the most awarded boutique lifestyle retreats in Australia. And did I mention so close to my love?
Longitude 131, Uluru- Northern Territory
This first place I ate grilled Crocodile. Longitude 131° offers an essential experience of Australia’s spiritual heartland offering an immersion in the Outback. Uluru is a sight to see with its ever changing shades of orange and pink. There is a true sense of stillness and beauty in this desert landscape, Luxury tented pavilions float over rusted dunes where classic furnishings meld with indigenous textures. A private glass wall yields unparalleled views of fabled icon Uluru Lounge in the cool sanctuary of the Dune House, relax with an icy drink from the convivial open bar, and dine with spectacular views of the monolith. After a day’s exploring or helicoptering relax in a luxury tent and enjoy Uluru from the end of the bed. Retreat to Spa Kinara or drink in the sunset on Most importantly, venture beyond the lodge to discover the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and connect with the ancient stories of the Aboriginal culture.
Qualia – Whitsunday Islands- Great Barrier Reef
Balmurru Plains, Kakadu National Park
Well not exactly. But this luxurious outback lodge is worth the amazing drive through deep outback. A start in Darwin, my favorite city in Australia, is the gateway to beautiful bush country. The journey is often the destination until you check into Balmurru Plains and then you know you have arrived. Balmurru is a safari lodge situated at the top end of wilderness on the coastal plains of Mary River. Housing only 20 guests in rustic chic bungalows for an immersive experience of abundant crocodiles and magpie geese and NO WIFI connection is the ultimate in the laid back Australian Yobbo life.
If you are interested in visiting the land of plenty, please reach out today to Rachael at How Far Adventures.
