Sponsored by Phil Hoffmann Travel
Posted by Nicole Edwards on 5 June 2020
Australia is full of hidden secrets, little gems and private oases and we have curated a list, of the best secrets we know. From private islands to extraordinary bush experiences, this list will have you planning that Australian getaway before you even reach the bottom of the page. Dive in; enjoy the romance of a weekend away and indulge, in all that our beautiful country has to offer.
Australian Capital Territory:
Kimo Estate
Find luxury stays nestled into the hills of a working sheep and cattle farm situated 10 mins from Gundagai, a 1 hour and 50 minute drive from the Capital of Canberra. Picture this… you’re sitting in your own private woodfire hot tub, watching the day come to an end, a glass of local wine in hand and the rolling green pastoral hills of Gundagai span as far as the eye can see. This is the experience you can expect when staying in the one of a kind Sweeny Hut! Dotted across the property are three intimate and unique eco huts, perfect for a couple’s getaway and a romantic escape. Moving towards the homestead you will find two cute original property cottages and a group accommodation option within the refitted shearing shed. Commonly utilised for boutique and intimate weddings the property can sleep up to 32 people, with a venue capacity of 200 guests.
Venture, from the warm embrace of your in-room woodfire combustion heater and find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the Gundagai region. With wineries and breweries within a stone’s throw and indulgent dining experience a plenty, you will find yourself spoilt for choice at every turn. Explore further and set off on a helicopter adventure to the wine regions of the Snowy Mountains or take off on a horse-riding trek discovering the hills of the Kimo Range.
Northern Territory:
Bamurru Plains
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary bush experience of the coastal floodplains of the Top North. Discover the wild wilderness of luxury, at the exclusive Bamurra Plain Safari Lodge, situated on 300 square kilometres of rural floodplains and savanna woodlands of the Mary River and sitting on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Watch in awe as the wildlife encompasses you, set off on a water safari searching for crocodiles, wake up to the wild call of the Magpie Geese or venture out of camp on a guided walk and game drive searching for brumbies, buffalo, dingos and wallabies.
Be captivated by the untamed wonder of the Top End, settle in for the night in your private bungalow safari tent. Feel close to nature and immersed in your surroundings with the one-way view tent mesh walls, you can see out from the inside, but the outside cannot see in, allowing the sounds of the wild to permeate.
Queensland:
Saltbush Retreat
Indulge in the rustic romance of a rural Queensland farm stay, located in Longreach this unique stay is your perfect base for an Outback getaway. Within walking distance of the town centre, you will be close to the local highlights of the Qantas Founders Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Explore a little further and take to the sky on a scenic helicopter flight, gain a new understanding of the flat wide plains of the outback and discover the picturesque waterways.
Stay in one of the three unique farm stay accommodations and feel a sense of luxury mixed with rustic charm. The Homestead Stables will take you on a trip back in time, the mixture of stone, timber and rammed earth throughout the rooms sets the tone whilst the plush linens remind you of the modern luxuries. Connect with the outback past in a Slab Hut, designed around the traditional buildings of the early settlers these private cabins offer privacy and an authentic experience with all the modern luxuries. Access to the beautiful exclusive outdoor bath terrace is a treat to guests who can experience the touch of nature, bathing on the open deck in a vintage claw foot bath. Surrounded by farmlands this retreat will show you the Outback in style.
New South Wales:
Lilypad Palm Beach
The epitome of isolation and escape is Lilypad Palm Beach, look no further than this floating, full-service villa for your next getaway! Wake up to the sun rising over the hill of Barrenjoey Head, journey to shore to explore the beauty of Palm Beach. Spend your day exploring and picnicking on private beaches with the freedom of your own private tender boat or relax on your private seaside deck and indulging in the onboard all-inclusive wine cellar. Set your day with intent, the intent to pamper that is, with an in-home private day spa at your beck and call. Have your meals prepared offsite and delivered by Lilypad’s head chef, or treat yourself to a dinner out, back on the land, all dining is included in your personalised package, and a chauffeured boat transfer will deliver you right to the door.
Victoria:
The Kilnhouse
Three unique homes make up the Kilnhouse family, all are situated amidst a working Angus Cattle stud, Alpine Angus. Located in the fertile Ovens Valley in Victoria’s High Country, you will find an abundance of top-quality ingredients, passionate and talented brewers, winemakers and producers all within a short venture from the property. Whether it’s sophisticated dining, contemporary bistros and delicious pub fare, cellar doors, or craft beer you are after, the North East has your taste buds covered. Not only is Kilnhouse located on a working cattle farm it is also home to a small batch winery offer guests local tastes of Prosecco, Verdehlo, Vermentino and Tempranillo wines. Enjoy a glass or two whilst lying in the window seat, taking in the afternoon sun and looking out over the boutique rows of vines.
Stay in one of the three different kiln houses and experience a step back in time, indulged with opulence of luxury. Cavedon’s is a three-bedroom house, perfect for family getaways or groups, with two separate living areas created from the original farm kilns, featuring polished concrete floors with washed grey pine accents and one of the best window seats in the region. Chinaman’s is a modern 2-bedroom stay, built inside one original farm kiln, experience elegance with a generous living space, soaring ceilings, and accents of pale washed timber. The master of the three homes is the Sorting Shed, built as an expansion of the original tobacco drying room, a commanding two-storey concrete structure with a luxurious interior. The two wood-burning fires, a separate den and an in-house sauna make The Sorting Shed a perfect adult retreat.
South Australia:
Cadole Avalon @ The Vineyard
Set on the edge of The Vineyards western Shiraz block is Cadole Avalon, a boutique stay away from the hustle of everything. The Cadole floats effortlessly at the vine canopy level, immersing you in the surrounds and effortlessly allowing you to escape. Perfect for a weekend getaway, this romantic guest house offers exclusive access to ultimate luxury. Inside, experience the comforts and nostalgia of a crackling wood fire, set to warm, and create an ambience second to none in the cooler months. Step inside the bathroom and find the rainwater-fed shower with the most exceptional view!
Situated in the beautiful South Australian wine region of McLaren Vale you will not be short of exciting escapes during your stay. Venture down to the sea, only a 10-minute drive from the pristine shores of Willunga. With a bunch of award-winning vineyards and cellar doors dotted around this region, you could spend the entire weekend wining and dining the days away. Before retreating to your very own piece of paradise.
Western Australia:
Mile End Glamping
Tucked away from it all, by a little creek in the town of Yelverton you will find the ultimate off-grid escape! Located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia this ultimate glamping stay encompasses the beauty of the Australian bush, and the huge windowed geodesic dome welcomes that feeling inside. Picture yourself, watching the world go by as kangaroos bounce past in the shrubs below or wait for nightfall and gaze upon the undisturbed glisten, of the Milky Way all from the comfort of your bed. Lie back and relax in your private outdoor spa, soak in the atmosphere of the gossiping native birds as you drift away on a daydream.
Your luxurious glamping experience is only a 15minute drive from the popular towns of Margaret River, Dunsborough and Busselton, you will be spoilt for choice with activities to fill your days. Venture into Margaret River wine country, visit a craft brewery and marvel at the crystal clear beaches and world-class surf breaks that line the coast. Explore the coastal beauty that is Dunsborough, described as one of the most tranquil locations in the world this small seaside town will let you slow down and take in the view. Now off to Busselton to visit the famous 19th century jetty, this wooden pier stretches almost 2 kilometres and if you walk the entire length you will be treated to the most incredible view! The end of the jetty is home to an underwater observatory where life on a coral reef is on view below the surface.
Tasmania:
Satellite Island
If you are looking for isolated luxury Satellite Island, located off the shores of Bruny Island Tasmania is the destination for you. An island surrounded by sheer cliffs that fall into pristine waters and pebbled beaches that are waiting to be explored. Whilst wild shellfish can be found in the ancient rock shelf that circles the Island, quail and native wildlife can be seen foraging ashore. Satellite Island has been kept private from the public and because of this during your stay, the island will be yours alone to explore your own secluded hideaway. The island can sleep up to 8 guests, perfect for a group or family getaway or experience the wild side just the two of you, the choice is yours.
As time stands still and you escape from the hustle of the mainland, enjoy the simple pleasures of life; watching the sunrise over nearby Bruny Island or set over the Southern Ocean; forage for fresh shellfish, shuck wild oysters straight from the sea, dive for urchin, abalone and mussels; swim in the pristine seas; fish at dusk off the jetty and cook your catch over a fire on the pebble beach; sit by a bonfire on top of the island at sunset or lazy by the waters edge on a sun lounge; enjoy a long lunch at the Boathouse by the sea or spend the day beachcombing for sea treasures along the rock shelf walk. There is so much or so little to do on Satellite Island the choice is yours. You won’t want to leave your island paradise, but if you do, beautiful Bruny Island with its gourmet produce, winery, stunning walks, beaches and adventure activities is only a short boat ride from Satellite Island.
