Start saving to experience one of these incredible safari stays in Australia

Australia is not the first place that comes to mind when you think about luxury safaris. Australia offers a variety of wilderness experiences that you will never forget. Here are our top picks.

Bamurru Plains in Kakadu, Northern Territory

Kakadu has a rich history and is a magical place in Australia. Bamurru Plains is a lodge that offers luxury and access to this magical wilderness. It is built and operated in a way that is as environmentally friendly as possible. It brings guests into the worlds of magpie geese, herons, and jabiru, as well as thousands of other species of wetlands. Bamurru’s ten safari camp rooms are free of distractions like TVs and phones, allowing them to focus on the luxuries they offer, such as super-comfortable mattresses and high-quality Australian food and wine. There are many activities to choose from, including fishing trips, crocodile tours, and guided tours in Arnhem Land’s ancient galleries of rock art.

El Questro Homestead, Kimberley, Western Australia

Over 65,000 First Nation Australians live amongst ancient red rocks in the Kimberley; it’s a place that is both culturally and geologically old. You’ll truly feel like you have found the “soul” of Australia. El Questro Homestead is perched on the edge of a green lawned clifftop in the middle of 700,000 acres. It offers a luxurious experience within this wilderness. It provides a range of experiences led by rangers while still offering top-notch accommodation, food, and wine. You can spot rock wallabies, Johnston’s Crocodiles, also known as freshwater crocodiles, in the 3km long (1.8 miles) freshwater hole at Chamberlain Gorge. The next day, you may see dancing brolgas or rare Gouldian Finches among the other 100 bird species.

Saffire in Freycinet National Park (Tasmania)

Freycinet is Tasmania’s oldest and most significant national park. If you want to experience the amazing flora and fauna of Tasmania without sacrificing comfort, book a stay in Saffire. The architecturally stunning resort is nestled in densely forested Coles Bay. You can also enjoy complimentary experiences such as guided walks to Wineglass, other stunning bays, and the Capes in the area, or encounters with endangered Tasmanian Devils.

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef offers one of Australia’s best wildlife experiences: swimming with whale sharks. Stay at Sal Salis for a few nights and enjoy the unbroken view of the Indian Ocean shore and the world’s biggest Heritage-listed fringing coral reef. The whale sharks, which can grow up to 12m long (39ft), are at Ningaloo from mid-March until July. They’ll swim peacefully with visiting divers as well as turtles, dugong rays, and dolphins who also live in the area. From June to October, thousands of humpbacks migrate from Antarctica. You may be able to see one breaching during breakfast at the central lodge if you keep your eyes on the waterline.

Lizard Island Lodge, Lizard Island, Queensland

What Australian bucket list is complete without the Great Barrier Reef? What better place to view it from than Queensland’s northerly luxury resort, located on tropical Lizard Island? 24 blissful, almost unspoiled beaches surround the remote island. It’s only a short flight away from Cairns and has 1000 hectares worth of national park. Many private villas and suites are located just steps away from the beach and, beyond that, the reefs. You can snorkel right from the beach, or you can take the dive ship MV Serranidae and see the larger reef and the colorful reef fish and cod that live there.

Arkaba, Flinders ranges, South Australia.

Imagine a select few guests enjoying 60,000 acres in South Australian wilderness while savoring luxury. Arkaba Homestead is a former sheep farm dating back to the 1850s. The preservation of its historical beauty hasn’t hindered its development. Quality beds, air conditioning, a wet edge pool, and fine food are served on the verandah using an old wool class table. You can spend your time with activities such as walking along Arkaba Creek or 4WD safaris through the Flinders Ranges National Park and cultural tours led by a local Adnyamathanha guide. The Milky Way is visible in the desert at night. It’s one of the most spectacular views you will ever see. Be prepared to be amazed.

Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree River Queensland

Far North Queensland has the Daintree National Park at the top of its list. It’s over 1200 sq km of rainforest that is Heritage-listed. The park is a treasure trove of Indigenous culture and natural wonders. The luxury treehouses at Silky Oaks Lodge are the perfect place to start exploring the Mossman Gorge River. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park. You can enjoy heritage walks led by Kuku Yalanji, the traditional custodians of the area, sunrise yoga sessions to native bird songs, and guided three-to five-hour walks in the Daintree, where you will see wildlife such as treefrogs and snakes.