Downunder delight: An outback adventure for the whole family

DOWN UNDER DELIGHT: AN OUTBACK ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Guests begin their trip in Sydney, with a stay at the luxurious Park Hyatt. Sydney offers something to suit all tastes. Families can enjoy fine dining, extraordinary shopping, or just relish in the spectacular beauty of the Sydney Harbour.

While guests may never want to leave Sydney, the next stop at Burrawang in Ootha is equally as stunning. This spectacular working sheep and cattle station is unlike any other, and offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury. It gives guests a chance to experience Australian Outback life in hip and stylish surroundings. Families stay in very swanky cottages modeled on the quintessential Aussie sheep shearers quarters and are lavishly appointed with modern bathrooms, French doors that open to a deep verandah, and a mix of fine colonial antiques and modern artworks. The main homestead includes a formal dining room, billiard room, living room, and an extensive bar and cellar. Guests will be in awe of the vast landscapes and colorful sunsets. While enjoying the scenery and star gazing might be satisfying for some people, the more active can paddle a canoe along the Yarrabandai billabong searching for kangaroos, explore the magnificent Station on quad or mountain bikes, or spend the day fishing. Children especially will enjoy feeding newborn calves and lambs at the Homestead paddock as well as participating in an Aboriginal art workshop. Finish up your day with a traditional Aussie “barbie” with an “okker aussie bushpoet called Truck!"

After five days in the Outback, guests move on to island life. After checking in to the Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, travelers will instantly be struck by the commanding views of both ocean and mountain. Lord Howe Island is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and in order to preserve the rugged volcano peaks, lush forests, and serene lagoons, visitor numbers are restricted on the island, offering the lucky few there an intimate and stylish retreat. Featuring timber floors, white shutters, custom furniture, and oversized rain showers, Capella Lodge offers a luxurious refuge in the pristine and serene natural environment. While on the island, parents and children alike can view the coral reef from a glass bottom boat, canoe in the lagoon, snorkel, or mountain bike. Families can even hand feed the fish that congregate in the shallow waters.

The final stop on the Outback adventure is Southern Ocean Lodge. This brand new property on Kangaroo Island offers style, sophistication, and spectacular vistas. Set back from a cliff above the pounding surf, the lodge provides “jaw dropping” panoramic views. Southern Ocean Lodge was designed to float lightly on the landscape featuring floor to ceiling glass, local limestone, and sleek stainless steel. Each of the 24 suites features a king sleeping area, stylish sunken lounge, outdoor terrace, and a dramatic bathroom with incredible views. Resident naturalist staff is on hand to provide guided coastal adventures, local touring, and interpretive presentations – all included in the room rates. Before heading home, families can also enjoy hiking expeditions, beach fishing, aerial tours, kayaking, surfing, or a treatment at the spa which is situated high on a dramatic cliff.

When this Outback adventure comes to an end, children and parents alike will want to enjoy this voyage all over again.