Ultimate Outback Adventure

This honeymoon is perfect for couples who want to get off the beaten path and like to balance romance and relaxation with a good dose of adventure and excitement! Your trip starts in Sydney but you'll only be there long enough to switch planes and make your way to beautiful Lord Howe Island.

The blue lagoon of Lord Howe Island

Famed for its perfect climate and unspoiled coral reef...

this small island is situated in the South Pacific, about two hours by air from Sydney. Lord Howe Island became a World Heritage site in 1982; it contains a rare collection of plants, birds, marine life and exceptional natural beauty. A maximum of only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time, meaning the island is never crowded and there is minimal human impact on the environment. This helps explain why the waters are clear, the beaches pristine, and the wildlife abundant!

Our pick on Lord Howe: Capella Lodge

On the island, you will be staying at the the lovely Capella Lodge. Hosting no more than 20 guests at a time, Capella provides serenity and an unspoiled natural environment while still offering high standards of personal service, fine Australian cuisine, a brand new full-service spa, and a wide array of activity offerings - everything from snorkeling, to environmental tours, to world class fishing... and the list goes on! With five days on Lord Howe, you will have plenty of time to simply relax and enjoy the ocean and mountain views from your suite's expansive outdoor deck, but also partake in the exploration of what has been called "the last paradise."

True adventure in Kakadu National Park

Next stop on your Australian adventure is...

the northern city of Darwin, known for its peaceful, tropical atmosphere. Don't stay up too late though - you will be picked up bright and early the next day by a Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD where you will embark on a 2.5 day safari through another World Heritage area - Kakadu National Park.

Outback wildlife

Highlights include a cruise down the East Alligator River and swimming in the Barramundi Gorge. There will be plenty of stops along the way for hiking, seeing waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and taking in ancient Aboriginal rock art. While in Kakadu, you will spend two nights at the comfortable Gagudju Lodge Cooinda. At the conclusion of the safari, you will catch a charter flight to your next remote location, the Cobourg Peninsula.

Reflecting at Seven Spirit Bay Lodge

Seven Spirit Bay Lodge is located in one of Australia's last true...

wilderness frontiers and the tribal homeland to Aboriginals for over 25,000 years - the protected Arnhem Land region of the Cobourg Peninsula. To be granted permission to enter this vast ancestral land is a distinct privilege - each visitor to this remote area is granted a special permit by the Tribal Elders (arranged by us). The resort is located in the tropical forest, just a few meters from the sea, nestled among the trees, and is designed to be in complete harmony with the environment in a style that is tropical, tranquil and graceful. On hand you will find a variety of guided tours and adventure tours, all designed to let you discover this diverse and fascinating area.

The Ghan – how to see
the Outback up close

Next up is an adventure of a different sort...

Back in Darwin, you will board the famous Ghan railroad for an overnight journey south through the Outback. From your Gold Kangaroo sleeper cabin, you'll have the chance to take in varying landscapes; from tropical Darwin through the sandstone gorges of Katherine and finally to the rusty sands of the Red Center. The Ghan offers several optional off-train touring opportunities during its 4-hour break in Katherine including a boat cruise or helicopter tour of the 25 million year old canyons of Katherine Gorge. While onboard the train, you'll enjoy fine food and wine as you wind towards the heart of the continent - is there a more romantic way to travel?

Uluru, iconic to Australia

Upon disembarking in Alice Springs...

it is just a short flight to Australia's national icon - Ayers Rock (also known by its aboriginal name, Uluru). Here you will spend two nights at the Ayers Rock Resort, a beautiful oasis offering five different accommodations options catering to every possible taste and budget - we'll help you decide which one is right for you. There are many ways to see Australia's most distinctive landmark which is both a sacred site for indigenous people and a sanctuary for wildlife. An aboriginal guide can be arranged to give you an insider's tour. If you are not in the mood for walking, you can also travel by camel! Being at Ayers Rock for either sunrise or sunset is an image you will not soon forget.

Views over Sydney from above

Finally, no trip to Australia would be complete without...

a stop in Sydney. This wonderful city has it all- a gorgeous setting, world class cultural sights, dining for gourmets, and numerous attractions. Your room at the funky Kirketon Hotel is set in one of Sydney's livelier neighborhoods, yet is still close to all the major sights. One in particular is on your agenda - the huge Sydney Harbour Bridge. You aren't merely going to cross this bridge, though, you're actually going to climb it! With the help of BridgeClimb Sydney, which supplies a guide and all the proper equipment, you will make your way over 1,500 meters of steel catwalks, ladders and arches. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of one of the world's most beautiful harbors, an exciting and unforgettable way to end your trip to the land down under!

Who will enjoy this trip:

Couples desiring a more active and adventurous experience without sacrificing comfort. Couples who are interested in nature and native cultures, and who enjoy getting a bit off the beaten path.

Who should avoid this trip:

Couples desiring a more traditional beach resort. Couples who are not comfortable traveling to several different locations in a relatively short period of time.