Coast to Coast... and beyond - Perth, Margaret River, Uluru, Sydney, Lord Howe Island

Overview

Our transcontinental, Indian Ocean to the Pacific, itinerary links Australia’s southwest with the Red Centre and Uluru, Sydney and Lord Howe Island.

Days 1 and 2 PERTH

Check into the Richardson, a luxury boutique hotel close to Kings Park and several trendy restaurants. The weather in this two-strawberrycrops- a year climate should be superb – Perth residents reckon on venturing indoors during their summer only to use the loo! Dress as you would for Southern California, advises one guidebook, then remove one or two garments.

Days 3 to 6 MARGARET RIVER

After picking up your car, you basically point south, driving for three or so hours through mostly flat, parched and uneventful bushland before you hit the jackpot. Margaret River is several things: a river, an arty, foodie little town and a region that looks a bit like a hammerhead and stretches for 100km between a pair of capes. There are two amazing reasons why you’ve come this way. One is the coast, where sensational white sand beaches meet the opal and cobalt waters of the Indian Ocean. There’s scarcely a building to spoil the picture, scarcely a body shadowing the sand. The other reason is wine. The region’s 80 boutique wineries now produce just over 3% of the country’s wine but a quarter of its premium plonk, including its top chardonnays and semifinalist cabernets. You’ll be staying on a small wine estate, Cape Lodge, a 20-room, cottage style property with an excellent restaurant and a 14,000-bottle cellar to contemplate. Your last night is spent back in Perth, ready for a 10 am flight the next day.

Days 7 and 8 ULURU

Fly to Ayers Rock to see Uluru, Australia’s classic natural icon, as well as Kata Tjuta. Longitude 131º is the most exclusive of all the properties within sight and striking range of the Rock. Inspired by some of Africa’s leading bush camps, it is a luxurious, tented resort. Although the fifteen tents are perched on an isolated sand dune, they’re all air-conditioned, with proper windows and a veranda offering uninterrupted views. All touring is included, taking in the magnificent sunrise and the most memorable of sunsets.

Days 9 to 12 SYDNEY

Such are the attractions of this handsome, world class city, from beaches to boat rides on the Harbour, national park walks, hops by seaplane, superb restaurants, Opera House and Bridge climbs, you could spend an entire holiday in Sydney. For your four nights you’ll be staying at the Four Seasons which has recently spent a fortune upgrading its rooms. It also offers wonderful views and a prime location on George Street with the historic Rocks and Circular Quay right on the doorstep. If you do have more time to spare you could include a trip to the Blue Mountains, staying at Wolgan Valley.

Days 13 to 17 LORD HOWE ISLAND

While most of Australia’s tropical Barrier Reef islands are not at their best in our winter, the little known but scenically dramatic Lord Howe Island, which is surrounded by reefs and stunning turquoise seas, is just perfect. Aside from lovely beaches, snorkelling and diving, the island’s UNESCO-listed interior offers some great hiking options. Lord Howe is a two hour flight from Sydney and your accommodation for five nights is the boutique Capella Lodge (see our hotels, islands for details).

Details and Prices

Your accommodation:

2 nights in Perth and The Richardson, room only

4 nights in Margaret River at Cape Lodge including breakfast

2 nights at Uluru at Longitude 131, including all meals and drinks

4 nights in Sydney at the Four Seasons, room only

5 nights on Lord Howe Island at Capella Lodge including breakfast and dinner.

Price from £5160 per person including private transfers, 4 days’ car hire, accommodation as indicated (including breakfast at Cape Lodge, all meals and drinks at Longitude 131º, breakfast and dinner with wine at Capella Lodge), domestic flights.

When to go: October to May.

Suggested extensions

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef

If you have the time to extend your stay in Western Australia you could take a trip up to Ningaloo Reef, home waters of the friendly whale shark, staying at Sal Salis, one of the new luxury tented eco-lodges (3 nights from £1424 per person including return flights from Perth to Exmouth, all meals and drinks and transfers).

Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains

Alternatively, from Sydney, consider an extension to Wolgan Valley, a luxury conservation-based resort in the Blue Mountains (3 nights from £1639 per person, including return transfers and all meals and drinks).