Arkaba Station Saffire Freycinet
Nestled among the peaks and undulating hills of the Flinder’s Ranges, home to some of Australia’s most spectacular Outback scenery, is Arkaba Station, which dates from 1851. Just ten guests, accommodated in a five-room fully-restored homestead, share this remote 24,000-hectare private wildlife conservancy, which is dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and birds. Arkaba offers the quintessential Aussie outback scene: craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red gum trees, endless open spaces accessible by a stable of horses, classic home cooking and a cast of characters there to host, entertain and teach.
Book ahead for the Coachman’s Cottage, which is separated from the main house and comes complete with 500-thread count linen, air conditioning and a spacious ensuite, and wake to views across the Elder Range and the sing song of flocks of galahs, before spending a day exploring the outback by 4x4, horseback, or mountain bike, spying red and grey kangaroos, rock wallabies and emus along the way. Finish the evening with storytelling over a gourmet meal, a swim in the infinity edge pool or a digestif in the library. Active types can even tackle the Arkaba Walk, an all-inclusive 45km four day hike (the season begins in March) through the stunning Outback landscape. arkabastation.com
A jewel on Tasmania’s rugged east coast, this modern luxury lodge overlooks the Hazard Mountains and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, showcasing some of Tasmania’s most beautiful landscapes. The property features just 20 luxury contemporary suites, each of which boasts stunning views, 1,000-thread count linens, customised mini bars, flatscreen TVs and furniture by Charles & Ray Eames and Herman Miller.
Guests can enjoy the best of local produce, including Tasmanian salmon, rock lobster and King Island cheese, in the Palate restaurant, indulge in exclusive spa treatments created by celebrity facialist Marionne De Candia, delve into the untouched wilderness that wreaths the lodge, or while away the afternoon in the bath tub, complete with views to postcard perfect Wineglass Bay.
A range of activities are included in the lodge’s tariff, including visits to a Freycinet oyster farm, walks around Wineglass Bay, trips to local wineries, bird watching and kayaking through Pelican Bay, dry fly fishing at one of Tasmania’s great wilderness properties, Currawong Lakes, and even cooking classes with the lodge’s culinary team. The property also recently launched a new complimentary tour of Waubs Harbour Distillery, a former oyster hatchery turned single malt producer set on the edge of the ocean at Bicheno. saffire-freycinet.com.au