Since the tender age of 12 year old, a distant land where an abundance of exotic animals roamed wild and free captured my fascination. A place where seascapes sparkled, mountains majestically loomed, and rainforests whispered tales of adventure. This vibrant tapestry of wonder was the enchanting land of Australia, a realm that had ignited my curiosity like a spark in a sunlit forest. Fast forward to adulthood, and my childhood dreams became a reality. My first adventure took me across the world in 2016, where my imagination was eclipsed by the vivid hues of the Australian landscape. Then again, just before the world seemed to pause, in February 2020, I found myself grounded in the sanity saving memories of my second journey to this magnificent place.
Now, I want to share the magic of my dream destination and hopefully inspire your own adventure down under! Honestly, this is a trip I believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. And in this blog, I'm excited to lay out what my ultimate dream trip to Australia would look like if I could plan it all out exactly as I envision it. A journey filled with iconic sights, unique experiences, and a touch of luxury in some truly special places.
At VIP Travel Experience, we pride ourselves on crafting unforgettable journeys that resonate deeply with your heart and soul. Imagine embarking on that bucket list trip that whispers tales of wonder and leaves an indelible mark on your life's canvas. Here's a glimpse of what we love curating just for YOU. It's a mix of luxurious comfort, breathtaking natural wonders, and unique, personalized experiences.
Timing Your Trip and Flight Down Under
When you're dreaming of your own Aussie escape, a little planning goes a long way! While Australia boasts year-round appeal, if you're wondering about the best time to embark on this adventure, we suggest the shoulder seasons of October, November, and March through May. Because it is south of the equator, their seasons are flipped, so these months offer pleasant temperatures but fewer crowds compared to their peak summer season.
Now, I completely understand the flight can seem like a hurdle depending on where you're coming from. The good news is that there are direct flights from cities like LAX, SFO, and DFW daily to Sydney and Melbourne. The quickest jaunt is from LAX to Sydney. West Coast cities are looking at around 15 hours to Sydney, with Melbourne being just another hour or so beyond that.
Trust me, the adventure that awaits on the other side makes those hours in the air completely worth it! However, with numerous international flight options available to major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, that time in the air melts away the moment you step onto Aussie soil and that incredible adventure begins. Many find Melbourne a fantastic starting point for their exploration, offering a vibrant introduction to the Australian spirit.
Arrival to Melbourne Magic - 3 Nights At Langham
My Aussie adventure choice of arrival would kick off in Melbourne. There's just something about this city. The way history blends with this vibrant street art scene is so cool. And the surrounding areas? They're simply incredible, especially the Yarra Valley, where indulging in local wines and delicious food is an absolute must. Then, a complete must-do for me is the Phillip Island tour to witness the adorable penguin parade. Also beginning your adventure with a luxurious stay at The Langham Hotel in Melbourne provides a fantastic and vibrant introduction to the wonders of Australia.
Off to Uluru - 2 Nights At Longitude 131
Next up, it's time to head to the heart of the Outback and experience the iconic Uluru. And if I'm dreaming big, I'm picturing a stay at Longitude 131. Imagine a luxury glamping safari lodge right in the middle of it all. Waking up to the sunrise painting Uluru in these incredible hues, or falling asleep under a blanket of stars. It sounds absolutely stunning. Pure bliss!
Daintree Dreaming - 3 Nights At Silky Oaks
For the intrepid side of me, the Daintree Rainforest is calling! I'd love to immerse myself in that lush, ancient world, and a stay at Silky Oaks sounds like the perfect way to do it. This part of the trip would definitely involve some adventure. A full-day exploration of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation is a must, followed by a day to just relax and soak in the resort's tranquility. And then, an adventure day exploring Mossman Gorge, taking a river cruise, and stopping at the stunning Rex's Lookout on the way back – that sounds like my kind of day!
Whitsundays Wonder - 3 Nights At Qualia or Lizard Island
If the sea is calling my name, the Whitsundays are where I need to be. That sun-drenched beauty just screams paradise. To really indulge, a stay at Qualia or the exclusive Lizard Island sounds incredible – a slice of private island heaven. And of course, diving or snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef is non-negotiable. A full day on a private yacht exploring those underwater treasures? Sign me up! The other day would be all about soaking up the resort amenities and just unwinding in that stunning setting.
Sydney's Grand Finale - The Langham & Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo
My Aussie journey would culminate in the vibrant city of Sydney. For a classic city experience, The Langham offers that elegant, central location. But for a truly unique experience, especially if traveling with family, a split stay with a couple of nights at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo sounds absolutely incredible. Imagine waking up to views of iconic Australian animals right outside your window! In Sydney, I'd want to do it all – seeing all of the iconic sites, maybe even brave the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb at night. A private yacht day exploring Bondi and Manly beaches with lunch on the coast sounds like the perfect way to soak up the Sydney lifestyle. And to add a touch of something different, a full-day adventure out to the winelands, complete with a private pearl farming experience where you might even get to keep your harvest? That's the kind of unique memory I'd treasure.
So there you have it, a little peek into my ultimate Australian dream trip. It's a place that has held a special piece of my heart for so long, and with the VIP treatment and expertise of VIP Travel Experience, turning this dream into a tangible adventure is absolutely within reach. I can't wait for the day I can experience all of this again, and perhaps, with the help of VIP, I'll even see you down there!