SOUTH AUSTRALIA

With a backdrop of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba’s 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy is home to a wondrous variety of bird and wildlife and a remarkable conservation story. The 1850’s Homestead has just five guest rooms (all with en-suite bathrooms), and the real luxury at Arkaba is sharing this spectacular landscape and conservancy with just a handful of other guests. Take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound, a guided day or night bushwalk or a safari drive to truly experience the outback and its wildlife.  All meals and activities are perfectly tailored to the guest.

Access: 4.5 hours drive from Adelaide, 3 hours drive from the Clare Valley wine region, 1.5 hours from Port Augusta or a 60-minute private air charter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Bamurru Plains is an exclusive nine bungalow camp offering guests a touch of ‘wild bush luxury’ on the Mary River floodplain, adjacent to Kakadu National Park.
Guests experience personalized guided activities, including airboat safaris, crocodile-spotting and bird-watching tours, fishing trips, four-wheel drive safaris, helicopter flights and guided tours to the rock art galleries of Arnhem Land.

Access: 25 minute flight from Darwin by light aircraft or 3 hour drive from Darwin

Seasonal Closure: 1st December-31st January. Between Feb and Apr Bamurru Plains operates as a dedicated fishing lodge

 

 

 

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Lord Howe is a ‘treasure island’ lost in time, a pristine natural environment of rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests awash with rare plants and birds and serene turquoise lagoons home to a kaleidoscope of marine life. Capella Lodge has nine contemporary beach-luxe suites overlooking Lord Howe’s romantic Lovers Bay, with spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and the island’s two defining mountains. Dining in the Lodge Restaurant showcases a bounty of local seafood and fresh regional produce. Explore rainforest tracks, white-sand beaches, rare wildlife and the world’s southernmost coral reef.

Access: less than 2 hours flight from Sydney or Brisbane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Located on its own seven-acre vineyard in Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region, the ocean and beaches nearby, Cape Lodge is like staying at a private country estate, with all the facilities of a world-class boutique hotel. Designed for couples, there are 22 romantically secluded rooms and suites spread privately throughout the estate. The award-winning restaurant is one of Australia’s finest dining rooms, boasting a 14,000 bottle, cellar and daily changing menu featuring fresh regional produce.

Access: 3 hour drive from Perth, helicopter transfers or charter flights from Perth available

QUEENSLAND

Hidden in the rugged outback of North Queensland, Crystalbrook Lodge, is part of an historic 85,000 acre working cattle station. Catering for just 10 guests in 5 courtyard suites the lodge is an outback oasis of luxury perched over the spectacular 300 acre Crystalbrook Lake. The lodge offers activities for guests from hiking trails, scenic helicopter flights, fishing, bird-watching, photography, all within Crystalbrook station, or excursions to nearby outback town Chillagoe for one of the best pub hamburgers around.

Access: 3 hours drive (4WD) or 45 minute flight from Cairns, helicopter scenic flight from Cairns, Port Douglas or other destinations also available

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The luxury of the El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to its rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top overlooking the stunning Chamberlain Gorge, the homestead offers luxury accommodation for just 18 guests (9 rooms) and tours guided by local experts of the one million acre wilderness park. Take a scenic flight to the World heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.

Access: 90 minute drive from Kununurra or access via private airstrip

NEW SOUTH WALES

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa is located within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve between two national parks in the spectacular bush setting of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains. The lodge has 40 individual suites each with a private swimming pool, distinctive dining, and standalone Timeless Spa. Guests enjoy a range of nature-based activities including nature walks, wildlife spotting and horse riding.

Access: Less than 3 hours by road from Sydney, helicopter transfers also available.

 

VICTORIA

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Lake House sits on the idyllic Lake Daylesford, in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country. Boasting one of Australia’s most revered regional restaurants Lake House is at the heart of modern Australian cuisine. The Lake House’s 35 rooms are individually furnished with original artworks from this culturally rich region. Artists’ studios, boutique day spas and its healing mineral springs, gives Daylesford its sophisticated bohemian feel.

Access: 90 minute drive from Melbourne

 

 

QUEENSLAND

Australia’s northern-most island resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is the only accommodation on the island and truly secluded from the rest of the world.
Stay in one of the 40 private suites, The Pavilion or The Villa and enjoy superb cuisine and indulgent spa treatments. Explore the 24 pristine white sand
beaches, dive or snorkel amongst coral reefs and brightly coloured tropical fish and discover the giant clam garden.

Access: 60 minute flight from Cairns,scheduled and charter flights available

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Located near World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° is a gathering of luxury pavilions overlooking Uluru. The 15 canopied suites have private views of Uluru so guests can enjoy the awe-inspiring changing colours of the landscape as the sun rises and sets. Dine in the desert under a glittering canopy of stars and take an exclusive tour with your guide to discover the authentic outback and indigenous culture of the desert.

Access: complimentary transfers from Ayers Rock Airport

NEW SOUTH WALES

Offering a new style of luxury, the exclusive Pretty Beach House has just four, onebedroom pavilions on the seven and a half-acre property, with guests experiencing all-inclusive, personalized butler service and a superb food programme designed by acclaimed chef Stefano Manfredi. Nestled into the escarpment, high above Pretty Beach on the NSW Bouddi Peninsula, guests will discover private beaches and a tranquil coastal bush setting. Enjoy guided bushwalks, aquatic adventure,spa treatments and cooking classes.

Access: 90 minutes drive north of Sydney or 20 minute seaplane or helicopter flight

QUEENSLAND

Qualia (pronounced kwah-lee-ah), meaning “a collection of deeper sensory experiences” is located on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Qualia has a choice of 60 private standalone pavilions, many with plunge pools and natural outdoor showers. Enjoy waterbased activities from snorkelling and diving the Great Barrier Reef, to sailing the Whitsunday Islands or play a round at Australia’s only island championship golf course, the Hamilton Island Golf Club.

Access: Hamilton Island is serviced by daily direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns

TASMANIA

Saffire, blends barefoot luxury with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Hazards Mountains and pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. Featuring 20 luxurious suites and a day spa, Saffire is a celebration of the art of service, wellbeing, nature and local culinary delights. Hike in the Freycinet National Park, visit Saffire’s Tasmanian Devil reserve, kayak, fish, go bird-watching or don waders for a unique way to discover the delicacy of natural oysters.

Access: 2 ½ hours scenic drive from Hobart and less than 2 hour drive from Launceston

Ningaloo Reef WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The nine luxurious eco-friendly wilderness tents of Sal Salis are just a few steps away from World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks (Apr-Aug). Hidden amongst sand dunes Sal Salis offers a touch of safari style to this remote and beautiful wilderness. Nearby Cape Range National Park abounds with Australian wildlife.

Access: A 2-hour flight from Perth, then a 2-hour drive from Exmouth airport with stops enroute to see local sights.

Seasonal closure: mid-January- mid-March

QUEENSLAND

Silky Oaks is set in 80 acres bordering the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, overlooking the beautiful Mossman River.
There are 36 designer furnished lodges with large spa baths and balconies. The Silky Oaks Safari offers a guided introduction to this ancient rainforest. Add to that, fine dining in a
treehouse, early morning yoga classes, treatments at the Healing Waters Spa, lazy swims in the Billabong or simply enjoy the stunning forest and river vistas.

Access: Just over an hour drive from Cairns Airport and 20 minutes from Port Douglas

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Southern Ocean Lodge is located on pristine Kangaroo Island offering a fusion of nature and luxury. This multi-award winning lodge is regarded amongst the finest in the world. The 21 luxury suites command spectacular views over the Southern Ocean and natural wilderness. Enjoy fine dining on exceptional local produce, and an exclusively South Australian wine selection. Personalised touring allows for extensive exploration of the wonders of the island and close-up wildlife encounters.

Access: Kangaroo Island is a 30-minute flight from Adelaide, or a 90-minute drive from to Cape Jervis followed by a 50-minute ferry crossing to Penneshaw.

Southern Ocean Lodge is a 50-minute drive from Kingscote airport or 90 minutes from the ferry terminal

QUEENSLAND

Spicers Peak Lodge is Queensland’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, located on 8000 acres of private conservation land, and surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park. Stay in one of the ten suites or two private lodges with its own infinity spa. Go bushwalking or mountain biking in a tropical rainforest, indulge at Spa Anise, enjoy outstanding dining at the famed Spicers Peak restaurant or simply take in the endless views.

Access: 90 minutes drive from Brisbane and 2 hours from the Gold Coast

 

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Louise boasts 15 luxuriously appointed suites, each with its own terrace overlooking the vistas of the surrounding vineyards of the Barossa Valley. The daily chef’s tasting menu of the award-winning signature restaurant Appellation has received national recognition and continues to be a magnet for culinary nomads. Private winemaker introductions and other bespoke activities may be arranged for guests.

Access: The Louise is an easy one hour drive from Adelaide Airport and CBD

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Experience luxury on the water aboard the 18-cabin adventure cruise ship True North. An unbeatable way to discover the rivers, gorges and wilderness of the remote Kimberley coastline of Australia. There is an on-board helicopter and 6 expedition boats for daily adventures. An Australian crew of 20 provide outstanding insights to this remote land, personalized service and superb dining for a maximum of 36 guests. Spacious cabins offer modern decor, en-suites, satellite telephones and in-cabin entertainment. You are never short of daily activities which can include scenic walks, fishing, snorkeling, diving, picnics and cultural events.  There is a full range of helicopter tours during the cruise.

The TRUE NORTH continues to be one of Australia’s most highly-regarded tourism experiences and recently again ‘scooped the pool’ at Australia’s Gold List Awards. For the third time in just four years North Star Cruises secured wins in three of the Award’s most coveted categories – Best Australian Adventure Experience, Best Luxury Cruise Company and, Best Cruise Ship (Small). It was another outstanding result especially considering that no other company has won three awards in a single year – North Star previously achieved this market-leading position in 2013 and then again in 2014. The company also won Best Australian Adventure Experience and Best Cruise Ship (Small) in 2015 making the Gold List tally an impressive 11 wins in just four years!!!

Access: Cruises depart Broome or Wyndham (an hour’s drive from Kununurra).  Transfers are included.

North Star 2017 Cruise Schedule FINAL