It's a great time for us to start planning your trip to Australia. If you travel in our fall or winter, you will be there for their spring or summer. This is a wonderful time of year to visit!

The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa (photo credit The Byron)

BYRON BAY: THE BYRON AT BYRON RESORT & SPA

Byron Bay is bordered on one side by beautiful coastline and the other by magnificent rainforests and is ideally positioned as a centre for relaxation and activity. Situated at the easternmost point in Australia, this stylish coastal village enjoys a subtropical climate with clean air, crystal clear water and pristine beaches. In today’s hectic world it also offers a chance to escape from the mundane and immerse yourself in wellness activities such as yoga and meditation or simply chill out on the beach. Those wanting to experience the natural surroundings can partake in activities such as kayaking with the dolphins, snorkelling and scuba diving or head inland to discover world heritage national parks and lush rainforests. While the adventurous can try tandem skydiving, horse riding along the beach, hang gliding or windsurfing. Surfing is also popular and the beaches in Byron Bay offer some excellent options, even for beginners.

Making body scrubs at Spell — Making body scrubs at **Spell**

The local cuisine is superb and cafes, bistros and award winning restaurants abound. The retail experience is uniquely Byron, with local artisans, and crafts people supported in a diverse range of outlets alongside internationally renowned brands. You can browse the local markets or visit one of the surrounding villages, such as Bangalow, which has a sophisticated yet rustic vibe. The area truly does offer something for everyone from great surf to peaceful rainforests and luxury experiences to spiritual development.

A quick helicopter ride takes you to Orpheus Island Resort — A quick helicopter ride takes you to **Orpheus Island Resort**

GREAT BARRIER REEF: ORPHEUS ISLAND RESORT

There’s a reason the Great Barrier Reef appears on so many bucket lists. This immense natural phenomenon – so colossal it can be seen from outer space – is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. From getting up close and personal with the abundant marine life to taking in spectacular views of the reef by air, the list of incredible experiences to be had in this area is almost endless. The palm-fringed Whitsunday Islands are an ideal base station – although they’re so marvellous in themselves you may find it difficult to leave!

Photo Credit: Thala Beach Nature Reserve. — Photo Credit: **Thala Beach Nature Reserve.**

PORT DOUGLAS: THALA BEACH NATURE RESERVE

A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town, and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.

The rooftop bar. (photo credit Mayfair Hotel)

ADELAIDE: MAYFAIR HOTEL

Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, Adelaide is today better recognized for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries. It enjoys a vibrant night life and live-music scene plus there’s plenty of shopping (including gorgeous opals) to be done, and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history, take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.

The Sky House at Lifetime Private Retreats (photo credit Pedro O'connor of Epic Private Journeys) My relationships with award-winning suppliers will ensure that you have a trip of a lifetime. — The Sky House at Lifetime Private Retreats (photo credit **Pedro O'connor of Epic Private Journeys**) My relationships with award-winning suppliers will ensure that you have a trip of a lifetime.

KANGAROO ISLAND: LIFE TIME PRIVATE RETREATS

Kangaroo Island, just 16 km off the South Australia's southern coast, is one of Australia's most enchanting natural wilderness destinations.

Specializing in hand crafted luxury accommodation, Life Time Private Retreats offers four spectacular holiday houses – The Sky House, The Cliff House, The Settlers Homestead and Sheoaks where you have the option to stay at the House Only Accommodation or the all-inclusive House and Dining package.

Each of the private houses are nestled in stunning coastal locations of natural beauty and have been lovingly renovated by three generations of the Holden and Hannaford family whose origins have evolved from leading restaurants, special events and entertaining.

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE: KANGAROO ISLAND

Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands spectacular views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxury. It's location, stunning views, contemporary environmental design, locally sourced food and beverages, personalized interpretative activities and modern wellness spa ensures a memorable experience.

PARK HYATT SYDNEY: SYDNEY

Seated majestically on one of the world’s most beautiful harbors, Park Hyatt Sydney perfectly personifies contemporary harborside luxury with its coveted location between the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Reminiscent of an exclusive harbor-side residence, Park Hyatt Sydney offers intimate surroundings with architecture, art and design that reflect the Australian landscape. Highlights include 155 spacious guestrooms and luxurious suites with contemporary interiors and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies, 24-hour butler service and a day spa with rooftop pool and sundeck. For a truly memorable Australian stay, Park Hyatt Sydney is an ideal choice.

Let's get you over to Australia, one of the world's greatest destinations. As an Aussie Specialist, I'll make sure you are in the best of hands. Reach out to me here.