Ultimate North South

6 nights in three inspired lodges across three diverse habitats

From the coastal floodplains and savanna bush of the Top End to the haunting beauty of Uluru and the rugged, pristine coast of Kangaroo Island and the Southern Ocean, this safari encompasses an extraordinary diversity of environment and experience across Australia’s north-south axis.  Prolific wildlife, indigenous culture, spectacular coastal scenery and vast desert night skies are all features of this trip.

Australia’s three leading luxury bush lodges, Bamurru Plains, Longitude 131° and Southern Ocean Lodge have teamed up to offer the ultimate safari from the Top End of the Northern Territory to the Southern Ocean.
 

Day 1 – Bamurru Plains, Top End, 2 nights

• Depart from Darwin by ch arter flight and head to Bamurru Plains, a little over 20 minutes away. On arrival at Bamurru’s Airstrip you will be met by a guide and your transfer to the Lodge will take about 15 minutes.
• During your 2 nights at Bamurru Plains all meals and drinks from the bar are included, as are Airstrip transfers and scheduled activities - airboat safari, guided walking, boating on the Sampan River and guided wildlife drives.

Bamurru Plains is an exclusive safari camp built on the edge of the Mary River floodplain only a short distance from Kakadu National Park in the Top End of Australia.

Guest accommodation is in nine spacious and cool safari bungalows, each with an en suite bathroom and overlooking the surrounding wilderness.  The central lounge area is the perfect place to relax, there is a well stocked library offering a collection of reference books.  Likewise, the bar is well stocked, and at anytime of the day you may help yourself to a cold beer, a chilled white wine or a soft drink.

Bamurru’s chef prepares delicious meals which are shared around a communal table with your fellow travellers, hosts and guides. Lunch is often served on the deck, perhaps a BBQ, cooked as you refresh yourself in the swimming pool.

This area is known for its wildlife and wallabies, dingoes, brumbies, buffalo and goannas all make regular appearances, however it is the prolific birdlife that makes this area a unique nature attraction. 

A typical day at Bamurru may begin with an early morning coffee and muffin being delivered to your room as the sun rises. Climb aboard the airboats for an excursion across the flood plains, spotting crocodiles and startling the Magpie Geese into flight.  Stopping in a quiet lagoon, shaded by paperbark trees and surrounded by lilies enjoy morning tea before returning to camp as the sun heats the day.  

Now there is time for a siesta, a swim, to read a book or quiz your guide for more information on this remarkable place.  Lunch is followed by an afternoon activity, perhaps a guided walk or a gentle cruise down the Sampan River, spotting crocodiles sunning themselves on the mud flats. Return to the camp in the evening and share dinner with your fellow travellers, guides and hosts.

Day 3 – Longitude 131°, Uluru, 2 nights

• Transfer by charter flight to Darwin Airport.
• Transfer by road from General Aviation Terminal to Darwin’s Domestic Terminal
• Flight: Darwin to Alice Springs (not included)
• Met by your guide at Alice Springs Airport for a private 4 hour tour of the town – including highlights will include Anzac Hill, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air and lunch
• Flight: Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (not included)
• Arrival transfer form Ayer’s Rock Airport to Longitude 131° - included during your 2 night stay are  all meals including an under the stars desert dinner, a selection of alcoholic & all non-alcoholic beverages, touring of Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Longitude 131° is surely the ultimate tented camp in Australia and is located in the central desert country near Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).  Each of the 15 individual tents is elevated and lavishly decorated - stone floors are covered in woven rugs, beds are made up with fine linens and feather duvets. Each tent has a view of Uluru as does the large open area in the central part of the camp where guests can relax and watch the changing colours of the rock.

Your guides at Longitude 131° will plan your days to include desert activities such guided walks at Kata Tjuta, an early morning Uluru experience or an ecological walk to learn about the native habitat, flora and fauna, bush food and medicine. For most guests a highlight of their stay is an evening sundowner atop a secluded sand dune, from there you are taken to an exclusive desert setting where dinner is served under a canopy of stars that stretches from horizon to the other. 

During the siesta hour you might like to relax by the pool or in the Dune House where a guest library provides an interesting array of books on local topics.  All meals are included during your stay and the specialty of the house is contemporary Australian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, quality produce. Communal dining in the Dune allows guests the chance to meet their fellow 'campers' and exchange stories of their desert encounters.

Day 5 – Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, 2 nights

• Transfer to Ayers Rock Airport
• Flight: Ayers Rock to Alice Springs (not included)
• Flight: Alice Springs to Adelaide (not included)
• Flight: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island (included)
• Arrival transfer from Kingscote Airport to Southern Ocean Lodge where you 2 night stay is in an Ocean Retreat.  Included at the lodge are gourmet breakfasts, light lunches, four course dinners, selected drinks from the bar and scheduled daily activities such as island touring, beach fishing, cliff top walks with the resident guide and informal lectures

Southern Ocean Lodge provides more than an accommodation experience – expect serenely beautiful guest rooms, captivating coastal views, a sanctuary of comfort, exceptional cuisine based on the islands fresh and innovative produce as well as a high level of intimate and professional service.

Located at Hanson bay on the Island’s south west coast, the Lodge site adjoins the Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer / Kelly Hill National Parks. Set back from a cliff above the pounding surf the design showcases a full frontal panorama and is within easy reach of the Island's major attractions.

The lodge offers twenty-one luxurious suites; your Ocean Retreat (photographed above) features a walk-in dressing area, comfortable king sized bed, sunken lounge, bathroom with shower & free standing bath tub, a separate toilet as well as an outdoor terrace.  The lodge has been designed so that from your living spaces, your shower & tub as well as your bed you will have stunning ocean views.  The ‘little touches include’ complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, heated floors and music system.

Island touring is included and will highlight the marine and terrestrial wildlife of this protected haven.  During your stay you might like to try your luck beach fishing, the chef will be delighted to cook your catch for you.   Cooking lessons focusing on island produce and fresh seafood will be offered and for those in need of a special treat, the signature spa menu will offer a range of traditional and cutting edge treatments.

Day 7 – Depart Kangaroo Island

• Transfer to Kingscote Airport for your departure flight.  The safari ends on arrival in Adelaide.