Top Spring Experiences in Australia

Sequoia Lodge and the Adelaide Hills

Home to the verdant Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens, the Adelaide Hills transform into a modern-day Eden come the warm hands of spring. As flowers bloom across the hills, turning the sparseness of winter into a pastel paradise, Sequoia Lodge resides in tranquil splendour, standing watch over Piccadilly Valley. Embark on a journey of flavour within the exceptional dining options on offer at Sequoia, showcasing Coffin Bay oysters, locally sourced forest mushrooms and house made tortellini, paired perfectly with fine wines from the neighbouring Adelaide Hills. Relax in their day spa or take in the view from the heated infinity pool before exploring the hills alongside The Tailor’s local touring group, The Tailor Touring Co. Discover vineyards owned by generations of passionate winemakers, customise your own bottle of sparkling to your tastes, and explore an 1830s village combining traditional European charm with Australian influences.

Red Centre

Enjoy the unique beauty of the Red Centre’s ochre sands and pristine sunsets before the heat of summer creeps in. During spring, you can reside in a luxury wilderness camp that overlooks Australia’s best-known natural icon, Uluru, and indulge in sumptuous simplicity in the middle of the quintessential Australian outback. Here, wild emus traverse over a vibrant desert landscape dotted with native shrubs, sand goannas and thorny devils sunbake in golden rays and wedge-tailed eagles soar overhead looking for the odd hopping mouse to scoop up. Spend your days exploring the cultural significance and areas surrounding the commanding monolith of Uluru, discovering freshwater waterholes and semi-permanent watercourses tucked into its contours. Listen to stories told by First Nations Peoples and resonate with their profound connection and passion for the land. Marvel at the ancient rock art detailed along this artifact before the sun turns it technicolour as it sets – the view best enjoyed uninterrupted and with a glass of sparkling and canapes in hand.

Tasmanian Adventure

A family-owned business run by owner, skipper, and ex-abalone diver Pieter van de Woude since 1998, On Board was built with a deep love and knowledge of Tasmania’s rugged coastal wilderness. Offering journeys to parts of Tasmania’s west rarely seen by visitors and locals alike, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping gently against the hull and wake up to the thundering of a nearby waterfall hissing across the deck. On Board’s personal insights on the land – shared and showcased through shore expeditions on foot to notable locations – combined with the exclusive access they have to lesser-known locations on the water due to their purpose-built vessel, is unlike any other you’ll find in Tasmania. Those travelling to the luxury lodge Saffire whilst visiting can also secure a private charter past Maria Island as part of their larger journey, taking part in the famed Maria Island Walk to traverse from the wilds to white-sand beaches in one of the great walks of Australia.

Private Charter

The allure of the Great Barrier Reef, a natural world wonder beckoning with aquamarine waters and vibrant marine life, cannot be denied even in the depths of winter. Come spring, when the air is warm and the ocean provides a convenient and welcome reprieve, Aroona becomes your gateway to this magnificent marine environment. Sail through secluded sandy isles, explore coral rockpools teeming with colourful fish and enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, diving, and kitesurfing, or participate in citizen science projects. Explore Rain Island, home to the largest green turtle rookery in the world and learn about reef conservation efforts alongside some of the most esteemed scientists in the region. The yacht offers an array of pre-designed and custom itineraries, including seasonal expeditions, catering to both leisurely day trips and extensive explorations of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, and even remote locations like Cape York.

Outback to Reef

From the amber plains of Australia’s outback to the aquamarine waters and technicolour coral of the Great Barrier Reef, take part in the adventure of Mount Mulligan Lodge and the barefoot luxury of Orpheus Island in an outback reef experience primed for the warmth of spring.

Set in the shadow of Mount Mulligan – a grand sandstone monolith ten times the size of Uluru – and residing on 70,000 acres in the outback of Far North Queensland, Mount Mulligan Lodge is the ideal place for a spring getaway. With a tranquil lake reflecting incalculable miles of eucalyptus forest and rocky escarpments painted lilac with the setting sun. Warm nights humming with the chirping of cicadas, the calls of owls and the croaking of amphibians provides the perfect ambiance for gazing at the Milky Way. When the sun is high, kayak on the lake, take an ATV to explore the surrounding forests or wander through an old gold mine town. When the ocean starts to call, indulge in a private helicopter flight over the Queensland outback, Coral Sea and reef to arrive at Orpheus Island.

More than 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares) of protected national park surrounded by the natural world wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is a tropical paradise for those seeking the wonders of pristine, turquoise coastlines. Dive sites around the island boast 1,100 species of tropical fish, encompassing some of the most sought-after reef fish in the world for the avid angler. Hidden beaches and secret coves dot the coastline, providing the ideal location for a gourmet beach picnic and checkered blanket pressed into the sand. Off the water, hike through miles of the island’s dry sclerophyll forest to spot echidnas, lizards, bandicoots and tree frogs before coming to rest at their open-air restaurant serving seven courses of degustation.

Mountain Retreat

An architectural showcase in Queensland’s Scenic Rim – a rolling tapestry of ancient volcanic peaks rising from mist-shrouded valleys, lush rainforests and serpentine rivers – Spicers Peak Lodge provides a tranquil refuge standing watch over this diverse hinterland. Beyond just a sophisticated sanctuary serving up divine paddock-to-plate menus, private outdoor spas and villas perched on the edge of escarpments, the lodge also offers incredible outdoor activities that make the most of the region. Guests can enjoy scenic walking trails and outdoor yoga sessions, campfire canapes and guided stargazing to pass the time. Guides hikes and mountain bikes, Scenic Rim 4WD safaris and nocturnal wildlife walks, gourmet picnics and helicopter flights are also on offer for those looking for more. With days sitting at a comfortable average of 77°F (25°C) in the hinterland, there is no better time to explore this diverse landscape than in spring.