Top 5 Wilderness Holiday Destinations in Australia
By Karen Cooke

Visitors from around the world are lured to Australia and its vast untouched wilderness regions, from sweeping desert landscapes to dense tropical rainforest, to the reef teeming with fish and everything in between. Diverse ecosystems which support unique wildlife, together with a rich aboriginal culture, combine to create an experience like no other. Far from the frenetic bustling of the city, you will find peace in the rhythm of this ancient land and be revived by its raw beauty.

Discover Australia's spectacular natural wonders, in world class comfort, at one of these top five luxury wilderness holiday destinations.

1. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island truly is a jewel of the Pacific, a pristine haven which feels a thousand miles from civilisation and yet is only a two hour flight from the Australian East Coast. Allow your cares to float away in its crystal lagoon or venture further from the beach to discover a captivating underwater realm in the world's most southerly coral reef. Meander through palm and banyan forests or hike Mt Gower. You can fill your day with adventure or do nothing but relax.

Amongst all this natural beauty, you can also enjoy the pampering of a 5 star resort. Lord Howe Island Arajilla Retreat is an exquisite sanctuary where spa treatments rejuvenate the body while the magic of the island revitalises the spirit.

2. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

There are many ways to access one of the great natural wonders, the largest coral reef system in the world. For a truly exceptional Great Barrier Reef luxury holiday, consider combining reef cruising with a stay at one of the many premier island resorts.

Small ship cruises allow you to leisurely explore the reef, pausing to swim, snorkel and dive at all the best locations, and go ashore on remote island beaches. For those seeking a more exclusive destination, Orpheus Island is a natural paradise offering unrivalled service and seclusion. Located within its own National Park, the 5 star resort accepts no more than 42 guests at any one time and is free of such intrusions as telephones, televisions, day-trippers or children under 15. From this blissful base you may wander through the island habitat or dip into the surrounding waters rich with marine life.

3. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory

Far from the teeming aqua waters of the Pacific, Australia's rugged red centre is an entirely different yet no less stunning environment. Here, each experience will create memories to last a lifetime: bath in the kaleidoscope of colours as the sun rises over Uluru; dine under the diamond studded canopy of the desert sky; soak in the astonishing landscape on a luxury tour by airplane, camel or Harley Davidson; learn about this sacred place from the ancestral stories related by your Aboriginal guide.

Award winning Longitude 131 is a luxury wilderness camp located in the sand dunes alongside the dual World Heritage listed Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Parks. As one of only 30 pampered guests, your time here is guaranteed to be beyond extraordinary.

4. Kimberley, Western Australia

Broome, a multicultural coastal town in the north of Western Australia, is the gateway to some of the most remote and breathtaking wilderness in the world. Your Kimberley luxury holiday can be as adventurous or relaxed as you wish it to be, from outback camping by four wheel drive, to scenic flights with station stopovers, to leisurely cruises through colourful gorges. Beyond the wondrous landscape stretching to the horizon in every direction, highlights include swimming in turquoise gorge pools beneath cascading waterfalls and Aboriginal guided tours.

5. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

The Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, one section of the larger Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, is a thrilling landscape encompassing jagged mountain peaks, icy streams, ancient rainforests and glacial lakes. This is the starting point for the world famous wilderness walk, the Overland Track. However, the beautiful vistas can be equally appreciated from the comfort of Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge where log fires, cosy cabins and fine dining only enhance your experience of the magnificent surroundings.