Australian Luxury Vacation: Reef to Reef Adventure
Discover Australia’s most magnificent natural attractions in 5-star luxury. Begin your journey on a private island where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef with no one else in sight. Jet over to Ningaloo Reef to swim with the whale sharks, then indulge in an epic food and wine adventure in Margaret River.
At a Glance
- 4 nights Lizard Island
- 1 night Cairns
- 3 nights Ningaloo Reef
- 1 night Perth
- 5 nights Margaret River
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Walk the most scenic sections of the famous Cape to Cape Track with exclusive, guided experiences that combine luxury accommodation with gourmet dining at award-winning wineries. Enjoy private chef dinners, Aboriginal cultural encounters at Ngilgi Cave, and premium wine tastings that are unavailable to regular visitors.
Special Access
Experience the Great Barrier Reef and swim with whale sharks—the gentle giants of the ocean—from the comfort of unique, ultra-exclusive luxury lodges. Skip the crowded day trips and long boat transfers, instead enjoying unparalleled access to two of the world’s most spectacular marine environments.
Unique Stays
Retreat to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, where luxury tented accommodations provide an authentic wilderness experience in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. This exclusive eco-camp offers unique access to both coral reef snorkeling and outback wildlife encounters.
Insider Tip
Shannon, Sales and Marketing Champion
While staying at Sal Salis, be sure to take their nature walk to see the Black Footed Wallabies and Kangaroos. Enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach and just enjoy being unplugged for several days.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 20+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip to Australia a reality!
Lizard Island
Luxury Island Resort at the Great Barrier Reef
Pictured:Beaches of Lizard Island
Day 1: Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef
Welcome to Australia! Fly into Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll be met at baggage claim and escorted to your scenic flight over this magnificent natural wonder. Watch the reef unfold below in countless shades of blue and green, taking in the full scale of this World Heritage marvel before landing on Lizard Island, your luxury resort home located directly on the Great Barrier Reef itself.
Overnight: Lizard Island (Lizard Island Resort)
Day 2-3: Reef Paradise at Your Doorstep
These two days unfold entirely at your leisure with unparalleled access to the Great Barrier Reef just steps from the beach—no long boat rides required! Snorkel, dive, or explore the reef from a glass-bottomed kayak among living coral gardens. With 24 private white sand beaches, discover secluded spots for exploration or romantic moments surrounded by natural beauty.
Take out your own private dinghy to explore hidden beaches and snorkeling spots with complete solitude. Back at the resort, enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, gorgeous accommodations, gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and picturesque views of this underwater paradise.
Overnight: Lizard Island (Lizard Island Resort)
Day 4: Cairns Coastal Exploration
Take in the Great Barrier Reef from above once more as you fly back to Cairns. The day is yours to explore this sunny, cosmopolitan coastal city at leisure, perhaps strolling the Esplanade Lagoon or discovering the vibrant markets and tropical atmosphere.
Overnight: Cairns (Flynn Cairns)
Ningaloo Reef
Luxury Eco-Camp | Optional Whale Shark Swim
Pictured: Swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef
Day 5: Ningaloo Reef Discovery
Journey from one end of Australia to the other to explore the wonders of Ningaloo Reef, just off Australia’s western coast. Your destination is Sal Salis, one of Australia’s most remote luxury lodges offering the ultimate wilderness camping experience. This exclusive location features five-star tented accommodations with guided snorkel trips, kayaking excursions, gorge walks, and all meals and beverages included.
From April through October, experience the ultimate thrill of swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean.
Overnight: Ningaloo Reef (Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef)
Day 6-7: Wild Luxury and Whale Sharks
These two days offer complete leisure to enjoy Sal Salis, with whale shark swimming experiences available from April to October. Beyond the coral reef, the coastal dunes and gorges of Cape Range National Park provide amazing wildlife encounters with red kangaroos, dingoes, echidnas, and emus roaming in and around the camp.
Safari guides provide truly immersive wilderness experiences while you enjoy delectable cuisine and a selection of fine Western Australian wines in this stunningly beautiful, remote setting. Snorkeling and swimming are available directly off the beach, one of Ningaloo’s greatest advantages.
Overnight: Ningaloo Reef (Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef) | Meals: All meals and beverages
Day 8: Perth Luxury Layover
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Perth, where your luxurious hotel offers everything you could desire: an enormous resort-style pool, day spa, 24-hour casino, 32 restaurants and bars, and vibrant nightclub for those seeking evening entertainment.
Overnight: Perth (Crown Towers Perth)
Margaret River
Multi-Day Cape to Cape Walk with Nights at a Luxury Hotel
Pictured: Smiths Beach, Margaret River
Day 9: Margaret River Wine Country
Drive approximately three hours along the stunning coast to reach Margaret River, the hidden gem of Australian wine country. Your destination is the heavenly Injidup Spa Retreat, situated on a secluded beach in the heart of the wine region. This true oasis welcomes you with a complimentary bottle of local wine and gourmet breakfast hamper, while your luxury villa features a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean.
Overnight: Margaret River (Injidup Spa Retreat) | Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Cape to Cape Track Begins
Begin your experience on the famous Cape to Cape Track, an absolutely stunning coastal walking trail. This small-group guided tour combines four days of easy, scenic walks with luxury accommodation, gourmet food and wine, and authentic local experiences. Start with a 5.5km walk from Smiths Beach back to Injidup Spa Retreat, including lunch and a refreshing swim along the way.
Later, transfer to award-winning Rusticos @ Hay Shed Hill for a multi-course dinner with Margaret River wine matches—a magical evening of food and wine overlooking the vines.
Overnight: Margaret River (Injidup Spa Retreat) | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Limestone Coast and Aboriginal Culture
After your gourmet breakfast hamper, journey to Cape Naturaliste, stopping at Ngilgi Cave for a mesmerizing didgeridoo performance from one of the region’s Aboriginal Traditional Owners. Walk 14km along the limestone coastline from Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup, with famous surf breaks visible from the clifftops.
After relaxation at your villa or perhaps an indulgent spa massage, meet your group for sunset drinks on the clifftop before enjoying a quiet evening with your gourmet dinner hamper and wine.
Overnight: Margaret River (Injidup Spa Retreat) | Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 12: Karri Forest Grandeur
Today’s walk showcases the most stunning section: 13.5km from Redgate Beach to Boranup karri forest, with gourmet lunch hampers on the track. Marvel at towering karri trees and jaw-dropping views from clifftops above pristine Conto Beach. Return to the retreat for relaxation before a private chef and local winemaker meet you in the lounge, showcasing exceptional local produce over a three-course dinner paired with amazing local wines.
Overnight: Margaret River (Injidup Spa Retreat) | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13: Clifftop Finale
After one last gourmet breakfast in your villa, transfer to Moses Rock for your 8km walk to Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. Witness wild Indian Ocean waves crashing into granite rock formations with turquoise hues standing out against orange rock. Complete your walking adventure with a well-earned lunch at award-winning Wills Domain winery, enjoying four courses with premium wine matches overlooking vines and the Gunyulgup Valley—a fitting farewell to Western Australia luxury.
Overnight: Margaret River (Injidup Spa Retreat) | Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 14: Australian Adventure Complete
Your Australian luxury adventure concludes as you drive back to Perth, drop off your rental car, and begin your journey home with memories of two of the world’s most spectacular reef systems and the pristine wilderness of Western Australia.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare