At the edge of Australia’s spiritual heartland, Longitude 131° offers an extraordinary blend of raw natural beauty and refined luxury. Overlooking the rust-red curves of Uluru, this unique desert retreat immerses you in the stories of the land while delivering the kind of service and style usually reserved for the savannahs of Africa. Think guided explorations by day, dining under the stars by night, and an atmosphere so effortlessly relaxed, it feels like stepping into nature’s own private lounge.
There’s early morning hikes through Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds, dot painting workshops with local Anangu artists, and private sunset viewings of Uluru, complete with canapés and Champagne. Every experience is tailored and expertly guided, so you can engage with the land and culture on a meaningful level.
Dining is just as impressive — a seasonal, produce-driven menu spotlighting native ingredients like lemon myrtle, saltbush, and wattleseed. Meals are served in the Dune House or outdoors under the stars at Table 131°, a signature open-air dining experience complete with fine wines and desert storytelling.
The atmosphere is warm and unfussy, with a team that balances intuitive service with the spirit of exploration. It’s ideal for couples craving something cinematic and soulful — but families with older children (10+) will find it just as special, particularly when staying in the Dune Pavilion, which offers extra space and unforgettable views in both directions.
Longitude 131° sits just outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, with front-row views of Uluru from the moment you unzip your tent. Access is via Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara), just a short drive away, with transfers included. While it feels completely off-grid, the experience is effortless from arrival — you’re immediately immersed in the rhythm of the land, guided by Indigenous storytelling, expert hosts, and endless desert horizons.
With just 16 tented pavilions, Longitude 131° reimagines the safari lodge through a uniquely Australian lens. Interiors are a nod to early explorers, blending contemporary comfort with artefacts and artworks from First Nations communities. Expect floor-to-ceiling glass, private terraces with gorgeous fireplaces, and views that stop you in your tracks.
The standout for families or couples wanting extra space? The Dune Pavilion — the only accommodation at the lodge with dual views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, plus a private plunge pool and separate living space. It’s a top pick for those wanting complete privacy without missing a moment of the magic.
The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for outdoor excursions. Expect warm days and cooler evenings — perfect for campfires and stargazing.
Children aged 10+ are welcome. We recommend The Dune Pavilion for families, thanks to its larger layout and private amenities.
Virtually everything — from à la carte dining and premium wines to daily guided tours into the national park. Signature experiences include sunrise walks at Kata Tjuta and sunset drinks overlooking Uluru.
Relaxed and practical — this is barefoot luxury at its best. Bring walking shoes, neutral layers, and something cosy for evening dining under the stars.
Secluded, soulful, and surrounded by nothing but reef and sea — Lizard Island Resort feels like the edge of the world in the best possible way. Days begin with golden light spilling over the horizon and end with barefoot dinners under star-strewn skies. As the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef, it offers rare access to one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems — 24 white-sand beaches and coral gardens teeming with life, just footsteps from your villa.
Set within a beautifully restored sandstone building in the heart of Sydney’s historic Sandstone Precinct, Capella Sydney brings a new level of quiet sophistication to the city’s luxury scene. Once the Department of Education, this grand heritage building has been reimagined into a serene, design-led sanctuary — where high ceilings, arched windows and heritage details meet contemporary Australian art, warm lighting and intuitive service.
Step aboard one of the world’s greatest rail journeys with Journey Beyond Rail’s Indian Pacific – an all-inclusive, cross-continental experience that redefines slow travel in the best way. Spanning from Perth to Sydney (or vice versa), this is more than just a train ride: it’s a moving window into Australia’s most striking landscapes, from dusty outback plains to the rolling peaks of the Blue Mountains.
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