ABEA and IFES sign three-year Strategic Partnership to advance global collaboration across exhibitions and events

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) have signed a landmark three-year Strategic Partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration, education and sustainability across the global exhibitions and events ecosystem.

The partnership establishes a framework for shared initiatives that promote best practice, professional growth and mutual industry advancement, that will bring ABEA’s national agenda in line with IFES’s international reach and expertise.

ABEA CEO, Melissa Brown, said the collaboration with IFES, which is specifically dedicated to the needs of exhibit designers and providers of tradeshows reinforces ABEA’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected exhibitions and event service.

“ABEA members now have access to world-leading sustainability programs and education, including IFES’sBetter Stands initiative. This partnership gives our industry a direct link to tested, globally recognised resources that strengthen professional capability and drive measurable impact,” said Brown.

IFES President, Jörg Zeissig, said the agreement reflects IFES’s mission to support a more sustainable and connected international events community.

“By working with ABEA, we can share knowledge, empower local businesses, and embed sustainability principles that are already improving outcomes worldwide. Together, we’re building stronger bridges between Australia and the global exhibition and event services community,” said Zeissig.

The Strategic Partnership builds on ABEA’s expanding network of international collaborations, ensuring Australian businesses have access to world-class education, sustainability programs and global opportunities for connection and growth.

Key areas of collaboration

Education and professional development: Joint conference participation, mutual access to certification and programs, and exchange of industry knowledge.

Young Leaders Initiative: Jointly support programs such as the IFES Talent Team and ABEA’s Peer XChange, creating opportunities for the next generation of event leaders.

Advocacy and engagement: Align advocacy activities to strengthen the industry’s collective voice and advance sustainable business event practices.

Mutual promotion and membership development: Promote each organisation’s initiatives, events and educational programs, and explore reciprocal membership support.

Communication and visibility: Coordinate joint communications through shared media channels to highlight the partnership’s achievements and industry impact.) is a united force representing the dynamic world of business events. ABEA enhances member’s success and elevates the industry at large through strategic advocacy, research, community development and community.

As a powerful, united voice, ABEA lead advocacy efforts with data-driven insights that quantify the business events industry's impact and influence, shaping informed policy based on the needs of the entire industry. ABEA fosters a vibrant, supportive community that empowers business events professionals at every career stage, providing opportunities for growth, networking, and collaboration.

ABEA: United for real impact.

abea.org.au



The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) is the global representative of national associations and individual companies active in the design, conception, production and show services for temporary structures used at exhibitions and trade shows. It is the only organisation dedicated to the specific needs of exhibit designers and providers of trade show services, representing more than 320 members in 47 countries.



The organisation champions global collaboration, education and gives orientation on sustainability through initiatives such as the Better Stands program and the Net Zero Carbon Events roadmap, advancing excellence and responsible practice within the international exhibitions and events industry.

ifesnet.com


About Melissa Brown, CEO, ABEA

Melissa Brown is a business development and marketing executive who has been driving performance outcomes for multinationals, not-for-profit, SME and start-up organisations for over 20 years. Her work has spanned multiple industries and geographies in core and growth markets, including roles in the UK, USA and Hong Kong.
She played a pivotal role in managing the Australian Chamber of Commerce in London, where she built a significant associate membership and advocacy program through skilful stakeholder engagement.









About Jörg Zeissig, President, IFES

Jörg Zeissig is President of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and CEO of global event services company Holtmann+. With more than 25 years of international experience in trade shows, live events and sustainable production, he has led major projects across Europe and Asia. Under his leadership, IFES has championed global collaboration and sustainability initiatives, including the Better Standsprogram and the Net Zero Carbon Events roadmap, driving measurable progress toward more sustainable exhibitions worldwide.

Linger longer at Luxury Lodges of Australia

We are all just a bit excited about being able to plan and actually travel again. But if truth be told, many of us have that niggly feeling that we are also a little bit out of practice and cautious about the possibility of new frictions in travel. The natural isolation in extraordinary landscapes, the small number of guests at any one time, the all-inclusive nature and ease of engaging in experiences at the Luxury Lodges of Australia is an antidote to some of those concerns.

We have spent considerable time updating and expanding on not only the content that inspires and informs our guests as to ‘why’ they should visit the lodges; but also refining our planning tools and resources to take some of that pressure out of travel in this new era of adventure and discovery. ‘What to do when’, new itinerary suggestions and a wealth of insider knowledge on the right experiences for family travel, travellers seeking higher wellbeing, connection to nature and more. These can all be found on our website.

One of the ways to minimise friction is the good old ‘linger longer’ approach. We have so often heard from guests after a two or even three night stay at a lodge, diving deep into all the wonderful experiences offered, that they wish they had stayed an extra day or two, just to ‘hang out’ at the lodge and absorb the location and the lodge itself. So, take it from them and treat yourself to a longer stay.

Travel With Impact & The Impact Of Travel
For the rising number of guests conscious of the impact - both positive and negative - of their travels, a longer stay is also a way to minimise the footprint created by travel. It also allows for time to connect with some of the many activities that are designed to have a positive impact on the environments and communities in which the lodges operate. Take a look at some of these purpose-driven activities and stories and how they line up with the very reason the destination was appealing in the first place.

TRAVEL WITH IMPACT

Guided Experiences
Safe but adventurous combined with natural isolation has never had greater appeal. There is no better way to explore the vastness and discover the sheer awesomeness and diversity of our continent and landscapes, than with the discreet and expert knowledge of lodge guides and hosts. Guides are the backbone of experiential luxury.

FIND OUT MORE

Aboriginal Australia
Awareness and desire to connect with Country through Indigenous cultural experiences is escalating and the understanding of how our First Nations Peoples have cared for the land over tens of thousands of years has deepened. It is a great privilege to walk on Country with a Traditional Owner, wherever in Australia you travel.

FIND OUT MORE

Safari In Australia
There is no better way to connect wth the sheer diversity of travel experience in Australia than through the lens of a safari - whether it be an outback safari, a reef safari, wildlife safari, food and wine safari…you get the point. Take a look at some of the best lodge-based safari Australia-style adventures.

FIND OUT MORE

Wellness & Wellbeing

Taking time out to relax and especially to connect with nature is acknowledged and revered as one of life's true luxuries and an essential contributor to wellness and wellbeing. For many, wellbeing is a personal practise that travels with them, an expected part of travel, enhanced by travel.

FIND OUT MORE

Safari Days, Starry Nights
Luxury camp, Bamurru Plains, offers a variety of activities to enjoy by day. Cruise on the Sampan River to spot crocodiles, go fishing, explore on a four-wheel drive safari or scenic helicopter flight over the floodplains and coastline. While by night, enjoy the stillness, surrounded by a galaxy of stars.

* Luxury Lodges of Australia Ltd
PO Box 748
Tanunda SA 5352

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

A Time For Australian Travel

As both international and domestic borders reopen and so much of the friction in travel is melting away, it is time to say 'hello' and hopefully soon, 'welcome back'.

We are full of optimism, with a judicious element of caution learnt from the past two years. The lodges are ready to welcome guests. Their natural isolation and small size were always part of their appeal. Now more than ever.

The 19 lodges collectively deliver more than 250 experiences in extraordinary regions across Australia. Plenty of reason to linger longer in each location, to really get under the skin of the place.

Our tip is to plan ahead and below are some great tools and information to assist with finding the right lodge and style of experience, availability, and get a sense of the compelling 'why' to go there, and what to do.

We look forward to welcoming you with wide open minds and hearts to experience our beautiful, safe but adventurous, and incredibly diverse island continent.

EXPLORE

The trusted source for luxury Australian travel experiences and accommodation. This is a collection of the best high-end lodges and camps, located across diverse regions of Australia.

Collectively, the lodges showcase Australia’s extraordinary diversity of place and experience, underpinned by the soft luxuries expected by our guests. Purpose and positive impact is at the core of what it means to be a Luxury Lodge of Australia.

As the world mobilises, an increasing number of travellers and so many of our lodge guests actively seek experiences that allow them to have positive impact while travelling. Positive impact is recognised as a fundamental part of the luxury and privilege of travel. Our guests are interested in and want to be aware of not just sustainable tourism best practices and sustainable operations, but to know that their visit is in some shape or form is an active contributor to environmental preservation and regeneration, and the enrichment and well-being of local communities and cultures.

Purpose and positive impact is at the core of what it means to be a Luxury Lodge of Australia. From leadership in conservation and environmental sustainability; to engagement with Indigenous and often remote local communities, the ‘makers’, skilled craftspeople, local to each region; to the encouragement and support of hundreds of local food and beverage producers; and economic empowerment of regional communities through excellence and sustainable highest quality tourism.

Some of the lodges are recognised globally for their work. As the lodges are owned and operated independently of each other, and operate in vastly different environments, these practises of course cover a wide gamut of activities. Here is a snapshot of these best practise initiatives for each lodge…with a link to further information on each to learn more about both the legacy stories, and the lodge interpretations of the mandatories of sustainable business today.

The lodges are much more than just a (great) place to stay. Delivery of connection to place is key to the purpose of each lodge. Between them the lodges deliver over 250 individual experiences and activities, all created to give guests a genuine sense of place, with the luxury of privileged access. 

Take a closer look »

Luxury Lodges of Australia
PO Box 748
Tanunda SA 5352

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Our Gift To You

It is hard to believe we are nearly at the end of 2021. And 'what a year’ it has been… clearly an understatement for us all.

Our gift to you as we head into holiday season, is a new Luxury Lodges of Australia digital magazine, Lodge Life, housing a collection of insightful and inspiring stories of Australian experiential luxury, and a fabulous legacy reflection from our Chair for the last twelve years, James Baillie.

We pride ourselves in Australia on telling a good story, and the team at Luxury Lodges of Australia has worked with some of the country's best travel writers to bring to you just a few of the stories of our people, our places and our style of experiential luxury – the rest are out there for you to discover and connect with.

As I reflect on so many aspects of the year, there is one thought I keep returning to, is my newly developed, honed and much tested lifeskill of being able to 'flex without frustration’. It is a skill I suspect we will all use to balance the uncertainties we know 2022 will present, with optimism, as we look to a new year, and start to indulge in one of life’s great pleasures, planning travel.

If like so many, you are limping-and-galloping to the end of 2021 and don’t have time to read this yet, do bookmark our Lodge Life digital magazine to read over the holiday season. I hope it brings you joy.

Warm regards,

Penny Rafferty
Executive Officer

START READING

Luxury Lodges of Australia
Luxury Lodges of Australia Ltd
PO Box 748
Tanunda SA 5352

Naturally Isolated in Australia

The Luxury Lodges of Australia are located in diverse and often remote regions of Australia, each with something compelling to ‘do’ and experience, and the ‘stay’ underpinned by all the soft luxuries, intuitive hospitality and high operational standards our guests expect.

By definition, the lodges are naturally isolated, and some of Australia’s most rewarding, and safe, places to visit.

LODGE STATUS AND OPENING DATES

Welcome Back
The lodges are open and opening for business…spring cleaning done early, gardens and grounds and veggie gardens exhibiting nature’s love and seasonal change, and lodge staff keen to get back to doing what they do best… showing guests warm, welcoming and intuitive hospitality.

Gift Vouchers - If the current uncertainty around travel means you just can’t peg a date for a trip yet, or, you want to treat someone special to something to really look forward to, contact us to arrange a gift voucher. Everyone needs a moment of anticipation right now...

THE GIFT OF TRAVEL

Road Trip?
A whiff of nostalgia? Or just itching to get out... the simple joy and freedom of a road trip. There are some wonderful luxury lodge options for drives from just sixty minutes to three hours from our major capital cities.

A road trip is also a great way to meet the many local makers – the small-scale distillers, brewers and vignerons, the oyster growers, farmers and apiarists, the artists and craftspeople; many of whom supply the lodges, and are part of a rich and rewarding experience of regional Australia. Take a look at some of our suggested road trips...

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP

Same face, different place...
We were going to woo you with ideas for a romantic getaway to reconnect... but let’s face it, many of us have had plenty of time with our loved ones for a while now.

But the chance to show a bit of extra love never goes astray, so let us woo you with inspired options for a change of scenery, chef and housekeeper...

PLAN YOUR GETAWAY

Family GatheringsWhat a time for friends and families, to gather for reunions tinged with a renewed appreciation for time spent adventuring together with kindred spirits, and kin.

This is for those with an appreciation for, or simply craving, the kinds of adventures that create incredible shared memories.

FAMILY ADVENTURES

Luxury Lodges Of Australia
The real luxury of our lodges lies in their natural isolation, their wow location and experiences, the small number of guests they accommodate at any one time, and their warm hospitality.

Luxury Lodges of Australia
PO Box 748
Tanunda SA 5352

contact us

A message from our partners at Luxury Lodges of Australia

Image: qualia, Great Barrier Reef Luxury Lodges of Australia

From all of us at Luxury Lodges of Australia, we hope you are safe and finding time to nurture yourselves and your people. While there is still so much uncertainty across many parts of the world, in Australia, we are seeing the first signs that we will be able to return to work, to interact, to travel.

This page is a central point of reference for dates and contacts as the lodges reopen to receive guests: LLOA Lodge Status

This process of reopening will happen over a period of time, from as early as June 2020, but for some, several months down the track, due to seasonal and air access complexity.

But the wait will be worth it.

*Please note, all dates and plans are subject to guidelines and travel restrictions relating to COVID-19 in the relevant jurisdiction. While this page is a reliable guide to assist with planning, the best source of lodge specific information is the lodge direct.

And last but not least, as you start planning, not just dreaming about Australia, the link below on Tourism Australia’s website will give you all the latest on travel alerts and information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on travel in Australia.

https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html

Autumn in Australia…

Autumn in Australia is defined by its kaleidoscope of colour. In the southern countryside grapevines and summer crops give up their fruit and harvest is complete. In the north, the lush rainforest and floodplains and vast Kimberley wilderness emerge from the wet season, rivers and waterfalls full of water and wildlife. In the red centre, long summer days start to give way to cooler evenings under clear desert skies.

DISCOVER AUTUMN ACTIVITIES

Plan a visit...
Australia is not only beautiful, it is big. And while some areas have faced devastating bushfires this summer, almost all of our island continent remains safe to travel and our Luxury Lodges are ready to welcome guests.

Do plan travels in Australia now. It is times like this when the Australian character shines through and you will receive the warmest of welcomes, deepened by the shared experience of our land – a land that we have had a stark reminder is both fragile and resilient – all the more precious to us all.
FIND OUT MORE

Regional Australia
While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Southern Ocean Lodge, the Baillie Lodges sister properties; Longitude 131°, Silky Oaks Lodge and Capella Lodge, along with fifteen other lodges across our vast continent, are welcoming guests daily, and operating as normal, to deliver their amazing and uniquely Australian experiences.

Immerse yourself in our local tourism industry still open for business and in time, return and support those rebuilding for the future.
FIND OUT MORE

Autumn Mountain Getaway
The grass is green, the sky is blue and Spicers Peak Lodge is open for business.

Australian resilience meets Australian indulgence and hospitality… we are so pleased Spicers Peak Lodge has emerged as cool as ever - sublime temperature for spending autumn days exploring Queensland’s high country.

Book an all inclusive getaway with this Autumn offer now.
FIND OUT MORE

Return to the Valley...
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is inviting guests to return to the valley to witness the incredible transformation of nature occurring in the surrounding bushland and National Parks. Native wildlife have returned with kangaroos, wallabies and wombats roaming abundantly.

Guests will be able to participate in meaningful conservation activities, to support the Australian landscape as it regenerates.
FIND OUT MORE

#HolidayHereThisYear
Australia’s luxury paradises are exclusive by virtue of their remoteness, their special location and the small number of guests they accommodate at any one time.

Our collection of independent luxury lodges and camps offers unforgettable experiences in Australia’s most inspiring and extraordinary locations.

Visit and see for yourself….view.

#australua #regionalaustralia #autumn #getaway #luxurylodgesofAustralia #once&only #wolganvalley #emirates #HolidayHereThisYear #TheHolidayandTravelMagazine

Luxury Lodges of Australia
PO Box 748, Tanunda SA 5352

https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/

Why you should plan to travel to Australia NOW…

Long before the fires, drought and cyclones, the value of tourism to regional Australia was undisputed. With the onslaught of these life and status changing events, the viability and existence of our tourism community is at risk and the finely interconnected, vast web of small and medium enterprises that make up much of tourism and support industries needs quality tourism to Australia more than ever before.

Why?
Looking at just the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection as a small (but globally acknowledged) sample set… 19 lodges in 17 diverse regions across Australia – a continent the size of the USA, with just 25 million people.

Many of the lodges are leaders in their own right in sustainability in all its forms, a mandatory for businesses in today’s world.

But these lodges between them partner with well over 1600 tourism-based businesses supplying products and services that are clearly visible to their guests, that are part of the appeal, the delivery of real, memorable, Australian experiences. These are our expert guides, our artists, gin distillers, winemakers, organic and specialist food producers, our craftspeople… the people of our places, our storytellers. They are essential to the rich fabric of our luxury lodge travel experiences.

This doesn’t include the businesses and services that are not visible to guests – the tradies, the mechanics, the behind the scenes local businesses and suppliers.

The vast majority of all these businesses are small to medium and family owned enterprises. They contribute enormously to the sustainability of the region they are based in and beyond.

• Economically: by generating income that is spent and paid and circulates within the community
• Culturally: by sharing the local expertise, craft, produce and character of the place
• Community: via employment, sense of purpose and pride; and
• Environmentally: on too many levels to deal with here.

All are essential to the economic survival of regional Australia. The economic contribution of a single lodge impacts deep into regional communities. Positively in good times, a potentially crippling void in bad. This degree of impact is mirrored across our tourism industry.

So yes, while some areas are facing devastating bushfires, the vast majority of our island continent is safe to travel in and our Luxury Lodges are ready to welcome guests.

For those who fear this may be insensitive to those impacted and even destroyed by very recent fires, it is these people who are often the first to plead for people to not desert Australia’s tourism operators. Southern Ocean Lodge was one of our treasured tribe. We have all shed many a tear since the Kangaroo Island fires ravaged it just over a week ago. But as one of the Baillie team said to me, the outpouring of love and support has been strangely but beautifully uplifting. James and Hayley Baillie were fast to plea for people to still travel to Australia. (See their letter here). Their leadership, empathy, vision and resilience have been an inspiration to many globally and truly set the tone for how we can survive this, stronger, better, more purposeful and more impactful than ever.

Southern Ocean Lodge’s sister properties Longitude 131˚, Silky Oaks Lodge and Capella Lodge, along with fourteen other lodges across this vast continent, are welcoming guests daily, and operating as normal, to deliver their amazing and uniquely Australian experiences. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is undamaged by fires and will reopen shortly.

So yes, base your decision to travel on facts around safety. A good place to start: Tourism Australia Bushfire Information.

Do keep perspective on the sheer scale of Australia, and do take out travel insurance.

And do plan to visit Australia. It is times like this when the Australian character shines through and you will receive the warmest of welcomes, deepened by the shared experience of our land – a land that we have had a stark reminder is both fragile and resilient – all the more precious to us all.

Now more than ever Australia needs you…

Luxury Lodges of Australia

Pay 4, Stay 5 at Mt Mulligan Lodge

To celebrate the opening of Northern Outback Queensland’s newest luxury lodge, extend your stay at no extra charge, when you stay 4 nights. Available for all room types.

Experience the spirit of Australia’s back-country through a captivating landscape and an intimate setting of just 16 guests at Mt Mulligan Lodge. From $6,800 for 2 guests.


Pay 4, Stay 5 Accommodation Package Inclusions:

• Enjoy a complimentary night on us!
• Three gourmet meals daily
• Complimentary inclusion of selected Australian wines and beers
• Daily curated Mt Mulligan experience
• Your own electric buggy to explore the sprawling property with ease
• Unlimited use of paddle boards, kayaks and light fishing gear

Click here to book.

Offer Valid Dates: 20 May until 14 December 2019.
From $6,800 for 2 guests. Select dates for actual rates. New bookings only.

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/

An Outdoor Escape at Spicers Peak Lodge

Take to the tracks this Spring with an extensive range of outdoor activities at Spicers Peak Lodge. Set on 8,000 acres, enveloped by the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park in the heart of Queensland's High Country, the array of tracks to discover by foot, bike or 4WD are endless. Hiking tracks throughout the property are available self guided as well as guided hikes from 1 hour through to 8 hours. Through the various ecosystems across the property, onsite Activities Guide Phoebe Georg will highlight the Australian flora and fauna, including Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wedge tailed Eagles and be sure to look up to spot a Koala.

Pick up the pace with the downhill mountain biking trails ranging from 7km to 18km through the rugged mountain terrain. Or if a view of the mountain ranges is preferred to be done in comfort, head out on a Sunset Property 4WD tour to the westerly facing ridge line of Ryans Lookout to watch the sun go down over the Maryvale Valley, with cheese & champagne of course.

As part of the all inclusive package offered at Spicers Peak Lodge, daily outdoor guided activities are included such as morning guided hikes, mountain biking, fireside drinks with Chef and stargazing. For the ultimate outdoor experience, Spicers Peak Lodge has launched a 2 day Outdoor Escape Package. Including the full All Inclusive Package of all meals, beverages, luxury accommodation and Spa Anise Spa Credit, guests will enjoy a Group Sunset 4WD tour one evening along with a Private 5 hour Ultimate Spicers Peak hike.

From $1239 per night, per room.

Click here to book.

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/

Become a Wolgan Warrior

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is excited to introduce the Wolgan Warrior Adventure Challenge. This 21-kilometre trail run is available exclusively to only 10 runners per month. Explore the wild, inspiring and rarely accessed parts of the resort’s extraordinary wilderness setting, whilst at the same time challenging your fitness and endurance. Accompanied by a guide, Wolgan Warrior course links three of the valley’s iconic mountain peaks for off-track hiking and trail running.

The challenge begins with Razorback Ridge (277m elevation from valley floor), which separates the southern valley from the vast meadows of the western valley, with its arid environment and fascinating diversity of reptiles, birds and specialist plants. After tackling this peak, dart across to Mount Wolgan (294m elevation from the valley floor) and explore its thick eucalyptus canopy as the terrain steepens.

Zig-zag through beautifully coloured sandstone boulders as you commence the ascent of Donkey Mountain (365m elevation from the valley floor), the famous rock which looms over the resort. Separated into two sections, the saddle and the ascent, this is where you will earn your stripes as a true Wolgan Warrior. And when you reach the top, be rewarded with incredible views of the valley.

Course Duration: 3-5 hours (dependant of fitness levels).

Click here for further details and bookings.

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/

Lizard Island Reef Expedition

Lizard Island has announced details for its Reef Expedition which will offer a small group of just twelve guests access to normally unseen snorkelling areas around the island and exclusive areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Dates for the four-night program which features a raft of extraordinary adventures of the World Heritage-listed reef are November 21-25, 2019.

Reef Society Founder Wendy Morris, a pioneer in reef-based ecotourism operations, will lead the Reef Expedition while a personal tour of Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station is led by directors Dr Anne Hoggart AM and Dr Lyle Vail AM. Together they will offer a first-hand insight of the research into the reef’s incredible ecology and ways to get involved in its conservation.

Guests are urged to dive right in to the action, with guided snorkel trips around the inner reef, a full day’s snorkelling or diving in the outer reef and guided tours above and below the water with Lizard Island’s naturalist Beth Bull. A four-kilometre hike to Cook’s Look follows Captain Cook’s original trail and delivers panoramic views of the island and reef from the summit.

Guests at Lizard Island have the rare privilege of simply stepping off the beach to snorkel, taking in the wonders of Giant Clam gardens and schools of tropical fish including Simon the resident Groper, manta rays, turtles and coral. Luxury island-style accommodation, all-inclusive gourmet dining, fine wines and special extras complete an unforgettable discovery of the Great Barrier Reef.

For further information, visit.

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

Heart Island Opens

In a world-first, qualia guests can now experience unprecedented access to the iconic Heart Reef lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef, with the launch of ‘Heart Island’.

Exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island, Heart Island is only accessible via helicopter. Developed by Hamilton Island Air, the state of the art split level pontoon caters for only six guests at a time.

The journey to Heart Island involves a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach before approaching the Great Barrier Reef. After arriving at Heart Island, guests can expect to board a futuristic glass-bottom boat, especially designed and customised for Heart Island, before making the short journey to the Heart Reef.

After exploring the Heart Reef by boat, guests will have the opportunity to snorkel around the coral in the neighbouring lagoons before returning to Heart Island for refreshments and a swim off the pontoon.

Developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Heart Island commenced construction following a two-year environmental impact study. The pontoon has been designed to be ecologically sustainable, is moored in sand and is powered by wind and solar. Heart Island does not carry waste and only operates within a designated lagoon where regular reef health monitoring takes place.

Hamilton Island’s Heart Island experience costs $999 per person, aged 14 years and above and includes a return scenic helicopter flight, tour of Heart Reef, snorkelling equipment and light catering.

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

Introducing new member Mt Mulligan Lodge, Queensland

Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA) is delighted to announce Mt Mulligan Lodge has joined as the newest member of the collection of uniquely Australian luxe lodges and camps.

Mt Mulligan Lodge opened in April 2019 and is the latest addition to the Morris family-owned Northern Escape Collection. The newly built luxury outback lodge is situated on a secluded 28,000-hectare heritage site, a working cattle station, with luxe lodging and guided outback adventures for just 16 guests. Accessible via helicopter flight or four-wheel-drive adventure from Cairns, Mt Mulligan Lodge is sited at the base of a spectacular escarpment, among eucalyptus woodlands, with views of majestic Mount Mulligan reflected across a sparkling weir.

Guests staying at Mt Mulligan Lodge will experience the spirit of North Queensland’s back country and its captivating landscape, with a local indigenous heritage dating back some 37,000 years. The property also bears the marks of the historic gold & coal rush era and offers an insight to the pastoral history of Australia.

A critical element of the DNA of a Luxury Lodge of Australia is that the lodge is much more than just a place to stay. Penny Rafferty, Executive Officer of LLoA said “Each member of LLoA must deliver a genuine, uniquely Australian, experience of place. Mt Mulligan Lodge delivers on the essence of LLoA in spades. The range of lodge-guided experiences at the lodge offers guests a real adventure in the Northern Queensland outback underpinned by all the soft luxuries expected of our members.”

Guest experiences include tours of the Tyrconnell gold mine, Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, adrenalin-pumping ATV adventures, wildlife spotting, hikes around the southern face of Mount Mulligan, barramundi fishing in the weir, scenic helicopter flights and the chance to experience the day-to-day workings of an Australian cattle station. By evening, guests enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, before a clear, coal-black night sky reveals glittering constellations, perfect for stargazing.

Luxury Lodges of Australia Chair James Baillie said the philosophy and guest experience at Mt Mulligan Lodge aligned with LLoA’s aims to deliver a meaningful, memorable guest experience of each destination. “Most importantly, the level and quality of investment in Mt Mulligan Lodge by the Morris family is to be applauded. Demand by high-end guests for this sort of experience is growing rapidly globally. Mt Mulligan Lodge offers a new way for these guests to experience Northern Outback Queensland and its largely undiscovered outback territories,” Mr Baillie said.

“We see the addition to the collection as opening up highly desirable new options for LLoA guest itineraries to take in the trio of key Far North Queensland experiences: reef, rainforest and outback, and complementary high-end experiences across Australia.”

Mt Mulligan Lodge complements the quality and diversity of offering by fellow members of Luxury Lodges of Australia. Chris Morris, Owner of the Northern Escape Collection said “Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laid-back luxury in the untamed and rugged outback environment of Queensland. Rich in pioneering heritage, indigenous significance and pastoral operations, our guests will be able to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and gain a new understanding of Mount Mulligan’s diverse history.”

Another key element of the LLoA DNA, sustainability, is at the heart of Mt Mulligan Lodge’s philosophy. A per-guest donation goes towards protecting and preserving the region’s Great Barrier Reef. And every aspect of lodge creation and operation is built around ongoing initiatives to safeguard the natural environment.

About Luxury Lodges of Australia
Luxury Lodges of Australia is a membership association of high-end experience-based lodges and camps located in some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular destinations. The collection comprises 19 members in some of the nation’s most extraordinary destinations. Each are leading luxury tourism properties that are independently owned and operated, united by their delivery of uniquely Australian experiences and a strong sense of place. Each lodge offers signature experiences and activities to showcase the special aspects of its region, diverse landscapes, Australian wildlife, food, wine, people. These experiences that define a new Australian luxury and showcase the country’s extraordinary diversity. The collection has brought together many of Australia’s innovators and leaders in hospitality, tourism, food and wine, and regional development; and their passion for delivering authentically Australian luxury experiences, a commitment to sustainability as well as connections to local communities, culture and food and wine producers is ingrained in their unique lodge offering.

About Mt Mulligan Lodge
With the backdrop of its majestic 18-kilometre long sandstone namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers laid-back luxury in the rugged outback environment of Queensland. Located 160km northwest of Cairns, on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station that bears the marks of the historic gold and coal rush, Mt Mulligan Lodge invites guests to experience the spirit of the outback through a captivating landscape that’s steeped in indigenous significance. The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in spacious guest pavilions that complement the landscape and offer a luxurious and charming take on pastoral living. Each pavilion is a sanctuary overlooking a eucalyptus-fringed weir and views of the ever-changing moods of Mount Mulligan. The lodge is entirely family friendly and welcomes guests of all ages.

A range of experiences have been designed to make the most of this outback location and its fascinating history. These include guided tours of the goldfields, including a demonstration of Australia's oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, chef-prepared picnic hampers, barramundi fishing, scenic helicopter flights, guided nature walks and the chance to experience the operations of a working cattle station. After a day of adventure, guests can soak in an outdoor bath on their verandah, watch the changing colours of the outback sky from the Sunset Bar, relax with a book in the main pavilion or pool deck, dine on a daily changing menu that puts a flavoursome twist on outback living, or sit by the crackling fire pit as the night sky fills with glittering stars.

Dining at Mt Mulligan Lodge features offers a contemporary, daily-changing menu that showcases outback flavours combined with locally-sourced seasonal produce. The wine cellar complements both cuisine and climate and features premium and boutique wines from Australia's renowned wine regions.

About the Northern Escape Collection
Mt Mulligan Lodge is proud to be part of the Northern Escape Collection, a curated portfolio of boutique experiences in Northern Australia designed to capture the adventurer in everyone. From secluded luxury island getaways on the Great Barrier Reef (Orpheus Island Lodge), soul-enriching eco retreats in the Daintree Rainforest (Daintree Ecolodge), to rugged outback adventures (Mt Mulligan Lodge), the Northern Escape Collection offers discerning travellers the opportunity to explore the diverse natural beauty of Queensland in true comfort and style. A private helicopter charter service provides unrivalled access to the three lodges and an exclusive superyacht (M.Y. Flying Fish), equipped with its own heli-pad, offers privately chartered Great Barrier Reef exploration.

For more information visit Luxury Lodges of Australia www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au; images may be downloaded here: http://www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/news/images