By Travelin’ Gal Maxine Albert I had high expectations for my maiden voyage to Australia with wildlife and foodie cuisine. I did not expect that the land of down under and its kooky kangaroos wine and gorgeous Nicole Kidmans
straightaway to the Land of Oz. Luxury Lodges of Australia is an ideal way to explore the diversity comfort of luxurious surroundings.
dazzling experience.
WOLGAN VALLEY RESORT & SPA, New South Wales A three-hour drive from Sydney takes you through an expansive verdant landscape of sheep stations and charming small towns to Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. This luxurious lodge is set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve in the Blue Mountain World Heritage Area. Each sumptuously decorated suite is actually a private house with its own living room, outdoor swimming pool and huge veranda. It is classic country fabulous. For more information visit: luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au Resident July 2012
Wolgan delivers local, sustainable, worldon superb barramundi, squab and duck with followed by the enviable cheese course. On a regional food and wine tour with Executive Chef Anston Fivaz, I met Barry, the yabby (langoustine) farmer, and the folks of Lowe Vineyard where I lunched on scrumptious roast pig, great wine and saw the pride the purveyors have in their products.
Whether you loll or explore the stunning scenery by hiking, biking or horseback riding, my favorite, you won’t be disappointed. Afternoon and nocturnal wildlife safaris afford an opportunity to see kangaroos with little joeys jumping out of their pouches, wallaroos, wombats, possum and spotted tail quolls. Take in the endless stars and the Southern Cross in the gorgeously black sky. As I luxuriated with a spa massage using indigenous bush oils, I drifted into a state of bliss.
Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, New South Wales wolganvalley.com/wolgan-valley/en/
The Louise, South Australia thelouise.com.au