Some views can only be truly appreciated from the air.
Do you anticipate your annual summer holidays with just a little dread? Trying to think of novel and exciting holiday ideas can be a real pain and very often you end up going through the same old holiday routines year after year. Why not inject a little life into your tired old holiday routine? Let us inspire and astound you with these unique holiday ideas from South Australia and Queensland!
Balloon Experiences
When many tourists visit Flinders Ranges they are struck by their beauty and majesty. It is the largest mountain range in Australia, stretching for over 430km. The most common way to traverse this spectacular scenery is by 4×4, but there is another way to take in the breathtaking sights – it’s no coincidence that most images of Flingers Ranges have been taken from the air, for this is where you get the best view of the mountain range and the surrounding areas and this is where the scenery really does come to life. But we’re not talking about taking a plane crossing or even a helicopter, oh no that would be far too boring, we’re talking about hot air balloons!
Visitors to Rawnsley Park Station can now take advantage of their new ballooning experiences over the Outback, taking in sights that are simply not visible from the ground and gaining a true appreciation of now magnificent and unique the mountain terrain of Flinders Ranges really is. These ballooning experiences will not be around forever though, they are at the Station for a limited time period only. Starting in July and lasting for three months, the balloons will set off just before sunrise, so you can bask in the glory of the morning sun from your incredible vantage point. Just five passengers in total will be able to share in this truly glorious experience, making the trip highly personal and – if we may drop a hint – an ideal gift for someone really special.
You will glide gently over Flinders Ranges enjoying views that simply cannot be matched. A vast array of wildlife will unfold before you with the rising sun as emus and kangaroos, amongst others, gather to begin their day. Once your spectacular flight has finished and you’ve managed to get your breath back, you’ll be treated to a truly superb cooked breakfast topped with sparkling wine, or fruit juice and tea and coffee. This experience will prove to be highly popular so make sure that you book well in advance to reserve your place. To find out more and to book this lifetime experience visit the Rawnsley Park website.
Yoga Breaks on Hamilton Island
Now how about a spot of relaxation? Yes we know you can just pop down to one of Australia’s many golden, sandy beaches for that, but how about something you can take back home with you? No, not the golden sand, a relaxation technique! It’s all very well re-charging your batteries in Australia, but the Aussies are so concerned about your wellbeing that they want you to be able to experience the same relaxation once you are back home. Therefore visitors to Hamilton Island – a place where relaxation comes naturally – can now book their own yoga and meditation classes in one of the island’s peaceful and private locations.
Learn to live and breathe relaxation on Hamilton Island.
Skye Baird completed her Yoga Alliance in Santa Monica and now teaches the popular Hatha yoga technique. This technique dates back to the 15th century and teaches participants how to channel their energies for both mental and physical wellbeing. Once you’ve completed your course you’ll feel more flexible, youthful and relaxed than you’ve felt in a long time – we’ll have to hold you back from trying to conquer the world!
Not only do you get to learn these relaxation techniques that will transform your life in ways you never thought possible, but you’ll be doing so on an island famed for its beauty and tranquillity. Hamilton Island is situation just off the coast of Queensland and is just a stone’s throw from the Great Barrier Reef. It was here that the promotion for the Best Job in the World took place and indeed Ben Southall enjoyed his time spent on this island so much that he has now taken a second contract with Tourism Australia to spend a little bit more time Down Under. That’s one thing visitors have to watch out for, because once you have seen what Hamilton Island has to offer, you never want to return home.
Qantas holidays are offering an 8 day package for the retreat which includes return flights from London, 3 nights at the Swissotel in Sydney and then five nights at the Beach Club on Hamilton Island including all private transfers from just £1,975 based on two adults sharing. It makes the perfect romantic break for that someone special. See Qantas Holidays for more information.
Hamilton Island Race Week
If you prefer life in the fast lane why not try Fashion, Food and Superyachts? Yes we are sticking to Hamilton Island for this one – told you it was hard to leave! Hamilton Island Race Week kicks off in August and promises to be truly spectacular! It really is THE social event of the season as everyone who wants to be seen is seen here. It’s not just about the premier yachts either with their sleek bodies glistening in the sun, even if you have no interest in boats or the water you’ll find plenty to do here.
Premier yachts battle it out in Hamilton Island's Race Week.
If you like sumptuous food then you’ll love the Master classes held by celebrity Australian chefs Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett who will also be hosting two very special dinners. For the ladies who lunch there is to be a Moët & Chandon lunch at qualia on Tuesday 24th August where guests will be treated to the stunning designs of Camilla Franks being paraded down the catwalk, and as her designs are all about making women look and feel more beautiful, you’ll be falling in love with her creations and making promises to your bank manager!
For those with a little more testosterone there is the Beer, Beef and Reef dinner at the Steakhouse restaurant on Wednesday 25 August. Get your chops around a juicy steak at this fabulous restaurant overlooking the Marina so you don’t miss a minute of action! Add a fantastic selection of choice boutique beers and you have the makings of a perfect day out!
Other events not to be missed are the “Cocktails and Canapés” cruise around the islands with celebrity chef Pete Evans and the Daily Wild Oats Wines bar at the Yacht Club. Or you could of course, just sit back with a picnic lunch and wine and watch the racing! This is just a perfect break for everyone and anyone, but don’t take it from us, this is what Javier Degen the Island Marketing Manager has to say; “Race week has grown immensely over the last few years. Last year’s social programme further raised the bar of what people have come to expect of the event, and plans are in full swing to ensure that we do not disappoint this year. The stunning new Hamilton Island Yacht Club will form a central venue for the week’s events and the new Hamilton Island Golf Club will provide an extra element to the week for those who are looking for an alternative to the sailing.”
For more information visit the Hamilton Island Race Week website.
There are loads more inspiring holiday ideas from those clever people at the South Australia tourist board. Pay their website a visit to ensure that you get the very best out of your Australian holiday and don’t forget to check our list of the top ten things to do in Australia, after all, we’d hate to see you bored!
Love Australia? Let us keep you informed...
- Join the Embrace Australia community today. Have your questions answered by our experts, start your own blog, get vital migration information and gain valuable insight from those who have already made the journey.
- Subscribe to our RSS Feed and have all our daily news and features delivered straight to your news reader.
- Join our mailing list -
