For an alternative Australian beach experience without the crowds, head to Kangaroo Island. A little-known sandy paradise off the southern mainland, Kangaroo is a rarely-visited gem in the wild waters of the Southern Ocean.

This incredible beach spot is bursting with wildlife, and when you team it with the dramatic Flinders Ranges, you’ll experience two of the most authentic Australian wilderness experiences possible.

And what’s better, both areas are home to new hip hotels which blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This privately guided 10-day experience will really give added oomph to your postcards home.

Baby koalas and seals on kangaroo island

Our South Australian trip comes with a bit of twist. Fly in via Adelaide, where we’ll arrange tram rides and tours of the colonial architecture for you, and hop over to pristinely conserved Kangaroo Island (excuse the pun): the perfect spot for cutting-edge luxury nestled into dramatic coastal wilderness. We’ll book you a luxurious cliff-top suite at the in-demand Southern Ocean Lodge, where you will wake up to hear kangaroos and wallabies softly thumping through the nearby dunes.

From December to February, see the watery eyes of baby sea lions, and admire tiny newborn koalas: your neighbours on ‘KI’ (as the locals say).

Walking for miles on the 155kms of soft white sand beaches is an absolute must, as is swimming in the clear turquoise waters, mountain biking over the dunes and kayaking out to sea. Expect total indulgence in your fresh, minimalistic suite, cutting-edge treatments in the enormous spa and uninterrupted views of the pink and purple sunsets from your curved sunken lounge. Bliss.

Switch off and explore the flinders ranges

And now for wilderness of another kind: total switch-off in the mountains. For craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creeks lined with river gums, we’ll fly you over to the ancient Flinders Ranges: an explosion of red in thousands of miles of mainland desert. In the 60,000 acres of dusty sheep station, stay at converted 1850’s homestead Arkaba, now a super-luxe five bedroom homestead offering classic Australian outback hospitality. With no telephones, computers or TVs, you’ll love the unbroken sounds of nature here.

Don your hiking boots and explore the highest mountain range in the district with our expert guides. If anywhere in the world was designed for panoramic photos, this is it.

We’ll book you private walking safaris, treks to the peak of Mount Remarkable, and rugged 4x4 drives across the red earth. Learn about the indigenous carvings deep inside caves and gorges, and sights such as the natural 17km-long amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. After all this excitement, you’ll need a glass of good quality wine. No problem, when you have a cellar of South Australia’s finest to choose from.

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