Top 10 Unique Experiences in Australia

Beyond Australia’s diverse natural beauty, buzzing cities and world famous food and wine scene, there exists a vast array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences – experiences you will take with you forever. For the ultimate Australian holiday, incorporate one (or all) of our top ten unique experiences in your Australian itinerary.

1. A walk-on role at the Sydney Opera House
Imagine standing before an audience of eager Opera fans surrounded by the unforgettable colours and sounds of an Opera Australia production, La Bohème, La Traviataor Carmen. A walk-on role with Opera Australia lets you experience just that. You’ll be guided with detailed instructions by the Assistant Director and fitted with yourhandmade costume before reporting to hair and makeup to have your show make-up and wig applied. Nextyou will mount the stairs to the stage to enjoy this awe inspiring experience, while someone you love watches from the auditorium.

2. Yachting in Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful waterways in the world, presided over by the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This natural deep water port is fringed by beautiful white sandy beaches, quiet coves and some of the most magnificent real estate in Australia.

The best way to explore Sydney Harbour is to charter a yacht for a full or half day. Choose a skippered charter or, if you are experienced, choose a bareboat charter, where you take the yacht out yourself. There area number of tour operators who can arrange skippered or bareboat charters and can include onboard catering, beverages and tour guides.

3. Broome South Sea Pearls and Kimberley Argyle diamonds, Western Australia
At the Willie Creek Pearl Farm in Broome, you can discover how the rare and beautiful Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl is produced. In the hands of the knowledgeable guides gain an understanding of the intricate processes of Broome’s modern cultured pearl industry – from the seeding of an oyster to the harvesting and grading of a pearl, right through to the beautiful end resulton display in the showroom.

To make your visit extra special, travel to the Pearl Farm by private helicopter.

Among the East Kimberley region's wealth of natural wonders is one of the state's most unique tourist attractions- Rio Tinto's Argyle diamond mine.

The Argyle diamond mine is one of the world's largest suppliers of diamonds, producing approximately 20 million carats each year, including the highly prized, rare pink diamond which has become Argyle's signature stone. The Argyle diamond mine is open to visitors on guided tours departing from Kununurra. A day trip to the mine will give visitors a rare insight into the scope of a large mining operation and the history of its relationship with the Traditional Owners.

4. Saffire Freycinet oyster shucking
Freycinet Marine Farm is on the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania.

The farm is made up of 6 different growing regions of cool clean water, totaling just less than 150 acres and is a mixture of estuarine and fully marine growing areas.

Freycinet Marine Farm offers small group land-based tours providing an introduction to the Tasmanian Oyster industry, including how they process, grade and deliver their oysters. For a more in depth, private experience, Luxury Lodge SaffireFreycinet gives guests the exclusive opportunity to wade out to the growing areas and taste freshly shucked oysters moments after they are plucked from the ocean.

5. Air safari across Australia
There is nothing like the incredible sense of luxury a private jet inspires. On our Iconic Australia Air Safari, travelling on the immaculate Outback Jet, guests take in some of outback Australia’s most breathtaking sights. Admire views of Uluru, the Bungle Bungle and the Kimberley coastline from the comfort of your very own window seat while each night staying in unique and inspiring hotels, camps and lodges, selected to immerse you in the surroundings. This is a bucket-list adventure not to be missed.

6. Shark Cage and Sea Lion Diving at Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln, known as the “Seafood Capital of Australia” is a major commercial centre for the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and a popular destination for visitors. A beautiful township overlooking Boston Bay, Port Lincoln makes an ideal base from where to explore the coast and experience the best of the Eyre Peninsula.

For the more adventurous traveller, Shark Cage Diving tours are available from Port Lincoln providing an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Great White Sharksof the Neptune Islands Marine Park. Alternatively, see why the Australian Sea lions are nick named the ‘puppies of the sea’ on an interactive tour. Sail to the pristine Hopkins Island, Blythe Island or Langton Island and swim with the endangered Australian Sea Lions in their natural environment.

7. Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world and a remarkable place to indulge in the world’s best scuba diving.

If you are a certified Scuba diver, the Great Barrier Reef is world renowned for its amazing scuba diving locations and offers a plethora of unique diving sites varying in depth and isolation. Or, if you are new to diving, the Reef also offers some great places to learn to Scuba dive and shallower waters in which to snorkel.

All sites are best accessed by boat ranging from luxury cruisers to spectacular sail boats. Diving expeditions depart daily from all the major towns along the coast and from most island resorts. No matter where you stay on the reef, you are always within easy reach of an excellent diving spot.

8. Dining Under the Stars at Uluru
Table 131° is a life affirming experience under the stars against the backdrop of the ancient landscape of Uluru.

Guests at Table 131° dine on delicious outback fare and the finest Australian wines under the spectacular natural display of the night sky as they relax to the mesmerising sounds of an ancient culture. Later, sit back as Longitude’s resident astronomer regales the gathering with tales of the Southerly constellations.

9. Barossa cellar door experiences
South Australia’s Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and finest wine producing regions, also famed for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants.

First settled in 1842 by European immigrants, it still retains its old-world charm. There are around 150 wineries and cellar doors in the Barossa Valley many of which conduct tours of their estates and wine-making facilities while a selection offer more in-depth and interactive experiences beyond the cellar door.

Start with a tourby hot air balloon or helicopter, then take a tour of some of the Barossa’s oldest cellars, taste wine straight from the barrel, learn the art of food and wine matching or pick up a new skill at a cooking class. The options are endless.

10. Luxury adventure cruises in the Kimberley: True North
A cruise on the True North is one of Australia’s most outstanding and revered adventure tourism experiences. All itineraries are activity based and designed for the discerning traveller who truly wants to 'experience the destination' in some of Australia’s most remote and hard to access coastal regions.

The Kimberley Wilderness Cruise is a 7 or 13 night voyage among spectacular gorges, majestic waterfalls, islands and rugged coastline. 

The vessel has been specifically designed to access wilderness, to go where no other ship can go. The ensuitecabins are spacious and elegantly designed. Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights (in the onboard helicopter), fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, wildflowers, bird and wildlife watching or diving. Daily expeditions are tailored to each guest’s specific requests or interests. 

Please contact us to bespoke your luxury holiday in Australia. Email: travel@onlyluxe.com.au