Elite Traveler March-April 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

The diverse and wild landscape of Australia is prime for adventurers and thrill seekers. Take to the sky in a helicopter tour of some of the country’s icons, or travel up the west coast, meeting koalas, quokkas and whale sharks along the way Adventures down under

Clockwise from top left: The stunning views over the Blue Mountains; diving with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef; the Commonwealth Games comes to the Gold Coast; the Tasmanian resort Saffire Freycinet

For culture vultures PERTH

For hiking enthusiasts BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK A 45-minute helicopter ride from Sydney, this Unesco World Heritage site will take your breath away. Dramatic rock pagodas, deep canyons, sheer cliffs and verdant valleys characterize the stunning landscape. Ideal for horseback riding, hikes and mountain biking, Blue Mountains National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. As an internationally recognized bird-watching area, the park will delight wildlife fans with its variety of rare species. Look out for the turquoise parrot, spotted harrier, lyrebird or square-tailed kite — just don’t forget your binoculars! If you’re happier soaking up the landscape as you zip along, there are plenty of four- wheel-drive opportunities. The Ben Bullen trail, in the Gardens of Stone area, offers winding, adrenaline- pumping trails with gorgeous views along the way. Wolgan Villa at Emirates One&OnlyWolgan Valley from$7,800 per night

For sports fans THE GOLD COAST

A sophisticated city of two million inhabitants, Perth offers both world-class shopping and lovely, laid-back beaches. The food and bar scene is alive and kicking with favorites such as Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill and Lalla Rookh. At the southwest edge of the city is the historic port town of Fremantle, beloved for its Victorian architecture and heritage — it is home to the oldest building inWestern Australia, the Round House Jail, built in 1831. Fremantle Prison, which operated from 1855 to 1991 and is now a museum, offers adventure seekers the chance to don a hard hat and overalls and descend to the labyrinth of subterranean tunnels built by prisoners. Outdoorsy types will want to jump on a boat to Rottnest Island, just off the coast from Perth; there you’ll find coral reefs, 63 beaches, pink salt lakes and smiley quokkas. Club Suite at InterContinental Perth City Centre from $250 per night

In early April, the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event to take place in Australia this decade, comes to the city of Gold Coast, Queensland, and its 35-mile stretch of beach. This edition, the fifth to be held in Australia, boasts the largest medal program and the greatest number of sports in the event’s 88-year history. You’ll have the opportunity to see 275 exciting contests in 18 sports, among them swimming, boxing and beach volleyball. If the nail-biting competition has you in need of a cultural respite beyond the stadium, Festival 2018 — featuring a wonderful array of artists from the worlds of theater, music and dance — coincides with the event. The Gold Coast will come alive for this explosion of sports and culture, highlighting the best hospitality that Australia has to offer. Club Suite at The Star Gold Coast from$760 per night

Photo Tourism Australia