Elite Traveler March-April 2018

For water babies NINGALOO MARINE PARK

For coastal drives INDIAN OCEAN DRIVE

Travel tips

The western coast of Australia is the only place on earth where gentle whale sharks congregate in significant numbers. The opportunity to swim with these 46ft-long beasts in the Unesco World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And though the experience will certainly get your pulse racing, whale sharks are completely harmless. April to July is the optimum time to view these spectacular fish, but if you go in July you’ll also have a chance of swimming with the migrating humpback whales that frequent these waters up until October. Or take a microlight-aircraft flight over the reef, giving you an unforgettable drone-like perspective and very little chance of getting wet. Honeymoon Tent at Sal Salis lodge from $1,400 per night

For nature purists TASMANIA Mountain biking is a great way to get back to nature and Tasmania has an abundance of biking tracks to get to grips with. The small village of Derby, in the northeast, has recently opened the Blue Derby Network, which has 60 miles of trails through gorges, forest and bushland. If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan experience, Hobart has a variety of activities. Spend the morning at Salamanca Market before admiring the architecture of the 19th-century waterfront and taking a boat to Australia’s largest private museum, the Museum of Old and New Art. For whiskey fans, there is a selection of award-winning distilleries to visit such as Sullivans Cove Whisky or the Lark Cellar Door &Whisky Bar on Hobart’s waterfront. For real connoisseurs, theWhisky Trail is a must. Private Pavilion at Saffire Freycinet from$2,100 per night Sydney has an abundance of beaches to explore. From Shelly Beach, a crystal-clear snorkelers’ paradise, to the calm, kid-friendly Little Manly Beach, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And while you’re in town, grab your chance to hit the surf with the award- winning, Let’s go Surfing on Bondi Beach. Private lessons last an hour and offer plenty of one-on-one guidance. For nature lovers there is a new cage-free wildlife experience set to open late this year. The new Sydney Zoo will offer an intimate and natural setting in which to view native and exotic species while actively promoting animal conservation. The elevated boardwalks will give visitors a giraffe’s-eye view of the animals, while minimizing the need for enclosures and the impact on the animals themselves. The Retreat at Pretty Beach House from $1,900 per night Over 1,700 miles of winding road leads from Perth, up the coast to Exmouth, along the Indian Ocean Drive. Take 10 days to leisurely explore the fascinating landscape along the way. Highlights include the Pinnacles, a group of ancient desert rock formations; the Carnarvon blowholes, where the ocean shoots 65ft into the air; and the 3,000-year- old stromatolites of Lake Thetis. If you travel between June and November, your journey will be enveloped by a bounty of bright wildflowers. Fine food is abundant on this road trip. From rock lobsters in Cervantes, catching your own mullet at Shark Bay or prawns on the beach, your taste buds will be as exhilarated as you are. Como Suite at Como the Treasury from $1,000 per night For family fun SYDNEY

As a leading provider of bespoke tours and itineraries around Australia, Swain Destinations is uniquely qualified to suggest some out-of-the- ordinary experiences to add to your Australian bucket list. Though a full roundup can be found online at swaindestinations.com, we’ve highlighted our favorites here. Whether it’s musical theater, opera, contemporary dance, ballet or just music you like, allow yourself to be whisked away in the wonder that is the Sydney Opera House. Take a tour, view a performance and even stay for dinner. We recommend visiting in March/April to experience Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour as they present La Bohème . Field of Light Northern Territory This magical installation from renowned artist Bruce Munro transforms the Outback into a field of solar-powered lights. The light colors change in small clusters, as if the installation were alive. This interactive art takes you on an inspired journey of imagination. A must-do experience is Make Your Own Blend, at Penfolds Barossa Valley Winery. Here, guests are invited to the Winemaker’s Laboratory to try blending their own wine from Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Mix and match flavors to make a blend totally unique to you. The finished product will be bottled for you to take home and enjoy. Make Your Own Blend Barossa Valley, South Australia What makes Victoria’s arts scene stand out is the variety of themes and focal points, including science, history and politics. Spend a day at the Melbourne Museum to learn about Koori heritage or catch a show at the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne’s arts precinct. Whether it’s a big night out to see live music, or a calm night admiring pieces from Australian and international artists, Victoria is the place to indulge in culture. Tasmanian Talent Hobart, Tasmania When in Hobart, be sure to visit the Handmark Gallery, located in the historic Georgian warehouses in Salamanca Place. The gallery represents Tasmanian artists whose work is shown in national and international galleries. The Handmark Gallery showcases paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, works on paper, textiles and jewelry. It is truly a treasure trove of art. A visit to Australia’s Sunshine Coast is not complete without exploring Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. This iconic wildlife center is the ultimate animal adventure, and it leads an international mission for wildlife conservation and education. To book these experiences or to find out more about the bespoke itineraries Swain Destinations can create for you, go to swaindestinations.com Opera on the Harbor Sydney, New South Wales Heritage Art Melbourne, Victoria Wildlife Adventure Sunshine Coast, Queensland