australia safari hotel

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

GOLD for Jamala - Winner of Best National Unique Accommodation Australia - 2022

"The service was excellent, dinner and service 5 star. We loved all the animals. The thing that moved me the most about the visit was how passionate all the staff were. I found it quiet inspiring to meet so many people that are so passionate about animal conversation."

Beyond Perfect

"All in all a fantastic experience. It was great to witness the passion of the zoo staff, their knowledge, their desire to preserve endangered species and to make the lives of the animals in their care as good as it can be."

"An incredible experience! We were looked after so well. The giraffe room was amazing. Hummer was great to feed. The food was delicious and staff were great. A real experience and a place to make memories. A must do for couples or families."

Give the Gift of Jamala

Purchase a voucher, and gift the ultimate luxury expereience.

uShaka Lodge

A beautiful safari lodge with 7 individual rooms and suites, with its own shark tank, a stunning lounge and dining area, pool, spa and tropical gardens.

Giraffe Treehouses

Six magnificent rooms within a private enclosure overlooking the Molonglo River. Giraffes linger on one side of your lounge and you can walk amongst the friendly deer and alpaca on the other side!

Jungle Bungalows

Five luxurious individual suites adjoining a variety of enclosures throughout the property.

Your experience

Before you book, click on the “Your Experience” link at the top of the page and discover the ins and outs of how you’ll be spending your weekend away and we’ll answer any questions you may have about your stay.

JAMALA OPEN DAY!

We are thrilled to extend to you an invitation to a unique event that allows a rare glimpse into the exclusive, Jamala Wildlife Lodge!  

We are delighted to announce our inaugural "Open Day" at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where we invite guests to enjoy the exclusive opportunity to explore our award winning Jamala Wildlife Lodge. This event will provide you with an insider's view of our luxurious rooms, lounge and dining facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the distinctive African style charm, and elegance of our lodge.

Sunday 16th and 23rd of June. Bookings Essential.

Click here to make your booking.

Taronga is not-for-profit. Every dollar you spend saves wildlife. 

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What are you looking for?

Zoofari lodge, wake up in the wild..

Experience a slice of Africa without leaving Australia! Zoofari Lodge is positioned beside a stunning savannah, home to giraffes, rhinos, zebra and antelope. This safari-style experience is inclusive of accommodation in a unique lodge, dinner, breakfast, exclusive tours, zoo entry and bike hire.

On this page

Your zoofari experience.

Nestled near our African savannah, Zoofari Lodge offers an unrivalled in-zoo safari experience. Stay in unique canvas lodges with access to our licensed restaurant, bar, lounge and saltwater swimming pool.

This wild escape is inclusive of:

• Two (2) day Zoo Admission
• One (1) night accommodation in a safari-style canvas lodge (Animal View or Bushland)
• Exclusive guided tours (Refer to itinerary)  
• Dinner & Breakfast
• One (1) day Bicycle Hire (Included on second day)
• 10% Discount at the Zoo Shop and Cafes

The experience Find out more about the Zoofari Lodge experience .

Zoofari offers two unique styles of lodges:

Animal View Lodges overlook a vast savannah where giraffes, zebras and rhinos roam.

Bushland Lodges are located in nearby native bush a short distance from our savannah viewing area.

All lodges are inclusive of bedding, linen and towels and feature private ensuites, mini bar, refrigerator, air-conditioning and tea & coffee facilities. Please note: To offer a  tranquil escape, our lodges are not equipped with televisions or phones. Complimentary wifi is available at the Guest House.

Animal View Lodge

• Sleeps up to four people
• Includes a king bed (can be split into two singles) and a double sofa bed
• Shaded, furnished deck overlooking giraffes, zebras, rhinos and antelopes

Bushland Lodge

Note: There is no view of the animals from the Bushland Lodges, however guests can walk a short distance to a common viewing area overlooking the savannah.

• Sleeps up to six people
• Includes queen bed, two singles and a sofa bed
• Shaded outdoor area with furniture

What to bring

All lodges are furnished with appropriate amenities for your stay, including bedding, linen, towels and bathroom amenities. Kindly note the below suggestions to ensure that you enjoy all aspects of the Zoofari experience.

Climate-appropriate clothing - Please be advised that overnight temperatures can be cold. Whilst we do provide necessary bedding, it may be advisable to bring additional warm clothing/blankets to ensure an enjoyable experience. 

Enclosed shoes  - Zoofari experiences may include walking in behind the scenes areas. Heels, sandals and thongs are not recommended. We recommend sturdy, closed-toed footwear.

Wet weather gear  - Zoofari Lodge is an all-weather experience so please come prepared for any inclement weather

Arriving at Zoofari Lodge

Checking In - Guests are invited to check-in between 2pm and 3pm at the Zoofari Lodge Main House. If arriving before 2pm, Zoofari guests are more than welcome to explore the Zoo prior to check in. The Zoo is open from 9am (8.30am during NSW school holidays) and can be explored by car, bike, electric cart or on foot. 

Vehicle Access - Zoofari Lodge vehicle access is via a dedicated entrance, accessed separately from the Zoo main gates. To drive to Zoofari, drive south-east along Obley Road, approximately 2km past the main Zoo entrance, and turn right into the accommodation gates (directly opposite Dundullimal Homestead). Use your dedicated PIN code (provided to you via email prior to your stay) and proceed through the auto gate to the Zoofari Carpark. 

Location -  Zoofari Lodge is located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. View location on Google Maps. View location on the Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo map  - map reference K2.

Terms and conditions

Payment terms

• Full pre-payment is required at the time of booking for all reservations
• We accept payment via credit card only for online bookings

In the event of cancellation or amendment the following fees apply

• More than 30 days prior to arrival: Date amendments permitted. Full refund in the event of cancellation.
• Between 15 days and 30 days prior to arrival: Date amendments permitted. Penalty of $100.00 per booking per night in the event of cancellation.
• Less than 15 days prior to arrival: Cancellation will result in the full accommodation amount being charged.

Note: Our room rates vary between dates. In the event of a booking amendment, please be aware that  guests are required to pay any difference in rate. If amended, reservations are non-refundable and non-amendable.

Terms of stay

• A valid photo identification and credit card is required to check in. A pre-authorisation of $100 per night will be processed on arrival.
• All accommodation areas are 100% non-smoking – penalties apply   
• Zoofari Lodge is a licenced venue. No additional alcohol may be brought onto the Zoo premises. Guests must be 18 years or over to be served alcohol and must carry a valid ID.
• Taronga reserves the right to cancel Zoofari Lodge programs at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or insufficient demand
• Zoofari Lodge is an all ages experience. Children are welcome. Cots may be hired for $20.

Gift Certificates

Give the gift of an unforgettably wild overnight experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo! Online Gift Certificates are available for purchase to the value you nominate for Zoofari Lodge.  

Other accommodation options

We proudly Acknowledge the Cammeraigal (Taronga Zoo, Sydney) and Wiradjuri (Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo) people, their Country, spirit and traditions as customary owners of the lands upon which our Zoos stand.

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Jamala Wildlife Lodge

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Start saving to experience one of these incredible safari stays in Australia

Aug 24, 2022 • 5 min read

At Bamurru Plains you can experience the beauty of the Kakadu wilderness without sacrificing luxury © Tourism Northern Territory

When you think of luxury safaris, Australia may not immediately spring to mind. But with vast landscapes, incredible wildlife and accommodation spots so remote you can only access them by plane, Australia has a host of once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experiences you need to experience when you head Down Under . Here's our pick of the best.

Bamurru Plains, Kakadu, Northern Territory

Kakadu is one of the most magical places in Australia, a country fertile with ancient lore. Bamurru Plains , a lodge surrounded by Kakadu’s northern floodplains, offers access to the magic of this wilderness with added luxury. Built and operated to be as ecologically sensitive as possible, it brings guests into the world of magpie geese, herons, jabiru and thousands of other wetlands species. Bamurru’s ten camp-safari rooms omit distractions such as TVs and telephones to focus on luxuries such as super-comfortable beds and quality Australian cuisine and wines. Fishing trips, crocodile safaris and guided tours further afield in Arnhem Land’ s ancient rock-art galleries are only some of many diversions on offer.

El Questro Homestead, Kimberley, Western Australia

First Nation Australians have lived amongst the ancient red rocks of the Kimberley for over 65,000 years. Geologically and culturally ancient, it’s one place you’ll feel you’ve found the true “soul” of Australia. Perched on a dramatic green lawned clifftop at the heart of 700,000 remote acres, El Questro Homestead delivers a luxury experience amongst this unique wilderness. Sacrificing nothing in terms of top-notch food, wine and accommodation, it also offers various ranger-led experiences. Spot rock wallabies and Johnston’s crocodiles (also known as freshwater crocodiles) in the 3km-long (1.8-mile) fresh waterhole of Chamberlain Gorge one day, the next you might snap dancing brolgas, rare Gouldian finches or any of the 100 other bird species that make the park their home.

Saffire, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Freycinet , Tasmania’s oldest national park, is also one of its most ecologically significant. Tourists flock to Instagram drawcards such as Wineglass Bay , but if you’re interested in a deeper engagement with the incredible flora, fauna and landscapes here (without sacrificing comfort) book a stay at Saffire . This architecturally stunning resort is nestled in thickly forested Coles Bay. If you can tear yourself away from your luxury suite, complementary experiences include guided walks to Wineglass and other ravishing bays and capes nearby, encounters with the endangered Tasmanian devil, and a “Connection to Country” walk with Mick Quilliam, an expert guide in the culture and history of the Indigenous custodians of Oyster Bay.

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is synonymous with one of Australia’s most exhilarating wildlife experiences — swimming with whale sharks. Spend a night or two here at Sal Salis and you’ll be staying right on the coast in luxury eco tents with unbroken views of the Indian ocean shore, and the world’s largest Heritage-listed fringing reef, just beyond. Mid-March to July is when the whale sharks – at up to 12m (39ft) long the world’s largest fish – visit Ningaloo. True gentle giants (and plankton feeders), they’ll swim placidly alongside visiting divers, as well as the turtles, dugongs, rays and dolphins that also call the area home. From June to October, thousands of humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica . Keep your eyes on the waterline over breakfast in the central lodge and you may see one breaching the waves.

Lizard Island Lodge, Lizard Island, Queensland

Whose Australia bucket list doesn’t include the Great Barrier Reef ? And what better way to see it than from Queensland’s most northerly luxury resort on tropical Lizard Island ? Twenty four almost undisturbed, blissful beaches ring the remote island, a short flight from Cairns , that is home to 1000 hectares of national park. Private villas and suites boasting every luxury are often steps from the beach and the reefs beyond. Snorkel straight from the shore or take the dive boat MV Serranidae to see the wider reef and the cod, turtles and colorful reef fish that call it home.

Arkaba, Flinders Ranges, South Australia

A select handful of guests sharing 60,000 acres of gob-smacking South Australian wilderness whilst lapping up luxury? That’s what Arkaba Homestead , a former sheep station dating to the 1850s, offers. Preserving its period beauty hasn’t hampered its luxe development — upcycled Australian fittings are complemented by quality beds, air-conditioning, a wet-edge pool and fine food served under the verandah on an old wool-classing table. Activities such as walks along the Arkaba Creek, 4WD safaris in the Flinders Ranges National Park and cultural tours with local Adnyamathanha guides are just some ways to spend your days. By night, the views of the Milky Way in this remote desert location may well be the best you’ll ever encounter. Prepared to be astonished.

Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree River, Queensland

The Daintree National Park sits atop Far North Queensland ‘s list of “must-sees”. Over 1200 sq km of Heritage-listed rainforest, it’s a teeming trove of natural wonders and Indigenous culture. And what better base to explore it than the luxury treehouses of Silky Oaks Lodge , set on the forested banks of Mossman Gorge River, one of the park’s outstanding attractions. Don’t miss heritage walks with Kuku Yalanji guides, the area’s traditional custodians; sunrise yoga sessions to the sound of native birdsong; and three-to-five-hour guided walks through the virgin Daintree itself witnessing jungle wildlife like treefrogs, snakes, geckos and crocodiles.

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Inside Jamala Wildlife Lodge: A Slice of Africa in Australia

• Primary Item (H2)

Rise for breakfast with giraffes and gaze into the eyes of tigers over dinner at Australia’s very own luxury safari hotel .

Creature comfort takes on new meaning with a stay at the five-star Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Hidden within Canberra's National Zoo & Aquarium, the lodge allows guests the chance to live alongside some of the world's rarest animals. Experience a taste of Africa, in the company of prowling big cats, lanky giraffes or playful meerkats.

Much more than a once-in-a-lifetime stay, Jamala Wildlife Lodge is an invitation to learn more about the importance of wildlife conservation. The lodge is proudly accredited under the Zoo and Aquarium Association's Animal Welfare program, with proceeds supporting animal welfare and breeding initiatives.

This is a bucket-list experience without the travel miles – a fascinating insight into incredible wildlife, all while staying in luxurious comfort.

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Nishi Apartments Eco-Living by Ovolo

Ultra-modern canberra apartments by ovolo in creative newacton precinct, enjoy an african dinner party with special guests.

Celebrate your stay with a four-course African-inspired gourmet dinner, where you’ll be joined by special guests – roaring white lions or laughing hyenas. Just a glass window separates diners at the themed Rainforest Cave restaurant from these magnificent animals, for a dinner and a show like never before.

Toast to your experience with fine wines and Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne, and savour fresh seasonal dishes such as native macadamia-crusted snapper, wild mushroom risotto and tiramisu with fresh raspberries.

When the Rainforest Cave is at maximum capacity, some guests will have the opportunity to dine upstairs alongside circling sharks.

Meet and feed the resident sharks

The most expansive suite in the lodge, the Grand Shark Suite is ideal for families and groups. Located on the top floor, an adjoining terrace perched above the shark tank allows guests the rare chance for a private meet and feed with these beautiful animals.

What's more, guests of the suite will also have the exclusive opportunity to feed the hyenas. Encountering these two apex predators in perfect safety with the guidance of an expert zookeeper makes for a luxury travel experience like never before.

Make memories with gentle giants

Get up close and personal with one of the savannah’s most majestic creatures – the impressive giraffe. Guests have the exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet Shaba and Mzungu, the National Zoo's most beloved (and photogenic) couple. Learn about these gentle giants from an experienced keeper and feed the giraffes in a memorable encounter.

Enjoy a safari tour – a true taste of Africa in Australia

You'll receive a tour booklet upon check-in, so you can explore a section of the zoo at your own pace, but the main event is the guided African Savannah Tour. Join an experienced guide on a private tour through the open-range enclosures and find out who’s who in the zoo. Along your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to pat a rhino, count the number of stripes on the zebras, admire the lemurs and see why the cheetah is the fastest animal on earth. At the end of your tour, travel out of Africa via Malaysia and meet a family of siamang apes.

Monkey around in the Capuchin Room

There are no crowded zoo windows when you stay in one of two stylish Capuchin Rooms in the exotic uShaka Lodge. Each showcases a large viewing window into the enclosure of the cheeky Capuchin monkeys, allowing you to watch the antics of these highly intelligent animals from the comfort of your room.

These incredible rooms also feature a large outdoor terrace which boasts views over the lion enclosures.

Want to explore more of Canberra? Things to do in Canberra: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play.

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• An African Safari Down Under in Australia’s Jamala Wildlife Lodge
• Nature, Safari, and Outdoor Holidays

By Melinda Healy

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“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight”, or so the popular song goes, only at Jamala Wildlife Lodge the lions often don’t sleep when you do, and when they do, you all but share a bed with them. I’ve just arrived at at one of Australia’s most unique luxury lodges in the nation’s capital, one that’s part of the National Zoo & Aquarium and where I’ll be spending the night. This incredible experience provides guests with a touch of Africa in one of the most unlikely places – on the banks of the Molonglo River in Canberra, about as far away as you can get from the jungles of Africa.

Awarded a number of tourism accolades since it opened five years ago, the concept was the brainchild of Canberran Richard Tindale and his animal-obsessed family. Tindale and his wife Maureen purchased the zoo in 1998 when it was nothing more than a wildlife reserve and turned it from a rundown aquarium and petting zoo into what it is today – a thriving conservation park with an accommodation arm that offers interaction and awareness in equal measure. The lodges location is a three hour drive from Sydney.

“We tried to pick up a little bit of Africa and drop it into Canberra,” Tindale so often says, and with a company ethos that reads: “Jamala and its programs have been designed to maximise the opportunity to subtly impress on its guests that everything possible should be done to ensure that these magnificent animals survive in the wild” it seems they’ve got the approach just right.

"“Oh, it’s just incredible,” says another woman and her daughter who are staying for two nights. “I didn’t sleep at all last night the lions roared outside our room all night.”"

I’m lucky enough to be booked into a Giraffe Treehouse tonight. There are six of these on the property, each with its own balcony feeding area from where we’ll be able to hand-feed ‘Hummer’ this afternoon if he’s in a good enough mood – it’s worth noting there are no guarantees – and then watch him saunter across the enclosure at his leisure. Our treehouse villa has a four-poster king bed, a lounge area with daybed and an optional pull-out sofa, as well as a luxurious bathroom with dual sink set-up, a soaking tub and sizeable shower recess complete with a mosaic tiled giraffe artwork for extra appeal.

With a small terrace at the front and a petting zoo with an alpaca and some other furry friends in the communal space behind the treehouse gate, it’s a bit like being in The Jungle Book with the entire zoo at our disposal before and after the public gets access, talk about a treat.

There are 12 other bungalow and lodge rooms here too, all of them offering varying experiences.  “We’re staying in the cheetah bungalow,” says one of our fellow lodgers. “It’s a birthday gift from my sister,” she continues excitedly, adding that she and her husband have driven the eight or so hours up from Melbourne and are booked in to meet the resident cheetah in a special encounter later in their stay, and “they can’t wait”.

The couple’s bungalow is one of the most sought here alongside that of the Bengal tiger sisters Melati and Mya, the ‘roar’-some brown lions and Malayan sun bears. The enclosures are fully-equipped with heated concrete pads to attract the animals to the den-like decks by the window and it’s safe to say there is nothing like waking up with one of these beautiful creatures metres of you, the only thing separating them and you a piece of solid smash-proof glass.

“Oh, it’s just incredible,” says another woman and her daughter who are staying for two nights. “I didn’t sleep at all last night the lions roared outside our room all night.” We encounter the roars in the distance ourselves as we wander the confines of the zoo at dusk, and it’s enough to bring goosebumps to the surface of my skin. I have to remind myself that we are in my homeland’s political centre, not somewhere half-way around the globe where this is the norm.

Not surprisingly aren’t too many places like this in Australia, with this level of luxury and interaction, and although the trend to add value to zoo experiences by offering overnight stays has grown in recent years with Sydney’s famous Taronga Zoo introducing glamping options and Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo self-catered accommodation, Jamala offers lodgers a full programme for their stay. It includes an afternoon guided tour of the zoo – where we get up close with the monkeys, penguins, Meerkats and so many other critters including Emus and Koalas – followed by a five-course African-themed dinner in the uShaka Lodge’s ‘cave’ restaurant complete with traditional Malva Pudding – here you’ll not only enjoy fabulous food but the chances are you’ll be joined by the resident white lions Jake and Mishka who cosy up in the warm den for all to see throughout the course of the evening – and an optional morning tour that takes place before the zoo opens to the general public, again a special experience.

Additional one-on-one animal encounters are available at an additional cost although the giraffe feeding we do is included in the treehouse stay and I’m lucky enough to get close enough to Hummer to get that much anticipated ‘feeding-time’ selfie while providing this majestic long-necked beauty a carrot or two and plenty of attention.  Fortunately, I’ve been on safari in Africa and while nothing beats that experience for authenticity and I made a pledge back then that no zoo would ever live up to the real safari experience, Jamala Wildlife Lodge is the best Australia has to offer in this regard.

And before you worry about how the animals fare in this environment with people so close, peering at them all hours of the day and night, I can assure you it’s foremost in the minds of the National Zoo & Aquarium’s owners and keepers. “I can promise you, as one of their keepers, we only do what is positive for our animals,” Katie Ness, one of the senior keepers assures me. “We have worked the Jamala guest schedule into the animals’ routines and what makes them comfortable.”

According to Ness everything is done on the animals terms and if they choose not to co-operate then that is OK.  “We work with it [if they’re uncooperative]. Our animals receive the best care here.”

If you’re planning a trip Down Under and fancy a little safari-style luxury this could be the perfect laid-back Aussie experience.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is in Canberra, a three-hour drive south of Sydney. For more details go to www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

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Melinda Healy

Melinda Healy is an Australian-made journalist who enjoys roaming the globe and writing about it. Mel is passionate about travel and lifestyle content and is a destination expert for Conde Nast Traveler, Telegraph Travel and Culture Trip. She’s had bylines in The Times, The Independent, Etihad Airways’ Atlas online, Ultratravel Middle East, Conde Nast Traveller Middle East, Mandarin Oriental's MO Magazine and The Upsider to name but a few. Follow her on Instagram (@thewritewaytotravel) and Twitter (@MelindaHealy) and check out her body of work at www.clippings.me/melhealy79

• Australia Adventure
• Australia Luxury Travel
• Australia Safari
• Luxury Resort

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Safari Lodge

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SAFARI LODGE (S̶$̶1̶3̶9̶) S$132: UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 243 Photos (Cape Tribulation, Australia) - Tripadvisor

Glamping at the Western Plains Zoo

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

+617 5436 2300  

[email protected]  

Warrior Restaurant & Bar

+617 5436 2310  

[email protected]  

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Australia zoo.

• Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
• Sunshine Coast
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THE WILD SIDE OF LUXURY

Honouring a Legacy!

A beautiful hideaway nestled into the Australian bush near the famed Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast beaches, inspired by Steve’s life, legacy and love for wild places.

Relax in our unique cabins overlooking the beautiful surrounding bushland, teeming with native wildlife.

• During your stay at the lodge, each booking includes:
• A welcome gift on arrival to your room
• Free daily breakfast for each guest
• Unlimited Australia Zoo entry for each guest
• A sneak peek entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
• A complimentary shuttle service to and from Australia Zoo
• Exclusive use of the lodge infinity pool

Red Kangaroo

One bedroom cabin.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers rustic cabins dotted through the bush, a place to escape and unwind while reconnecting with the natural world. A place for Wildlife Warriors to create unforgettable memories to cherish with loved ones.

Black Cockatoo

Two bedroom cabin.

THREE BEDROOM CABIN

Our three-bedroom cabins provide an idyllic escape for families and groups yearning for a rejuvenating getaway that immerses them in the wonders of the natural world.

Discovery luxury with some of our special exclusive packages. Make your stay a memorable one and check out our special offers when planning your stay with us.

Our world-class restaurant and bar Warrior is a celebration of local and native ingredients, highlighting the very best of Australian produce.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Whether you're looking to celebrate the finest Warrior Resturant & Bar themed events or host your own wedding, birthday or special occasion, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the perfect venue for a relaxed and luxurious experience.

Every award and accolade is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing an extraordinary experience for our guests while maintaining the integrity of our natural environment. When you choose to stay at the Crocodile Hunter Lodge, you're choosing a destination that's not only renowned but also committed to making a positive impact in conservation.

Located on Queensland’s iconic Sunshine Coast, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is surrounded by natural beauty, from the breathtaking Glass House Mountains to the pristine beaches of Caloundra and Mooloolaba.

Crikey! No trip to The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is complete without a trip to Australia Zoo. Steve and Terri grew the roadside park into the famed zoological gardens here today. It is a beacon for conservation, and the most interactive wildlife destination on the planet. Experience the love we have for our animals - cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, and watch the African animals graze on the savanna.

Republic of Congo

São tomé and príncipe, south africa, new zealand, ecuador & galapagos, arctic circle, for families, for campfire stargazers, on a beer budget, for africa-philes, for foodies & wine buffs, for culture vultures, for active adventurers, for hopeless romantics, to do before you die, for nature nuts, air safaris, luxury horse riding holidays, hikes & expeditions, expeditionary cruising, one-off hosted journeys, wildlife & conservation, journeys for women.

Australia & New Zealand

India, Sri Lanka & Bhutan

Latin America

Rest of the World

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zz – Polar Regions

Serengeti Safari Tour

Walk with giants on a Serengeti safari

Middle east pre-departure information, eat breakfast in the bush, indian ocean pre-departure information, recharge under luxurious canvas, australia & new zealand pre-departure information, glide over the plains in a hot air balloon, indian subcontinent pre-departure information, outback by air pre-departure information, latin america pre-departure information, turkey pre-departure information, africa pre-departure information, oman pre-departure information, australian air safaris, jordan pre-departure information, northern patagonia – where to stay, israel pre-departure information, rajasthan, india – where to stay, iran pre-departure information, pdi *** kerala & southern india, dubai pre-departure information, kerala & southern india – where to stay, seychelles pre-departure information, wild india – where to stay, mauritius pre-departure information, northern india & himalaya – where to stay, maldives pre-departure information, southern patagonia – where to stay, new zealand pre-departure information, chad – where to stay, sri lanka pre-departure information.

Peru Pre-Departure Information

Arctic circle – itineraries, mexico pre-departure information, antarctica – itineraries, ecuador pre-departure information, bhutan – where to stay, cuba pre-departure information, são tomé and príncipe – itineraries, colombia pre-departure information, zimbabwe – itineraries, chile pre-departure information, malawi – itineraries, brazil pre-departure information, new zealand – itineraries, general latin america pre-departure information, australia – itineraries, zimbabwe pre-departure information, ethiopia – itineraries, zambia pre-departure information, argentina – itineraries, uganda pre-departure information, egypt – itineraries, tanzania pre-departure information, colombia – itineraries, south africa pre-departure information, sri lanka – itineraries, são tomé and príncipe pre-departure information, peru – itineraries, rwanda pre-departure information, ecuador & galapagos – itineraries, republic of congo pre-departure information, brazil – itineraries, namibia pre-departure information, zambia – itineraries, mozambique pre-departure information, uganda – itineraries, morocco pre-departure information, tanzania – itineraries, malawi pre-departure information, chile – itineraries, madagascar pre-departure information, south africa – itineraries, kenya pre-departure information, namibia – itineraries, ethiopia pre-departure information, morocco – itineraries, general africa pre-departure information, kenya – itineraries, egypt pre-departure information, botswana – itineraries, madagascar – itineraries, sleep under the african night sky on a starbed, mozambique – itineraries, come face to face with a polar bear, republic of congo – itineraries, take a polar plunge, bhutan – itineraries, dance with the datoga people at mwiba, rwanda – itineraries, sleep under a starry outback sky, india – itineraries, fly camp under the stars of the makgadikgadi, são tomé and príncipe – where to stay, glamp in supreme comfort at the hornbill festival, rwanda – where to stay, republic of congo – where to stay.

Bolivia – Where to Stay

Mozambique – where to stay.

Madagascar – Where to Stay

Malawi – where to stay.

New Zealand – Where to Stay

Small Group African Safari Tours

Australia – where to stay, glide over glaciers and into stunning fiordland, ethiopia – where to stay, argentina – where to stay.

Experience a Maori Powhiri

Egypt – where to stay, skipper your own boat in the bay of islands, sri lanka – where to stay, spend the day with new zealand’s only orca whale researcher, india – where to stay, colombia – where to stay.

Dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach

Visit Albatross Penguins in Dunedin

Heli hike in Southern Fiordland

Look out for the Aurora Australis in New Zealand

Hike up Roy’s Peak

Star gaze at the Southern Cross in Tekapo

Spot glow worms at night in hidden areas of new zealand.

Glacier hike at Franz Josef

Head out on an exclusive wine tour in Marlborough

Marvel at the Majorelle Garden

Peru – where to stay.

Mexico accommodation overview

Ecuador – Where to Stay

Chile – where to stay, brazil – where to stay, zimbabwe – where to stay, protect patagonia’s pumas, chile, zambia – where to stay, conduct a bird census, malawi, uganda – where to stay, assist with chimpanzee habituation, uganda, tanzania – where to stay, ride for lions with the great plains foundation, south africa – where to stay, be an esteemed guest at a rwandan naming ceremony for baby gorillas, namibia – where to stay, morocco – where to stay, paddle a kayak through the polar waters, observe the rites and rituals of west africa, kenya – where to stay, explore the arctic by zodiac, botswana – where to stay, sea kayak antarctica’s waters, snow shoe across the pack ice, visit a research station, marvel at antarctica’s icebergs and penguins, scuba dive on the bountiful coral reefs, photograph south georgia’s iconic wildlife, explore the falklands’ extraordinary wildlife and history, fly over australia’s most iconic areas, maria island walk, tackle tasmania’s cradle mountain huts walk, walk the flinders ranges in style, go on safari in bamurru plains, snorkel ningaloo reef, drink malbec in mendoza, fly fish the rivers of patagonia, trek on horseback high into the andean mountains, dance the tango, immerse yourself in gaucho culture, feel the power of iguazú falls, sail the highest lake in the world, visit the uros people on their floating islands, sail down the amazon, watch football at the maracana, walk through the jungle to see iguaçu falls, become a beach bum in trancoso, spot jaguars in the pantanal, join the party at rio’s carnival, relax in a volcanic thermal spring, unravel the mysterious past of easter island, helicopter to remote mountain lakes, admire the street art of valparaiso, taste chile’s mouth-watering vino, birdwatch in tayrona national park, visit the gold museum in bogota, cook colombian cuisine in cartagena, hike to remote civilisations in pueblito, engage tobacco tour: from seed to cigar, explore cuba’s revolutionary history, delve into ecuador’s amazon, visit the colourful otavalo markets, chug through ecuador in a steam train, explore the galápagos by boat, feel the hum of the monarch butterfly migration, swim with mexico’s whale sharks, step back in time to ancient maya, enjoy a culinary & cultural feast in oaxaca, celebrate the day of the dead, trek to the magnificent machu picchu, immerse yourself in the amazonian jungle, traverse peru in a luxury train, horse ride through peru’s sacred valley, taste lima’s finest cuisine, turn back time at galle fort, scale sigiriya rock, travel by train through tea country, spot leopards on safari, be part of the pushkar camel fair, walk with big game in the company of world-class guides, take a boat cruise on lake pichola, revel in the holi festival celebrations, discover the secrets of amber fort, go white water rafting on the zanskar river, chant with buddhist monks in thiksey monastery, ride bactrian camels in the hunder desert, search for elusive cats in periyar tiger reserve, explore the backwaters of kerala in a houseboat, light a lotus flower candle on the ganges, ride a rickshaw through chandni chowk, walk in the footsteps of the slumdog millionaire, stand in awe at the taj mahal, learn at the mountain echoes literary festival, reach new heights at the tigers nest monastery, marvel at the ancient rock art at matobo, learn about the endangered painted dog, catch tiger fish in the zambezi river, experience world-class walking safaris, cruise the zambezi river at sunset, canoe down the lower zambezi river, search for rare wildlife in the bangweulu wetlands, explore zambia’s nocturnal world on a night drive, fly by helicopter over victoria falls, walk the beautiful blue streets of jodhpur, admire exotic birds in kidepo valley national park, hang out with wild chimpanzees, track mountain gorillas, penetrate the bwindi impenetrable forest, explore the unesco world heritage site of ngorongoro, learn to hunt with the hadzabe tribe, swim with africa’s whale sharks, conquer mount kilimanjaro, witness the great wildebeest migration, trek wild chimpanzees in mahale mountains, walk through the wildflowers of namaqualand, indulge in cape town’s phenomenal cuisine, recapture the romance of luxury train journeys, encounter big game on a safari drive, fly by helicopter to cape point, hike biosphere trails, conserve sea turtles, plunge into the ocean, taste the islands’ bounty, marvel at east africa’s wildlife in akagera, track chimpanzees in the wild, trek to see the real ‘gorillas in the mist’, honour dian fossey at her grave, glide over the desert in a hot air balloon, track black rhino on foot, scale the world’s highest sand dune, soar over namibia in a scenic flight, stroll the streets of maputo, explore ibo’s ancient cultures, witness the iconic wildlife of the arctic, sail on a traditional dhow boat, discover the ancient ruins of meknes and volubilis, learn to cook – moroccan style, shop ’til you drop in marrakech’s souks, sip mint tea with the berbers in the atlas mountains, ride a camel and camp in style in the sahara, immerse yourself in local culture, unwind on historic likoma island, see the big 5 on a wild safari, dive into lake malawi, walk the ‘avenue of baobabs’, kick back on the paradise island of nosy be, stalk lemurs in the jungle, have breakfast with giraffes, float in a hot air balloon over the mara at sunset, gallop through the african bush, witness the great wildebeest migration, experience hands on conservation in lewa, observe the extraordinary singing wells of samburu, hike the simien mountains, encounter rare, endemic species, meet the tribes of the omo valley, marvel at rock-hewn churches, wander the valley of the kings, ride a camel to the pyramids, sail the nile on a felucca, stand in awe at abu simbel, wade through the waters, kayak in the wild congo basin, trek western lowland gorillas, explore poto poto market, toast sir ernest shackleton at his resting place, race over the salt pans by quad bike, glide through the delta in a mokoro, join the herd on a horseback safari, meet the meerkats, abounding in nature's gifts, there’s no place like home.

We can’t help but rave about our own continent-sized country.

If you enjoy remoteness, wildlife and nature on a grand scale, it is impossible to beat – literally! The Great Barrier Reef is the largest eco-system in the world; Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world; Tasmania boasts the cleanest air in the world and Western Australia’s rocks are the oldest in the world. The wildlife here is weird and wonderful with monotremes and marsupials rubbing shoulders with their infamous venomous compatriots. 90% of Australians live on the coast but even they are remarkably isolated (Perth is closer to Jakarta than is it to Sydney) and the vast interior is essentially empty, lending itself perfectly to far-flung adventure and romantic escapes.

Wildlife lovers can swim with whale sharks or spot dugongs along Ningaloo reef, and fan boat through the wild wetlands of the Northern Territory. Adventurous types can tackle the Great Walks or sail the sparkling coastline,  historians will marvel at the ancient land and its people, and high maintenance sorts can swoop into an elegantly styled homestead by helicopter for pure luxury, lost in the outback.

No matter where you wander, home is where all great adventure begins…

As an Australian-owned business, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay    our respects to them and their cultures, and to their Elders past, present and future.

You will love.

• Epic hikes and far flung adventure • The romance of remoteness • Swimming with whale sharks • An ancient land of many secrets • Rainforest, reefs, deserts & mountains

Let us design your perfect itinerary.

Unforgettable experiences in Australia

Hike Maria Island

Tackle Tasmania's Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

A selection of our favourite places to stay in Australia

Sal Salis – Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Barefoot luxury on the edge of ningaloo reef.

Bamurru Plains – Kakadu NP, Northern Territory

Wilderness luxe in the top end.

Arkaba Homestead – Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Wild bush luxe.

Haggerstone Island – Far North Queensland

Ultimate far flung escape.

El Questro Homestead – The Kimberley, Western Australia

Kimberley exclusive escape.

Bullo River Station – Bullo River, Northern Territory

Old fashioned frontier hospitality.

Kimberley Coastal Camp – Kimberley, Western Australia

Barefoot beachfront paradise.

Mt Mulligan – Far North Queensland

Rugged outback luxury.

A collection of journeys in Australia

Wine, Wildlife & Walking

Itinerary inspiration | south australia, rainforest & remoteness, daintree, cattle station & far north queensland, australia.

Top End Immersion

Itinerary inspiration | kakadu & arnhem land, northern territory, australia.

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

Set departure | tasmanian coastal trek.

True North Kimberley Ultimate

Set departure | cruising australia's kimberley coastline.

Cape York & The Gulf Air Safari

Air safari | outback & far north queensland 14 days.

The Outback Aussie Pub Crawl

Air safari | iconic drinking holes & outback scenes 5 days.

The Arkaba Walk

Set departure | the flinders ranges on foot.

Remote Coast, Cattle & Kimberley

Itinerary inspiration | australia's wild & remote west.

Flyaway Faraway

Air safari | iconic & vast australia 14 days.

Outback Loop by Air

Air safari | outback nsw, south australia & central qld 7 days.

Lords Safaris – Kakadu Under Canvas

Itinerary inspiration | lords safaris - kakadu & arnhem land, australia.

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Having, in my early days, travelled widely around Australia, the trip with Outback by Air & Classic Safari Company opened my eyes to so many wonderful places that are unique to this fabulous country. Thank you for such a marvellous adventure.

Begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

A Luxury Outback Safari

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The far-flung wilds of Australia are at your fingertips on an exclusive 15-night luxury Outback safari, a high-flying adventure of ultra-luxe proportions. Find luxury resorts nestled in wildlife reserves, kangaroo encounters on white sand beaches, fine dining under red rock escarpments, sunset billabong cruises to aboriginal sites, flightseeing adventures over the Kimberley, and five-star homesteads in Australia’s last true frontier. Go with Ker & Downey and travel to remote pockets of authentic Outback luxury. From touch down to take off, this 16-day sojourn promises a true Outback safari experience, coupled with only the highest standards of service, cuisine, and comfort.

Itinerary / 16 DAYS

TRIP HIGHLIGHT

Trip designer, liane soukup, luxury travel consultant, day 1 arrive sydney.

DAY 2 Emirates One&Only Wogan Valley

Day 3 sydney to kangaroo island, days 4 and 5 kangaroo island, day 6 kangaroo island to uluru (ayers rock), day 7 uluru (ayers rock).

DAY 8 Uluru to Arnhem Land

Days 9 and 10 davidson's arnhemland safaris, day 11 arnhem land to kakadu national park, day 12 kakadu national park, day 13 kakadu national park to the kimberley, days 14 and 15 the kimberley, day 16 depart the kimberley.

Asia & Pacific Adventures

• Ultimate Australia Safari

Accommodations

Pullman cairns international hotel, chambers wildlife rainforest lodges, blue summit hideaway lodge, heritage lodge, sebel margate brisbane beach, lady elliot island eco resort, macq 01 hotel, truffle lodge tented camp, cradle mountain lodge, rawnsley park station, the river suites.

Availability & Book Now

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Customize Your African Safari

Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917 .

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

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Where to Go on Safari in Australia

Published on: August 29th, 2019

Last modified: April 19th, 2024

Australian safaris explore some of the most epic natural spaces and fascinating wildlife on the planet. There’s snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef , captivating endemic species in Tasmania , cute koalas on the Ocean Road and fascinating cultural heritage at Uluru and in the Outback .

Much like taking a safari in Africa , Australia offers a stunning collection of safari lodges . Stay in luxury tree houses nestled in the glistening canopy of the Daintree Forest or get back to nature in safari-style tents in Kakadu National Park on an exclusive safari with legendary guide, Sab Lord.

We’ve asked our experts to collate their ultimate guide on where to go on safari in Australia and where you can find certain species - the perfect guide for first timers, seasoned safari goers or those choosing between Africa or Australia . We’ll list our favourite locations and let you know why we think they’re so special.

Safari Destinations in Australia

1. uluru and the outback.

The classic Australian safari destination, Uluru and the Outback is a land of vast arid landscapes, wild animals, spiritual energy and unique heritage. Experience extraordinary luxury at Longitude 131° where walls made entirely of glass deliver epic views of the mighty Uluru – for views of Kata Tjuta as well, be sure to opt for the Dune Pavilion suite. At night watch Uluru change from bright red to deep purple, embodying the undeniable energy running through the heart of the Northern Territory.

The Australian Outback is a great place to spot many of Australia’s best loved creatures from kangaroos to the magnificent thorny devil and many other reptile and bird species. Along with natural wonders and wildlife, Aboriginal guides thoughtfully explaining Dreamtime, exposes a side to Australia only few visitors get to discover. A wonderful mix of cultures, landscapes and history, the Outback is a must-visit safari destination for anyone wanting to visit ethereal Australia.

2. Tasmania

Widely known for its vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness and diverse landscapes, Tasmania is home to 19 national parks teeming with wildlife from forest-dwellers to sea life. It’s also a place of tremendously stylish hotels; stay in an art gallery and museum with villas designed in sharp triangular shapes at MONA Pavilions or in boutique luxury in the historic Islington Hotel at Hobart.

This independent island cares about sustainability, suiting today’s conscious traveller. Saffire Freycinet , a contemporary hotel that cleverly embraces its natural surroundings, acts as refuge for older Tasmanian Devils, and leads conservation efforts in the region. Tasmanian Devils are the world’s largest carnivorous marsupials, weighing up to 12 kilograms and travel as far as 16 kilometres to find food such as wallabies, reptiles and small mammals.

3. The Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s great natural wonders, the  awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. Home to over 3000 individual reef systems and an incredible wealth of biodiversity with 30 species of cetaceans, more than 1500 types of fish and the graceful dugong  – it’s a nature lover’s paradise.  Any snorkelling or diving enthusiast must explore this underwater marvel.

Rising ocean temperatures have put the reef in peril, meaning sustainable travel is now vital. Luckily there’s a myriad of ways you can discover the reef responsibly. Stay in the sustainably designed, contemporary Lizard Island , situated inside the national park and be submerged in the natural world. On the idyllic white-sand Haggerston Island , fringed with palms and dotted with Papua New Guinea-style huts, there’s a genuine connection to nature – and the entire island can be privately booked, for those seeking complete privacy.

4. Kakadu National Park

Australia’s Northern Territory, known as the Top End , is one of the world’s great wildernesses, accessible from the little tropical city of Darwin. Enormous expanses (it’s six times bigger than the UK) of pristine landscapes are filled with wildlife, ancient culture, captivating recent history and more than 80 national parks. 

Kakadu National Park is home to Bamurru Plains , set in its own private reserve and on our list of top sustainable lodges in the world . Buffalo, wallabies, crocodiles and much more can be discovered on exhilarating quad bike and airboat safaris, led by expert naturalist guides. For the ultimate Australian safari experience set out with legendary guide Sab Lord from Lords Camp in Arnhem Land. Benefit from his decades of experience on an epic expedition (longer itineraries can last up to two weeks) of wildlife viewing, wild swimming and genuine cultural experiences. 

5. Kangaroo Island

Ten thousand years ago a section of land in southern Australia was cut off from the mainland by rising waters and Archaeological proof humans ceased. Kangaroo Island became a remote wildlife haven, virtually untouched until the 19th century. Diverse, windswept and made up of rolling hills, craggy cliffs, amber grasslands, white-sand beaches, and protected by several nature reserves and sustainable hotels. Home to a massive list of wildlife including platypuses, possums and, unsurprisingly, Kangaroos.

Southern Ocean Lodge , due to reopen in the latter part of 2023, offers an elegant place to stay while exploring the wilds of the island. Safari excursions take you to the coast to look for seals, into Flinders Chase National Park where you can spot koalas and wallabies and onto the water where dancing dolphins play. There’s beehives, wine and foodie tours and unmissable cultural excursions too.

6. The Daintree Rainforest

Australia’s Daintree Rainforest is a verdant, lush rainforest used as the inspiration for the landscapes in the blockbuster movie Avatar, and it’s not hard to see why – it’s breathtaking. For a stylish, modern and totally luxurious treehouse, look no further than Silky Oaks . With the social areas open to the meandering mossman river below there’s a strong connection to nature- a truly immersive experience.

Adventure seekers can trek through the jungle, soar through the forest canopy on a zip-line, go on wildlife walks or kayaking trips – keeping a look out for crocodiles and green possums. Home to a quarter of Australia’s frog population, one of the world’s largest butterfly colonies and an incredible 122 rare and endangered species, the Daintree Rainforest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts who are seeking some of the more obscure animals such as Boyd’s Forest Dragon or the striking Southern Cassowary.

7. Great Ocean Road

For epic views and the chance to spot wildlife in multiple locations, be sure to include the Great Ocean Road on your Australian safari. Stretching between Torquay and Allansford, this Australian National Heritage site offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities and unforgettable views. From rainforests and rivers to rugged coastline and ancient volcanoes, there’s a variety of wildlife habitats to discover.

Stay at Lake House Daylesford , a stunning lakefront retreat, nestled within olive groves and dappled forests. From here, travel to Ballarat Wildlife Park to experience private ranger-guided wildlife tours. Also in the region is the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve where there’s a chance to meet emus, koalas and lizards. Visiting between May and September means ocean safari opportunities as the southern right whales come close to shore, or go swimming with dolphins at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Embark on an Australian Safari Adventure

Locking eyes with a majestic kangaroo, marvelling at the graceful movements of dolphins or seeking the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes: Australia's diverse ecosystems offer something truly special for every adventurer.

Where to Stay While on Safari in Australia

Discover Australia's Best Safari Spots

Safari Lodge

Cape Tribulation Road, 4873 Cape Tribulation, Australia – Excellent location – show map

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Safari Lodge (previously known as Jungle Lodge) is located in the remote rainforest region of Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland. A swimming pool and the on site Turtle Rock Cafe are offered to guests. The beautiful Myall Beach is only a 10-minute walk away from Safari Lodge. Private and shared rooms are provided. The accommodations includes shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. The reception desk can organize tours of the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including horse riding and snorkeling.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Free parking
• Non-smoking rooms

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Free Parking Available On Site

Saved to 883 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Sustainability certification

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Restaurants 1 Restaurant On Site

• Cuisine Australian
• Open for Breakfast • Brunch • Lunch
• Ambience Family-friendly
• Dietary options Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Safari Lodge Great facilities! Review score, 8.4

• Garden view
• Picnic area
• Outdoor furniture
• Outdoor dining area
• BBQ facilities
• Shared kitchen
• Socket near the bed
• Walking tours Additional charge
• Snorkeling Additional charge
• Horseback riding Additional charge Off-site
• Hiking Off-site
• Pool table Additional charge
• Fishing Off-site
• Sitting area
• Coffee house on site
• Accessible parking
• Baggage storage
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Designated smoking area
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Entire unit located on ground floor
• Opening times
• Open all year
• All ages welcome
• Shallow end
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Fenced pool

See availability House rules

From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

From 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Safari Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Safari Lodge of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

FAQs about Safari Lodge

How close to the beach is safari lodge.

The nearest beach is 1,650 feet from Safari Lodge. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

Does Safari Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

How far is Safari Lodge from the center of Cape Tribulation?

Safari Lodge is 350 feet from the center of Cape Tribulation. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

How much does it cost to stay at Safari Lodge?

The prices at Safari Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What is there to do at Safari Lodge?

• Horseback riding
• Walking tours
• Swimming pool

What type of room can I book at Safari Lodge?

What are the check-in and check-out times at safari lodge.

Check-in at Safari Lodge is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

Does Safari Lodge have a restaurant on site?

• Turtle Rock Cafe

The Best of Cape Tribulation

• Cape Tribulation

Attractions

• Daintree Discovery Centre

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Steve Irwin's Family Just Opened a Luxury Lodge at the Australia Zoo to Honor His Legacy — Take a Look Inside

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opened in Beerwah, Queensland, on June 22, 2022.

The Irwins have come up with an even more meaningful way to honor Steve Irwin's legacy by opening The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Beerwah, Queensland — about 60 miles north of Brisbane — on June 22.

"Steve always wanted to give guests the experience of staying overnight and offer unique accommodation where people could appreciate our beautiful wildlife," general manager and longtime Irwin family confidant Luke Reavley told Travel + Leisure .

Located just south of the family's Australia Zoo near the Glass House Mountains, the property features eight family-friendly cabins, as well as a two-room accessible cabin, in an area that's a habitat for kangaroos, emus, and koalas. The area also includes a new home for the zoo's southern koalas, who were victims of the 2020 bushfires, where they live alongside echidnas.

"The Irwin family has been super involved throughout the entire project," Reavley said. "In the early days of planning, we would all meet and work out theming and design elements. They also came up with the perfect name for the lodge and restaurant. Throughout the build, we visited most days to see what exciting part had been finished."

Both of Irwin's kids, Bindi, 23, and Robert, 18, added their own touches to the property. "Bindi chose the perfect name for the restaurant, Warrior, paying tribute to Steve who coined the phrase Wildlife Warrior, and the next generation, Grace Warrior," Reavley told T+L. "Robert made the pool extra special, photographing two of Australia Zoo's crocodiles that were printed onto the pool tiles. It's super cool, and a little unnerving!"

As for Steve's widow Terri, there's an extra significance to the site. "The front doors and check-in desk are recycled timber from the original Crocodile Environmental Park that Steve built himself — it's also the spot [where] Steve and Terri first met in 1991" he said. "There are so many special sentimental parts of the lodge. We designed it with our Outback Conservation Property in mind, which Steve and Terri first purchased to protect wildlife in the early 2000s. It was one of Steve's all-time favorite places."

Guests to the lodge will receive a welcome gift upon arrival, as well as free breakfast, unlimited entry to the Australia Zoo, shuttle service to and from the zoo, entry to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, and exclusive use of the lodge's 82-foot-long infinity pool called The Billabong, from which the wildlife can be spotted. In addition to the Warrior Restaurant and Bar (where the current seasonal menu features mint-crusted Tasmanian lamb loin, Queensland blue pumpkin, and rosemary risotto), there's also a gift shop, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour concierge.

For Reavley himself, who is familiar to viewers of the Animal Planet show Crikey! It's the Irwins , it's been a realization of a plan years in the making. "When I started working at Australia Zoo 16 years ago, the team were talking about a long-term plan, so it's surreal that we're now at this point and about to welcome guests," he said. His favorite element is the lodge's First Nation artwork. "It's been incredible to feature such beautiful original pieces" he said, adding that he also adores the "expansive" on-site animal habitat. "Sitting at the lodge and seeing koalas high up in the eucalyptus trees, red kangaroos grazing, and emus wandering around is perfection."

The new site hopes to give visitors a more immersive way to enjoy everything The Crocodile Hunter himself embodied. "The lodge celebrates what Steve loved most: wildlife, fun and family," Reavley told T+L. "We'd love guests to have an unforgettable experience with their loved ones and leave feeling more connected to the natural world."

For more information on The Crocodile Lodge and to book your stay, visit the hotel's website here .

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Wildlife Safaris

Safari tours in australia.

Without a doubt, Australia is one of the most exciting and unique wildlife safari  destinations in the world. The continent boasts extremely diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from alpine ranges, wet and dry eucalypt forests, vast temperate grasslands to arid deserts. With these differing habitats comes the opportunity to see a rich volume of species, across the birdwatching, marsupial, land mammal, reptile, invertebrate and amphibian categories.

Australia's unpopulated vast spaces provide a distinct type of safari experience; one that you can truly immerse yourself in when exploring ecosystems safely by foot or vehicle. The key to any quality Australian safari tour and wildlife adventure is an expert guide that seamlessly connects you with the surroundings, evoking all of the senses. Whilst Australia is not home to the volume of mega fauna and predatory mammals in some other regions, the interrelationship between the topography, flora and fauna is just as fascinating, as are the stories of how this ancient land and the species that have called it home have evolved.

These multi-day Australian safari tours and packages  provide the perfect opportunity to explore the different type of habitats and animals, whilst always delivering the element of surprise that makes wildlife safaris such a desired travel experience. Given the diversity of Australian ecosystems, we recommend linking these tours and regions together to create the ultimate wildlife safari holiday or vacation.

We invite you to marvel at the best Australia wildlife locations with tours that feature charming accommodations, outstanding local food and wine, warm hospitality and outstanding guiding.

4 Day Nature, Wildlife & Conservation Safari

From $3,225 AUD

4 days/3 nights

Far North Queensland is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise with this small group tour concentrating on the endemic wildlife found within Australia's most biodiverse region. Our passionate and knowledgeable guides are eager to share the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with our focus to observe, interpret and provide abudant opportunities to...

Wildlife Interests: Fish & Marine Invertebrates

Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife

From $3,380 AUD

8 days/7 nights

Christmas Island’s geographic isolation and minimal human disturbance has produced an incredible level of biodiversity and endemism, leading to the label of the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’. Meet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs,...

Wildlife Interests: Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians

Daintree Exclusive

From $1,650 AUD

This full day tour focuses on the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, the largest section of tropical rainforest in Australia and oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. Guests will be mesmerised by the combination of waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic streams, deep gorges and dense rainforest, that makes this...

East Gippsland Wildlife Journey

From $2,560 AUD

4 days/3 nights - East Gippsland

Venturing across East Gippsland’s magnificent lush rainforests, coastal heathlands, giant eucalypt groves, white sandy beaches and pristine rivers and estuaries, this four day immersive adventure offers you encounters with an incredible array of species. It is especially attractive to enthusiasts looking to spot some of the more shy forest dwellers...

Wildlife Interests: Marine Mammals

Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters

From $2,300 AUD

3 days/3 nights

This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna! Be mesmerised by the agility, curiosity and playful interaction from Australian Sea-Lions; the ‘puppy dogs...

Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter

From $3,780 AUD

4 days/4 nights

Fowler's Bay in South Australia is where you will encounter numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural state; the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale. Not to be outshone is the hospitality of the local country towns, majestic coastline all the way down to Port Lincoln, native...

Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages

From $1,460 AUD

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Experience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds. Tour stunning Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay where...

Kangaroo Island Immersion

From $3,365 AUD

This four day tour allows you to truly immerse yourself on Kangaroo Island. Discover more of the island, including it's history, ecology, landscape, lifestyle, local produce, friendly people and incredible wildlife offerings. Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Emu Bay, American River, Pelican Lagoon, Pennington Bay, Flinders Chase National Park,...

Wildlife Interests: Land Mammals & Marsupials

Kangaroo Island In Style

From $1,519 AUD

2 days/1 night

Discover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings. Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Stokes Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, central plateau and extraordinary south coast landscapes at Seal Bay, where guests will...

Maria Island Winter Escape Walk

From $1,850 AUD

3 days/2 nights

The ‘Maria Island Winter Escape Walk’ is a three day lodge based experience which explores the beautiful and historic northern end of the island featuring abundant marsupials. The adventure starts and finishes in Hobart and begins with a hotel pickup. You will enjoy a number of seasonal wildlife events including...

Wildlife Interests: Birds

Murray River Safari

From $3,300 AUD

Experience the diverse wildlife offerings where Australia's river oasis meets the outback. This multi-activity wildlife safari along Australia's greatest river includes guided walks, canoeing, an outback drive and open back cruising, combined with luxurious houseboat accommodation and superb dining including local wines. Spot Koalas, Kangaroos, Australian Pelicans, Royal Spoonbills, Black...

Port Lincoln Wildlife Encounters

From $1,470 AUD

This incredible two day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park, Big Swamp, Mikkira Station and Mount Dutton Bay Conservation Park. On shore, there is an abundance of seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, parrots (including the beautiful Port Lincoln...

Wildlife Interests: Reptiles & Amphibians

Private Mungo Outback Journey

From $2,670 AUD

4 days/ 3 nights

Be captivated by the expansive red sand plains and dunes, riverine ecosystems of the famous Murray and Darling Rivers and the arid land ecosystems around Lake Mungo. Spot Kangaroos, Emus, Pink Cockatoos, several parrot species including Mulga, Red-rumped, Mallee Ringnecks and Blue-bonnets, raptor birds including the Wedge-tailed Eagle and several...

The Maria Island Walk

From $2,950 AUD

This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food. Small groups of maximum 10 guests and 2 guides, will explore the World Heritage Listed island with gentle walks by day and enjoy elegant private accommodation...

Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land

From $3,280 AUD

3 Days/2 Nights

This epic tailored adventure across the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land winds across stunning floodplains and escarpments in search of the formidable Saltwater Crocodile, many of the region’s 280 bird species, adorable marsupials and mammals and incredible flora. The pristine beauty of Fogg Dam, Mary River...

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From $7,200 AUD

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Combining the Mary River Catchment and Nitmiluk National Parks, this tour cover the spectacular landscapes with the premium lodgings in the area; Bamurru Plains and Cicada Lodge. Bamurru Plains is a birdwatchers paradise, with 236 recorded species including Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling- Duck, Egrets, Ibis and Brolgas, but also teems...

Ultimate Luxury Safari Adventure

From $8,175 AUD

6 days/5 nights - Kakadu & Arnhem Land

Covering black soil floodplains, paper bark swamps, savannah woodlands, monsoonal rainforests, river mangroves and dramatic escarpments, this is the ultimate Top End private adventure for wildlife enthusiasts! Highlights include a visit to Fogg Dam, the iconic Yellow Water Cruise and airboat rides across the Mary River Catchment. The richness and...

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Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton

Elevated Urban Getaway in Carlton

Elevate your urban getaway at Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, where local history is perfectly complemented with modern surrounds. Positioned on Swanston Street overlooking the iconic Lincoln Square, offering guests premium hospitality and dining experiences on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub with everything you need to create your perfect urban getaway, gathered conveniently within the hotel precinct. Close to world-class Universities in the heart of Melbourne’s Innovation District, the hotel’s ideal position lets you experience the very best of the local community and beyond, whether visiting for business, leisure, a meaningful gathering or a blend of all.

Enjoy the ambiance of our lobby bar and restaurant celebrating Carlton’s historic Italian influence, venture through the birthplace of Melbourne’s cafe culture on foot, or step onto one of Melbourne’s iconic trams and within minutes, find yourself surrounded by the city’s attractions and events.

Our 107 modern guest rooms have been purposefully designed with premium amenities and tech to ensure you’re connected, when you need to be. Seamlessly transition from business to leisure, as you enjoy the convenience of our working lobby lounge, fitness centre, onsite parking as well as private dining and conference facilities, wedding, and event spaces.

FEATURED AMENITIES

Location & Arrival Information

Check-in: 3 PM

Check-out: 11 AM

Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Hotel Packages Available

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All of our hotels use the IHG Green Engage system, an innovative online environmental sustainability system that gives our hotels the means to measure and manage their impact on the environment. It’s our way of making sure we’re protecting our surroundings for our guests today, and tomorrow.

Taylor Swift: Homeless face being sent outside of Edinburgh as shows push up hotel demand

Taylor Swift is set to perform at Murrayfield Stadium on 7, 8 and 9 June, with tens of thousands of fans expected to flock to Edinburgh - many with prior hotel reservations.

Scotland reporter @Jenster13

Thursday 30 May 2024 16:33, UK

A number of homeless people face being sent outside of Edinburgh to make way for tourists ahead of Taylor Swift performing in the city.

The City of Edinburgh Council said it is working with those affected to find "alternative accommodation".

The local authority said as a result of its housing emergency, it must at times use tourist accommodation to house homeless people.

However, as it won't be available year-round - particularly over the summer holidays - it is "reluctantly" used as a last resort as a short-term fix and is only booked one week at a time.

Swift is set to perform at Murrayfield Stadium next week on 7, 8 and 9 June, with tens of thousands of fans expected to flock to the Scottish capital to see the US singer - many with prior hotel reservations.

If the council fails to source accommodation in the city, then the homeless households will be moved elsewhere in the country.

There is no evidence of homeless people being removed from accommodation where they are currently staying.

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Councillor Jane Meagher, housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said: "It is a symptom of the housing emergency we face in Edinburgh that at times we must use tourist accommodation to house homeless households.

"We know it won't be available year-round, particularly over the busy summer months, so we use it reluctantly as a last resort.

"We're aware of the situation and are working with the affected households to find appropriate, alternative accommodation."

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Shelter Scotland described the situation as "a blatant injustice".

Alison Watson, director of the charity, said: "This situation is yet further evidence of the urgency of Scotland's housing emergency.

"In Edinburgh that emergency now places people experiencing homelessness in direct competition with tourists; a blatant injustice.

"Our frontline services have seen people in need of a bed tonight being told their only option is to leave the city.

"A family going through the trauma of homelessness in Edinburgh should not have to move miles from their job, school, and community to find emergency accommodation."

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There is a legal obligation for people declared homeless in Scotland to be offered emergency temporary accommodation, and this can come in the form of hotels.

The council declared a housing emergency last November in the face of increasing homelessness figures and a lack of supply.

The Scottish government followed suit earlier this month after sustained pressure from campaigners and opposition parties.

Ms Watson is calling for Holyrood to deliver its promise of a national housing emergency action plan.

She said that without change, the council will be facing the same issue during Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.

Ms Watson stated: "At a time when the City of Edinburgh Council has declared a housing emergency and the Scottish Housing Regulator says the city's homelessness services are experiencing systemic failure, we need a different response from the Scottish government.

"Scottish ministers must deliver their promise of a national housing emergency action plan that delivers more homes and more money for Edinburgh.

"Without that change we can expect more of the same when the festival kicks off in a few weeks' time."

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Air's Moon Safari is an era-defining French album worth celebrating, 25 years on

There's no telling how many special moments have been soundtracked by Moon Safari, the acclaimed 1998 debut album from French duo Air.

An era-defining record of pristine, space-age lounge music delivered with cinematic atmosphere and a distinctively French je ne se quios , Moon Safari was a universal critical and commercial success upon release.

The lush easy-listening music was perfectly suited to post-club comedowns, hip cafes, and make-out sessions: smooth and dreamy enough to be played in the background, but singular and masterfully crafted enough to reward close listening.

It proved highly influential, too. But the wave of mellow, down tempo imitators and 'chill out' CD compilations it spawned struggled to surpass Air's chic, exquisitely woozy beauty.

'It was not meant to be played live'

Jean-Benoît Dunckel, one half of Air alongside Nicolas Godin, never expected Moon Safari's enduring success.

"We never imagined this album could work that way worldwide," he tells Karen Leng on Double J Lunch. 

"It took time, it took decades, [but] the success is not by us, the audience made [it]."

This year, the duo has been playing Moon Safari in full around the world on their first tour in seven years, including Australia.

"It was not made to be played live," says Dunckel. 

"We had to adapt it for the live [setting]. That is what the people want to get — this special feeling they heard the first time… to live again these feelings."

Having played two nights at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live , Air will live-stream their show at London's Royal Albert Hall this weekend.

"It's a beautiful venue," says Dunckel, who is keen to preserve a pristine performance of the album online for future access.

"It's really important to do that because… people can also discover the band live. Some people appreciate the live versions more than the recorded versions."

Performing as a trio, alongside drummer Louis Delorme, Air play inside an oblong box adorned with dazzling lights and visuals, which morph from swathes of minimalist colour to the perspective of a spaceship enjoying interstellar travel.

"We play in a box of light. It looks a bit like the studio on the cover of 10 000 Hz Legend," says Dunckel, referencing the band's second studio album — a weirder, wilder reaction to Moon Safari.

"It could be a home, it could be our world, our head, our architectural concept. It helps for people to enter into a world… people like [that] intimacy."

Dunckel says people often ask: "Are you not bored to play these songs you play for 20 years now?"

"Sometimes I struggle — because you have to concentrate, and you have to play. But I'm never bored. It's always a pleasure."

Moon Safari is a product of its era, but it's also aged beautifully.

It's an evocative listening experience, from the moment lengthy opener 'La femme d'argent' ushers you in with the sounds of water and slinky bassline, through to the weightless pop and robot-voiced melodies of 'Kelly Watch The Stars' and 'New Star in the Sky'.

In 1998, its retro-futuristic arrangements already sounded timeless. 25 years later, its ability to transport your mind and imagination elsewhere hasn't dated one iota.

"It could be a journey, a love story," remarks Dunckel. "That's why we're really attached to it. I think the audience is searching for that, too.

"It helps human relationships in every way," adds Dunckel. Over the years, Air fans have shared "so many stories" of what the album means to them.

"Most of the time it's for love. It's always, 'I met my girlfriend or wife this time'."

Back in 1998, Dunckel told triple j that while hiking in Iceland, his guide revealed Moon Safari was his love-making soundtrack.

There's "probably" plenty of babies in the world with some of the album's DNA in them since, Dunckel estimates of a new generation discovering Air for the first time.

"As we are getting old now, it's becoming that people say, 'oh yeah, my parents were listening to Moon Safari when we were travelling in a car; this family time'."

Sexy Boy, the surprising queer anthem

For many, debut single 'Sexy Boy' was their first introduction to Air. A seductive slice of synth-pop that brought vocoder back to the pop charts and sung in both French and English.

It's a seemingly simple song but Dunckel notes there's "a lot of tolerance and freedom" embedded in it.

"Sexy Boy, first of all, is a strange title because it breaks a certain taboo. The taboo is that heterosexual boys can check out other boys," he explains.

"Also, it became a gay slogan in a way. A gay anthem."

The song took on a new meaning in late 90s Paris when the electronic music scene's wider acceptance of the LGTBQI+ community led to more club and techno nights dedicated to queer punters and DJs emerging.

"There was a lot of gay parties," says Dunckel. "Homosexuality is everywhere in the world, and it's always existed, always there. So, it was important to liberate this movement."

Originally, the song's titular phrase was inspired by Parisian fashion culture.

"People are checking each other out all the time… In Paris, when a couple is meeting another couple, the girl is not going to check out the boy. She's going to check out the other girl: analyse what she wears, how she behaves, what is the fashion or type of the boyfriend.

"Sexy Boy is speaking about that. The fact a man wants to be a pretty man and he is checking [out] other boys."

A popular soundtrack choice, featured in teen rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You and noughties TV drama Queer As Folk, 'Sexy Boy' is also a testament to youth.

The French verses are "celebrating that golden age of being young," Dunckel explains.

"When you're young you don't realise you're at the top of your life. You have a lot of power, actually… because you're beautiful. Your skin, hair, you feel great, you have a lot of energy."

The makings of a classic

Despite its iconic status, Moon Safari was actually the last roll of the dice for Dunckel and Godin.

Raised in the conservative suburb of Versailles, the pair began making music together after meeting at school. But after having their demo tapes rejected by every record label they approached, they quit music and instead focused on their studies.

Each had established careers — Godin in architecture, Dunckel in mathematics — when an opportunity presented itself in a close friend landing a role with Virgin Records imprint Source.

They landed a deal with the label but ditching their jobs for a full-time career in music to support their burgeoning families was a gamble.

"We were 26 years old. We were not sure we come be musicians for the rest of our life," remembers Dunckel. "I was already working [as] a physics teacher… I had a baby."

Thankfully, their risk was rewarded when their debut album became a breakout international hit. Air was swiftly lumped alongside a fresh wave of Parisian artists reinventing the electronic music scene in the late 90s.

Dubbed French touch, the movement included Cassius, St. Germain, Étienne de Crécy, and Daft Punk, who recorded their breakout 1997 album Homework down the street from where Air made Moon Safari.

"There was a kind of energy circulating all over Paris," recalls Dunckel. "Paris is kind of small; all the media, artists and business part of it [were] working all together."

The worlds of music, fashion, contemporary art, cinema — "everything was mixed," Dunckel says.

"At this time, new generations of young people coming from the suburbs are even inside Paris and mixing all these rich, futuristic concepts together with new machines, samplers, computer programs to make music."

A fond farewell to youth

Despite being poster boys for the future of French music, Moon Safari was an evocative, nostalgia-drenched ode to Dunckel and Godin's past.

"In a way it was the end of my youth… That's why the songs [on Moon Safari], there are a lot of regrets and it's a goodbye to our youth and the innocence of it.

"It's full of vibrations from teenage times."

Although labelled an electronic act, Air's music wasn't rooted in beats and house music. Instead, they armed themselves with analogue Moog and Korg synthesizers, vintage drum machines, vocoders and the trusty Rhodes piano.

The resulting compositions bore the esprit of Serge Gainsbourg, electronic pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre, and the 1970s film and TV soundtracks of Dunckel's childhood.

There's a fondness for the psychedelic grandeur of Pink Floyd and ELO. But also, Burt Bacharach arrangements, particularly in the wistful French horn topline of ''Ce matin là' (This morning) and the easy-going 'You Make It Easy' and 'All I Need', both featuring the lyrics and vocals of Godin's then-neighbour, Beth Hirsch.

From its lush, otherworldly sounds right down to its title, Moon Safari gives rise to cosmic ideas and conducive to escapism. That spirit is central to Air's entire ethos.

"I think music exists in paradise and you can feel this [album] is in a strange interface between our world and something else."

Such ephemeral expressions might be surprising coming from a former physics teacher, but Dunckel says "both sides of your brain help" when it comes to making emotive art.

"There is a mathematic aspect of music, that analyses and helps you perform and conceive music. But there is something else happening, your heart is talking.

"As a musician you're organising the vibrations of your heart and the feelings into music… vibrations travelling into space and air."

"When I do a song, it's all about 'what do I feel?'" Dunckel concludes.

"For me, good means it affects me. No good means I don't feel anything… if it affects me, it's going to affect others, too. They're going to feel the feelings I do, too."

Air live-stream their performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 1 June. Details here .

Hear Karen Leng hosting  Lunch on Double J from midday Monday to Thursday.

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