A Luxury Lodge in Australia? Yes, Please!
A signature of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection is its commitment to continuous investment and innovation. Five major initiatives and milestones, including a major rebuild, two extensive refurbishments, a new private villa, and new expeditions, continue to shape the future of Australian luxury travel.
From Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula to the West Australian Ningaloo Coast and the Northern Territory’s East Kimberley, the current program of works and owner-investments began with the reopening of Orpheus Island Lodge in July and continues over the next eight months, culminating in May 2027 with the reopening of Bullo River Station and the 40th anniversary of True North Adventure Cruises. In chronological order, these include:
On the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island Lodge reopened in July this year following a six-month refurbishment of its North Beachfront rooms, suites and villas by award-winning Australian architecture and interior studio Dubois. Expanded indoor and outdoor private spaces, elevated ceilings, outdoor bathtubs and natural, sustainable materials complement the timeless and laidback Australian appeal of the island, with the lodge’s signature infinity pool overlooking the Palm Islands presenting one of the most memorable pool views on the Reef.
On Tasmania’s sparkling east coast, Saffire Freycinet will open the Saffire Jewel private villa in December 2026. A masterpiece of Tasmanian luxury, Saffire Jewel is an 800 sqm private sanctuary where pink granite of The Hazards mountain range and local artifacts weave Tasmanian storytelling through its features, furnishings, and vistas. Showcasing local natural elements including granite, lichen and charred timber, the villa has three bedrooms, each with an ensuite, an 18-meter infinity pool, a private guide and concierge team, and a private wine cellar.
Additionally, interior upgrades to the main lodge’s guest suites at Saffire are underway. Along with the lodge’s renowned ‘plus one’ service, a continually evolving program of experiences includes Saffire After Dark, a guided stargazing encounter enjoying some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere; these additions make Saffire a compelling destination in every season. Check availability, see photos, read reviews.
In Western Australia, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef will reopen in late March 2027 following a significant $5 million refurbishment by owners Journey Beyond, designed by Woods Bagot. Uniquely located among the dunes of Cape Range National Park, just steps from the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and its seasonal humpback whale and whale shark swim experiences, Sal Salis will introduce new eco-luxury wilderness tents with ensuite bathrooms, a central sundeck and lounge, a new dining area and an open bar showcasing premium Western Australian wines. This will completely reinvigorate a much-loved lodge that epitomizes the luxury of rare access and location. Check availability and reviews here.
In May 2027, Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory’s East Kimberley will reopen following a major redevelopment of the homestead and a new guest wing. The nature-led design by Australian Sibella Court will feature twelve beautifully appointed guest rooms, now doubled in size and including a two-bedroom family suite. Private guiding is available to all guests at Bullo River Station, allowing each party to connect personally with the epic wilderness experience and warm, intuitive outback hospitality for which the station is known. Spanning more than 400,000 acres of private wilderness, the working cattle station and wildlife conservancy is where agriculture, conservation and luxury tourism meet.
May 2027 also marks 40 years of True North Adventure Cruises, which has defined and refined coastal expedition-style exploration around Australia since 1987. The 2027 sailing schedule introduces two brand-new expeditions, including North of Ningaloo, a journey along Western Australia’s final ocean frontier through turquoise lagoons to the remote and untouched Rowley Shoals, and a 10-night Great Barrier Reef Explorer voyage featuring coral gardens, tropical islands and a day at Osprey Reef, one of Australia’s most spectacular ‘dine and snorkel’ locations. The milestone also includes investment in new cabin configurations and the annual refit of both vessels. True North’s point of difference remains unchanged: rare access on small ships accessing remote coastal wilderness that few others can reach, and an all-local crew with expert local knowledge delivering genuinely Australian expedition adventures.
Luxury Lodges of Australia Executive Chair Penny Rafferty said the members’ investment in both infrastructure and guest experiences was a strong statement of confidence in the future of Australian luxury travel and demonstrated a deep understanding of the evolving needs and desires of the contemporary traveler.
“The vision and commitment behind each of these projects represents significant investment in some of Australia’s most remarkable places, and a clear belief in the enduring appeal of genuine Australian hospitality,” Ms Rafferty said.
“It’s particularly exciting to see how each lodge offering is evolving to heighten appeal for today’s travelers while staying true to what makes them special, whether that’s the timelessness of Orpheus Island, privileged access to remote coastlines aboard True North or the meeting of innovative agriculture, conservation and next-level outback hospitality at Bullo River Station.”
“With a new, ultra-luxury Jewel villa designed for multi-generation families and small groups of friends traveling together at Saffire Freycinet, a refreshed Sal Salis and a reimagined Bullo River Station all welcoming guests by May 2027, there’s never been a better time to plan an Australian journey that combines multiple lodge stays in one or more epic itineraries,” she said.
The investment builds on a year of outstanding recognition for the collection’s members. In September, eleven members were recognized in the 2026 MICHELIN Keys selection, with Saffire Freycinet and Southern Ocean Lodge rising from Two to Three Keys to join Lizard Island Resort, making the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection home to all three of Australia’s Three Key hotels.
In October, seven members were voted among the world’s best in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, led by Silky Oaks Lodge as the number one resort in Australia and New Zealand for readers of the US-based Condé Nast Traveler. Silky Oaks Lodge, Southern Ocean Lodge and qualia were each honored by readers of both the US and UK titles, a testament to the ongoing appeal of the collection among discerning travelers worldwide.
About Luxury Lodges of Australia
Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA) is a collection of independent luxury lodges located in some of our most spectacular Australian regions. Location is key; each location has a compelling reason to visit and do something. All lodges feature upscale, intimate lodging with the soft luxuries of eating well, drinking well, and sleeping well. However, the exclusivity of access to place, people, knowledge, craft, and over 350 lodge-delivered experiences showcases our extraordinary diversity and defines Australian luxury.
