Hands-on conservation efforts in the Great Barrier Reef

Embrace a rare opportunity to explore the remote northern Great Barrier Reef on a luxurious expedition aboard the 70ft luxury motor yacht Aroona. Travelling with a small group of like-minded travellers, you also have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Great Reef Census - a world-first citizen science effort to survey the Great Barrier Reef. This partnership project developed by the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef in collaboration with leading research and management institutions, allows your clients to help gather data that drives impactful on-the-ground projects, delivers vital insights for management and ultimately, advances conservation outcomes for the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

Be spellbound on daily diving and snorkelling adventures, exploring miles of reef in world-renowned sites from Lagoon Reef to Raine Island, each home to spectacular seascapes and shipwrecks, thriving schools of fish, captivating coral gardens and reef walls bursting with a kaleidoscope of marine life. Led on daily explorations by Aroona's experienced crew, there is also plenty of time to relax aboard in five-star comfort, savouring personalised dining delivered by your private chef. Your charter includes fishing rods and tackle, snorkelling and scuba gear including protective suits and wetsuits, a five metre inflatable pontoon and two stand-up paddle boards.

Contact one of our expert journey designers to find out more. 

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Stories of Outback Queensland

Soar across ancient sandstone escarpments, magnificent rivers and endless outback landscapes on this heli-experience like no other, exclusive to Akorn. In the company of your indigenous host and guide, a traditional custodian of this region, you’ll be choppered inland from Cairns or Port Douglas to the remote ancient lands where an extraordinary cultural experience awaits. Be guided on a unique and privileged discovery of the amazing Quinkan rock art, regarded by UNESCO as one of the 10 most significant bodies of rock art in the world, spellbound as your indigenous guide interprets the painted stories of his people, the Kuku-yalanji. Learn more about Australia’s Indigenous history at this magnificent and culturally significant site and admire the extraordinary depictions of Quinkan spirits, fertility symbols, ancient guardians, totems, turtles and crocodiles, some at least 20,000 years old.

Return to the helicopter for the short hop to Palmerville, experiencing an exclusive immersion into life on this working cattle station. Meet the station manager and get a firsthand glimpse into outback life - mustering cattle, fencing or dam building, depending on the time of year and the season.

Return to your coastal retreat at the end of a rewarding and insightful outback adventure.

Contact our expert journey designers to find out more. 

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Raptor Refuge

Located south of Hobart, the Raptor Refuge is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere which, under the guidance of passionate conservationist Craig Webb, takes in injured birds of prey and, with a small team of volunteers, rehabilitates them for return to the wild.

Akorn travellers in Tasmania have the unique opportunity to visit the refuge and enjoy a level of access beyond anything that is offered to the general public and other guests.

We look forward to welcoming your clients to the inspirational Raptor Refuge when the time is right.

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Approved by the Australian Tourism Export Council as COVID ready

The Australian Tourism Export Council COVID Ready Badge, identifies Akorn Australia as a COVID Ready business and represents that we are currently operating inline with the NCCC COVID safe guidelines and other relevant state based guidelines.

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Approved by the Australian Tourism Export Council - Tourism Trade Checklist

The Tourism Trade Checklist Badge identifies Akorn Australia as part of Australia's trusted Tourism Trade Checklist and represents business trade compliance within the tourism industry.

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Field of Lights

As darkness sets and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, Field of Light illuminates. As far as the eye can see gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert.
The exhibition fittingly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakujaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pijantjatjara is internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro’s largest work to date. Overwhelming in size, the 50,000 spindles of light cover more than seven football fields, the stems breathing and swaying through a sympathetic desert spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.
Field of Light Uluru is currently on display.

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Spotlight on - Peppers Silo Launceston

Bringing history alive on the banks of the idyllic Tamar River is the unique characterful Peppers Silo Hotel. Dating back to the 1960’s, the heritage building which spanned 35 metres high containing grain in four large silos, is an iconic landmark converted into a sophisticated 9 storey hotel providing a unique place to stay in Launceston.

Designed within the original silos and the new North tower are beautifully appointed modern hotel rooms with all of the modern amenities. Plush interiors are decorated with earthy tones to compliment the surrounds and offer in-room complimentary WiFi, LCD TV with Chromecast and Foxtel channels, mini bar and guest ensuite. Taking in sweeping views over the meandering river, the Gorge River Rooms and Premier Suites boast private balconies where you can soak in Launceston’s natural ambience.

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Spotlight on - W Hotel Brisbane

The W Hotel opening in Brisbane marks the re-entry into Australia for W Hotels and the city’s first five-star hotel to open in the CBD for 20 years.  Located at 300 George Street, W Brisbane is close to Brisbane's main attractions and has stunning river views across to South Bank and Mount Coot-tha. The 312 guestrooms will offer everything expected from an upscale accommodation, including designer interiors, spectacular views, 55" TV with Netflix and speakers, mini-bar and free Wi-Fi.

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Behind the Scenes of the Melbourne Cricket Ground

On this two and half hour all-access tour, you will be invited to step out onto the hallowed MCG turf and go behind the scenes of the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club. Led by your Akorn guide and MCG private tour host, venture through the members-only areas, including the famous Long Room, soaking up the history and heritage embedded in the walls of the MCG.
Wander down to the National Sports Museum for a personalised journey through the many exhibits and interactive areas to learn the fascinating history that has made Melbourne, Australia the sporting capital of the world.

By adding the Legends package to this tour enjoy a truly brag-worthy MCG experience, finishing your tour with beautiful city skyline views from the top floor terrace bar of the MCG with individual wait service and selection of drinks and canapes included.

This MCG private tour is the perfect addition to a half day tour of Melbourne.

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Darwin Aboriginal Tour

Learn more about the culture, the wildlife and the wetland region as you escape the crowds and go off to explore the Northern Coastal Wetlands, one of the most unique regions of Australia. On this shared, full day tour, your guide will introduce you to the magnificent wetlands and explain how the people and animals move about and live in the environment. Wetlands provide economic, social and cultural benefits. You will have the opportunity to experience the connection that people and animal have with it.

Travel approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin (105km) to Corroboree Billabong; you will board the vessel for a one hour scenic boat cruise viewing an abundance of birds, crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

You will then be transferred a further 30 minutes where you will have a 1.5 hour experience learning about the local history and culture in a bush tucker walk and talk, try your hand at throwing a spear, blowing a didgeridoo and more. Billy tea and damper in the bush is also included.

This tour is an adventure travelling a short distance from Darwin out to a hidden gem with an abundance of wildlife and spectacular views and great photo opportunities.

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Spotlight on - Spicers Peak Lodge

Stunningly situated on a mountaintop in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is as far from the pressure of everyday life as it’s possible to be. Let your cares melt away in elegant suites and private lodges, enjoy an award-winning gourmet experience, unwind in Spa Anise or choose from a host of invigorating outdoor activities. Here, in Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, relaxation and revitalisation come naturally.

Enjoy your choice of luxuriously intimate accommodation in either the main lodge itself or in separate one and two bedroom Private Lodges perfectly positioned at the edge of the escarpment to make the most of the spectacular views through Spicers Gap and across one of Queensland’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

Spoil yourself by seeing the Great Dividing Range from a whole new perspective. Book a return helicopter transfer from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and let your imagination take flight.

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Encounter the Kangaroo, Koala and Platypus on this New Melbourne Wildlife Tour

Begin this private tour in search of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo on Anglesea golf course where they are highly habituated to humans, giving a rare opportunity to observe and study kangaroos up close. There are currently 210 – 270 kangaroos living on the course - one of the highest densities ever recorded for this species.

Next move onto the small hamlet of Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road, one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. A slight detour off the Great Ocean Road will lead you to a short walk where they are guaranteed to spot koalas in the gum trees. Although resting during most of the day, by late afternoon they become more active, eating leaves, grooming or seeking new food trees. If lucky you may spot some at lower levels and in the spring, mothers with their babies.

Enjoy dinner at the Forrest Brewery Co. before enjoying a dusk canoe tour to discover Australia’s most elusive animal – the Platypus. Witness Australia’s unique 100 million year old egg laying mammal in its natural habitat.

Lake Elizabeth is a remote mountain lake formed by a landslide and a beautiful place to spend some time searching for the Platypus. The local guide has a degree in Ecology and 12yrs experience working with these playful animals.

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Moorilla Wine Meets MONA Art Day Tour – Hobart

Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, is Australia's largest privately owned gallery and museum. Showcasing the diverse collection of its owner, Tasmanian gambler David Walsh, the collection ranges from ancient Egyptian funerary objects to modernist masterpieces and international contemporary art. Since opening in 2011, visitors have been drawn to Mona's picturesque site on the banks of the River Derwent, which also features luxury accommodation, a restaurant, vineyard and winery –amongst other things.

Begin your day by taking Mona's Fast Ferry from Hobart's Brooke Street Pier to Mona and explore the Museum's permanent collection and an array of blockbuster exhibitions at your leisure.

After your art fix, wander up to the Wine Bar and watch the winemakers at work. Enjoy a charcuterie plate (or a seasonal vegetarian option) and fresh house-baked bread, all matched with a glass of wine from Moorilla's Muse or Praxis Series.The behind-the-scenes winery tour and wine tasting starts in the vineyard. Follow the trail of grapes as they are handpicked, crushed, pressed, fermented and matured. Witness how new and old artisan winemaking techniques are used to craft fragrant, elegant and classical wines. Your expert host will provide an overview of the history of the region and winery, as well as information on the winemaking process and the ten different grape varieties grown on site. The tasting features ten different wines including a selection from Moorilla's prestigious Cloth Label Series.

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