Ollie Quiniquini, Singapore (2010-06-08)

AUSTRALIA is redefining its image in the market by growing its luxury travel portfolio.

Luxury Lodges of Australia, a group of 15 operators of top-end accommodation, was officially launched on May 31.

Tourism Australia (TA) managing director Andrew McEvoy said: “This represents a move towards accommodation that blends and celebrates its environment. It's our version of upscale properties, not high-rise hotels, that accentuate their environment.”

Maggie White, TA's general manager South/South-east Asia and Gulf Countries, said the luxury lodge concept revolved around nature, art and design. “It takes Australia into the next 20 to 30 years of the 21st century. We're repositioning Australia through a taste of what infrastructure can do for a destination.”

The association comprises Arkaba Station in Flinders Range, Bamurru Plains in Top End, Capella Lodge in Lord Howe Island, Cape Lodge in Margaret River Wine Region, Lake House in Dalyesford, Longitude 131 in Ayers Rock, Sal Salis in Ningaloo Reef, Southern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island, Spicers Clovelly Estate in Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Spicers Peak Lodge in Scenic Rim, The Louise in Barossa Vallery, Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains, and Bedarra, qualia and Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef.