Dreaming of an African safari holiday? This new resort might just offer the next best thing.
Adventure and luxury meet in the heart of South Australia, as Journey Beyond announces the addition of Monarto Safari Resort to its portfolio of high-end accommodations and lodges in Australia. The site is receiving a $60 million investment, including a Monarto Safari Resort, which has become a standout destination for nature enthusiasts.
Unwind at Monarto Safari Resort's Marula Spa, where luxury treatments meet the sounds of the savannah.
Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO, is excited by the opportunity for Journey Beyond to manage and operate the new resort.“With years of expertise in managing unique tourism operations in remote destinations across Australia, Journey Beyond is exceptionally well-placed to manage this cutting-edge new build…"
The accommodation features two swimming pools.
Spanning 1550 hectares, Monarto Safari Park is one of the largest open-range zoos in the world, with a strong focus on wildlife conservation and education. Located within an hour’s drive of Adelaide, it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the African savanna, all without leaving Australia.
The luxury accommodation opened in 2025 and features 78 rooms, a 20-tent luxury safari lodge, and unique wildlife encounters. In staying here, guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in exclusive sunrise and sunset African-style safari tours, providing an immersive wildlife experience across 550 hectares of wide-open plains, amongst free-roaming herds of African animals including rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and hippos.
The interiors are inspired by the rugged beauty of the African savanna, with earthy tones and natural materials like wood and stone.
The accommodation’s interiors are inspired by the rugged beauty of the African savannah, with earthy tones and natural materials like wood and stone. The elevated guest rooms and suites will overlook the expansive plains of the new Wild Africa precinct of Monarto Safari. Facilities include two swimming pools, a world-class spa, wedding facilities and top-tier dining facilities.
The building’s exterior showcases modern architecture with sleek lines.
A portion of the room rate for every booking is donated to Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programs. Gerry Ryan OAM, owner of the luxury resort, says, “Our mission has always been to offer guests an unparalleled experience that connects them with the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area, and I am excited to see how Journey Beyond will bring this vision to life."
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.
Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.
A creative trail through the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.
Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)
If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.
Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)
For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.
Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)
The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.
The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.
Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.
Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.
From golf days to spa stays
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses.Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.
Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.
Jetty Road Brewery.
After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.
