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 Report to their portfolio of high-end accommodations and lodges in Australia. The site is receiving a $60 million investment, including a Monarto Safari Resort which is set to 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 will feature 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 is slated to open in May and will feature 78 rooms, a 20-tent luxury safari lodge (coming in 2026), 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.
Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Elaine Bensted says, “We’re really looking forward to this partnership and working with Journey Beyond. Their extensive knowledge of regional tourism, coupled with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, will ensure that the resort will become a premier destination for nature enthusiasts."
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 will be 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."
The resort will open on 28 May, with bookings available from 3 February.
Graceful giraffes roaming the sprawling plains of Monarto Safari Resort
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.
Explore the best that Sydney and Melbourne offer over summer, when busy event-packed days stretch into fun-filled nights.
As summer unfolds, Sydney and Melbourne are at the forefront of the most exciting events in Australia. Whether your tastes run to culture, sport, shopping or dining, both offer a host of things to do and places to stay. Discover the best Accor hotels to explore from and how to spend your days to make the most of the warmer months in Australia’s vibrant capitals.
Sydney
Where to stay
Relax beachside at Manly Pacific. (Image: Manly Pacific)
Sydney has no shortage of fabulous hotels to choose from when attending events in the city, often within reach of either the harbour or the beach.
The glamour and European style of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is hard to beat, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. It’s within walking distance to the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, so everything the city offers is at your feet.
Pullman Sydney Quay Grand is equally central and offers luxury apartment-style accommodation, featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundries. It’s ideal for family stays. Also in the CBD, Swissôtel Sydney gives easy access to some of the city’s top shopping, including the historic Queen Victoria Building.
For beachside vibes, head to Manly or Brighton, where there’s something for everyone. Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection is all about coastal elegance, ocean views and fresh seafood. Hit the rooftop pool or the beach to cool off, or go snorkelling at nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Take the Manly ferry for a scenic trip to the city.
Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish accommodation literally across the road from famous Manly Beach. Grab a free e-bike, take a surfing lesson, walk the foreshore or browse the surf shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.
For a luxury stay that’s closer to both the city and airport, choose The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Hotel Collection . Hugging the shore of Botany Bay, the hotel is just 20 minutes by train to the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Sydney airport. Soak up the sea air, or dive into the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor pool.
Events and sightseeing
Time your Sydney trip to visit the Sydney Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)
Sydney loves a party and there are few bigger than Sydney Festival , which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for 50 years. Running from 8–25 January in 2026, it’s a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity encompassing music, dance, comedy, visual art and edgy experimental performances.
Westpac OpenAir Cinema opens for the summer season on 20 January. Set on the waterfront at Mrs Macquaries Point, with a backdrop of the harbour and city skyline, it features classics and new movies. Grandstand seating (BYO cushion) provides perfect viewing.
A cool oasis of green in the heart of the city, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers much more than just plants and flowers. Escape the heat with a stroll through themed areas, including the romantic Palace Rose Garden and lush Palm Grove, and stop at the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden to learn the story of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Best of all, it’s all free.
Where to eat and drink
Stop for drinks at Arches on Market. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
Fancy a taste of Italy? Flaminia is the new restaurant coming to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour in November 2025, and it’ll make you feel as though you could be in Portofino – but with the freshest of Sydney’s produce.
Arches , at Swissotel Sydney, is the perfect spot for a classic martini. Head there for afternoon tea or pre- and post-theatre dining delivered with old-school charm. You can even let the bartenders choose your drink for you, based on your mood.
With a $20 lunch menu and a leafy covered terrace, Wentworth Bar , on level five of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, delivers a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the city. An extensive champagne list and Vietnamese-inspired bar menu complete the stylish scene.
Melbourne
Where to stay
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is the epitome of style, elegance and luxury. Appropriately at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the CBD, the Sofitel combines French flair with Australian hospitality.
Like many of the best discoveries in Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne City Centre is tucked away in a laneway. Five-star luxury is the hallmark here; enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and the city’s best food and fashion finds just steps away.
On the historic South Wharf promenade, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is a contemporary beacon that opens up to everything the precinct has to offer – shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts.
Pullman Melbourne on the Park , on the city’s threshold at East Melbourne, is a ball toss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Naturally a favourite with sports fans, it’s only minutes from the CBD by tram and right next door to the cool of Fitzroy Gardens.
The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers offer stunning views and easy access to the city and Southbank’s dining and shopping district. Head to the rooftop garden or relax in the outdoor heated pool.
Events and sightseeing
Cheer on your team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)
As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, Melbourne is the place to catch the best of your favourite game. Whether it’s the Boxing Day test cricket or all the action of the Australian Open tennis in January, book tickets early to ensure the best vantage points.
Find the Summer Night Market, a feast for both the body and the senses, in the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights in the warmer months. Savour street food from 30 stalls and shop for locally made fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and pause to watch performances by talented buskers.
The work of two of the most influential fashion designers in history – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – are on show at the National Gallery of Victoria over summer. You can also wander through free exhibitions of First Nations art, colonial paintings and European masters.
Where to eat and drink
Melbourne’s laneway culture and rooftop bar scene set it apart from others. Where better to enjoy extended twilight hours or cheeky cocktails atop one of the city’s tall buildings, or while away long summer evenings in a cosy bar tucked far from the crowds in a hidden alley.
Head to Cleo on the rooftop at Hyde Melbourne from December 2025. Enjoy a cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline, and choose nibbles from a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Under a 15-floor mirrored canopy at The Atrium on 35 , in the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, sip cocktails in an intimate but playful setting. This is the place for l’aperitif hour before or after a night out at the theatre.
