From the Kimberley to Kyoto: 7 authentic travel experiences that connect you to place

From healing rituals in the Kimberley to biodynamic farming in Norway and yoga festivals in Tahiti, these immersive journeys offer a deeper way to travel

Explore Indigenous culture and wild landscapes in the Kimberley

A splendidly chic lodge that unites style with sustainability, El Questro is a working cattle station at the top of the country in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It’s a destination like no other – all deep gorges and thermal springs, mud and salt flats, rainforests and cascading waterfalls. It offers the chance to explore one of Australia’s last true frontiers. Most people come here to sleep in luxe suites or glamping tents, with the property’s 300,000 hectares opening up opportunities to hike, bike, ride, fly, drive or boat over jaw-dropping Kimberly landscapes. But now you can also take a deep dive into the region’s 65,000 years of Indigenous history thanks to the new Injiid Marlabu Calls Us tour.

You’re welcomed to country by an Indigenous guide with a smoking ceremony – wet eucalyptus leaves wafted over flames to create an addictive aroma and gentle smoke. It’s part of an ancient healing ritual, accompanied by generational stories retold in language. Traditional Ngarinyin language is a big part of this experience, and you’ll learn Indigenous words while walking through the incredible landscape – you’ll also discover bush tucker and medicine, and waterways where Aboriginal communities would feast and leave behind middens.

Walk Japan’s sacred routes with local guides

There are plenty of walking tour operators offering trips to Japan. But few take you on a cultural deep dive quite like Life’s An Adventure. The Australian-based company’s pack-free guided hikes are immersive and educational, spanning nine carefully curated itineraries that include pretty much everything – private transfers, accommodation, meals, and a guide. All you need to do is lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the scenery… and the attractions. Along your journey you may have the chance to experience a rare geisha show or a traditional kanji writing tutorial; perhaps indulge in a Japanese cooking class or a traditional tea ceremony; or cruise down a river on a pilgrim boat. Whichever itinerary you opt for – whether traditional pilgrimage monk walks or ancient trading routes – you’ll be led by a bilingual guide who will share local knowledge and plenty of stories.

Harvest healing botanicals in South Australia

Australian natural skincare brand Jurlique is known for producing some of the world’s most luxurious products, all from botanicals grown biodynamically on their South Australian estate. You’ve long been able to tour the spectacular property, but the new Handpicked Experience takes your visit to the next level. Located in the Adelaide Hills, the Jurlique HQ now invites you to get hands-on with botanical harvesting before crafting your own bespoke aromatherapy blend. Wander the fields, pick fresh flowers and herbs, and then make your own healing fragrance to take home. Take things even further by adding on a chef’s table dining experience at Jurlique’s neighbour, The Lane Vineyard, which features a seven-course menu incorporating hand-picked produce and an introduction to sustainable farming practices.

Pair it with a wellness retreat at Sequoia in the Adelaide Hills for the ultimate sensory reset

Experience Norway’s UNESCO-listed summer farm culture

If you’re looking to tick off another UNESCO experience, head to Norway to experience the seterkultur, one of the newest additions to this esteemed list. Loosely defined as ‘summer farm culture’, this is a living heritage that honours the region’s mountain farming practices, as well as the deep-rooted traditions and artisanal craftmanship that have shaped Norway for centuries. Purveyors of all things upscale yet sustainable in Scandinavia, Up Norway has launched a new series of tours that celebrate this milestone via exclusive, authentic cultural experiences. Sign up for immersive farm stays, engaging culinary experiences and journeys through rolling farmlands and Arctic meadows where you can learn how to milk cows and sample fresh cheese, perhaps, go hiking and kayaking, or discover the art of biodynamic farming.

Discover the under-the-radar pocket of Norway that’s a luxury traveller’s best kept secret

Join the Tahiti Yoga Festival and embrace Polynesian wellness

Wellness tourism is booming, with a record number of travellers venturing to destinations where they can reset – mentally and physically. Enter the inaugural Yoga Festival in Tahiti this October, a gathering of communities from around the world to foster connection and raise awareness for a more caring world. More than just a yoga event, the Tahiti Yoga Festival offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture – enlist in activities that range from exploring the dramatic peaks of the main island, go chasing waterfalls, 4-wheel-driving through fields, or surf at some of the most amazing beaches in the world. A short ferry ride over to the sister island of Moorea offers even more adventure opportunities, with snorkelling in the lagoon, hiking the mountain tops and much more.

Fly high on a three-region South Australian wine tour

Discover three South Australian wine regions in one day? It’s an Aussie first thanks to new company Ascend. This freshly minted luxury winery tour takes you on deeply immersive dive into a trio of the state’s acclaimed grape-growing regions – all via helicopter, no less. Which means you can begin your day sipping wines in McClaren Vale before dropping in on the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek. You’ll get to meet the vintners, wander through the vines and enjoy a lavish lunch – with plenty of award-winning beverages throughout your journey. Is this the most decadent way to get familiar with SA’s applauded wine industry? We think so.

Ride the Indian Pacific with new cultural stopovers

Australia’s legendary train the Indian Pacific has been traversing the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track between the east and west coast of the country for more than 50 years. It recently extended its eastbound itinerary to a five-day journey, which means more time on board – and more new experiences on the ground. Highlights between Perth and Sydney include exploring one of Australia’s largest gold mines in Kalgoorlie, visiting the ghost town of Cook along the Nullarbor Highway, enjoying an exclusive dinner at Seppeltsfield Estate in the Barossa Valley, and unleashing your inner creative at acclaimed artist Pro Hart’s original studio in Broken Hill.