Luxury Lodges of Australia is marking its 15th anniversary with a renewed focus on representing the country’s evolving high-end travel sector, with the addition of Orpheus Island and Pelorus Private Island to its portfolio.
The network’s newest members, added in February, bring the total number of lodges to 20.
“Luxury Lodges of Australia is not about growing numbers so when we bring on a new member, it’s quite a big deal,” said Penny Rafferty, executive chair. “It was always about having the best of the best that demonstrated Australian experiential luxury.”
Speaking to TTG Asia at Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 in Brisbane, Rafferty said the new additions exemplify a broader trend towards ultra-private, bespoke group travel. “Having private islands or multi-roomed private villas within a luxury lodge environment is fantastic for those smaller group travels, especially with the rise of intergenerational and multigenerational family travel,” she noted.
Orpheus offers 14 suites and rooms, while Pelorus features a five-bedroom villa, catering to families seeking privacy alongside top-tier amenities.
Luxury travel trends continue to evolve, noted Rafferty. Wellness experiences have shifted from a focus on spas to greater engagement with nature, while culinary travel has become more refined, with stronger connections to regional communities and the use of Indigenous ingredients.
“The next chapter will see an even greater emphasis on nurturing Australia’s unique environments and cultures, while ensuring we remain relevant to the changing expectations of luxury travellers worldwide,” she said in a separate statement.
Originally established to shift perceptions of Australia as a luxury destination, Luxury Lodges of Australia has recently launched an updated trade and media portal for agents globally. The platform offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly interface, featuring over 350 experiences.
Described as a one-stop shop, the portal includes an extensive image and video library, sample itineraries, availability calendars, and training modules designed to support travel advisers.
Luxury Lodges of Australia stated it remains committed to elevating Australia’s profile in the global luxury travel market, continuing to emphasise its long-standing pillars of positive environmental and cultural impact.
