If you’re an Australian resident looking to gift something for that hard-to-buy-for person who already seems to have everything they want or could possibly need, then how about purchasing an enriching experience rather than that unimaginative pair of socks?!
Thanks to the many and varied experienced offered by RedBalloon, leaders in gifting experiences, help is at hand. The perfect present for anyone and any occasion, including Christmas! Here are just some ideas… for more, visit the RedBalloon website.
Shark diving at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne, Victoria$319 AUD per person
Experience a thrilling underwater guided scuba tour that will see you come face-to-face with one of the world’s most feared creatures of the deep. By taking the pluge at SEA LIFE Melbourne’s Oceanarium, not only will you have a close encounter with grey speartooth sharks but also giant stingrays and a whole host of exotic fish. This is one experience that can be enjoyed even by non-certified divers as your dive will be supported by fully qualified instructors who will ensure this is an exhilarating, never-to-be forgotten experience.
Overnight yacht stay with meals and fine wine, South Stradbroke Island, Queensland$3,390 AUD for 2 people for 1 night
What could be more magical than being whisked away to a fabulous island location for a night on Black Diamond, a multi-million dollar 60-foot luxury yacht? Not only that, but you’ll get to enjoy a picnic on the beach at sunset, followed by fine wine and a tapas-style dinner on the yacht’s sky lounge whilst watching the stars and moon glisten on the water. Wake up on the water the next morning and start the day off in style with a wonderful, hot cooked breakfast, before returning to your pick up location at Sanctuary Cove marina.
Adelaide Oval roof climb at twilight, Adelaide, South Australia$119 AUD per person
Climb the roof of one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world! On this unique experience, you will get to stroll along the purpose-built walkways at the stadium, putting any fears you may have of heights to the ultimate test. But don’t worry… you’ll be suited accordingly, strapped onto the structure and led by an experienced guide, allowing you to relax (a little!) and enjoy the incredible views of the coastline and the Adelaide Hills as the sun goes down.
Ningaloo sunset humpback whale cruise with canapés, Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia$75 AUD per person
If you’ve never seen a humpback whale up close, then this is the experience for you! Take a sunset cruise along the Exmouth Gulf to witness these majestic creatures in true style. Whilst you wait with baited breath to see the amazing spectacle of these playful animals breaching against a backdrop of the Canyons of the North West Cape, a glass of bubbles with tasty canapés and Exmouth Kailis prawns will be on hand to make this an extra special treat.
2-night country getaway with emu safari and nore, Coonabarabran, New South Wales $4,500 AUD for 2 people for 2 nights
Fancy something a little different? Go off-grid for a luxury farmstay in a magical yurt-style lodge in New South Wales. The experience includes Mercedes transfers, lunch at Hollydene Wines in the Hunter Valley, a private skywatching tour to the Siding Spring Observatory and Warrumbungle Mountains, a private emu safari and much more! This is an increible opportunity to escape the city for a while and enjoy a smattering of luxury and relaxation away from it all in the small country town of Coonabarabran.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RedBalloon.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
5 Comments
The thing about a gift experience is it’s very different to unwrapping a pair of socks. You’ve got all the anticipation and then the memories of a great day. It may be a cliche but it is the gift that keeps giving.
I laughed at “socks” because it’s so true. Well, as a man, I’ve received a heck of a lot more than I need of those. It’s like a default gift of some sort. In any case, a travel gift is way better and I’m sure will be much more appreciated. Even if we can’t travel as much as before, each time we do it means more as the effort is so much more as well. Also, you just can’t put a price on memories.
I did a whale cruise off Sri Lanka and saw nothing so whale spotting would be a great gift for me. Still one that I’ve not ticked off my travel dreams list.
I guess its not yet too late to consider these things even though Christmas is over. There are still a lot of celebrations that I can use these adventures as a gift to my family, especially once the pandemic is over. Swimming with sharks is definitely something that my kids will enjoy and think of for the rest of their lives. I remember doing this during my trip to Hawaii and Florida, but the difference is that I was in a cage and I did not really got the chance to tour more. I would really love to try diving with sharks in Australia because it looks like the experience is more involved rather than what I did before, just observing them roam around. Aside from that, staying in a emu safari is something that I want to consider for a next adventure. I have been wary of such activities as I have read a lot of articles about tourists getting attacked by these huge birds. We went to one with ostriches and it was nerve-wracking to see these big birds running beside our open-sided train. Nonetheless, I would choose activities and trips like these over touring around cities for now, as gifts to myself or my family. I think its time that experiences close to nature should be promoted more so that people may also learn how to appreciate and care for them.
Thanks to the many and varied experienced offered by RedBalloon, leaders in gifting experiences, help is at hand. The perfect present for anyone and any occasion, including Christmas! Here are just some ideas… for more, visit the RedBalloon website.
Shark diving at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne, Victoria $319 AUD per person
Experience a thrilling underwater guided scuba tour that will see you come face-to-face with one of the world’s most feared creatures of the deep. By taking the pluge at SEA LIFE Melbourne’s Oceanarium, not only will you have a close encounter with grey speartooth sharks but also giant stingrays and a whole host of exotic fish. This is one experience that can be enjoyed even by non-certified divers as your dive will be supported by fully qualified instructors who will ensure this is an exhilarating, never-to-be forgotten experience.
Thanks to the many and varied experienced offered by RedBalloon, leaders in gifting experiences, help is at hand. The perfect present for anyone and any occasion, including Christmas! Here are just some ideas… for more, visit the RedBalloon website.
Shark diving at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne, Victoria $319 AUD per person
Experience a thrilling underwater guided scuba tour that will see you come face-to-face with one of the world’s most feared creatures of the deep. By taking the pluge at SEA LIFE Melbourne’s Oceanarium, not only will you have a close encounter with grey speartooth sharks but also giant stingrays and a whole host of exotic fish. This is one experience that can be enjoyed even by non-certified divers as your dive will be supported by fully qualified instructors who will ensure this is an exhilarating, never-to-be forgotten experience.
Overnight yacht stay with meals and fine wine, South Stradbroke Island, Queensland $3,390 AUD for 2 people for 1 night
What could be more magical than being whisked away to a fabulous island location for a night on Black Diamond, a multi-million dollar 60-foot luxury yacht? Not only that, but you’ll get to enjoy a picnic on the beach at sunset, followed by fine wine and a tapas-style dinner on the yacht’s sky lounge whilst watching the stars and moon glisten on the water. Wake up on the water the next morning and start the day off in style with a wonderful, hot cooked breakfast, before returning to your pick up location at Sanctuary Cove marina.
Adelaide Oval roof climb at twilight, Adelaide, South Australia $119 AUD per person
Climb the roof of one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world! On this unique experience, you will get to stroll along the purpose-built walkways at the stadium, putting any fears you may have of heights to the ultimate test. But don’t worry… you’ll be suited accordingly, strapped onto the structure and led by an experienced guide, allowing you to relax (a little!) and enjoy the incredible views of the coastline and the Adelaide Hills as the sun goes down.
Ningaloo sunset humpback whale cruise with canapés, Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia $75 AUD per person
If you’ve never seen a humpback whale up close, then this is the experience for you! Take a sunset cruise along the Exmouth Gulf to witness these majestic creatures in true style. Whilst you wait with baited breath to see the amazing spectacle of these playful animals breaching against a backdrop of the Canyons of the North West Cape, a glass of bubbles with tasty canapés and Exmouth Kailis prawns will be on hand to make this an extra special treat.
2-night country getaway with emu safari and nore, Coonabarabran, New South Wales $4,500 AUD for 2 people for 2 nights
Fancy something a little different? Go off-grid for a luxury farmstay in a magical yurt-style lodge in New South Wales. The experience includes Mercedes transfers, lunch at Hollydene Wines in the Hunter Valley, a private skywatching tour to the Siding Spring Observatory and Warrumbungle Mountains, a private emu safari and much more! This is an increible opportunity to escape the city for a while and enjoy a smattering of luxury and relaxation away from it all in the small country town of Coonabarabran.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RedBalloon.
The thing about a gift experience is it’s very different to unwrapping a pair of socks. You’ve got all the anticipation and then the memories of a great day. It may be a cliche but it is the gift that keeps giving.
I laughed at “socks” because it’s so true. Well, as a man, I’ve received a heck of a lot more than I need of those. It’s like a default gift of some sort. In any case, a travel gift is way better and I’m sure will be much more appreciated. Even if we can’t travel as much as before, each time we do it means more as the effort is so much more as well. Also, you just can’t put a price on memories.
I did a whale cruise off Sri Lanka and saw nothing so whale spotting would be a great gift for me. Still one that I’ve not ticked off my travel dreams list.
I think I’m more of a sort of emu safari person than a shark diver. Two night emu getaway would be a brilliant break – so different.
I guess its not yet too late to consider these things even though Christmas is over. There are still a lot of celebrations that I can use these adventures as a gift to my family, especially once the pandemic is over. Swimming with sharks is definitely something that my kids will enjoy and think of for the rest of their lives. I remember doing this during my trip to Hawaii and Florida, but the difference is that I was in a cage and I did not really got the chance to tour more. I would really love to try diving with sharks in Australia because it looks like the experience is more involved rather than what I did before, just observing them roam around. Aside from that, staying in a emu safari is something that I want to consider for a next adventure. I have been wary of such activities as I have read a lot of articles about tourists getting attacked by these huge birds. We went to one with ostriches and it was nerve-wracking to see these big birds running beside our open-sided train. Nonetheless, I would choose activities and trips like these over touring around cities for now, as gifts to myself or my family. I think its time that experiences close to nature should be promoted more so that people may also learn how to appreciate and care for them.