Exclusive experiences define a new style of luxury with the launch of Crooked Compass Australia. For the first time, the Australian-owned small group tour operator is offering a collection of domestic itineraries, for travel from November 2020 and throughout 2021 and 2022.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, Crooked Compass Founder, Lisa Pagotto, quickly recognised an opportunity to pivot the business and develop domestic itineraries with a difference. Short-term this creates a niche offering for Australian travellers; long-term, key product is now in place to market internationally, particularly to USA and UK, once borders re-open.
Driven by the demands of Crooked Compass’ sophisticated traveller, less focus is placed on hotel star ratings and more emphasis on the exclusivity of the experiences offered, considered a different kind of luxury by the operator’s clientele. In keeping with the Crooked Compass ethos, experiences are immersive, culturally sensitive and promote sustainable practices.
Indigenous & Wild Queensland offers up soft adventure with a touch of indulgence, for those looking to experience the natural beauty of outback Australia in class. Combine 4WD exploration, trekking, indigenous culture and rare wildlife encounters with rustic luxe accents – epicurean meals, sundowner drinks with spectacular sunsets and sustainable, private glamping accommodation. End each day with a dancing campfire beneath a canopy of stars before retiring to the sounds of the Australian outback.
South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula attracts food lovers with the Wildlife, Culture and Seafood itinerary. Meet one of South Australia’s top chefs, Tony Ford, for an interactive seafood and wine experience at Boston Bay Winery, the world’s closest vineyard to the ocean. Learn about indigenous culture from local Wirangu tribe members, forage for bush-tucker and experience traditional methods of bush cooking. Enjoy a cruise with a Coffin Bay oyster farmer, sample your own freshly shucked oysters and hear how they keep their industry sustainable.
Northern Territory is a bucket-list destination for Australian and international travellers alike. East Arnhem Land & the Wessel Islands is a raw and rugged archipelago, an untouched and secluded reach of Australia. Explore the region on an exclusive charter aboard the M/Y Wildcard. Discover the fascinating indigenous history of this culturally rich region. Swim through caves and admire the timeless indigenous art etched into the millennia old galleries. Sail between virgin islands, hike on stunning sand bars and kayak through cascading waterfalls that tumble straight into the ocean.
The collection will include all states and territories, with additional itineraries such as Torres Strait Islands & the Remote Reef and the collection’s flagship luxury itinerary, Australia by Air, to be released in coming months.
In response to COVID-19, Crooked Compass is offering piece-of-mind on 2020 bookings, honouring 2020 pricing and waiving change fees for bookings postponed to 2021 and 2022. Additional health and safety measures will be implemented on 2020 departures.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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