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The lodge’s fifteen white safari tents rise from the red earth and spinifex grass that surrounds Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, like futuristic spaceships. Longitude 131° has prime views of the spectacular red sandstone rock formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feels miles removed from civilization—until you see the luxurious accommodations. Each individually decorated tent comes with a king-size bed, air-conditioning and daily maid service. But given the glorious setting, few guests spend time inside. Don’t miss a walk around the base of Uluru (climbing the rock is discouraged by the local Anangu people because it holds great spiritual significance for them) and a trip to Kata Tjuta, a nearby range of large domes that cover 8,649 acres of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Wake up early at least one morning to watch the sun rise over Uluru’s red profile—a thrilling experience. All meals, showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine, are served in the Dune House, which also accommodates an extensive library for those who wish to learn more about this fascinating area’s history and ecology.

Who Should Go: Ideal for couples and active types.

Who Shouldn’t Go: Families, since children under fifteen are not allowed.

Rooms to Get: Each of the fifteen tents is named after an Australian explorer or pioneer, such as 19th-century explorer John O’Hara Burke, but all are the same size and of equal comfort. The best part is a switch beside the bed that opens the blinds, enabling guests to see Ayers Rock upon waking.

Ideal Length of Stay: A three-day weekend.

What to Bring: Hat and sunscreen, light sweaters for evenings (or winter mornings), sturdy footwear for the hiking.

Indagare Tip: Request a private dinner at Table 131. The evening begins with sunset drinks on a sand dune behind the camp followed by a walk into the desert, where a three-course meal, accompanied by fine Australian wines, is served under the stars. The night concludes with a lecture by a resident astronomer.

Getting There: Longitude 131° is a short drive from Ayers Rock’s Connellan Airport, which has plane service from all major Australian cities.

The Basics: The lodge is open all year, although you’d do to best avoid summertime (December through February), when desert temperatures can soar above 100 degrees. Three-night packages from $2,099 per person, including all meals, beverages, airport transfer and entry tickets to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

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Considering that Wrotham Park Lodge is set on a 1.5-million-acre working cattle station and never caters to more than twenty guests at a time, it’s safe to say that you won’t feel crowded here. The resort’s ten spacious bungalows, referred to as quarters, are located on a cliff overlooking the Mitchell River, and each comes with a king-size bed, a deep leather armchair and a large wooden deck from which to take in the views. Thoughtful details include binoculars for bird-watching (the park has about sixty different species, including kingfishers, the Australian bustard and the galah). While guests may be tempted to lounge by the lodge’s pool, the great outdoors at Wrotham offer a slew of activities: depending on the season, there’s crocodile spotting, cattle-station touring, nature walks, mustering the approximately 35,000 head of Brahman cattle, hiking, fishing and mountain biking. And for indoor recreation, there are cooking lessons. The property is set up around the Homestead, a large timber-slab house boasting a wraparound veranda, a sunken deck with daybeds and a cozy bar and lounge area where guests can help themselves to cocktails.

Who Should Go: Active travelers who want to get up close and personal with Australia’s cattle and wildlife.

Who Shouldn’t Go: Families with young kids, since children under twelve are not permitted.

Ideal Length of Stay: A three-day weekend.

What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat and sturdy shoes for horseback riding. During the winter months (June through August), pack warm clothing for nights and early mornings.

Indagare Tip: Don’t miss the half-day cattle-station tour and the “country chef” cooking demonstration.

Getting There: The closest major city to Wrotham Park is Cairns, 186 miles away, which is served by Qantas and Virgin Blue airlines. The easiest way to reach the lodge is by chartered aircraft, which can be arranged through the lodge. The drive from Cairns takes about four and a half hours.

The Basics: To avoid the tropical rainy seasons, the lodge is open only from April 1 through December 15. Three-day packages from $1,547 per person, including all meals, beverages and a half-day station tour.