Must-see hotels in Australia

  • Pumphouse Point

    Cradle Country & The West

    Unique and impressive, Pumphouse Point occupies a three-tier hydroelectric pump house built in 1940 atop Lake St Clair, accessed via a narrow pier, as…

  • Southern Ocean Lodge

    Kangaroo Island

    Looking for a place to your woo your sweetheart? The shining star in the SA tourism galaxy is Southern Ocean Lodge, a sexy, low-profile snake tracing the…

  • Spring Spur

    Victorian High Country

    A wonderful place to soak up the High Country atmosphere is this family-run farm on a property known for its horse-riding tours. The well-designed, modern…

  • McAlpine House

    Broome

    Lord McAlpine made this stunning house, a former pearl master's lodge, his Broome residence during the '80s. Now renovated to its former glory, there are…

  • Lizard Island Resort

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This sumptuous, ultra-exclusive resort, fully and exquisitely refurbished in 2015, won't be within everyone's travel budget, but many consider it one of…

  • Lake House

    Melbourne Region

    Regularly nominated as Victoria's best regional hotel, this boutique choice overlooking Lake Daylesford is set in rambling gardens featuring bridges and…

  • Orpheus Island Lodge

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    Orpheus Island Lodge is arguably the finest five-star resort in Queensland, rivalling the more famous Hayman Island for sheer tropical splendour. While…

  • Elysian Retreat

    The Whitsundays

    Ten light-filled, thatch-roofed villas at this intimate, solar-powered boutique resort, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, overlook a private stretch…

  • Blackbird Byron

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Gaze at Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean over the hinterland from one of three individual and specifically designed boltholes set high up above…

  • Como The Treasury

    Perth

    A regular on lists of 'World's Best Hotels', Como the Treasury has 48 luxury rooms that fill the baroque splendour of the historic State Buildings, vacant…

  • Largs Pier Hotel

    Largs Pier Hotel

    Adelaide

    Surprise! In the snoozy beach 'burb of Largs Bay, 5km north of Port Adelaide, is this gorgeous, 130-year-old, three-storey wedding-cake hotel with sky…

  • Gnaraloo Station

    West Coast Australia

    At the end of the road, around 150km from Carnarvon, Gnaraloo Station is the jewel in the crown of the Gascoyne Coast. Surfers from around the world come…

  • Halcyon House

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    This former surfers' motel has kept its vintage curves to become one of east-coast Australia's most lauded boutique hotel and spas. The location is…

  • Lon Retreat

    Bellarine Peninsula

    In the same family for seven generations since the 19th century, this farm underwent a dramatic redevelopment in 2018 to become an upmarket spa retreat…

  • Kings Creek Station

    Northern Territory

    Located 36km before the canyon, this family-run station offers a bush-camping experience among the desert oaks. Cosy safari-style cabins (small canvas…

  • Tin Chalet

    Victoria

    A genuine off-the-grid getaway, this solar-powered double-storey cottage is constructed from corrugated iron. Its charming interior features a wood-fired…

  • Djakanimba Pavilions

    Outback Northern Territory

    These four attractive guestrooms attached to the impressive Djilpin Arts complex in Beswick are a wonderful chance to sleep overnight in a predominantly…

  • The Trig/The Container

    Tasmania

    Self-contained accommodation doesn't get any better than this. Perched on a working farm on the picturesque slopes of broody Mt Arthur, these two well…

  • Svendsen's Beach

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    The three-night minimum stays are barely enough at this secluded eco-retreat on the 'other' side of Great Keppel. Run by knowledgeable, welcoming Lyndie…

  • 28° Byron Bay

    Byron Bay

    There's not a TV in sight at this stunning homestyle hotel. From the paleo granola in the in-room breakfast provisions, to the filtered water system that…

  • Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge

    Kakadu National Park

    In a restricted area of the park (ie only guests and local Indigenous residents are allowed in), this deliciously remote lodge sits in the shadow of the…

  • Amberesque

    Victorian High Country

    Named after host Amber, who, along with her husband, has set up this B&B in a historic bank in the heart of town. Upstairs rooms are lovely, with king…

  • BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park

    The East Coast

    Rolled across a green hillside 1.5km south of town, this park has plenty of family-centric amenities (games room with cinema, jumping pillow, playground)…

  • QT Sydney

    City Centre & Haymarket

    Fun, sexy and relaxed, this ultra-theatrical, effortlessly cool hotel is located in the historic State Theatre complex. Art deco eccentricity is…

  • Calile Hotel

    Fortitude Valley

    Worldly and sophisticated, the Calile turns many local rivals a shade of green. The statement-making, cabana-flanked pool is the stuff of fashion shoots,…

  • Prairie Hotel

    Flinders Ranges

    The Prairie Hotel (1905) has slick suites out the back, plus camping and basic cabins across the street. Don’t miss a pub meal (mains breakfast $8 to $28,…

  • Anchors Aweigh

    South Coast NSW

    Rooms at this family-run B&B are furnished like a well-off aunt's bedroom, with heavy wooden dressers and floral decor; a couple of rooms (from $193) have…

  • Quamby Estate

    Tasmania

    Few hotels can match the setting of this classy country-house hotel, which offers 10 stylish rooms (opt for a downstairs deluxe suite) in a pastoral 1828…

  • Byfield Mountain Retreat

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    High above the Capricorn hinterland is this remarkable four-bedroom house, constructed by the local couple that runs Nob Creek Pottery. Set on 27 hectares…

  • East Hotel

    Canberra

    The East's stylish mini-apartments make the perfect destination for a weekender or a family getaway, located near delightful Manuka Pool (guests swim free…

  • Depot Beach Cabins & Camping

    South Coast NSW

    This enchanting campground, among spotted-gum trees and peopled by curious kangaroos, is opposite an idyllic sandy beach. There are 60 sites and one- and…

  • Alabama Hotel

    Hobart

    Sweet home Alabama! This old art-deco boozer – once a grim, sticky-carpet lush magnet – has settled into a new life as a boutique budget hotel. None of…

  • Anduramba Homestead

    Brisbane & Around

    Perched on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, this Federation-era homestead excels in authentic country hospitality. Hosts Sandra and Andrew have…

  • Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Fraser Island

    Set in delightful native gardens, this elegant eco-resort has hotel rooms with private balconies, and sophisticated two- and three-bedroom timber villas…

  • QT Melbourne

    Melbourne

    Arty vibes, industrial surfaces, brass trim, lifts with tapestry light boxes that spurt random utterances in a Russian accent – this is one of Melbourne's…

  • Cockatoo Island

    Sydney

    Waking up on an island in the middle of the harbour is an extraordinary Sydney experience. Bring a tent (or just sleeping bags) or 'glamp' in a two-person…

  • Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages

    South Coast NSW

    For oneness with nature, elegantly renovated cottages on Montague Island offer a uniquely beautiful retreat. Cottages sleep up to eight or 12. Rooms are…

  • Karijini Eco Retreat

    Karijini National Park

    This 100% Aboriginal-owned retreat is a model for sustainable tourism, and the on-site restaurant has fantastic food. The deluxe eco-tents have en suites;…

  • Venus Bay Eco Retreat

    Victoria

    This cute timber loft cottage is hidden on Venus Bay, surrounded by nature and wildlife and a 20-minute walk from the beach. While it's not entirely off…

  • Adel’s Grove

    Gulf Savannah

    Adel’s Grove is an excellent miniresort 10km east of the park entrance. The fine location on the banks of Lawn Hill Creek features a shady riverside…