Must-see hotels in Australia

  • Cedar Park Rainforest Resort

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Set deep in the bush (a 20-minute drive from Kuranda towards Mareeba), this unusual property is part Euro-castle, part Aussie-bush-retreat. In lieu of TV,…

  • Lion's Den Hotel

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    An iconic pub with a tangible history dating back to 1875 and a heap of memorabilia on the walls, Lion's Den is a must-stop. You'll find fuel, ice-cold…

  • Keppel Bay Beach House

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    This beautifully appointed prewar Queenslander, set in calming gardens on a quiet backstreet of Yeppoon, is the setting for an outstanding B&B that offers…

  • Apartment Sixty Six

    Launceston

    The entire ground floor of this 1870s former doctor's surgery is given over to lovely Apartment Sixty Six, sleeping up to six in three bedrooms. Interiors…

  • Burnside Organic Farm

    Margaret River

    Welcome to the perfect private retreat after a day cruising the region's wine, beer and food highlights. Bungalows made from rammed earth and limestone…

  • Beach Path House

    The East Coast

    Painted cream and navy, this mid-century beach shack has been reborn as a contemporary holiday house, with three bedrooms, an open fire and a little deck…

  • Boscobel of Tasmania

    Tasmania

    There are four upstairs guest rooms in this handsome, renovated 1885 mansion, all with period-style furniture, comfortable beds and modern bathroom with…

  • Outback Church Stay

    Broken Hill

    Broken Hill's most distinctive and luxurious lodgings can be found in this fascinating, fully self-contained church and presbytery. Its only downside is…

  • Cable Station Accommodation

    Tasmania

    Keep cute company at this property built to carry Tasmania’s first telephone link to the mainland. Little penguins come ashore within walking distance and…

  • Beach Retreat Tourist Park

    Tasmania

    This must be one of the prettiest and friendliest caravan parks in Australia. Located right by the beach, its grounds are meticulously manicured and…

  • La Costa Motel

    Gold Coast

    One of the few motels of 1950s 'highway heritage', this mint-green weatherboard has stayed true to its roots on the outside, while the interiors are…

  • Hillview Farmstay

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Around 34km south of town and signposted off the Hume Hwy, these nicely turned out cottages are set on a 400-hectare farm and are especially good if you…

  • Atherton Woodlands

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    A favourite with everyone from birdwatchers to mountain bikers and young families to grey nomads, this beautifully maintained caravan park enjoys gorgeous…

  • The Shackeau

    The Southeast

    Any more waterfront and this lovely shack would be a houseboat. Almost the last in a long row of quirky little beach shacks, it's a cream-coloured…

  • Yondah Beach House

    Yorke Peninsula

    One of the stars of the SA tourism scene, Yondah is a gorgeous, architect-designed, three-bedroom beach house, way over yonder in the southern dunes east…

  • Bamurru Plains

    Northern Territory

    This remote slice of eco-friendly luxury has canvas-topped lodgings with hardwood floors, wrap-around views and high levels of comfort. Safaris are by…

  • Cairns Beaches Flashpackers

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Palm Cove's first and only hostel is a splendid, spotless place just 100m from the beach. It's more a restful retreat than party palace. The bunk-free…

  • Avalon Coastal Retreat

    The East Coast

    What a beauty! Like something out of a James Bond movie – all glass and steel and endless ocean views – this is possibly the most luxurious beach house in…

  • General Lodge

    Victorian High Country

    Attached to the General pub are these modern and stylish fully self-contained apartments with lounge, gas fireplaces and kitchen, and fantastic views from…

  • Port Elliot Beach House YHA

    Fleurieu Peninsula

    Built in 1910 (the old Arcadia Hotel), this sandstone beauty has sweeping views across the Port Elliot coastline. Drag your eyes away from the scenery and…

  • Vibe Hotel

    Darwin

    You're in for an upmarket stay at this professional set-up with friendly staff and a great location at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Room prices creep…

  • Bounce

    Cairns

    Bounce is a cut above many Cairns budget spots, with tidy dorms and neat studio-style apartments with kitchen and balcony, sleeping four. The central deck…

  • Coral Sea Resort

    Airlie Beach

    An excellent option for sedate travellers, this is a place where you can watch the waves from your spa bath or by dangling in your hammock on your private…

  • @VDL

    Tasmania

    What’s been done within the bluestone walls of this 1840s warehouse near the port is quite incredible. The ultra-hip boutique offering has two suites and…

  • Gecko Lodge

    West Coast Australia

    If you're looking to romance your sweetie in Kalbarri, there's no better place than this intimate, luxurious B&B. The suites come with spa baths, the…

  • Hoover House

    Western Australia

    Hoover House, the 1898 mine manager’s house, is named for Gwalia’s first mine manager, Herbert Hoover, who later became the 31st president of the US. It's…

  • Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge

    Arnhem Land

    An oasis of good taste with high levels of comfort in western Arnhem Land, Davidson's has appealing cabins on stilts, good food and a lovely setting. It's…

  • Sierra Escape

    New South Wales

    Three Australian-made luxury tents sit atop 280 acres of rolling hills and valleys. The canvas walls may be thin, but the only sounds you'll hear are…

  • Down to Erth B&B

    Outback South Australia

    A real dugout gem about 3km from town: your own subterranean two-bedroom bunker (sleeps two adults and three kids – perfect for wandering families) with a…

  • Peppermint Ridge Retreat

    The Southeast

    Two amazing handmade straw-bale-and-stone studios, complete with composting toilets, recycled timbers, spa baths, lofty ceilings and brilliant D…

  • Goombaragin Eco Retreat

    Broome & The Kimberley

    With a superb location overlooking the scarlet pindan cliffs and turquoise waters of Pender Bay, this eco-retreat offers several unpowered campsites, a…

  • Chillagoe Eco Lodge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The top place to stay in Chillagoe, this easygoing resort has 10 modern and comfortable units with aircon, fridge and verandahs. There's space for camping…

  • Shady Brook Cottages

    Victorian High Country

    Set over 14 acres, a magnificent garden envelopes this lovely, peaceful group of self-contained country-style cottages. Two come with a spa and all have…

  • Adina Apartment Hotel

    Darwin

    The Adina is a stylish place with contemporary apartments sporting clean lines and modern art on the walls. Most rooms have excellent views out over the…

  • Denmark Waters B&B

    Southern WA

    Run by the delightful Maria, a treasure trove of local knowledge, this intimate, three-room B&B sits in a quiet location overlooking the sound, just south…

  • Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A blissful 19km drive northwest of Murwillumbah leads to this superb luxurious and secluded retreat in the shadow of the caldera. The timber bungalows…

  • Civic Guest House

    Townsville

    This old-fashioned hostel respects the independent traveller's needs for cleanliness, comfort, security and easy company – it's a slightly old-fashioned…

  • Mystery Bay Campground

    South Coast NSW

    Just by the marvellously scenic beach of Mystery Bay, this campground has pit toilets, cold showers and running water. It's first come, first served, so…

  • Epiphyte B&B

    The Daintree

    This lovingly built, laid-back place is set on a lush 3.5-hectare property. Individually styled rooms are of varying sizes, but all have their own…

  • Wineglass Bay Camp Site

    The East Coast

    Excellent free camping at the southern end of Wineglass Bay (keep it hush-hush, or everyone will be here). It's a long trudge along the beach sand,…