Must-see hotels in New South Wales

  • Lismore Gateway

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    It calls itself a motel, but this complex is decidedly hotel-like, with its well-staffed reception, in-house restaurant and large, comfortable rooms. For…

  • Coniston Hotel Wollongong

    South Coast NSW

    Conveniently located near Coniston train station, but a few blocks back from the beach, this refurbished pub lodging is actually rather smart. Modern,…

  • Heritage Guesthouse

    Mid-North Coast

    This renovated 1880s house has lovely, old-fashioned rooms, some with spa baths. Choose from the simpler downstairs rooms or the more lavish upstairs…

  • Yambil Inn

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    This little motel is kept immaculate, and its large, tidy, renovated rooms have all you need for a good night's sleep. It's very popular with repeat…

  • Quest Manly

    Manly

    Superbly located for all of Manly's beachy delights as well as a speedy escape to the city (the ferry couldn't be closer), the Quest's smart, self…

  • Bungalow 3

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    This pretty weatherboard cottage in central Bangalow has two simply decorated white rooms, and French doors opening to the deck and edible garden. There…

  • Flynns on Surf

    Mid-North Coast

    These smart one-, two- and three-bedroom villas are set on their own private estate. Each has a gorgeous bush outlook and is fully self-contained, with…

  • Oasis Resort

    Byron Bay

    Away from the town centre, this compact resort with friendly service is engulfed by palms and has sizeable apartments with big balconies. Even better are…

  • Parkview Hotel

    New South Wales

    Perched overlooking Robertson Park, this boutique hotel comprises seven individually designed and luxuriously appointed suites. There's a lovely cafe with…

  • Mavis' Cabins

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Beautiful views and the town's best restaurant on-site make these carefully furnished, character-filled mountain retreats a very attractive proposition…

  • Mount Warning-Murwillumbah YHA

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    This 100-year-old former river-captain’s home now houses a tropical-toned waterfront hostel with dorms, including a female-only one, and basic private…

  • Kosciuszko Chalet

    Snowy Mountains

    Built in the 1930s, this midsize ski hotel offers rates including breakfast and dinner, over-snow transport from Perisher and lift passes.

  • Mungo Shearers' Quarters

    Outback NSW

    The former shearers' quarters comprises five neat, good-value rooms (each sleeping up to six in various configurations; BYO bedding). Rooms share a…

  • Mantra the Observatory

    Mid-North Coast

    Rooms and apartments are more attractive than most and well equipped at this upmarket hotel; many have balconies overlooking the water. There's an indoor…

  • Junee Motor Inn

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Popular with both business and leisure travellers, Junee's best motel is just a short walk from decent pub meals, and the country welcome at reception is…

  • Captain's Quarters Townhouses

    South Coast NSW

    These bargain two-bedroom townhouses have elevated views back towards the beach and township. There are only three available so be sure to book ahead. The…

  • Tenterfield Lodge & Caravan Park

    New South Wales

    This friendly (and pet-friendly) place has a range of accommodation from campsites and on-site vans to small cabins. There's a camp kitchen, laundry, book…

  • Reflections Holiday Parks Terrace Reserve

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Lined up along the high river bank, the cabins here have a lot of charm and are strolling distance from both the beach and the shops. Some tent sites are…

  • Ruins Campground

    Mid-North Coast

    A beautiful camping area fringed by cabbage-tree palms and paperbarks, just a short wander to both Seven Mile Beach and Wallis Lake. It has hot showers,…

  • Hawkesbury Afloat

    Sydney Region

    Rents a variety of houseboats and other boats from the marina at Brooklyn. You don't need a boat license to operate them. Take your own linen or hire it…

  • Riverview Boutique Hotel

    Mid-North Coast

    This former pub, built in 1887, is a wooden, two-storey charmer with nine neat, smart rooms; all have private balcony and some rooms have views. Your…

  • Port Macquarie Backpackers

    Mid-North Coast

    This heritage-listed house has pressed-tin walls and a leafy backyard with a small pool. Traffic can be noisy, but the freebies (including bikes and…

  • Top of the Town

    South Coast NSW

    Top of the Town's rooms are a steal, considering they're super-clean, modern and right off the main road. Best of all, the motel adjoins a cheerfully clad…

  • Australia Hotel

    Hunter Valley

    The warren of rooms above this local watering hole look a bit weary but are perfectly adequate for resting your woozy wine head. The more modern bathrooms…

  • Station Motel

    New South Wales

    Decked out with a dark wood and olive green interior scheme, this architecturally quirky motel on the outskirts of town also features a free guest laundry…

  • Reflections Holiday Parks Shaws Bay

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Manicured and well positioned, this park is on the lagoon with cafes and a pub next door. Self-contained units include six deluxe and five premium villas…

  • Acacia Motor Lodge

    New South Wales

    A superior motel with 23 spacious, spic-and-span rooms kitted out with quality queen- and king-sized beds, Acacia offers a laundry, spa suites, a…

  • Glen-Villa Resort

    Byron Bay

    Targeting couples via a strict two-person-per-booking rule, this holiday park is clean, comfortable and secure, if far from flash. It’s tucked away in the…

  • Bellingen Valley Lodge

    Mid-North Coast

    Large, smartly furnished, motel-style rooms with valley views and a pleasant rural setting make this a fine choice, 1km from Bellingen. On the downside,…

  • Rainbow Retreat Backpackers

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Very basic, but totally in the Age-of-Aquarius spirit, this back-to-the-bush retreat has a set of brightly coloured cabins, a small guesthouse enveloped…

  • Tathra Beach House

    Tathra & Around

    Sunny rooms are set among tropical landscaped gardens at Tathra Beach House, the sweetest retreat in town. It's across the road from the surf beach.

  • Bathurst Showground

    New South Wales

    Bathurst's historic showground plays host to many events throughout the year, with an area reserved for campsites. During peak periods higher rates apply…

  • Globe Apartments

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    These central, serviced two-bedroom apartments are fully self-contained and furnished to a high standard. Great for families or travelling professionals…

  • Holidays Afloat

    Sydney Region

    This set-up rents a variety of houseboats, from cheaper two-berthers to luxury cruisers. Supply your own linen or rent it for extra. You don't need a…

  • Tweed Coast Holiday Parks Boyds Bay

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Set on a pretty stretch of the Tweed River, this park offers a neat if tightly packed collection of grassy, shady tent sites and air-conditioned cabins,…

  • Imperial Hotel & Motel

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    This fabulous motel, set back from the eponymous and popular hotel, has stylish, modern, oversized rooms offering excellent value in pricey Bowral. Rates…

  • Pacific Marina Luxury Apartments

    Coffs Harbour

    These large, modern, self-contained apartments are in one of the best locations in town, close to shops, restaurants and the beach. Two- and three-night…

  • BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park

    New South Wales

    With a decent playground, a pool and a Kangaroo Jumper, this caravan park — which has a selection of camp sites, villas and bungalows — is an ideal spot…

  • Governor Macquarie Motor Inn

    New South Wales

    This smart motel boasts one of central Bathurst's quieter locations, set back from the busy main drag. King executive suites, a free guest laundry and…

  • Quest Albury

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Studio suites and apartments feature contemporary decor with soothing dark-wood furniture. Location-wise, it's just a short walk to the bars, cafes and…