Ultimate luxury: Australia’s best resorts and hotels

Perfection is hard to achieve, but Australia’s tantalising mix of high end hotels and luxury resorts come pretty close. From private islands on the Great Barrier Reef to five star icons amid the fiery sands of the outback, there’s something for every taste and desire. 

To that end, creating a list of the best this Great Southern Land has to offer is no small task. After all, we all have our own definition of luxury. And yet, it’s a challenge worth undertaking.

Because, when the quality is this good, it has to be celebrated. 

Bamurru Plains' new Jabiru Retreat brings a taste of African adventure to the outback.

In no particular order, and by no means a complete list, these are some of the best hotels, resorts and lodges in Australia. 

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, VIC

Hearing a hotel described as ‘Australia’s tallest’ immediately sets an expectation. More than just a sky-reaching building, interiors within should be equally high end, right? In the case of the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which holds that lofty honour, they certainly are.

Atria restaurant is all about hyper seasonal, locally-sourced produce.

Towering above Lonsdale Street, the fresh five star hangout is all about opulence, from its 80th floor Sky Lobby to its 257 rooms and suites (all found on levels 65 and above) and an ultra-chic day spa and restaurant with views from the bay to the mountains.

The glittering lobby staircase is just one of the hotel's Insta-worthy sights.

Speaking of dining, that’s one of the hotel’s greatest strengths, with two venues – restaurant Atria and the attached cocktail bar Cameo – helmed by Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw, in collaboration with Chef Mark Best (of Marque Sydney, fame).

Longitude 131° - Yulara, NT

In the remote, fiery heart of Australia’s Red Centre is an international icon, a destination which rises above the desert and continues to lure travellers in droves. Next door is Uluru.

A bird's eye view of Longitude 131°, with sacred Uluru beyond.

Longitude 131° is a resort experience without rival. A sanctuary with 15 luxurious tented suites and a premium Dune Pavilion, each angled to afford views of its monolithic neighbour, and a signature dining experience lit by subtle flames and a canopy of stars.

One of 15 luxury tents at Longitude 131°.

Whether admiring indigenous artworks and enjoying the view in your air-conditioned tent, gazing at the night sky in a swag on your deck, or listening to the distinct sounds of the desert, the resort aims to offer guests a unique connection with the landscape and its heritage.

The Langham Gold Coast, QLD

It’s no secret the Gold Coast has evolved beyond its purely family-oriented reputation. Sure, that side of it still exists, yet there’s a salty sea air of refinement permeating the subtropical region now, and The Langham Gold Coast is its newest icon.

Opened in 2022, The Langham Gold Coast was the city's first beachfront hotel in 30 years.

Housed in the tallest of the eye-catching Jewel towers, a trio of multifaceted highrises in Surfers Paradise, the hotel feels plucked from London or Hong Kong, offering a level of service and attention to detail which elevates it beyond its local rivals.

As with every Langham hotel, afternoon tea is an experience worth relishing.

Within lies 339 beautiful rooms and suites, a smorgasbord of dining options – including a local outpost of the brand’s signature Cantonese restaurant – and a wellness spa offering bespoke treatments. All of this combines into a delightfully fresh take on beachfront luxury. Read our review here. 

Jackalope - Mornington Peninsula, VIC

If we were to sum up Jackalope in one word, it would be ‘daring’. Just a one hour drive from Melbourne, this Mornington Peninsula escape is as whimsical as the mythical rabbit with antlers from which it takes its name. 

It’s a bit like MONA on the mainland. Read our review here.

A pool with a view.

Set amid the 11-hectare Willow Creek vineyard, the avant-garde winery stay was a collaborative affair from some of Australia’s top creatives.

A fusion of art and hospitality, with monochromatic rooms (lairs), it combines a 143-year old homestead with a modern 46-room hotel.

Doot Doot Doot restaurant is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

Among its noteworthy features are a seven-metre jackalope sculpture in the courtyard, a black 30-metre infinity pool and spa, and an intimate restaurant lit by a cloud of 10,000 lightbulbs that change intensity to mimic bubbling that occurs during wine fermentation.

Capella Sydney, NSW

The harbourside city of Sydney is no stranger to luxury hotels. It’s home to the likes of QT Sydney and Crown Sydney, after all. Capella is the newest addition, with the five star hotel – the first in Australia for its parent brand – raising the bar in more ways than one.

Capella Sydney is world class from top to bottom.

Spanning eight levels within the former Department of Education building, built in the Edwardian Baroque style in 1915, the property has been meticulously restored, taking liberal cues from Asian hotels and adding a wellness spa and three sleek dining venues.

Auriga Spa houses a 20-metre heater indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym.

Occupying a full city block – encircled by Loftus, Bridge and Young Streets – it features 192 chic rooms and suites, each one a sanctuary of high ceilings, standalone tubs, and custom Italian Frette linen. The largest is the lavish, 235 sqm signature Capella Suite.

Saffire Freycinet - Coles Bay, TAS

Discreetly nestled alongside the sweeping curve of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet has racked up an enviable list of awards since its 2010 debut. Best luxury hotel in Australia, best luxury hotel in the South Pacific… we could devote an entire article to it. But not today.

A sweeping view of Great Oyster Bay, enjoyed from the Saffire lounge.

Designed by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, the organic, stingray-shaped main building houses an exclusive day spa, restaurant and lounge, with 20 luxury suites radiating before it like an approaching wave. The experience is all-inclusive too.

Saffire Freycinet is designed to enhance its location, not dominate it.

Complimentary activities such as guided hikes and kayaking allow you to venture behind the beauty, with signature experiences like a half day cruise to Wineglass, gourmet quad bike tour and shucking oysters fresh from the sea are also available.

COMO The Treasury Perth, WA

If someone were to ask you where the best hotel in Australia is, there’s a good chance you’d say Sydney, or maybe the Whitsundays. Yet you’d be wrong on both counts, with that title frequently bestowed on a boutique hotel in downtown Perth.

Former occupants of the site include the post office, state treasury, and land titles office.

Spanning four floors within the historic State Buildings, COMO The Treasury is a picture of elegance and simplicity, where contemporary Scandi-influenced rooms sit proudly alongside heritage fixtures. It’s stunning – and we haven’t even started on the dining yet. 

The Treasury is one of 15 COMO properties worldwide, and the only one in Australia.

Whether it’s degustation delights at Wallflower, complemented by views to the Swan River, or Italian-influenced fare at Post (a fitting name given its location was once a post office), you’re in for an experience that tickles your taste buds in ways you didn’t know possible. Read our review here. 

Orpheus Island Lodge - Great Barrier Reef, QLD

Welcoming just 28 visitors in 14 luxury guest rooms, villas and suites, Orpheus Island Lodge is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most exclusive hideaways. Part of the Morris Escapes family, it boasts a hatted restaurant, pampering day spa, and an inviting infinity pool that mirrors the Coral Sea.

Orpheus Island sits amid 1,000 hectares of beautiful national park.

Given its remote location, getting to the private island is an adventure in itself, with a 30-minute helicopter journey from Townsville taking you high above the coral-studded sea.

The view from one of the North Beachfront Suites at Orpheus Island Lodge.

On arrival, guests can slip into island time with all-inclusive gourmet meals and an assortment of fine wines, beers, and spirits, together with use of water sports equipment and a daily Orpheus experience, from romantic chef picnics to sailing and snorkelling tours.

MACq 01 Hobart, TAS

Storytelling is a powerful thing. It’s how knowledge is passed through generations, imaginations are fired and conversations are started. MACq 01 in Hobart is a self-described ‘storytelling hotel’, yet that’s not the only thing worth talking about.

MACq 01's Old Wharf restaurant enjoys an enviable outlook across the waterfront.

In addition to revealing the rich and varied history of its area through its guided tours and design, from the First Nations muwinina people to European settlement and beyond, the hotel is seriously luxe – inside and out.

One of the hotel's Superior Waterfront rooms.

Each of its five room types reflects different sides of Tasmania, while its Old Wharf restaurant and watering holes, Evolve and The Story Bar, take you on a journey through the bountiful produce, winemaking and distillery talent of the island state.

Bamurru Plains - Kakadu National Park, NT

On the edge of Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains from Wild Bush Luxury is an African-style safari lodge offering 10 rustically-chic bungalows, a floodplain-view suite, and two newly-opened retreats, each designed to showcase the natural setting and wildlife that calls it home.  

Nature is front and centre at the new Jabiru Retreat.
Hels Orr

Visiting Bamurru Plains is like a BBC wildlife documentary brought to life, so don’t be surprised if you ‘hear’ the voice Sir David Attenborough narrating as you explore the extensive property.

A mecca for photographers, guests can experience a range of activities, from airboat safaris across the Mary River floodplains to relaxing crocodile-spotting cruises, open-top safari drives in search of wild buffalo and brumbies, and a whole lot more.

Wildlife and wonder come together at Bamurru Plains.

More than a celebration of the great outdoors, guests can indulge too, with gourmet canapes and sundowner drinks, and a menu which heroes native ingredients – think kangaroo skewers, crispy barramundi with finger lime salsa and quandong ice-cream.

Mt Lofty House and Sequoia Lodge - Adelaide Hills, SA

A leisurely 15 minute drive from the hum of downtown Adelaide, Mount Lofty House and its sister property Sequoia Lodge are two of the best resorts in South Australia. And with four world-class wine regions nearby, they’re a fantastic base for wine lovers too.

The entrance to Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty House.

Entered via a long drive with a vineyard on the left, trees ablaze in autumn colours on the right, Mount Lofty House is a throwback to a grander time. Character-filled rooms with four-poster beds, the three-Hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, and a day spa are just the start. 

One of the grand Garden View rooms at Mount Lofty House.

Its newest addition, Sequoia Lodge, is an adult’s only retreat with just 14 suites. Part of its ethos is to connect guests to the land and its people through a range of curated experiences during the stay. Each enjoys access to a private lounge with a heated plunge pool and gardens, as well as the facilities of Mount Lofty.

Spicers Peak Lodge - Southern Downs, QLD

Spicers Retreats is a collection of boutique hideaways and luxury lodges dotted throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Their flagship, Spicers Peak Lodge, is dramatically set amid 8,000 acres in the Scenic Rim, only two hours drive (or a 1 hour chopper ride) from Brisbane.

Spicers Peak Lodge is the flagship of the Spicers Retreats family.

Dining is an essential part of the experience, with two-Hatted restaurant The Peak – which uses premium, local produce wherever possible – its signature venue. For something a little more romantic, a private picnic with a view can also be arranged.

Indulge with a gourmet picnic prepared by award-winning chefs.

Whether you choose to stay in a light-filled suite or standalone lodge high up on an escarpment, you have access to the resort’s infinity pool and outdoor spa, as well as the purpose-built Spa Anise, complimentary yoga classes, and a network of scenic hiking trails.

Capella Lodge - Lord Howe Island, NSW

Lord Howe Island is exclusive by design, yet Capella Lodge (no relation to Capella Sydney) raises the exclusivity stakes even higher, with just nine tropically-furnished suites – including the stunning Lidgbird Pavilion and Capella Suite.

Wake up to an unforgettable view from the Lidgbird Pavilion.

Part of the Baillie Lodges family, which also includes Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree, it aims to offer guests a connection to the local culture and history, its art and natural heritage, and local food and wine sourced from regional producers.

Rates are mostly inclusive, with breakfast and dinner, an open bar with premium wines and spirits from 6pm, selected in-suite bar, and island airport transfers all part of the deal. For lunch, it’s encouraged to explore some of the local offerings.

The mouth-watering menu at Capella Lodge is a celebration of local produce.

Australia’s very own ‘treasure island’, Lord Howe features a heady mix of pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and rugged mountains, not to mention incredible coral reefs. Ball’s Pyramid, just 20kms offshore, is largely considered one of the top dive sites in the country.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort - Whitsundays, QLD

Emerald islands, white sands, and luxury resorts spilling to the water’s edge… the call of the Whitsundays is impossible to resist. InterContinental Hayman Island is one of the region’s most celebrated resorts, and it has some impressive technology behind it.

Pacific Restaurant delivers a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach.

Designed to be as sustainable as possible, with environmental initiatives guests likely don’t even notice, the award-winning hideaway houses 168 rooms across three wings – Beach, Pool and Lagoon – together with two exclusive residences perched on the hilltop.

The Three Bedroom Hayman Beach House is its star guest room.

All-day fare at Pacific, handmade pastas and tapas at Amici, and zesty Asian flavours at Bam Bam are a few of the culinary options available. If you want to take it up a notch, dinners under the stars, gourmet picnics, and a group dining experience where you can go behind the scenes in the kitchen are also on offer.

Berkeley River Lodge - Kimberley, WA

It’s often said that reaching your destination is half the fun of going on holiday. For guests heading to Berkeley River Lodge, truer words have never been uttered, with the resort only accessible by air from the town of Kununurra in northern WA.

Getting to Berkeley River Lodge is an adventure worth undertaking.

The property’s small and scattered retreats each feature a king bed and private open-air ensuite, along with a freestanding bathtub inviting guests to literally bathe in the Kimberley moonlight. Balconies overlook the Timor Sea lapping the shoreline, further accentuating the sheer remoteness of your environment.

By day, guests can indulge in the area’s ancient Indigenous history and culture outside their door, with daily activities including river cruising and visits to secluded rock pools and waterfalls - a perfect way to cool down with river swimming not possible due to abundant local crocodile populations. Other activities include scenic helicopter flights and guided nature walks.

This remote Kimberley resort is a world away from care.

After the sun sets, guests can indulge in some rich flavours at Dunes Restaurant with evening degustation menus complementing the daily a la carte breakfast and lunch offerings.

qualia - Hamilton Island, QLD

At the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, qualia regularly graces lists of Australia’s best hotels and resorts. It’s the benchmark by which almost all others are measured, with impressive guest rooms, intuitive service, and mouth-watering dining, plus a sleek day spa to match. 

In the evenings, the pool 'Pebble Beach' is transformed into qualia’s fine dining restaurant.

No matter which room type you choose, a Leeward or Windward Pavilion or the secluded Beach House, they all offer exceptional views of the Whitsunday islands and Coral Sea. If we had to pick though, the Windward Pavilion would be the one.

Inside the gorgeous Windward Pavilion with private pool.

While staying you can snorkel from the beach, enjoy gourmet picnics, lick your lips with a ‘Talk and Taste’ paired dining experience, or just relax and soak up the sunshine by the pool.

Looking for a regional recharge or perhaps something a little more active? These are stunning Australian country retreats and luxury walking tours are worth adding to your hitlist.