21 best hotels in Australia, reviewed for that once-in-a-lifetime trip
Sure, Australia's summer is wrapping up, but trust us, the smartest move you’ll make this year is locking in your stays for the next Summer down under (kicking off in December). Especially when the hotels are this major.
It’s no wonder so many Brits and travellers worldwide succumb to the allure of Aussie charm and hit purchase on that one-way flight. Australia is a breathtakingly vast and beautiful country with heaps to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged outback, the glittering coastal cities, or the wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, each region has something unique worth travelling for.
In Victoria, Melbourne is often considered Australia’s cultural capital, known for its iconic art-filled alleyways, impressive food scene, and coffee, specifically the flat white. One of the city's latest openings is the Melbourne Place Hotel, a beautiful 16-storey red brick urban sanctuary designed by Melbourne-based architect Kennedy Nolan. Just outside the city, Yarra Valley is prime wine country, where you can sample world-famous Chardonnay straight from the source. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road reveals rugged coastlines and geographical landmarks like the famous Twelve Apostles. In the spirit of you-only-live-once - a Twelve Apostles helicopter ride is the way to go.
Heading north into New South Wales, Sydney blends vibrant city living with laid-back coastal energy. Take in panoramic views over the harbour and Opera House from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (yes, the climb is worth it). Further up the coast, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders, stretches along Queensland's shoreline, home to clear waters, colourful coral reefs, and a huge range of marine life. If you’re dreaming of island life, get yourself to the Whitsundays, where the sand is so pure they literally ship it off to the luxe resorts in Dubai.
In the Northern Territory, Uluru and Alice Springs are two of Australia’s most significant cultural and natural landmarks. Camp under a blanket of stars, discover Indigenous rock art and immerse yourself in eco-friendly and authentic Aboriginal culture. Longitude 131° is one of Australia's most premium and magical desert retreats, a once-in-a-lifetime stay if you’re visiting the Red Centre. Chasing endless summer? On the West Coast, Perth is known for its extended sunny weather, wide beaches, and easygoing lifestyle. You can now get a direct flight from Perth to London in under 18 hours - it’s a game-changer
The best hotels in Australia at a glance:
- Best Family-Friendly Hotel: Jamala Wildlife Lodge
- Best For Food-Lovers: Il Delfino
- Best Cultural Stay: Longitude 131°
- Best For Taking It Easy: Qualia Hamilton Island
- Best For Health & Wellness: The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
How we chose the best hotels in Australia:
GLAMOUR's travel guides and hotel reviews are compiled by our well-travelled journalists who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. As an editor who has spent time in Australia, getting to know the regions and who has independently reviewed various hotels from luxury to smaller boutique stays around the world, I'm qualified to help you find your perfect stay in Australia. For many, Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so deciding which hotels to stay in can be overwhelming. We’ve curated this list of our favourite hotels from each territory across the country, spanning luxury, boutique and cultural immersion stays that promise a trip as varied and incredible as the land down under itself.
More inspiration for a far-flung holiday
- 15 best hotels in Japan 2025
- The best family-friendly hotels in the Maldives, according to GLAMOUR mums
- The best hotels in the Maldives, for every need
- 17 best hotels in Barbados, according to a hard-to-please editor
Ahead, we've narrowed down the hundreds of places to stay in Australia to our edit of the very best, in no particular order. All you need to do is check-in.
The Langham, Melbourne - Victoria
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Yarra River, The Langham Melbourne is a classic five-star stay that leans into old-world luxury without feeling stuffy. The rooms are elegant and spacious, many offering sweeping views across the city skyline and Southbank Promenade. Known for its impeccable service, the hotel is home to the award-winning Chuan Spa, as well as a tranquil indoor pool that looks straight out over the river. Afternoon tea at The Langham is practically a Melbourne institution, perfect for those who love a bit of glamour or a taste of home with their getaway. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s best galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
Price per night: from £175
Address: 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Lake House Daylesford - Victoria
Tucked away in the spa town of Daylesford, about 90 minutes from Melbourne, Lake House is one of Victoria’s most iconic family-run country retreats. Set on six acres of lush bushland overlooking Lake Daylesford, it blends laid-back luxury with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The rooms and suites are cosy yet sophisticated, featuring artwork from co-owner and artist Alla Wolf-Tasker. The award-winning restaurant champions local produce and seasonal flavours, while the on-site spa offers a full menu of indulgent treatments, making it a go-to destination for a restorative escape. Whether it’s unwinding by the fire, soaking in a mineral bath, or enjoying a long, leisurely lunch, Lake House is designed for serious chilling.
Price per night: from £370
Address: 4 King St, Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne - Victoria
Sitting sky-high above Melbourne’s CBD, The Ritz-Carlton brings a fresh take on five-star luxury. Think: soaring city and bay views, moody interiors layered with local art, and a horizon-edge pool that feels like swimming in the clouds. Rooms are sleek but welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the skyline. Downstairs, the restaurant and bar champion Victoria’s best produce and wine, giving classic fine dining a distinctly Melbourne twist. Whether you’re here for a quick city break or a longer stay, it’s the kind of hotel that feels quietly indulgent - and very hard to leave.
Price per night: from £350
Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000,
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Melbourne Place - Victoria
Melbourne Place is the city’s newest boutique stay, tucked just behind Flinders Lane and designed with a sharp, architectural edge. Inside, it’s all red brick, textured materials, and a calm, minimalist energy that feels instantly at home. A small spa adds to the laid-back luxury, offering tailored treatments perfect for a city reset. It’s polished without trying too hard - very Melbourne.
Price per night: from £350
Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000,
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Oak and Anchor Hotel - Victoria
Located in the charming coastal town of Port Fairy, Oak & Anchor Hotel is a stylish stop-off along the Great Ocean Road. Housed in a heritage-listed 19th-century bluestone building, it blends original features with bold, contemporary interiors - think deep velvet sofas, dark wood, and statement lighting. With just a handful of suites, it feels intimate and design-forward, making it the perfect base for a weekend exploring the wild beauty of Victoria’s southwest coast.
Price per night: from £147
Address: 9 Bank St, Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Pier One Sydney Harbour - New South Wales
Pier One Sydney Harbour effortlessly mixes heritage charm with a modern edge. Set on the historic Walsh Bay wharves, the hotel offers rooms that bring Sydney Harbour right to your doorstep, with sweeping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Inside, the vibe is laid-back yet stylish, with a nod to the building’s industrial roots through exposed beams and steelwork. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re taking in the view from the deck or just soaking up the relaxed, waterside atmosphere.
Price per night: from £148
Address: 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga - New South Wales
At Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, you’re waking up in a wildlife sanctuary. Imagine spotting a koala from your bed, or watching wallabies wander outside your window, all while soaking in spectacular views across Sydney Harbour. The retreat offers a unique blend of nature and luxury, with eco-friendly design that makes you feel fully immersed in the landscape. It’s a stay that brings you closer to Australia’s wildlife, all while being just moments away from the city’s iconic skyline. The perfect place for those who want to get wild without leaving the comfort of five-star living.
Price per night: from £186
Address: 2a Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
The EVE - New South Wales
The EVE is Sydney’s latest stay with serious style. Located in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel blends modern luxury with a laid-back vibe. The interiors are sleek, with a mix of bold design elements and soft, earthy tones that create a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. Rooms are designed for comfort, with luxe touches and city views that make you feel like you’re right in the action. Whether you're lounging in the chic lobby or heading out to explore Sydney’s buzzing night scene, The Eve feels like the perfect balance of cool and comfortable, with just the right touch of glamour.
Price per night: from £249
Address: 8 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Il Delfino Seaside Inn - New South Wales
Il Delfino Seaside Inn is a brand-new adults-only addition to the village of Yamba, but its heritage run deep. Set in a stunning 1948 restored building it effortlessly blends classic Italian elegance with a modern barefoot living. The space is sophisticated yet inviting, with sleek finishes, bold colours, and vintage touches that nod to its history. Known for its contemporary Italian menu, Il Delfino serves up mouthwatering dishes that put a fresh spin on traditional flavours. Whether you’re enjoying a meal under the atmospheric lighting or soaking in the view of the city streets, it’s an experience that feels timeless, yet completely of the moment.
Price per night: from £311
Address: 4 Ocean St, Yamba NSW 2464, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Jamala Wildlife Lodge - Australian Capital Territory
Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers a truly immersive experience, where luxury meets the wild. Set just on the outskirts of Australia's capital, Canberra, this unique lodge lets you sleep just feet away from some of Australia’s most iconic animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes. The rooms are a mix of opulent safari-style suites and treetop cabins, all designed to give you a front-row seat to the action. With floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, it’s an experience like no other, waking up to the roar of a lion or watching a giraffe casually strut by your window. This is wildlife, redefined, where conservation and luxury collide.
Price per night: from £502
Address: National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Dr, Canberra ACT 2611, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
DAVID CHATFIELDThe Calile Hotel - Queensland
The Calile Hotel brings a slice of sleek, modern luxury to Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. This design-forward hotel channels a Mediterranean vibe with its pastel-hued façade and sun-drenched pool area that feels more like a glamorous resort than a city stay. The rooms are effortlessly chic, with natural materials, plush furnishings, and a laid-back vibe that make it the perfect escape in the heart of the city. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails at the in-house bar, or strolling through the nearby fashion and dining precinct, The Calile offers a fresh take on Brisbane’s boutique hotel scene - stylish, relaxed, and really bloody inviting.
Price per night: from £231
Address: 48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Mondrian Gold Coast - Queensland
Mondrian Gold Coast brings a touch of vibrant luxury to Australia’s beachside playground. With its bold design and striking interiors, this hotel oozes personality from the moment you step through the doors. Think sleek, modern spaces with a playful edge - think pastel tones, geometric patterns, and a design that’s as much about style as it is about comfort. Located just steps from the beach, the hotel’s spacious rooms offer panoramic views of the coastline, making it the perfect place to relax in the sunshine or watch the surf roll in. With a rooftop bar, infinity pool, and lively dining options, Mondrian Gold Coast is the ideal place to experience the Gold Coast’s laid-back luxury with a cool, contemporary twist.
Price per night: from £369
Address: 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Alamanda Palm Cove - Queensland
Alamanda Palm Cove is a true tropical oasis, tucked away along the stunning Coral Sea about half hour from Cairns. Just a stone’s throw from the palm-lined beach, this luxe beachfront resort offers spacious suites with open-plan designs, creating a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush gardens and ocean views. With three lagoon-style pools and a rejuvenating day spa, it’s the perfect place to relax in comfort. Whether you’re soaking up the sun by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or exploring the nearby Great Barrier Reef, Alamanda provides an idyllic setting to unwind in North Queensland’s natural beauty.
Price per night: from £158
Address: 1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove QLD 4879, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Qualia Hamilton Island - Queensland
Qualia is Hamilton Island’s crown jewel, an exclusive, adults-only hideaway tucked into the northern tip of the island, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. The pavilions are sleek and secluded, designed with natural timber and stone to blend seamlessly into the landscape, each with sweeping views of the Coral Sea. Days here move at a slow, luxurious pace: think private plunge pools, sunset sailing, and spa treatments inspired by the Great Barrier Reef. With impeccable service and a true sense of privacy, Qualia is the kind of place that feels like stepping into another world.
Price per night: from £797
Address: 20 Whitsunday Blvd, Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Essence Peregian Beach - Queensland
Essence Peregian Beach brings a fresh, understated luxury to Noosa’s quieter side. Nestled between national parkland and the ocean, this new boutique hotel captures the laid-back spirit of the Sunshine Coast with crisp, coastal interiors and a breezy, barefoot energy. Rooms and villas are light-filled and spacious, with calming neutral tones and thoughtful design touches that make it feel instantly relaxing. With direct beach access and the charming village of Peregian just a short stroll away, Essence is perfectly placed for slow mornings, salty air, and a more low-key Noosa experience.
Price per night: from £161
Address: 1 Sunset Lane, Peregian Beach QLD 4573, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris - Northern Territory
Davidson’s Safaris at Mount Borradaile offers a rare glimpse into one of Australia’s most extraordinary and untouched landscapes. Set deep in Arnhemland, this deluxe eco-lodge is steeped in natural beauty and rich cultural history, with ancient rock art sites, floodplains teeming with wildlife, and rugged escarpments right on the doorstep. Guests stay in relaxed safari-style cabins designed to blend into the surrounding bushland, with guided tours led by experts who bring the region’s stories to life. Remote and deeply special, Davidson’s feels like stepping into a secret side of Australia few get to experience.
Price per night: from £400
Address: Mt Borradaile, West Arnhem NT 0822, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
Longitude 131° - Northern Territory
Longitude 131° is one of Australia's most premium and magical desert retreat, set against the striking backdrop of Uluru. Each tented pavilion feels completely private, with floor-to-ceiling views of the ancient monolith and interiors that layer contemporary luxury with Indigenous artworks and locally inspired design. Days are spent exploring the rich cultural landscapes with expert guides, while evenings unfold with sunset drinks and dinners under a sea of stars. Thoughtful, immersive, and deeply connected to its surroundings, Longitude 131° offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the Red Centre.
Price per night: from £1,100
Address: Mt Borradaile, West Arnhem NT 0822, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Mount Lofty House & Sequoia - Southern Australia
Perched high in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty House and its sister property Sequoia Lodge offer a refined take on Australian luxury. The historic Mount Lofty House brings old-world charm with grand interiors and sweeping valley views, while Sequoia, an adults-only lodge, feels more intimate and contemporary, with private hot tubs overlooking the vineyards below. With indulgent spa treatments, access to some of South Australia’s best wine regions, and tailored experiences like stargazing and wildlife encounters, this pocket of the hills feels like a true escape.
Price per night: from £240
Address: 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers SA 5152, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Baillie LodgesThe Louise, Barossa Valley - Southern Australia
Set among the rolling vineyards of the Barossa Valley, The Louise is a boutique hideaway that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Suites open onto wide terraces with views across the vines, and the design blends relaxed luxury with warm, earthy tones. The hotel’s restaurant, Appellation, champions the region’s produce with seasonal, wine-led menus. Whether you're spending the day cellar-door hopping or simply soaking up the landscape from your suite, The Louise captures the understated magic of one of Australia’s most famous wine regions.
Price per night: from £720
Address: 375 Seppeltsfield Road, Stonewell Rd, Marananga SA 5355, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
COMO The Treasury - Western Australia
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century State Building, COMO The Treasury brings quiet, considered luxury to the heart of Perth. The interiors are light-filled and elegant, with soaring ceilings, original period details, and the kind of pared-back design that feels instantly calming. Alongside a world-class spa, there are two celebrated restaurants and easy access to Perth’s growing cultural scene just outside the door. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels intentional, a rare, serene base in the middle of the city.
Price per night: from £358
Address: 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? Yes
Karma Chalets - Western Australia
Set in the lush surrounds of Denmark, Karma Chalets offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape. These eco-friendly chalets are nestled among towering trees, providing the perfect blend of comfort and seclusion. With wood-fired stoves, private decks, and sweeping views of the forest, the chalets feel like a personal sanctuary. Located near Denmark’s stunning beaches and forests, it’s a quiet retreat that invites you to slow down and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Price per night: from £82
Address: 1572 South Coast Hwy, Shadforth WA 6333, Australia
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa? No
After another destination? Book the best luxury hotels in Mauritius, the Riviera Maya, or these actually affordable Maldives hotels. Looking for something a little closer to home, but equally warm and sunny? We've selected the very best hotels in Lisbon, Ibiza and Mallorca, too.
