Australia‘s best hotels according to travellers have been revealed

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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The ranking is determined by millions of travellers who left customer reviews on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor has just revealed the highest-rated hotels in Australia from Orange to Perth. A mix of the unexpected and the extraordinary, the Best of the Best Hotels list highlights the diversity of Australia’s accommodation offerings and the stays that travellers loved most. 

According to TripAdvisor, their Best of the Best title is awarded to “Those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period." Of their eight million listings worldwide, only one per cent achieve this accolade. 

Looking for your next getaway? Take inspiration from this just-released list.

Quest Orange

A studio room with a kitchen at Quest Orange.
Quest Orange offers convenient home-away-from-home amenities. (Image: Quest Orange)

Quest Orange is an unexpected accommodation to take the top spot, but it has impressed travellers with its blend of comfort, style and convenience. Offering self-catered accommodation in the heart of charming Orange, it gives guests the home-away-from-home experience. 77 spacious apartments are spread across three levels, ranging from studios to one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, with airy living spaces, tasteful decor and fully self-contained kitchens and laundry facilities. Head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy some fresh country air and a summer barbecue.

Quest’s South Perth outpost also took the fourth spot on the list, highly rated for providing modern comfort in a prime location.

MACq01

An aerial shot of a terrace overlooking the Hobart harbour at MACq 01 Hotel.
Enjoy waterfront bliss at MACq01. (Image: Stu Gibson)

The second-highest rated property on the list is the Tassie waterfront gem, MACq01. Sitting pretty on Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf, this self-described storytelling hotel celebrates the city’s past. The 114 spacious rooms and suites are divided into five sections that reflect Hobart’s Tasmanian traits: colourful and quirky; grounded yet exceptional; fighting believers; curious and creative; and hearty and resilient. They are also each named after a notable Tasmanian figure, which is revealed to the guest at check-in. Rooms are swathed in contemporary luxury with maritime-inspired decor, blending history and comfort for a truly unforgettable stay. 

The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove

An outdoor swimming pool at a hotel.
Enjoy complimentary sorbet by the pool. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Third on the list is The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove. This tropical oasis offers a peaceful escape perfect for couples, honeymooners or those in need of a city break. It features Queenslander-style elements like wide verandas and rooms that boast serene, tropical elegance. Direct beach access, two sparkling pools, complimentary sorbet, and activities like mixology classes and yoga make this a coveted accommodation in North Queensland. 

The exterior of Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Howe Island.
The idyllic Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island took spot no.7. (Image: Pinetrees Lodge)

The top 10 hotels in Australia

  1. Quest Orange
  2. MACq 01 Hotel
  3. The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove
  4. Quest South Perth Foreshore
  5. Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills – Adults Retreat
  6. Emporium Hotel South Bank
  7. Pinetrees Lodge
  8. Quest Perth Ascot
  9. Treasury On Collins
  10. Royal Mail Hotel
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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7 features of a quintessential Aussie road trip

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

    The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

    But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

    1. Start with the perfect vehicle

    A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6.
    Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

    I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

    They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

    Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

    Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

    2. Pack the tastiest snacks

    A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

    Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

    Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

    Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

    3. Bring your pet for the ride

    A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

    Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

    4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

    Two people having coffee with a view.
    Chase the journey and the destination.

    No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

    Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

    5. A spacious tent and camping gear

    A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background.
    Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

    If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

    Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

    6. Plan your toilet breaks

    Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

    To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

    7. Pick the ultimate destination

    Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views.
    Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

    Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

    There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

    Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

    Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

    Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .