Australia‘s best hotels according to travellers have been revealed

Rachael Thompson 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.

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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

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. 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 is Lord Howe Island.
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Makers, good food and the great outdoors: your guide to a long weekend in the Moorabool Valley

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.

    With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.

    The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.

    If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.

    Day 1

    Morning

    Blend your own signature scent from a table of fragrances.
    Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.

    Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.

    Afternoon

    A stroll through Austin’s Wines, lined with bottles and warm dining spaces.
    Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.

    Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.

    Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.

    While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.

    Night

    A scrumptious plate of food and a beer.
    Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)

    Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.

    Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.

    Day 2

    Morning

    A person slicing food from a plate at the Meredith Farm Store.
    Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)

    It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.

    The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.

    Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.

    Afternoon

    Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Brisbane Ranges National Park.
    Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.

    Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.

    You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.

    Night

    A cosy charcuterie spread by the fireplace.
    Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)

    A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.

    Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.

    Day 3

    Morning

    On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.

    Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.

    Afternoon

    Paddock Bakery glowing on a bright, sunny day.
    Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)

    Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.

    To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.

    Plan your Moorabool Valley adventure now at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.