The 12 best infinity pools in Australia

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Like the illusion they are famous for, our love for the infinity pool is endless.

Gorgeous, photographic and endlessly enticing. No wonder we remain obsessed with infinity pools.

There is a whole world of pools to perch next to. But who needs to travel far when we have these stunning ones at home?

1. qualia, Qld

Any view of the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef is enough to make us squeal with excitement. But when it comes from the infinity pool at the luxurious qualia resort?

Infinity pool at qualia resort.
Take in stunning sea views from the comfort of your room. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Hold on to the edge, because we might just faint from joy. Swim here until it’s time for lunch at the adjacent Pebble Beach restaurant or a snooze on one of the private cabanas. The pool is limited to guest use.

Infinity pool at qualia resort.
Swim in qualia’s stunning infinity pool. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Address: 20 Whitsunday Blvd, Whitsundays, Qld

2. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

Blue-jade ocean views. The buzz of a rainforest thick with banyan trees and palms. The dizzying heights of Mounts Gower and Lidgbird.

a woman sitting on the edge of the infinity pool on Lord Howe Island at Capella Lodge
Take in the alluring beauty of Lord Howe Island from Capella Lodge’s infinity pool. (Image: tom-archer.com)

The plunge pool overlooking all this and Lovers Bay at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island is the cherry on top of the alluring beauty of this remote Pacific island. You will have to pay to play: the pool, restaurant and lodge here are exclusively for Capella guests.

the balcony facing mountain and beach views at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW
Enjoy this slice of paradise. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

Address: Lagoon Rd, Lord Howe Island, NSW

3. The Louise, SA

The wine region of the Barossa Valley stuns at any angle – and especially so from the infinity pool at The Louise .

the infinity pool with sun loungers at The Louise, SA
The Louise’s infinity pool overlooks the endless expanse of the valley.

The outdoor pool overlooks the endless expanse of the valley, emphasising the dedication of this Baillie Lodges member to show off the world-famous Barossa produce.

sunset views from the exterior of The Louise, SA
Relax at The Louise.

The Louise has its own wine cellar, and the onsite award-winning Appellation restaurant with its Australian degustation menu, which are available to non-guests.

the dining interior of Appellation Restaurant at The Louise, SA
Indulge at the award-winning Appellation Restaurant.

Address: 375 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga, SA

4. Eco Beach Resort, WA

When it comes to sunsets, it’s hard to beat watching the evening close in over Broome in WA.

a woman sitting on the edge of the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort, WA during sunset
It’s hard to beat watching the evening close at Eco Beach Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@tessomewhere)

But when you stay in the sustainable four-star Eco Beach Resort , you can add an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean to that already winning hand.

Once the stars come out in their droves, it’s time to retire to Eco Beach Resort’s Jack’s Bar and Restaurant for a sundowner. Access to the pool is guest-only.

a woman relaxing in the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort, WA
The infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort overlooks the Indian Ocean. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@tessomewhere)

Address: Lot 323 Great Northern Highway, Broome, WA

5. Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Vic

Sky-high, five-star and ultra-luxurious. One thing the Ritz-Carlton in central Melbourne does not have is the ability to do things in halves. Spend plenty of time exploring the city best known for its Europe Down Under vibes but save some for this zen-like heated infinity pool overlooking the city.

the infinity pool at Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Vic
The Ritz-Carlton looks out over the city.

Once your fingers are adequately wrinkly, explore further afield in this 80-floor hotel – discovering commissioned artworks from First Nations artists like Djirrirra Wununmurra and Reko Rennie and experiencing fine-dining at the Ritz Carlton’s panoramic Atria.

the indoor setting of the infinity pool at Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Vic
Lounge by the pool overlooking the city at Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.

Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Vic

6. Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook, NSW

Upgrade your NSW South Coast trip when you relax poolside at the boutique Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook .

sunloungers by the poolside at Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook, NSW
Lounge by the pool at Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook.

Perched at the top of the cliffs overlooking the waves, the Bannisters By the Sea Hotel infinity pool is the perfect escape from the Sydney crowds. Serving up pizzas and cocktails, the Bannisters Pool Bar is open to guests and visitors.

a woman relaxing in the infinity pool at Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook.
Bask in the glory of Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook.

Address: 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook, NSW

7. Lake Argyle Resort, WA

A caravan and camping ground aren’t the first places you would usually associate with infinity pools with drop-dead gorgeous views.

a woman sitting by the edge on the infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort, WA
The views at Lake Argyle Resort are nothing short of epic. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Lake Argyle Resort in the East Kimberley is the exception. Guests here can enjoy a resort-style pool overlooking Australia’s second-largest freshwater lake.

The beer garden restaurant and swimming pool are available to the public, for a fee. If hunger strikes after a swim, the camp kitchen and shared barbecue spaces are also a cheap alternative for dinner.

a couple sitting by the edge of the infinity pool during sunset at Lake Argyle Resort, WA
Dramatic sunset hues and breathtaking vistas at Lake Argyle Resort make the perfect romantic getaway. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Address: 525 Lake Argyle Road Lake Argyle, WA

8. QT Hotels Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Qld

With its glowing skyline and buzzing nightlife, there is nothing better after a night out in Surfers Paradise than spending the day poolside. And where better than the infinity pool at QT Hotels Gold Coast ?

a woman floating at the infinity pool at QT Hotels Gold Coast
The infinity pool at QT Hotels Gold Coast feels like a dream.

Hair-of-the-dog bottle service spiked popsicles from the Spring poolside bar and restaurant, and Palm Springs-style cabanas await. Not a guest? No stress. Anyone can book a visit here.

a top view of the infinity pool at QT Hotels Gold Coast
A Palm Springs-style pool is what tropical dreams are made of. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Address: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, Qld

9. The Billabong at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Qld

You won’t find any crocs in The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s pool – despite the name. A wilderness accommodation by the world-famous conservationist Steve Irwin, those that book a stay in the family cabins for guest-only access to a very special kind of infinity pool.

the infinity pool at The Billabong at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Qld
Laze by the pool at Crocodile Hunter Lodge.

Sit in ‘the billabong’ quietly, and the chances are you will see Australian wildlife like kangaroos, emus and echidnas, amble past. The pool is accessible-friendly, and The Warrior Restaurant is attached to the lodge .

emus walking around The Billabong at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Qld
Australian wildlife is a common sight here. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Crocodile Hunter Lodge)

Address: 88 Irwin Rd, Beerwah, Qld

10. Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula, Vic

Pinot grape skin scrubs, a close-at-hand winery cellar door, and a coveted spot on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List. Could we be in any more of a frenzy to get down to the Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula?

the infinity pool at Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Relax by the pool at Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula.

Throw in its pavilion complete with infinity pool views over the LL Vineyard (accessible to guests only), and we are practically frothing at the mouth to make a booking. Non-guests can also book the hotel ’s Doot Doot Doot restaurant and visit the Rare Hare cellar door.

the scenic LL Vineyard sunrise views at Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula, Vic
Revel in views over the vineyard.

Address: LL Vineyard, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Vic

11. W Hotel Sydney, NSW

Opened in 2023, the then world’s biggest W Hotel in the world at ‘The Ribbon’ building was bound to get tongues wagging. And at this luxury Darling Harbour accommodation, the chance to float in the infinity pool at the W Hotel Sydney is definitely part of it.

the facade of W Hotel Sydney, NSW
W Hotel Sydney is set majestically over Darling Harbour.

Guests should take the elevator to the 29th floor to get to the WET Deck. There, do a few laps over the playful floor mosaics of the heated pool, before settling in for nibbles and cocktails overlooking the world’s most beautiful harbour.

the WET Deck infinity pool at W Hotel Sydney
Indulge on the WET Deck at the W Hotel Sydney.

Address: 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney, NSW

12. ibis Styles Hobart, Tas

When it comes to looking for in-house soaks in Tasmania, social media tends to focus on steamy standalone baths in remote locations. But at the state capital, you can also drop by the infinity pool at the ibis Styles Hobart .

the infinity pool at the ibis Styles Hobart
Soak up city views from the infinity pool at ibis Syles Hobart.

Located in the centre of Hobart and overlooking the city, a swim in this four-star hotel pool is a Champagne experience on a beer budget.

the infinity pool at the ibis Styles Hobart
Swim in style with epic views of the skyline.

Address: 173 Macquarie St, Hobart, Tas

Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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Your Mandurah guide: art, dining & dolphins await in WA’s coastal gem

Discover the perfect road trip stopover between Perth and wine country.

Western Australia punches above its weight when it comes to coastal hot spots, but no other town or city has seen a tourism boom quite like Mandurah. Named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2023 , it’s the relaxed, beachside break you’ve been searching for. And it’s perfectly placed, sitting between Margaret River and Perth, as it’s just a 55-minute drive from Perth’s CBD. Which is why we’ve put together your ultimate Mandurah guide.

Aerial view of Mandurah.
Plan your perfect coastal escape to Australia’s Top Tourism Town of 2023.

The best things to do in Mandurah

Wetlands and rivers, ocean and inlet; Mandurah’s laid-back lifestyle centres around the aquatic. Its waterways cover twice the ground of Sydney Harbour – measuring some 134 square kilometres in total – and form a unique environment for oceanic and estuarine flora and fauna to thrive.

In the city’s estuary lives perhaps the region’s most famed inhabitants – a resident pod of 100 bottlenose dolphins – and the inlet’s silty bottom is home to the prized blue manna crab. Spot the former breaching and playing on an hour-long dolphin cruise through the channels, or try your hand at catching the latter by wading through the estuary’s shallows with a scoop net in hand.

While swimming at the circular Kwillena Gabi Pool, chance encounters with the local wildlife aren’t uncommon. The sheltered estuarine pool takes its name from the traditional custodians of the land, the Bindjareb people, and directly translates to ‘dolphin waters’. Jutting out of the eastern foreshore, it’s enclosed by a ring of net-free floating pontoons, which allow the dolphins to swim freely through the attraction.

If that’s a little too close for comfort, book a kayak tour with Down Under Discoveries . The dolphins have been known to cruise beside the paddle-powered crafts, which are a fun, family-friendly way to explore the city’s inner waterways.

Dolphins swimming in Mandurah.
Watch dolphins glide by as you explore Mandurah.

You don’t have to be on the water to appreciate the coastal city’s aquatic beauty, with 600 kilometres of cycleways and scenic walking trails traversing Mandurah’s estuary, inlet and coast.

Follow the 30-kilometre coastal trail and you’ll come face to face with one of Thomas Dambo’s headline-making ‘Giants of Mandurah  sculptures, Santi Ikto, along the way. There are five sculptures around Mandurah in total, hidden among gum-filled reserves or sitting sentry over the water.

Head to the Mandurah Visitor Centre to pick up a map to pinpoint their exact location and download the traveller’s companion to learn more about the sights along the way. Or join a three-hour e-bike tour from The Bike Kiosk and you’ll stop by two of the giants – Santi Ikto and Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone – as you sightsee central Mandurah.

 The towering Santi Ikto, one of Thomas Dambo’s iconic Giants of Mandurah.
Meet Santi Ikto, one of the legendary Giants of Mandurah.

Where to eat in Mandurah

Mandurah’s culinary scene reflects its laid-back lifestyle, with large, honest meals and locally brewed beer. After visiting Lake Clifton’s 2000-year-old thrombolites, head to the peppermint and gum-shaded beer garden at Thorny Devil Brewery . Tuck into a platter of house-smoked meats and an ale pulled fresh from the tanks. Closer to town and right on the waterfront is Boundary Island Brewery ; here, woodfired pizza, pub-style seafood dishes and easy-drinking brews are centre stage.

On a Murray River Lunch Cruise , the focus is as much on the environment around you as the food you’re filling up on. Help yourself to the colourful salads and freshly cooked meats on the buffet as you meander up the winding, jarrah tree-lined waterway, stopping at the heritage Cooper’s Mill for a quick walking tour along the way.

Keep your eyes trained on the Creery Wetlands as you pass – you’ll spot much of the region’s migratory birdlife, and, as always, might see the playful bottlenose dolphins in the inlet.

The most memorable meals aren’t necessarily always the fanciest, and lunch aboard a self-skippered Mandurah BBQ Boat is a testament to that. All food and beverage prep is left up to you as you cruise through the canals, sausages and steaks sizzling away on the central hot plate.

If seafood is more your kind of fare, board the Wild Seafood Experience , where dolphin cruise meets long table lunch. Eight courses of crab, crayfish and scallops await.

A table filled with plates of crab, crayfish, and scallops.
Dine on the water with eight courses of ocean-fresh fare.

Where to stay in Mandurah

With so many waterways comes abundant waterside stays. Like the self-contained Seashells Mandurah on the shores of Comet Bay. The calm, oceanic outlook from the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and villas is as close to Maldivian as Mandurah gets. Families especially enjoy the property, bouncing between the protected cove and the beachfront pool for endless hours of fun.

Seashells Mandurah; on the shores of Comet Bay.
Stay right by the sea.

The Sebel Mandurah , just a hop, skip and jump from the Mandurah Ocean Marina, has a different outlook entirely, overlooking the estuary and lively foreshore on the other side. It’s also within walking distance of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre , cinema and a swathe of waterfront bars and eateries.

But you can’t get any closer to the water than on a vessel from Mandurah Houseboats . You don’t need a skipper’s ticket to hire one, nor do you need comprehensive boating experience; just a full driver’s license and your undivided attention during the pre-departure tuition will do. Then you’re free to take to the estuaries and tributaries for a few nights of peaceful rest, surrounded by the very element that makes Mandurah so special.

A houseboat cruising in Mandurah along the river
Captain a houseboat to explore Mandurah at your own pace.

Plan your next WA getaway in Mandurah.