These 3 Aussie places stole the spotlight on Condé Nast’s 2025 list

Top End

Indigenous Australian culture is the oldest continuous culture in the world. And the NT‘s Top End is home to the oldest known Indigenous sites in Australia, dating back 65,000 years. Aboriginal culture is still shared today by Traditional Owners across the Top End, from Arnhem Land to Kakadu National Park – a dual UNESCO-listed site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance. Condé Nast has highlighted the new Aboriginal-led tours, such as the Muku Women’s Morning Tour , led by Tess Atie around Berry Springs, as a reason to visit the region this year. Check out more Aboriginal-led tours and experiences around Kakadu and Arnhem Land where you can connect with local Indigenous history and culture.

Victor Cooper accompanying tourists during Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu

Aboriginal-led tours are a highlight of the NT’s Top End, such as a tour of Kakadu with Minitja man and ex-park ranger Victor Cooper. (Image: Tourism NT)

Queensland’s coast

Moving over from the outback to the ocean, Queensland’s coast is next on Condé Nast’s list. The Great Barrier Reef is an ever-enduring site, but there’s a lot beyond the reef worth sticking around for. For example, the soon-to-open Wangetti trail, a hiking/biking track between Cairns and Port Douglas, set to be a leading ecotourism experience. Plus, the thriving cultural scene of Cairns, with the new Mulgrave Gallery joining the mix and the Cairns Aboriginal Art Fair returning for its 16th year. In addition, a new upgrade to Cairns airport will mean getting to and from this tropical paradise will be easier than ever.

an aerial view of a beach in Port Douglas

The Wangetti trail is an upcoming trail that will link Cairns and Port Douglas. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Subantarctic Islands

Okay, we technically share this one with New Zealand. But Australia still claims a spot on Condé Nast’s list for a third time, thanks to the Subantarctic Islands—a remote archipelago where Macquarie Island is governed by Tasmania, while the remaining islands fall under New Zealand’s territory.

This region is a birdlife paradise, home to vast colonies of penguins, including the Royal Penguin, which can only be found on the archipelago. And in 2025, new expedition opportunities are making this hard-to-reach corner of the world more accessible than ever. Such as Heritage Expeditions’ Birding Down Under cruise, which offers a chance to witness the stunning biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Antipodes albatross.

The Royal Penguin can only be found on Macquarie Island and adjacent sub-Antarctic islands. (Image: Getty/Steve Fraser)

We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.

1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo

Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.

2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon

a look inside Norsu Cabin, Macedon — Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu . Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.

3. Islay House, Woodend

the bedroom at Islay House, Woodend — Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)

Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House . This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.

4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula

This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.

5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat

a close-up of the bed at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — Modern meets bygone elegance.

This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.

6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay

The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.

7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance

Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.

8. The Monty, Anglesea

the bedroom at The Monty, Anglesea — Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.

Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.

9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura

vibrant bedroom wall and pillows at Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura — The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.

Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.

10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong

the Trattoria Bar in Crowne Plaza, Geelong — Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.

Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.

11. Re’em, Yarra Valley

a private tub with lush views at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Sip and soak in tranquillity.

With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.

12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians

the yard front door of Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.

the lounge at Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)