Bullo River & Lizard Island named on Conde Nast's best hotels list

The two iconic hotels were the only Australian stays to make the annual list and we’ve stayed at both. Our editors weigh in on their stays.

Condé Nast Traveller’s global editors have revealed their favourite places to stay across the world – and two Australian hotels have made the prestigious Gold List for 2025 . While the list includes some truly extraordinary properties from around the globe, what’s even more exciting is that we’ve stayed at both of the Aussie inclusions!

Here’s a glimpse into what it was like to stay at two of the best Australian hotels, shared through personal stories that bring these remarkable destinations to life.

Lizard Island

For Australian Traveller’s sub editor, Carla Grossetti, Lizard Island was more than just a luxury getaway – it was a homecoming. Growing up in Cairns, Carla spent her childhood snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, so the chance to revisit those waters in the lap of luxury was irresistible.

“You can do as much or as little as you like on Lizard Island. Launch yourself into the underwater environment and swim with turtles, snorkel over a giant clam garden and do your best impression of a starfish in Blue Lagoon," Carla says, who visited the Luxury Lodges of Australia property in 2024.

“The beauty of Lizard Island is that you can pamper yourself at the day spa, meet at the bar for sundowners and enjoy a world-class dining experience overlooking the waterfront," she says.

“I’m not surprised the resort featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of Best Hotels in Australia. It’s one of the best places I’ve stayed in the world and is the epitome of barefoot luxury."

Reflecting on her stay, Carla isn’t finished exploring this slice of paradise. “I’m currently manifesting a return visit: I’d like to go back in June to swim with minke whales during their annual migration," she concludes.

Lizard Island Great Barrier Reef Aerial Casuarina Beach and Blue Lagoon — Lizard Island is the epitome of barefoot luxury. (Image: Ken Butti)

Bullo River Station

For Australian Traveller’s print editor, Imogen Eveson, Bullo River Station offered a completely different kind of luxury – one rooted in connection to the land and its stories. Situated on over 160,000 hectares of Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong Country straddling a space between the Top End and the Kimberley, Bullo is a working cattle station (and one of our favourite station stays) that blends pastoral activities with conservation.

“My stay at Bullo River Station was one of the best domestic travel experiences I’ve had," Imogen explains.

“For me, it encapsulated what is distinctive about luxury travel in Australia. Low-key, down-to-earth and relaxed but with every last detail considered and executed flawlessly."

When Imogen visited in June 2024, Bullo River Station had just been announced as the latest member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, a collection of exceptional properties in spectacular locations that each tell a unique Aussie story.

Bullo River Station pool — Bullo River Station joined Luxury Lodges of Australia last year.

Days here are filled with adventure. From waterhole swims and leisurely cruises down the Bullo River to station tours and scenic helicopter flights over a sandstone wilderness carved by waterfalls, gorges and the convergence of two rivers.

“I saw the most stunning sunrise of my life when our chopper pilot landed on a pinnacle overlooking it all," she says.

“Above all, luxury travel in Australia means the luxury of experience. The privilege of access to an extraordinary environment and the opportunity to learn about it from the passionate people charged with protecting it."

Current owners Julian and Alexandra Burt, who bought Bullo in 2017, have set the property on a path towards transformation again with a groundbreaking new approach to land management and a collaboration with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). The vision is one where pastoral activities and conservation can thrive side by side, complemented by low-impact tourism that allows you to be totally immersed in the heart and soul of this place.

Bullo River Station outdoor dining experience — Days at Bullo River Station are filled with adventure. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

But the charm of Bullo lies in its quirks as much as its grandeur. Imogen recounted a moment of hilarity when her partner discovered a frog in the toilet.

“‘Ah, you’ve got a toilet frog!’ the staff chorused with a casual cheerfulness before instructing us, in such instances, to simply flush the loo and send the tiny tree frogs back where they came from; they are partial to the septic tank and don’t worry – we were assured it doesn’t harm them," Imogen recounts.

“I imagined all the traditional luxury hotels around the world where a commode cameo like this might provoke a freak-out among high-maintenance guests, and love knowing that Bullo is the kind of place that attracts likeminded people ready to throw themselves into the raw experience of it, frogs and all. And that to me feels so wonderfully Australian."

Bullo River Station toilet frog — Lucky the toilet frogs are cute. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

2 Aussie stays made Conde Nast’s best hotels list – we stayed at both