Find all 100 unique stays around Australia

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Discover Australia’s 100 most unique stays.

Whether your perfect holiday looks glamping in the outback or staying at a chic hotel in the city, this list of unique stays has something for everyone.

Luxury

Here is 1-11 of Australia’s most luxurious holidays

 

1. Be cossetted in luxury while interacting with nature at Sequoia, SA

2. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep with a stay at Lizard Island, QLD

3. Lay back in minimalistic luxury at Como the Treasury, WA

4. Take in Sydney’s CBD views from Crown Towers, NSW

5. Stay in the stunning architecturally designed Dune House, SA

6. Immerse yourself in wine, food and culture at Kingsford the Barossa, SA

7. Experience Tasmania from a grand old house at The Woodbridge, Tas

8. Unwind in a secluded valley at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW

9. Catch your breath in a cosy stone cottage at The Coach House at Hillenvale, SA

10. Retreat in the tropics at Silky Oaks Lodge, QLD

11. Holiday by the sea at the vintage Halcyon House, NSW

Hidden Gems

Here is 2-18 of Australia’s most unique hidden gems

 

12.  Sleep amongst the whimsical gardens at The Potting Shed at Acre of Roses, Vic

13. Take in the turquoise ocean and rusty red cliffs from every angle at Faraway Bay, WA

14. Soak up the stillness of Marramarra Lodge, NSW

15. Discover the mountains from an intimately nature-bound hideaway with Spicers Sangoma Retreat, NSW

16. Learn fascinating history and meet eccentric locals at the iconic Hotel Corones, QLD

17. Isolate yourself in tropical paradise at the Secret Cabin Society, QLD

18. Switch off at on the peaceful Pieman River with a stay at Corinna Wilderness Experience, Tas

Regions

Here is 19-27 of Australia’s most unique regional stays

 

19. Sleep below an inky-black sky filled with stars at Jr’s Hut at Kimo Estate, NSW

20. Lap up the endless biscuits and smiles with a stay at William Arnott Hotel, NSW

21. Blend country living with boutique luxury at Farmers’ Home Hotel, WA

22. Simplicity and serenity go hand-in-hand at the Ardingly Tiny House, Tas

23. Have a slow weekend by the countryside at Goonoo Goonoo Station, NSW

24. Plan a romantic getaway in this quaint cabin at 1860 Beechworth, Vic

25. Stay at a renewed World Heritage-listed farm and estate at Brickendon Estate, Tas

26. Appreciate the beautiful art deco details of Tattersalls Hotel Armidale, NSW

27. Escape the Snowy Mountains chill and snuggle up by a fire at Moonbah Huts, NSW

Island and coast

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique coastal stays

 

28. Discover King Island’s strong community spirit, thriving art scene and renowned produce at Kittawa Lodge, Tas

29. Holiday simply at the dreamy, design-led dens at Five Acres, Vic

30. Let your castaway fantasises come to life with a stay on Wilson Island, Qld

31. Marvel at the eclectic shipping container design of the Coastal Pods Wynyard, Tas

32. Ocean activities and stunning views are at your disposal with a stay at Kooljaman At Cape Leveque, WA

33. Wake up to tropical paradise at the luxurious qualia, QLD.

34. Nestle yourself between bush and ocean at Woody Island, Recherche Archipelago, WA

35. Fall in love with the coastal-inspired design details of Whale Song, Tas

36. Take in the coastal-chic decor, crisp linens and sparkling ocean views at Tiwi Island Retreat, NT

37. Watch Australian wildlife interact with untouched beach landscape at Sal Salis, WA

38. Uncover SA’s coast from this sea-swept storybook in the form of a house My Sister & The Sea, SA

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Outback

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique outback stays

 

39. Stay at the wonderfully surprising 109-year-old stone structure Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, NSW

40. Taste spectacular new foods in Australia’s outback at Prairie Hotel, SA

41. Leave your worries behind with a homely getaway at Trilby Station, NSW

42. Kick back after a full day of adventuring Uluru at Desert Gardens Hotel, NT

43. Escape the outback heat with a cool stay at Bullo River Station, NT

44. Lay back poolside with a drink in hand after a day of exploring the outback at White Cliffs Underground Motel, NSW

45. Fly your way into an outback oasis at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, West Arnhem Land, NT

46. Glamp on Queensland’s stunning outback landscape at Wallaroo Outback Retreat, QLD

47. See the Kimberely Coast like never before at Berkeley River Lodge, WA

48. Experience a genuine desert getaway at Birdsville Hotel, Qld

Eco-friendly

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique eco-friendly stays

 

49. Gaze majestically into the sea whenever your heart desires from the Naiko Retreat, SA

50. Let your stay make a difference at the social enterprise hotel Change Overnight, Tas

51. Breathe in the fresh air of the Flinders Ranges at Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station, SA

52. Escape reality and find yourself in a tropical landscape of jungle at Swell Lodge, off WA

53. Leave your worries at home and retreat to the bush at Bamurru Plains, NT

54. Rest awhile amid hiking the stunning Three Capes Track at Three Capes Hut, Tas

55. Explore Kangaroo Island from the environment-friendly Oceanview Eco Villas, SA

56. Experience Australia’s only underwater accomodation in the Great Barrier Reef at Reefsuites, Qld

57. Enjoy a remote stay among the vineyards at CABN X, SA

58. Surround yourself with the stilness of nature at Heyscape Tiny Cabins, WA

Family

Here is 59-65 of Australia’s most unique family-friendly stays

 

59. Soak in the views of NSW’s South Coast with a stay at the contemporary Dovecote, NSW

60. Stay right on the beach with a lighthouse as your backyard at Lighthouse Keeper’s & Heritage Cottages, WA

61.  Spend a week of fun with your family at Sunset 4 Fraser Island House, Qld

62. Spend your days in the sun and your nights at the retro Hillcrest Merimbula, NSW

63. Teach your children about Indigenous culture in-depth at Bawaka Homeland, NT

64. Glamp with koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, NSW

65. Be transported into the jungle with a zoo stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT

Boutique

Here is 66-74 of Australia’s most unique boutique stays

 

66. Be greeted with big smiles at the Northern River’s community hub Eltham Hotel, NSW

67. Marvel at this old sailors’ tavern reimagined as the now Ship Inn Stanley, Tas

68. Bushwalk your way to this secluded holiday home on the water at The Little Black Shack, NSW

69. Uncover an oasis of boutique luxury at the very top of Australia at Seven Spirit Bay, NT

70. Explore a luxe farmhouse stay packed with interestingly quirky features at The Silo House Inverloch, Vic

71. Enjoy the stunning design details of this boutique stay at Warders Hotel, Fremantle, WA

72. Retreat in Queensland’s country with a timber stay at Saltbush Retreat, QLD

73. Stay on a private sanctuary on 43 hectares of cattle farmland at Upland Farm, Denmark, WA

74. Become educated of Victoria’s old goldfields towns with a stay at The Provincial Hotel Ballarat, Vic

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Glamping

Here is 75-81  of Australia’s most unique glamping stays

 

75. Lay back and enjoy off-grid country luxe living at Glenayr Farm, Mudgee, NSW

76. Explore Lamington National Park from a safari-style tent at Nightfall, QLD

77. Stay below the gumtrees and neighbour the regions most impressive cellar doors at Bellwether, SA

78. Connect to the Australian bushland like never before with a stay at Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

79. Take in desert views and learn more about Aboriginal culture at Kings Canyon Resort, NT

80. Rest amongst the eucalyptus bush and stay at the rustic Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat, Vic

81. Discover some of Australia’s most beautiful swimming holes with a classy outback experience at Hideaway Litchfield, NT

City

Here is 82-91 of Australia’s best city stays

 

82. Stay right in the city and become a Melbourne local in no time at United Places Botanic Gardens, Vic

83. Explore the hidden gems of Adelaide from Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, SA

84. Make the most of your Canberra trip with a luxurious stay at A by Adina,  ACT

85. Visit Fitzroy, Melbourne’s oldest and most eclectic suburb at Napier Quarter, Vic

86. Experience a foodies haven at the Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, Tas

87. Uncover Melbourne through food and design at Next Hotel Melbourne, Vic

88. Stay at one of the oldest independent art studios in Melbourne at The Blender Loft, Vic

89. City meets beach at the grand Crystalbrook Kingsley, NSW

90. Enjoy a cultured stay in the petite but comfortable Little National Hotel Canberra, ACT

91. Explore the bustling  city or relax by the pool at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane, Qld

Wow factor

Here is 92-100 of Australia’s most unique stays that have the wow factor

 

92. Marvel at the architectural wonder and stunning design of Domic, Qld

93. Stay between the Great Ocean Road and Cape Otway at Sky Pods, Vic

94. Surround yourself with vineyards, bush and farmland at Jackalope, Vic

95. Be immersed in all things art and design at Mona Pavilions, Tas

96. Escape the business of life and retreat to a luxurious bush getaway with Lon Retreat & Spa, Vic

97. Soak in the experience of staying at a hotel built into a sporting ground at Oval Hotel, SA

98. Stunning Tasmanian scenery meets modern architectural design at Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge, Tas

99. Lap up luxury accomodation and experiences at the Clifftop at Hepburn, Vic

100. Connect with Indigenous culture through the beautiful architecture and design of Krakani Lumi, Tas

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Two of the best festivals are coming to Ballarat: here’s how to plan for them

(Credit: Tony Evans)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Come for a couple of unmissable festivals, stay for a long, leisurely weekend of wining, dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.

    Far from a sleepy town, the historic city of Ballarat is an unexpectedly vibrant cultural and culinary destination. Year-round, it hosts a roster of events and experiences – including the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival, a celebration of the city’s past, and the new Ballarat Craft and Design Week, a must for fans of all things handmade and thoughtfully designed.

    Beyond the festivals, there’s a bevy of things to see, do, eat and drink – making a weekend in Ballarat an absolute no-brainer.

    Plus, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne by car along the Western Freeway or an easy train ride from Southern Cross, getting here is simple and stress-free.

    Day 1

    Morning

    Perridak Arts ballarat
    Peruse works by local First Nations artists at Perridak Arts. (Credit: Tony Evans)

    Start your Ballarat jaunt at Johnny Alloo, a beautifully restored cafe harking back to the 1870s with original details and contemporary touches. Order a seasonal plate from the all-day brunch menu alongside a cleverly reimagined ‘cup of tea’ – the cafe’s very own Earl Grey-infused early bird spritz.

    Next, head to Perridak Arts, a First Nations-owned and operated gallery filled with powerful works by local First Nations artists. Your next stop is Hop Lane, an alleyway crowned by a floating canopy of technicoloured umbrellas and centred on Hop Queen, a striking mural of a commanding female figure.

    Afternoon

    The Pottage ballarat
    Create your own artworks at The Pottage. (Credit: Mass Motion)

    Cobb’s Coffee is a firm favourite for consistently good coffee and thoughtful food, making it a solid lunch spot. The cafe’s signature sandwiches and toasties are well worth trying as you take in the heritage surrounds.

    While away your afternoon at The Pottage, where Ballarat ceramicist and social media favourite Shelby Sherritt has just moved into brand-new digs. Try a throwing workshop, or pick a piece of pottery to paint from the extensive collection (the team will post it to you once it’s fired).

    Now it’s time to check into Hotel Vera, the newest boutique accommodation in the city’s already-impressive line-up. The hotel presents a modern spin on Ballarat’s gold rush-era past – think design-led rooms, gold detailing and a curated art collection. There are only seven suites, each as beautifully finished as the next, with high-quality linens and plush furnishings.

    Evening

    Babae hotel vera ballarat
    Sit down to a seven-course feast at Babae. (Credit: Einwick)

    Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane. The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.

    Head back to Hotel Vera for a seven-course feast at Babae. This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.

    Day 2

    Spencer & Nick Ballarat Craft and Design Week
    Spend the day at Ballarat Craft and Design Week. (Credit: Klapper Films)

    Linger over a slow breakfast at Hotel Vera. You’ll graze your way through a spread of locally sourced treats, from toasted granola and pastries to seasonal fruit, and will need a strong coffee before a busy day at the main event: Ballarat Craft and Design Week.

    This year marks the event’s inauguration, a celebration of artists, makers, designers and manufacturers. It’s a testament to Ballarat’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

    The festival features a thoughtfully curated roster of events and activities, including free talks, hands-on workshops where you can craft your own keepsake, displays, studio tours and more. The central theme is Bound, with a flagship exhibition hosted in Ballarat’s grand and iconic Mining Exchange. The exhibition brings together five immersive projects designed to be touched, explored and experienced.

    Afternoon

    Pancho ballarat
    Discuss your favourite artworks over lunch at Pancho. (Credit Einwick)

    The Craft and Design program continues at The Unicorn Collection. The gallery is hosting Why Are You Here?, an installation presented by artists from the community that centres on the meaning of Ballarat as home.

    Recharge with lunch at Pancho, which turns out vibrant food from across Central and South America. Make sure to order from the specials board, often featuring dishes from more far-flung locations.

    For a top-up of local craftsmanship, a visit to Wootten is a must. This workshop and retail space is a Ballarat institution, making and selling made-to-order and customised footwear alongside a selection of handcrafted leather goods.

    Evening

    Mr Jones restaurant in Ballarat
    Ballarat’s streets contain incredible dining options. (Credit: Tony Evans)

    Book a table at Mr Jones, headed by chef Damian Jones, who’s worked in Michelin-Starred restaurants around the globe. The modern Asian menu changes weekly, but you can always expect the very best ingredients cooked with precision and restraint.

    Finish off your day of art and exploration with a nightcap (and maybe a cheeky late-night snack) at Renard. This intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar does clever drinks alongside French-leaning small plates – we love the smoked trout pate and goat’s cheese doughnuts.

    Day 3

    Morning

    Black Cat Truffles
    Stop into Black Cat Truffles before heading home. (Credit Einwick)

    It’s your final morning in Ballarat (that is, until you inevitably return), so it’s worth making it an unhurried one. Turret Cafe is your best bet for a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, with a produce-driven all-day menu and excellent coffee inside a character-filled setting.

    A wander around the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens, followed by an excursion to Ross Creek Gallery, is the ideal way to stretch your legs after your morning feast. The gardens are replete with seasonal flower displays and heritage-listed trees, while the gallery is hosting a group exhibition centred on printmakers from across the region as part of Craft and Design Week.

    Farewell your weekend escape – and fuel up for the journey home – at Black Cat Truffles. True to its name, the restaurant serves truffle-infused dishes (alongside regular fare) and the surrounding farm hosts truffle hunts and experiences. Pair your meal with a drop from the on-site Meredith Wines cellar door.

    Can’t make it for Ballarat Craft + Design Week? Time this itinerary for the annual Ballarat Heritage Weekend, returning 21-24 May, or the magical Ballarat Winter Festival, 27 June – 19 July. Start planning at visitballarat.com.au.