9 of the top luxury stays in Australia to book ASAP

From all-new openings to historic stays and exclusive island hideaways, luxury in Australia means immersive experiences in extraordinary locations – with a few creature comforts to boot.

1. Bells at Killcare, NSW

Bells at Killcare has been a special-occasion place since it opened on NSW’s Bouddi Peninsula in 2007. Guests have traditionally checked into its coastal-chic cottages and villas, which exude a Hamptons aesthetic with their distinctive blue-and-white-striped interior palette. They’ve also dined at its restaurant, The Wild Flower Bar & Dining. Indulged in a treatment at Bells Day Spa. Or picked up some fresh-baked goods from the onsite bakery. But the addition of The Lodges at Bells at Killcare has upped the ante further. The design of the four luxurious tri-level lodges departs from the rest of the property’s aesthetic and tunes into the local environment instead, with sleek bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and the pièce de resistance, a Sunset Deck on the top level.

a bathroom with a private tub at The Lodges at Bells at Killcare — Inside one of the stylish bathrooms. (Image: Anson Smart)

2. Pretty Beach House, NSW

On the surface, a beachside escape seems best reserved for the summer months, but Pretty Beach House manages to be an all-year-round retreat. The guesthouse, part of the exclusive Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, is tucked into the treetops of the Bouddi Peninsula on the NSW Central Coast. From the warm welcome on the deck to the casual chats we have with the chef as he prepares dinner, this highly personalised service sees owners Karina and Brian Barry succeed where others fail. Book a stay at The Retreat, a two-storey haven with a wraparound deck, an upstairs living area, two bathrooms, adjustable king-size bed with inbuilt massage, and plunge pool for the ultimate luxurious escape.

the main guest loungeof Pretty Beach House — The main guest lounge of Pretty Beach House. (Image: Anson Smart)

3. Island House, Lord Howe Island NSW

Fringed by evergreen Kentia palms and set under the guardianship of Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird, Lord Howe Island is a forested arcadia rising from coral reefs. Just a two-hour flight from Sydney, it’s impossible not to fall into absolute relaxation here. Do so at the eco-luxe Island House with its beautifully considered North and South abodes built consciously from hardwood and copper. Sleeping eight guests in the art-festooned, oak-lined dwellings, guests will relish chef-prepared meals and unimpeded privacy.

evergreen Kentia palms at Lord Howe Island — Set yourself to Lord Howe Island time. (Image: Anson Smart)

the interior of Island House, Lord Howe Island — The eco-luxe Island House is built from hardwood and copper. (Image: Anson Smart)

4. Arkaba Homestead, SA

You’ll find historic Arkaba Homestead folded into the dusty-green bush on the verge of South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The 1850s-era, five-guestroom homestead blends into the serenity of its rocky surrounds and offers a pause in luxury on the final night of the three-day Arkaba Walk into Wilpena Pound. But you needn’t do the full walk to stay at this all-inclusive former frontier estate that offers twice-daily safari experiences for all guests.

the Arkaba Homestead, SA — Experience wild luxury at Arkaba.

5. Saffire Freycinet, Tas

a suite with a sea view, On Board Expeditions cruises on Tasmania — Sleep in luxury with scenic sea views onboard.

Aspirations of explorative adventure come cocooned in luxury with a new collaboration between Tasmania’s Saffire Freycinet and On Board Expeditions cruises . The six-night Coast-to-Coast discovery for 12 guests sees would-be wanderers deposited by seaplane into the remote south-west corner of Tassie’s extraordinary wilderness. There, they board a luxury cruise for three nights, before being whisked back to the east coast to take in the heart-lifting beauty of The Hazards from Saffire Freycinet’s beautifully crafted comforts.

a look inside Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania — Saffire Freycinet is a serene space filled with luxurious creature comforts.

6. The Lake House, Daylesford, Vic

A little over 40 years ago, the late Allan Wolf-Tasker was tasked to quite literally build his wife’s dream in Victoria’s Daylesford. The owner of the dream was celebrated chef Alla Wolf-Tasker and since the realisation of the pioneering Lake House , the luxury lodge has earned 76-plus chefs’ hats thanks to Wolf-Tasker’s beautifully seasonal and artistic fare. The rambling grounds meander to a gentle lake, the studios are an expression of modern country elegance and the spa is full of luxurious rituals and treatments.

the dining at legendary Lake House, Daylesford, Victoria — Stay and spa at legendary Lake House.

7. Two of Hamilton Island’s luxe stays, Qld

Encircled by the Great Barrier Reef on Hamilton Island, qualia is compelling enough, but the luxe Whitsundays resort that perfected the laid-back style of Australian hospitality also drops jaws with its elegant suites, curated dining and soft-mauve sunsets. And now there’s a persuasive reason to unpeel yourself from the sun lounger, with the resort’s Cultural Island Discovery experience to Ngaro Country . Join Robbie Congoo as he reveals Indigenous heritage through explorations of cave paintings, flora and fauna and storytelling. Elsewhere on the island, Hamilton’s newest luxury hotel The Sundays has opened, a fresh boutique offering designed with families in mind.

Check into Hamilton’s newest luxury hotel, The Sundays. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

8. The Mondrian Gold Coast, Qld

The gilding of the Gold Coast continues as the city’s luxe inventory grows with the opening of the shiny-new Mondrian this June. Positioned for ample saturation of the Pacific’s blue hues, this 208-key luxury hotel is achingly of-the-minute, with sweeping modern design that celebrates the Gold Coast’s manicured aesthetic. Contributing to the buzz of hip Burleigh Heads, the Mondrian welcomes with a pool bar, all-day Italian diner, seafood restaurant and bio-wellness spa.

the sunrise lounge at Mondrian Gold Coast — The all-new Mondrian Gold Coast. (Image: Justin Nicholas)

9. Luxe stays come in threes in The Kimberley, WA

the El QuestroHomestead atop Chamberlain Gorge — El Questro Homestead is beautifully set atop Chamberlain Gorge.

A landscape of high contrast, Western Australia’s Kimberley region pins high on the inspiration board. From rough-hewn cliffs and quartzite waters to remote stations of parched beauty, the otherworldly topography is thoroughly bewitching on a luxury bush stay at Berkeley River Lodge, floating pontoon Jetwave Pearl and El Questro Homestead . The latter of which ensures surfaces are thoroughly scratched on a two-hour tour with a Traditional Owner, who guides you through the deep reverence local Ngarinyin people have for Country.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

9 of the top luxury stays in Australia to escape to