9 of the top luxury stays in Australia to escape to

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.

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 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.

Set yourself to Lord Howe Island time. (Image: Anson Smart)

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.

Experience wild luxury at Arkaba.

5. Saffire Freycinet, Tas

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.

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.

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 all-new Mondrian Gold Coast. (Image: Justin Nicholas)

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

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.