The one type of traveller behind the rise of the luxe hotel stay

Not that I need an upgrade from a Sydney Opera House-facing room, but when I mention it’s my 50th birthday, the staff are not surprised. Everyone, it seems, is celebrating something at Crown Towers. Some people don’t know it yet – such as the women whose boyfriends plan to propose this weekend – while others have chosen the venue for its all-in-one excellence.

The glamorous hotel has a world-class spa, the city’s highest rooftop bar, several top restaurants including Oncore by Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth, and an infinity pool with over-water daybeds, private cabanas and Darling Harbour views. Even the hard-to-impress locals love it, with more than one-third of guests from NSW in 2024.

The rise of the milestones

Increasing numbers of people are choosing to stay in hotels to mark milestones. According to the concierge at Crown Towers Sydney, there’s an equal split between birthdays, anniversaries and engagements. Other occasions include divorce, retirement, graduation, pregnancy, a new job or promotion. Some guests book after receiving an inheritance or redundancy payment or overcoming a serious illness.

My celebration lasts for four days, starting with an indulgent breakfast at the sprawling international buffet, trying a different restaurant each night, and then drinks on the big day with 30 friends before a boat party departing from nearby King Street Wharf.

King Street Wharf in Sydney — The writer celebrated her 50th with a stay at Crown Towers Sydney and a boat party from nearby King Street Wharf. (Image: Getty/gionnixxx)

I meet a couple from Sydney celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren. “We wanted our family to join us for this big one, but not for the whole weekend. This was the perfect place to bring everyone together for lunch, and then we’ll have dinner by ourselves and get a massage tomorrow."

Another couple told me they chose Crown because “you feel like a VIP" and “everything is organised for you".

Celebration and Love Packages are designed for those who want to make it more extravagant. Among the tailored treats are French Champagnes, flowers, balloons, LED candles, cakes, cheese boards, teddy bears, bathrobes with personalised embroidery, heart-shaped rose petals on the bed, or lightbox letters and numbers that spell out a special message. Original ideas are also welcome for the concierge team to customise.

Crown Towers Sydney Presidential Suite — The Presidential Villa at Crown Towers Sydney is the ultimate milestone location.

As people get older, they are more inclined to celebrate life with extraordinary travel experiences. A 2024 report by Globetrender found that over-50s are three times more interested in travelling to mark a milestone than their younger counterparts. Gen X “milestoners" might kick off a mid-career gap year at a fancy hotel, while baby boomers are opting to start their retirement with a trip overseas.

The desire for “carpe diem celebrations" has intensified in recent years, according to UK-based luxury tour operator cazenove+loyd, which has observed a 40 per cent increase in requests for 50th, 60th or 70th birthday trips since the pandemic.

Solo travel is an emerging hot trend for milestones. A survey by Webjet revealed one-third of Australians would travel alone for a significant birthday, 23 per cent after a relationship break-up (even though travelling while heartbroken can backfire), and 48 per cent upon retirement.

Hotels responding to the trend

More hotels in Australia are responding to this demand by offering room upgrades and discount packages for milestones, especially if you book direct. In some cases, there is no extra charge or small gifts appear as a surprise. The chance of a freebie is why some Aussies deliberately time their travels for special occasions.

Woman celebrating with a stay at Shangri-La The Marina Cairns — Shangri-La The Marina Cairns is one of several hotels crafting packages for milestone travellers. (Image: Tropical North Queensland)

The Westin Brisbane, home to the city’s only swim-up pool bar and Guy Grossi’s award-winning restaurant, Settimo, is known for its personalised touch. “Our staff connects with guests from the moment they check in to find out who they are and why they are staying with us," says general manager Kelvin Ramm. “From there, we send something up to the room to recognise their milestone, like wine or chocolates, along with a thoughtful card that mentions the interaction."

InterContinental Sydney provides complimentary treats in suites, such as balloons or the chef’s signature ‘birthday dome’. Guests can also coordinate with the hotel team to curate experiences, such as in-suite dinner parties, for an extra fee.

In Cairns, at Shangri-La The Marina, chocolates and a bottle of bubbly will be waiting in the room upon arrival. The Shangri-La Celebration offer also includes daily breakfast for two in The Backyard waterfront restaurant.

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa has a Baby Shower Package designed for groups of 15 people or more. The party venue comes with an iced tea station, a photo wall, platters of food and cupcakes topped with sugar baby feet.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo turns up the royal treatment for birthdays with decorated guestrooms and a special badge that provides perks such as personalised selfie sticks, a hotel-wide music playlist and a signature cocktail named after you.

If you’re a member of a hotel loyalty program, check for additional rewards on your birthday. Crown Perth has extra enticements for West Australians who join the free Crown Rewards program. During their birthday month, members receive complimentary valet parking, a bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast and late check-out.

Another idea is to book out a floor for the exclusive use of your party guests. QT Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth offer Floor’d packages with optional drinks on arrival, food, pop-up bars, DJs or performers.

With enough advance planning, milestoners can book an entire property such as Mysa Motel, a seven-bedroom motel in Palm Beach, Queensland.

Alternatively, book several rooms and the poolside events space at Adina Chippendale, in the inner-city suburbs of Sydney. This secluded sanctuary has studios overlooking a pool and courtyard that can be hired for daytime fun or a summer party under the stars.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Other milestone hotels around Australia

NSW

Capella Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney
Four Seasons Sydney
Intercontinental Sydney
Crystalbrook Byron – Byron Bay
Bells at Kilcare – Central Coast
Bannisters – Mollymook & Port Stephens
Ovolo Woolloomooloo

sydney opera house — Park Hyatt Sydney is set amongst the icons.

Qld

qualia – Hamilton Island
Elysian Retreat – Whitsundays
Silky Oaks Lodge – Daintree Rainforest
Lizard Island Resort – Great Barrier Reef
Orpheus Island Resort – Great Barrier Reef
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
The Westin Brisbane
QT Gold Coast

a hammock on the balcony of Silky Oaks Lodge — Silky Oaks Lodge is the perfect setting for a milestone celebration.

Vic

Langham Hotel – Melbourne
Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
QT Melbourne
Peninsula Hot Springs
Balgownie Yarra Valley
Eaglehawk Country House Hotel

Eco Lodge Peninsula Hot Springs — The Eco Lodges at Peninsula Hot Springs bring relaxation to your next milestone celebration. (Image: Alarna O’Connell)

SA

Sequoia Lodge – Adelaide Hills
The Louise – Barossa Valley
Wander – Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island
Eos by SkyCity – Adelaide

Southern Ocean Lodge The Baillie Pavilion offers unbeatable views of Kangaroo Island.

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Tas

Saffire Freycinet
Kittawa Lodge – King Island
Pumphouse Point – Lake St Clair
The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Hobart
MACq 01 – Hobart

Couple on MACq01 hotel balcony overlooking Hobart waterfront — Expansive waterfront views are one of MACq 01 – Hobart’s many drawcards. (Image: Stu Gibson)

NT

Longitude 131° – Yulara/Uluru
Mindil Beach Casino Resort – Darwin

Uluru Longitude 131 — Longitude 131° offers rooms with a view of Uluru. (Image: Baillie Lodges)

WA

Crown Towers Perth
Ritz-Carlton Perth
COMO The Treasury
Samphire Rottnest – Rottnest Island
El Questro Homestead – the Kimberley
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa – Broome

a modern bathroom with a bathtub at COMO The Treasury, Perth — COMO The Treasury in Perth is the epitome of urban luxury.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

The one type of traveller behind the rise of the luxe hotel stay

The rise of the milestones

Hotels responding to the trend

Other milestone hotels around Australia

NSW

Qld

Vic

SA

Tas

NT

WA

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Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.