Medusa Hotel is a colourful accommodation in Darlinghurst that celebrates bold design and family hospitality.
Sydney has no shortage of fabulous accommodations. Big hotel chains dominate the city, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover some more charming, intimate stays. Medusa Hotel , just east of Sydney’s CBD, is one such gem, and it stands out for its bold design and family-run hospitality.
When I arrive at Medusa Hotel, I’m greeted by its bold pink heritage facade. The boutique hotel is housed within a restored 1800s terrace, reimagined in August 2025 by Sydney-based design firm Kahlo Collective. It feels quintessentially Sydney – only more fun – with Olivia Dean’s music playing gently outside.
The pink townhouse sits in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst.
Bold design meets contemporary charm.
A cosy nook with velvet curtains.
Inside, I find richly layered interiors that blend heritage charm with playful modern design – a tapestry of colours, textures and statement furnishings. I’m delighted to find that 15 different wallpapers have been used to elevate the property. Staff are friendly and whisk me away down a brightly-lit hallway with a vintage-style carpet in pinks, pale blue and yellow. There are just 18 rooms, all of them are unique and invite guests to “choose a room to match their mood."
The hotel features 15 different wallpapers.
I was lucky enough to experience two different room types: The Daydream and The Grand Velvet. On the first night, I stay in The Daydream, a small but beautifully appointed space swathed in pale pink. It’s decorated with four-leaf clover–shaped sconces and carpeting that echoes the hotel’s logo, while sleek, modern joinery adds a contemporary touch. A sculptural chandelier composed of scalloped glass shells brings a final note of glamour.
The bathroom is comparatively generous. There’s a luxe bath, burgundy marble basin, glossy green subway tiles, fluted glass, pink and beige chequered tiles and an adorably quirky side table with an ostrich base. Even though housed in a terrace home, there was thankfully plenty of natural light which flooded the room and a view overlooking the courtyard.
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The spacious and character-filled Grand Velvet suite.
Bathrooms are as richly decorate as the rooms.
On the second night, I move into one of the more opulent The Grand Velvet suites. It’s romantic, washed in varying shades of pink and green, with a materials palette of velvet and marble, elevated by gold accents. A dramatic ceiling height, large stone fireplace and an antler horn chandelier add to the grandness, while a separate seating area, which can be closed off with velvet curtains, creates a comfortable nook to write this article.
All of the hotel’s bathrooms are stocked with Aesop handwash, shampoo and conditioner and Dyson hairdryers, and all rooms are equipped with kitchenettes (microwave, bar fridge, sink, tea/coffee facilities and utensils for light dining).
The Courtyard Cove rooms channel minimal, Mediterranean vibes.
I peeked inside one of the Courtyard Cove rooms and these take on a more relaxed, Mediterranean style, swathed in neutral tones.
There’s no restaurant on-site, but the hotel’s positioning in Darlinghurst means it really doesn’t need one. Some of my favourite bars and restaurants are within walking distance, including The Waratah, Love Tilly Devine, Caravin and Joe’s Table.
Medusa Hotel feels like the antidote to large, business-centric stays. It was refreshing to stay somewhere completely unlike any other accommodation I’ve experienced in Sydney, staying true to its dedicated hashtag: #AnythingButOrdinary.
Guests can take complimentary Zooper Dooper's from the ice-cream stand.
Best for: Design lovers, couples, city goers, girls’ trips away
Getting there: Medusa Hotel offers a shuttle service to the airport or cruise terminals for $25pp or $23pp if you’re in a pair.
Accessibility: All rooms are accessed via stairs, meaning Medusa Hotel may not be suitable for guests with mobility requirements.
Pet-friendly: Yes
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
