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.
Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure
Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.
1. Southern Beaches
The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtellvillage . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.
Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.
2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.
Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.
3. Dorrigo National Park
Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .
Wander the Skywalk.
4. Northern Beaches
For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.
5. Jetty precinct
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.
Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.
Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.
6. Grafton
Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)
7. Nambucca
Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)
