Ten of the Best Luxury Travel Destinations in Australia

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When was the last time you pushed the boat out on a stay at a ritzy retreat?

Everyone needs to spoil themselves now and then. So, pack your bags and let’s do the boujee boogie! Here are ten of the best luxury travel destinations in Australia.

1. Sydney (NSW)

In the New South Wales capital, fine hotels abound, fabulous restaurants line the streets, and the omnipresent harbour glitters in the background like a tiara fit for royalty. And Sydney is a city more than happy to roll out the red carpet for top tier tourists. In terms of deluxe accommodation, you’ll love the relatively new Sofitel Darling Harbour; it’s uber contemporary in style and offers an unobstructed vista of the CBD skyline on the opposite side of Darling Harbour. If you prefer to gaze upon the city’s most famous landmarks from your hotel window, head for the Park Hyatt. Situated between the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay, it offers can’t-be-beat views of the bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Great seafood is the defining ingredient of Sydney’s dynamic dining scene, and is always a good menu choice. Drop by Doyles on the Beach in Watsons Bay for upscale fish and chips, and Cirrus in the newly minted Barangaroo precinct for a piscatorial pièce de résistance in stylish surroundings.

2. Melbourne (VIC)

Melbourne is back baby, and like Sydney, has plenty to woo well-healed holidaymakers. While there are lots of swanky new hotels to choose from, quality never goes out of style — as evidenced by the swag of awards won by the 30+-year-old Langham Melbourne in recent years. Its Southbank location yields stunning views of the entire city and is within easy walking distance of the CBD, Arts Centre, and National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Flying the flag for the new guard is the W Melbourne in Flinders Lane. Here, the edgy design and bold colour palette are well and truly on trend.

Step out of your Melbourne hotel and into a melange of culinary magic. From its humble origins at street level in a Carlton terrace, Vue de monde has risen to the top of Melbourne’s dining scene — occupying the 55th floor of the soaring Rialto building. Shannon Bennett’s shadowy world of theatrical fare, backlit by the twinkling lights of the city, is always impressive. At the other end of town, a generous serving of 1920s glamour awaits you at Gimlet in Russell Street. Opened in 2021 by high profile restaurateur Andrew McConnell, this eatery is still firmly in the honeymoon phase with local diners (meaning you’ll need to book well in advance!).

3. Mornington Peninsula (VIC)

When Melburnians themselves need a city escape, many turn to the magnificent Mornington Peninsula — situated roughly 90 minutes’ drive south-east of the city. Top places to stay include Lancemore Lindenderry in Red Hill (reminisicent of an English country estate), the ultra-modern Jackalope Hotel in Merricks North, and the Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal, which offers ten premium glamping tents with ensuite bathrooms. Wash away your cares at the Springs by bathing in thermally heated, mineral rich water drawn from deep underground. Their salubrious Spa Dreaming Centre features several private bathing pools and offers a range of spa treatments.

The Mornington Peninsula is also home to around 15 golf courses, two of which are located at Peppers Moonah Links Resort. The Open is a challenging 18-hole course designed by the late golfing champion Peter Thompson to host the 2005 Australian Open, while the neighbouring Legends course is a little less formidable and will suit golfers of all skill levels. There’s another outstanding 18-holes to play at RACV Cape Schanck Resort, where the setting will impress you just as much as the quality of the course. Remember the important packs for your golf trip and enjoy a splendid day on the greens.

4. Perth (WA)

Experience the best of the west on a luxury escape to Perth. As in Sydney and Melbourne, a slew of new hotels have opened in the Western Australian capital over the past few years, including the glitzy Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay and the fabulously opulent QT Perth on Murray Street. However, you still can’t beat the six-star Como the Treasury at the State Buildings for sheer wow factor. Along with the hotel, the former Lands, Titles, and Treasury buildings house several eateries — including must-try Wildflower, which draws inspiration for its menu from the six locally recognised Indigenous seasons.

5. Port Douglas (QLD)

Renowned as the holiday destination of choice for Australia’s rich and famous, Port Douglas charms the pants off visitors before sending them hurrying to the pool. This relaxed coastal enclave 60 kilometres north of Cairns hosts numerous luxury resorts, including the perennial Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, the Balinese inspired Niramaya Villas and Spa, and the seriously swish Pullman Sea Temple. Those in search of solitude and soothing birdsong will find them at the rainforest retreats of Silky Oaks Lodge, Thala Beach Nature Reserve, and the rustic Daintree Ecolodge.

A visit to Port Douglas is often about doing as little as possible, but there are plenty of activities for those who want them. Snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef, delve deep into the Daintree Rainforest on a guided tour, or go for a relaxed stroll along palm fringed Four Mile Beach. The tiny town boasts a big batch of top-notch eateries, including hatted Harrisons — by acclaimed British chef Spencer Patrick — at the Sheraton Grand Mirage.

6. Palm Cove (QLD)

Like its sister Port Douglas, Palm Cove — thirty minutes by car north of Cairns — punches well above its weight in terms of luxury travel with all the trimmings. From the gorgeous beachfront lined with stylish boutique hotels, to the plethora of upscale cafes, eateries, and day spas, it’s no wonder Palm Cove devotees return time and time again. Top accommodation options include Alamanda Palm Cove, the serene Sanctuary Palm Cove, light and bright Peppers Beach Club and Spa, and the adults only Reef House. It’s relatively competitive, so why pay a premium for your hotel needlessly? Search for Palm Cove accommodation deals and see what you turn up!

You’ll need to book well ahead if you want to dine at the precinct’s top eateries like Nu Nu and Vivo. Special mention to Reef House Restaurant’s eight-course degustation with matching wines, which can be enjoyed on an outdoor terrace beneath sweet-scented, century old melaleuca trees.

7. Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays (QLD)

With two access airports and plenty of flight capacity, Queensland’s wondrous Whitsunday Islands and the gorgeous mainland town of Airlie Beach are always popular with holidaymakers — moneyed up or otherwise. Try and split your stay between both. For upscale accommodation in Airlie, check out the Peninsula and neighbouring Marina Shores — both of which offer well-appointed apartments with exceptional water views. Off the mainland, Qualia on Hamilton Island and Intercontinental’s Hayman Island Resort need little introduction, while Elysian Island Adults Only Retreat on Long Island is less well known, but well worth getting to know. And you’ll be one of just twenty guests at any one time.

For a room with a view like no other, book a night in one of the two underwater Reef Suites on Cruise Whitsunday’s Reefworld pontoon on Hardy Reef (part of the outer Great Barrier Reef). Myriad marine life — including groupers, trevally, coral trout, and even a resident giant Maori wrasse — will drift past the windows of your bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Accommodation packages includes all meals and drinks, and quality time on and under the water once day guests departs the pontoon.

8. Hunter Valley (NSW)

Verdant vineyards, innovative eateries, fancy day spas, and stunning countryside are all rolled up into one fabulous getaway package in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley. Situated roughly two hour’s drive north of Sydney, the Hunter is the oldest wine producing region in the country and home to an array of incredible places to stay. Spicers Retreats are synonymous with style and that’s certainly the case at their Vineyards Estate in Pokolbin. Nearby, The Convent features just 19 unique and stunningly furnished suites, and is home to two impeccable eateries (book a Gourmet Getaway Package and enjoy an included three-course dinner at Circa 1876).

With around fifteen courses across the region, the Hunter is another destination where golfers are well catered for. Chateau Elan at The Vintage in Rothbury has a modern Tuscan vibe and boasts an 18-hole course designed by none other than Greg Norman. There’s also an award-winning day spa onsite, along with an array of other amenities. You may never want to leave!

9. Freycinet (TAS)

Down in Tasmania the options for a luxury stay are many, but they don’t get much more impressive than in and around the sublime Freycinet Peninsula on the island’s east coast. Home to Freycinet National Park and the darling of the Insta set — Wineglass Bay — time spent here is all about immersing yourself in the region’s pristine wild beauty. Featuring 20 luxurious suites and an exclusive day spa, Saffire Freycinet is the region’s preeminent retreat and is magnificently integrated into the landscape. Sustainability is a key focus of this amazing property, and initiatives have included replanting 30,000 native trees and shrubs on land cleared by previous owners but not utilised by the resort. Other accommodation options of note in the area include Freycinet Lodge and Piermont Retreat, both of which overlook Great Oyster Bay.

10. Kangaroo Island (SA)

Sitting pretty off the southern coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island was devastated by bushfires in late 2019/early 2020. Almost 40% of the island was severely impacted, and, as always, nature’s rejunvenative ability has been a miracle to behold. Little remained of the uber exclusive Southern Ocean Lodge after the fire, but the rebuild process began almost immediately and the resort reopened in December 2023. A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia association (as are Silky Oaks Lodge and Saffire Freycinet), Southern Ocean’s new incarnation is incredible by all accounts. There are just 25 suites overlooking its vast namesake, and guests have access to world-class dining and a premium spa.

This post was published thanks to Rich River Golf Club.

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Additional images: Envato