Australia is a land of countless wonders. Breathtakingly big and beautiful, the country holds a special place in the imagination of travellers from around the world. For many, a trip to the land down under is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and choosing where to go can feel almost overwhelming. We’d recommend exploring by region if you’re lucky enough to live slightly closer or to be able to return: there are spectacular landscapes, fabulous food, wonderful wildlife and ancient cultures galore to discover. The variety when it comes to the best places to stay in Australia is enormous — like the country itself. Our Gurus have put together guides to our favourite city pads, wine country boltholes and beach hideaways, so that you have somewhere to start!
Aboriginal communities’ ancient culture runs deep. Uluru, in the Northern Territory, is undoubtedly the country’s most famous sacred site and a real wonder for visitors, but you can expect fascinating workshops and guided tours by community members across Australia, and a growing desire to celebrate and preserve art, culture and identity.
Although Canberra is the country’s capital, Sydney is, for many, the gateway to Australia. A hard one to beat when it comes to city break destinations, Sydney is also a fabulous springboard for seeing more of New South Wales. Keen surfers will flock to Byron Bay in the north, whilst the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the magical Blue Mountains will delight foodies, cyclists and ramblers. If you have your heart set on food-focused Victoria, fly instead to hip Melbourne. Follow the Great Ocean Road for dazzling landscapes, and unwind with world-class wines in the Yarra Valley.
Up north, the wetlands of the Kakadu National Park are marvellous, and wildlife aficionados will find themselves fascinated by life in the red desert. Western Australia, too, offers craggy rock formations in vast deserts, dramatic gorges and great granite mountains. Perth has a fresh, youthful vibe, and keen ]tourists venture to Margaret River, the Swan Valley or remote Broome and the Ningaloo Reef. Arty Adelaide is another favourite, with South Australia's wine country within easy reach. For a laid-back atmosphere and some of the country’s most pristine wildernesses, consider Tasmania. All that without even mentioning Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, buzzy Brisbane and golden coastline, where you’ll find some of the best places to stay in Australia. Reason enough to plan a second trip already.
Some of our Australia Collections:
