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.
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Byron Bay (New South Wales)
A buzzy surf-focused hostel in the heart of Byron Bay, with airy double rooms & shared dorms of up to eight bunk beds. Spaces are fresh & light with a white & blue palette, retro surf artwork & a playful feel. Guests share a kitchen and the rooftop bar hosts happy hour & game nights. Lively & fun.
Sydney (Chinatown)
A stylish industrial conversion in bustling Chinatown, this red-brick landmark dates back to 1911. Now, 95 simple, grey-and-white painted rooms welcome families & groups — as well as pets. The best spaces have private terraces & big windows. Great rates & a lively location are the ultimate draw.
Brisbane (Queensland)
Brisbane's very first pod hotel, Lylo is a slick, urban base for keen partygoers. Set in the heart of the city's entertainments and nightlife district, this bright, bold spot has private double bedrooms as well as 4 to 6-person shared rooms. Minimalistic rooms have workspaces & all the mod-cons.
Brisbane (Queensland)
An affordable city base with an 1885-built heritage house at its heart. The 107 rooms are housed in a modern red-brick building, with minimalist interiors, clean lines & bold wallpapers — the best have private balconies. Multiple events spaces & a relaxed espresso bar invite guests to gather.
Melbourne (Victoria)
A 20-floor tower in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, this slick yet affordable hotel has contemporary interiors with crisp white linens, city views & lots of light. Business rooms come with desks; studio apartments have kitchenettes & guests share access to a great gym. Super central, simple & stylish.
Ballarat (Victoria)
A classic heritage hotel dating back to the 1850s, this local landmark boasts 41 rooms & suites. Think patterned wallpapers, carved wooden beds — some four-posters — and rich burgundy, gold & white textiles. A popular restaurant & wine bar complete the picture. Great value in the centre of town.
Perth
A central hotel (in the CBD area) set in a classic 1960s modernism-building. Take a step back in time when entering the lobby filled with retro furniture. Rooms are a simple and classic affair with grey tones and crisp white linen. A conveniently placed property with an equally attractive price tag.
Western Australia (Fitzroy Crossing)
A campsite, tented rooms and self contained apartments located in the heart of Kimberley on the banks of the Fitzroy river. Simple but comfortable accommodation and en suite safari style tents for those who prefer glamping. Great facilities including riverside restaurant and large outdoor pool.
Sydney (Chinatown)
A stylish industrial conversion in bustling Chinatown, this red-brick landmark dates back to 1911. Now, 95 simple, grey-and-white painted rooms welcome families & groups — as well as pets. The best spaces have private terraces & big windows. Great rates & a lively location are the ultimate draw.
Sydney (Surry Hills)
An unusual, hugely affordable hotel in lively Surry Hills, close to the shopping of Crown Street & nightlife of Oxford Street. Simple guest rooms economise on space, with solo, twin & double options, plus modern bathrooms and smart TVs. A good choice for great rates & short stays in central Sydney.
Launceston (Tasmania)
A simple, affordable selection of rooms, suites & a three-bedroom apartment in a restored Victorian mansion. High ceilings & big windows create a sense of space, whilst armchairs & crackling fires are appealingly cosy. Guests share a sunlit deck, and there are eateries aplenty a short walk away.
Tasmania (Tasmania)
Two tranquil wooden cottages set amongst vineyards & well-tended gardens near Kettering. Both the one-bedroom cottage & the two-bedroom Wine Loft have airy kitchens, sitting rooms with wood-burning stoves & terraces facing idyllic rural views. Traditional, charming & appealingly affordable.
Adelaide (South Australia)
Hip and fresh, this contemporary spot in south-west Adelaide is famed for its convivial feel as well as the fantastic series of events held at the onsite wine cellars. Expect light-filled rooms with an industrial edge, indulgent bathrooms & lively shared spaces with acoustic gigs aplenty.
Adelaide (CBD)
A quirky bolthole in Adelaide's CBD, with seven industrial-chic rooms featuring original artwork & pops of colour against moody, black-painted walls. White-tiled bathrooms are very swish. The real hub of the hotel is its lively pub, where guests & locals gather for live music & sports matches.
