By holidaying in our own (admittedly huge) backyard, you’ll be helping to support our struggling economy, which has just entered its first recession in 29 years and needs our patronage to claw its way out. There’s never been a better time to muster feelings of patriotism—Australia is a wonderful country, and we’re lucky to call it home.
As well as supporting our economy, holidaying in Australia has other benefits. There’ll be no exhausting jet lag to battle through, and less carbon spewed into our planet’s atmosphere. You won’t have to convert any currencies or figure out whether you’re bartering enough for the delightful porcelain camels that a clever Moroccan gentlemen has slid into your hands. There’ll be no need to learn the fundamental phrases of another language, or any confusion as you struggle to order a beer at the local restaurant. You’ll probably find an Australian holiday to be more relaxing, which is important given the start we’ve had to the year.
To provide some ideas on how you can help to support our economy, we’ve outlined some of the best luxury holidays in Australia, so that you can take a well-earned break in one of the most gorgeous vacation spots in our country.
Luxury Island Holidays Australia
Australia has over 8,000 islands within its borders, and some are home to lush beaches backed by extravagant resorts. Here are some of the best luxury island holidays in Australia, that are sure to impress you.
Orpheus Island Lodge
Orpheus island is a small tropical island just north of Townsville, and close to the middle section of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s home to the luxurious Orpheus Island Lodge, an all-inclusive, private island lodge with just 14 rooms, suites, and villas, allowing you to relax in secluded comfort.
Being so close to the barrier reef, the lodge is surrounded by pristine fringing reef that can be accessed by simply stepping out of your accommodation.
Cost: rooms start at $900 per night.
Capella Lodge
Capella Lodge is located on Lord Howe island off the coast of Queensland—roughly two hours on a flight from Brisbane. It has direct beach access, contemporary cuisine, a luxury spa, and some of the most dramatic scenery to be found in Australia.
Cost: rooms start at $850 per night.
Shearwater Scenic Villas
Located on Norfolk Island, roughly two hours flying time from Brisbane, Shearwater Scenic Villas is a selection of private villas scattered across the southern tip of the island, with direct access to the ocean, and panoramic views of the historic World Heritage Listed site of Kingston.
Cost: rooms start at $460 per night.
Luxury Beach Holidays Australia
Australia is awash with charming golden beaches, and has a climate to match. Here are some of the best holiday destinations in Australia with access to our country’s beautiful beaches.
Smiths Beach Resort
Smith’s Beach Resort is located in Western Australia’s Margaret River region—a beautiful wine region roughly 250km south of Perth. It has luxury beachfront accommodation, and has won architectural awards for its stunning buildings.
The Margaret River region also offers some of the freshest and most delicious food in Australia, which can be sampled in the resort’s restaurant.
Cost: rooms start at $500 per night.
Amarna Luxury Beach Resort
This resort is located in the Port Stephens region in New South Wales, and includes panoramic water views, secluded beach access, and breathtaking sunset views. As with the other resorts in this list, there’s complimentary activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.
Cost: rooms start at $475 per night.
Oceans Mooloolaba Resort
Located a stone’s throw away from the squeaky white sand of Mooloolaba beach, Oceans Mooloolaba is a luxury 5-star resort with an elegant pool area, landscaped gardens, and a spacious balcony with sweeping views of the ocean.
The resort also has a steam room, hot tub, fitness centre, and is in the centre of town, allowing easy exploration of the town.
Cost: rooms start at $1,129 per night.
Luxury Snow Holidays Australia
Snow season is upon us! Here’s some of the most premium snow holiday spots in Australia.
Elevation Apartments
Elevation Apartments offers some of the most stylish and beautiful accommodation in the Thredbo ski region, with alpine views of Kosciuszko National Park, toasty gas fireplaces, spa baths, and close access to ski lifts.
The apartments are located in the heart of Thredbo Village, with the village square only a few minutes walk away.
Cost: 3-bedroom apartments start at $1,365 per night
Astra Falls Creek
Astra Falls Creek is an award-winning, gorgeous alpine-style lodge located in the heart of Falls Creek Village, nestled in the Victoria Alps. The lodge includes a swimming pool, sauna, spa, and a restaurant serving delicious European-style cuisine, so good that it’s considered a social hub of Falls Creek, drawing in people from across the town.
Cost: rooms start at $395 per night.
QT Falls Creek Resort
QT Falls Creek Resort is at the base of the main ski runs—perfectly placed for snowboarding and skiing. The rooms are modern, chic, and boast incredible views of the Victorian Alps.
The resort includes a day spa, three swimming pools, restaurant and bar. Visitors claim the breakfast to be delicious.
Cost: rooms start at $800 per night.
Luxury City Holidays Australia
From the heavenly boutique restaurants of Melbourne, to the iconic beaches of Sydney, Australia’s cities have a lot to offer. Here’s some of the best accommodation to choose from.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Hyatt hotels are renowned for their elegance, and their Sydney hotel is no exception. Located in The Rocks area on the outcrop of Dawes Point, and in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the hotel has direct views of the Opera House and some of the most beautiful rooms that the city has to offer. It also has a rooftop pool that offers incredible views of the country’s most famous harbour.
Cost: rooms start at $1,100 per night.
Adelphi Hotel
The Adelphi has been voted Victoria’s best boutique hotel, and it’s easy to see why. Its rooms are modern, fashionable, and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay in Melbourne’s CBD. The hotel is famous for its iconic rooftop pool deck, Om Nom restaurant, and fabulous-looking bar cocktails.
Cost: rooms start at $250 per night.
Luxury Spa Retreats Australia
Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingcliff
Located in the surfing town of Kingscliff, Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is a contemporary resort with lagoon-style pools, quick beach access, and an expansive spa where you can be doted on for hours.
Cost: rooms start at $219 per night.
Niramaya Villas & Spa
Niramaya is a dazzling collection of self-contained villas, located in the coastal town of Port Douglas in north Queensland. The grounds are made up of lush greenery, expansive pools of water, and dazzling light features. They have a range of Balinese-style villa sizes, from one to five bedrooms, with private swimming pools, courtyards, and pavilions.
If you want to see some of the barrier reef, there’s a number of companies that offer day trips from Port Douglas.
Cost: rooms start at $1700 per night.
Mount Lofty House
Mount Lofty House is perched on the slopes of Mount Lofty in Adelaide, resting near its pinnacle, and overlooking the magnificent Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills wine region. It’s set within 18 acres of native botanic gardens, has regal-styled rooms, and is just 15 minutes from downtown Adelaide.
The hotel also has a swimming pool, and a croquet lawn and tennis court if you’re up for some exercise.
Cost: rooms start at $1,448 per night
