Top 10 unique accommodation offerings around Australia

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Top 10 unique accommodation offerings from our 100 Incredible Experiences (right here in your backyard) special issue.

Having stayed in amazing accommodation across the country, the Australian Traveller team is often asked what our favourite places are. Contrary to popular opinion, what we consider to be the ‘best’ is not always the most luxurious or au courant; these days, we prefer accommodation with a difference. Here, we’ve collated 10 of the most unique and beautiful stays around the country.

1. Retreat to the mountains – Moonbah Huts, Moonbah Valley, NSW

Who hasn’t dreamt of staying in a cute stone cabin nestled in the snow in the mountains? Moonbah Huts are located on the outskirts of Jindabyne in NSW’s Snowy Mountains. On the banks of the Moonbah River, each of these two charming huts boasts a large open fireplace, underfloor heating, and an indoor bathroom. Depending on the season, the area is fabulous for getting out and about, whether it be fly fishing, horseriding, bushwalking, snowshoeing, and, of course, skiing.

 

Who will love it? Great outdoors enthusiasts. There’s no television reception, but when you can read a book on this sweet verandah, taking in some of the crispest air you’ll ever breathe, why would you need it? 

2. Sleep in a Scandi-style Federation house – The Estate, Trentham, Victoria

This estate is an absolute treat for the eyes: raw, simple styling inspired by Scandinavian design, fresh white walls, dark floors, natural wood, a glorious blend of old and new furnishings… this 1902 Federation house sits less than an hour from Melbourne, in Trentham, a small town nestled midway between Woodend and Daylesford at the top of the Great Dividing Range. Guests stay in one of three chic bedrooms cosying up in bespoke pure linen. The lounge area is just as cushy with oversized sofas layered with blankets and cushions, large wool rugs, and an open fireplace; there’s a second fireplace in front of the tub in the central bathroom.

 

Who will love it? Cooks. The gardens surrounding the house are pretty and practical – there’s an array of herbs and veggies fresh for picking, as well as a mini orchard, an idyllic spot for a long lingering lunch. 

3. Enjoy a remote outback oasis with some frills – Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park, WA

Deep in the heart of the rugged Pilbara region is Karijini National Park, a breathtaking oasis of pristine pools and dramatic gorges dating back a staggering 2500 million years. despite being utterly remote (its nearest town, Tom Price, is 60 kilometres away), visitors are not left to rough it in a swag, unless you want to, of course. Karijini Eco Retreat is a sustainable getaway, 100 per cent owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation.

 

Who will love it? Happy glampers. Just a short walk from some of the park’s incredible natural attractions including Joffre Gorge, the retreat offers comfortable tents, an al fresco restaurant and bar.

4. Stay in a surf shack like no other – Roozen Residence, Margaret River, WA

The Roozen Residence is a stunning architecturally designed home that overlooks surfers’ favourite Prevelly Beach in the Margaret River region. The house has a relaxed industrial vibe; its exterior is resplendent in cement render and copper, the interior with polished terrazzo floors and crisp white walls.

 

Who will love it? Surfers. Owner and artist Ron Roozen (whose art graces the walls), and designer, Dale Jones-Evans (the man behind Bennelong at the Opera House), are surfing fanatics. With 180º ocean views, you can check the surf from almost every room and watch as surfers ride world-class breaks into shore. 

5. Feel a million miles away – Marion Bay House, Marion Bay, Tasmania

The work of award-winning architects, the simplistic design of Marion Bay House was inspired by weathered rural farm buildings, built with natural timbers, cement sheeting, and rugged, rough-sawn macrocarpa. The interiors are spacious, with large windows inviting the dramatic landscape in. Despite being just an hour from Hobart, you’ll feel completely secluded.

 

Who will love it? Design devotees. Suspended from the ceiling, the fireplace can rotate 360⁰ to warm any area in the living/dining space – it’s so unique, it was exhibited in Stockholm’s Museum of Modern Art in 2000. 

6. Rent an historic seaside cottage – Dickebusch, Patonga

This humble fibro–weatherboard cottage built in 1929 is an enigmatic stay located in the quiet seaside suburb of Patonga on NSW’s Central Coast. Its unusual name was chosen to commemorate the son of its original family who died in the First World War and was buried in Dickebusch, Belgium. Though the outside retains its original form, the interior has been almost completely rebuilt by its current owners, the same people behind Australian design brand Koskela.

 

Who will love it? Families. Just a couple of quiet blocks from the beach, one block from the lake, and surrounded by national park, this is the perfect family weekender and the complete antidote to city living. See koskela.com.au/accommodation

7. stay in a restored convict cottage – Ratho Farm, Bothwell, Tasmania

In the 1860s, a well-travelled English writer described the house on Ratho Farm as one of the most picturesque and ideally English homes outside of England. Snuggled in the highlands of Bothwell just an hour from Hobart, Ratho Farm has survived an interesting history; past guests (some uninvited) include bushrangers, golfing royalty and exiled Irish nationalists. The restored colonial farm buildings and convict cottages retain elements of its remarkable past with original masonry and carpentry.

 

Who will love it? Golfers. The farm is home to Australia’s oldest golf course, which has been consistently played on since the 1800s. 

8. Have a wild (luxurious) adventure – Bamurru Plains, Kakadu, NT

On the edge of Mary River floodplains in Kakadu National Park, this exquisite lodge offers a uniquely Australian experience, one they like to call ‘wild luxury’. Complementing the natural beauty of this biodiverse area, Bamurru Plains  lodge has creature comforts such as safari bungalows, fine food and wine, an infinity pool, and a well-stocked library.

 

Who will love it? Adventurers. This is an extraordinary experience where you can discover abundant wildlife and some 236 bird species by foot, 4WD and airboat. 

9. Get stranded (by choice) on a remote island – Haggerstone Island, Queensland

Live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies at this private island, which lies 600 kilometres north of Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef. Getting to Haggerstone is an adventure via private charter, but once here, life is simple with the only necessities cossies and bare feet. You’re not a complete castaway, though, with a very civilised bar, fireplace, wine cellar and library in the main house to share with just a handful of lucky guests. The accommodation itself is made up of a host of individually designed rustic lodges sitting within a tropical canopy with views of the pristine Coral Sea.

 

Who will love it? Castaways. This island is a place where coconuts are abundant, Champagne is served at sundown, and the only other locals you’ll likely meet are turtles, rays and the abundant sardine population. 

10. Make like a Bond villian – Alkira, Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Located on 28 hectares of rainforest in Cape Tribulation, with direct access to a private beach, this incredible house sits at the point where two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics, meet. This otherworldly piece of architecture comes with a kitchen fit for a hatted chef, a 2400-bottle, temperature-controlled wine cellar suitable for any sommelier, and a grand open-plan design to suit any fussy family or two. Its name Alkira comes from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘A happy place in the sun’.

 

Who will love it? Eco warriors. The carbon-neutral sanctuary is the work of local architect Charles Wright and is completely self-sufficient. See contemporaryhotels.com.au

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Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

    Angela SaurineBy Angela Saurine
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    From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. 

    Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it. 

    Budj Bim cultural landscape  

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on Gunditjmara Country. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim , ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas. 

    eel tank
    The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour 

    Dumawul walkingtour
    Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance.  The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.  

    Kooyoora walking tour
    Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Kingfisher Cruises  

    Kingfisher Cruises
    Cruising the Murray with Kingfisher Cruises. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises . Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.  

    wawa biik 

    Taungurung leaders
    Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik. 

    Bataluk Cultural Trail  

    Bataluk Trail
    Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.  

    Healesville Sanctuary  

    echidna at Healesville Sanctuary
    Get up close with a resident echidna at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm. 

    The Grampians 

    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians
    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.