Find all 100 unique stays around Australia

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Discover Australia’s 100 most unique stays.

Whether your perfect holiday looks glamping in the outback or staying at a chic hotel in the city, this list of unique stays has something for everyone.

Luxury

Here is 1-11 of Australia’s most luxurious holidays

 

1. Be cossetted in luxury while interacting with nature at Sequoia, SA

2. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep with a stay at Lizard Island, QLD

3. Lay back in minimalistic luxury at Como the Treasury, WA

4. Take in Sydney’s CBD views from Crown Towers, NSW

5. Stay in the stunning architecturally designed Dune House, SA

6. Immerse yourself in wine, food and culture at Kingsford the Barossa, SA

7. Experience Tasmania from a grand old house at The Woodbridge, Tas

8. Unwind in a secluded valley at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW

9. Catch your breath in a cosy stone cottage at The Coach House at Hillenvale, SA

10. Retreat in the tropics at Silky Oaks Lodge, QLD

11. Holiday by the sea at the vintage Halcyon House, NSW

Hidden Gems

Here is 2-18 of Australia’s most unique hidden gems

 

12.  Sleep amongst the whimsical gardens at The Potting Shed at Acre of Roses, Vic

13. Take in the turquoise ocean and rusty red cliffs from every angle at Faraway Bay, WA

14. Soak up the stillness of Marramarra Lodge, NSW

15. Discover the mountains from an intimately nature-bound hideaway with Spicers Sangoma Retreat, NSW

16. Learn fascinating history and meet eccentric locals at the iconic Hotel Corones, QLD

17. Isolate yourself in tropical paradise at the Secret Cabin Society, QLD

18. Switch off at on the peaceful Pieman River with a stay at Corinna Wilderness Experience, Tas

Regions

Here is 19-27 of Australia’s most unique regional stays

 

19. Sleep below an inky-black sky filled with stars at Jr’s Hut at Kimo Estate, NSW

20. Lap up the endless biscuits and smiles with a stay at William Arnott Hotel, NSW

21. Blend country living with boutique luxury at Farmers’ Home Hotel, WA

22. Simplicity and serenity go hand-in-hand at the Ardingly Tiny House, Tas

23. Have a slow weekend by the countryside at Goonoo Goonoo Station, NSW

24. Plan a romantic getaway in this quaint cabin at 1860 Beechworth, Vic

25. Stay at a renewed World Heritage-listed farm and estate at Brickendon Estate, Tas

26. Appreciate the beautiful art deco details of Tattersalls Hotel Armidale, NSW

27. Escape the Snowy Mountains chill and snuggle up by a fire at Moonbah Huts, NSW

Island and coast

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique coastal stays

 

28. Discover King Island’s strong community spirit, thriving art scene and renowned produce at Kittawa Lodge, Tas

29. Holiday simply at the dreamy, design-led dens at Five Acres, Vic

30. Let your castaway fantasises come to life with a stay on Wilson Island, Qld

31. Marvel at the eclectic shipping container design of the Coastal Pods Wynyard, Tas

32. Ocean activities and stunning views are at your disposal with a stay at Kooljaman At Cape Leveque, WA

33. Wake up to tropical paradise at the luxurious qualia, QLD.

34. Nestle yourself between bush and ocean at Woody Island, Recherche Archipelago, WA

35. Fall in love with the coastal-inspired design details of Whale Song, Tas

36. Take in the coastal-chic decor, crisp linens and sparkling ocean views at Tiwi Island Retreat, NT

37. Watch Australian wildlife interact with untouched beach landscape at Sal Salis, WA

38. Uncover SA’s coast from this sea-swept storybook in the form of a house My Sister & The Sea, SA

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Outback

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique outback stays

 

39. Stay at the wonderfully surprising 109-year-old stone structure Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, NSW

40. Taste spectacular new foods in Australia’s outback at Prairie Hotel, SA

41. Leave your worries behind with a homely getaway at Trilby Station, NSW

42. Kick back after a full day of adventuring Uluru at Desert Gardens Hotel, NT

43. Escape the outback heat with a cool stay at Bullo River Station, NT

44. Lay back poolside with a drink in hand after a day of exploring the outback at White Cliffs Underground Motel, NSW

45. Fly your way into an outback oasis at Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge, West Arnhem Land, NT

46. Glamp on Queensland’s stunning outback landscape at Wallaroo Outback Retreat, QLD

47. See the Kimberely Coast like never before at Berkeley River Lodge, WA

48. Experience a genuine desert getaway at Birdsville Hotel, Qld

Eco-friendly

Here is 28-38 of Australia’s most unique eco-friendly stays

 

49. Gaze majestically into the sea whenever your heart desires from the Naiko Retreat, SA

50. Let your stay make a difference at the social enterprise hotel Change Overnight, Tas

51. Breathe in the fresh air of the Flinders Ranges at Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station, SA

52. Escape reality and find yourself in a tropical landscape of jungle at Swell Lodge, off WA

53. Leave your worries at home and retreat to the bush at Bamurru Plains, NT

54. Rest awhile amid hiking the stunning Three Capes Track at Three Capes Hut, Tas

55. Explore Kangaroo Island from the environment-friendly Oceanview Eco Villas, SA

56. Experience Australia’s only underwater accomodation in the Great Barrier Reef at Reefsuites, Qld

57. Enjoy a remote stay among the vineyards at CABN X, SA

58. Surround yourself with the stilness of nature at Heyscape Tiny Cabins, WA

Family

Here is 59-65 of Australia’s most unique family-friendly stays

 

59. Soak in the views of NSW’s South Coast with a stay at the contemporary Dovecote, NSW

60. Stay right on the beach with a lighthouse as your backyard at Lighthouse Keeper’s & Heritage Cottages, WA

61.  Spend a week of fun with your family at Sunset 4 Fraser Island House, Qld

62. Spend your days in the sun and your nights at the retro Hillcrest Merimbula, NSW

63. Teach your children about Indigenous culture in-depth at Bawaka Homeland, NT

64. Glamp with koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, NSW

65. Be transported into the jungle with a zoo stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT

Boutique

Here is 66-74 of Australia’s most unique boutique stays

 

66. Be greeted with big smiles at the Northern River’s community hub Eltham Hotel, NSW

67. Marvel at this old sailors’ tavern reimagined as the now Ship Inn Stanley, Tas

68. Bushwalk your way to this secluded holiday home on the water at The Little Black Shack, NSW

69. Uncover an oasis of boutique luxury at the very top of Australia at Seven Spirit Bay, NT

70. Explore a luxe farmhouse stay packed with interestingly quirky features at The Silo House Inverloch, Vic

71. Enjoy the stunning design details of this boutique stay at Warders Hotel, Fremantle, WA

72. Retreat in Queensland’s country with a timber stay at Saltbush Retreat, QLD

73. Stay on a private sanctuary on 43 hectares of cattle farmland at Upland Farm, Denmark, WA

74. Become educated of Victoria’s old goldfields towns with a stay at The Provincial Hotel Ballarat, Vic

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Glamping

Here is 75-81  of Australia’s most unique glamping stays

 

75. Lay back and enjoy off-grid country luxe living at Glenayr Farm, Mudgee, NSW

76. Explore Lamington National Park from a safari-style tent at Nightfall, QLD

77. Stay below the gumtrees and neighbour the regions most impressive cellar doors at Bellwether, SA

78. Connect to the Australian bushland like never before with a stay at Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

79. Take in desert views and learn more about Aboriginal culture at Kings Canyon Resort, NT

80. Rest amongst the eucalyptus bush and stay at the rustic Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat, Vic

81. Discover some of Australia’s most beautiful swimming holes with a classy outback experience at Hideaway Litchfield, NT

City

Here is 82-91 of Australia’s best city stays

 

82. Stay right in the city and become a Melbourne local in no time at United Places Botanic Gardens, Vic

83. Explore the hidden gems of Adelaide from Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, SA

84. Make the most of your Canberra trip with a luxurious stay at A by Adina,  ACT

85. Visit Fitzroy, Melbourne’s oldest and most eclectic suburb at Napier Quarter, Vic

86. Experience a foodies haven at the Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, Tas

87. Uncover Melbourne through food and design at Next Hotel Melbourne, Vic

88. Stay at one of the oldest independent art studios in Melbourne at The Blender Loft, Vic

89. City meets beach at the grand Crystalbrook Kingsley, NSW

90. Enjoy a cultured stay in the petite but comfortable Little National Hotel Canberra, ACT

91. Explore the bustling  city or relax by the pool at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane, Qld

Wow factor

Here is 92-100 of Australia’s most unique stays that have the wow factor

 

92. Marvel at the architectural wonder and stunning design of Domic, Qld

93. Stay between the Great Ocean Road and Cape Otway at Sky Pods, Vic

94. Surround yourself with vineyards, bush and farmland at Jackalope, Vic

95. Be immersed in all things art and design at Mona Pavilions, Tas

96. Escape the business of life and retreat to a luxurious bush getaway with Lon Retreat & Spa, Vic

97. Soak in the experience of staying at a hotel built into a sporting ground at Oval Hotel, SA

98. Stunning Tasmanian scenery meets modern architectural design at Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge, Tas

99. Lap up luxury accomodation and experiences at the Clifftop at Hepburn, Vic

100. Connect with Indigenous culture through the beautiful architecture and design of Krakani Lumi, Tas

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8 incredible hikes just outside of Melbourne

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    Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

    Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford, the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

    1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

    Hanging Rock Summit Walk
    Take in views across the Macedon Ranges.

    Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

    2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

    Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout
    Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

    The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

    3. Mount Alexander Traverse

    Mount Alexander Traverse
    Take in the serenity.

    Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

    4. Murmuring Walk

    Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes
    Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

    Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

    5. La Gerche Forest Walk

    La Gerche Forest Walk
    Walk into history on the La Gerche Forest trail.

    Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

    6. Sailors Falls Loop

    Sailors Falls Loop
    See these spectacular falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

    7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

    Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

    8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

    Mount Franklin Summit Walk
    Take in forests and waterfalls along the way to the top of Mount Franklin.

    An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

    The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.