10 places around Australia where the best view is from the loo

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There are few simple pleasures in life quite like private time atop a ceramic throne overlooking Australia’s inimitable landscape.

Bathrooms can make or break a trip. If a bathroom’s too cramped and crowded, your toiletries will have to stay trapped in their black nylon travel case, with the tiny string of dental floss rarely seeing the light of day. If it’s too grubby, you’ll be wearing hiking shoes in the shower for hygiene purposes.

A great bathroom on a holiday is spacious, well-lit and clean, but a perfect bathroom contains a toilet with a vantage point to outshine most tourist destinations. So, to truly experience Australia from a unique perspective, here are 10 spectacular loos that offer even better views.

1. Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW

the bathroom at Park Hyatt Sydney
Peek at the famous bridge from your bathroom window.

Let’s start with a classic view in a classic hotel: the Sydney Suite in the Park Hyatt Sydney.

Every day, hundreds of eager tourists flock to The Rocks for a glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but little do they know there’s a shortcut hiding in plain sight. A stay at the Sydney Suite offers a close and personal peek at the famous bridge, with its sturdy structure filling the entire bathroom window.

There’s no need to bring a book or a shampoo bottle to the toot when you can marvel at a moving painting of a historic Australian landmark. Squint and you might be able to spy bold tourists scaling the frame. Not to fret, though, they can’t see you.

2. Longitude 131°, Yulara, NT

the bathroom at Longitude 131° with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Uluru landscape
Get comfy and watch the landscape change from the loo. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

In keeping with the ‘Australian landmark’ theme, Longitude 131° offers the most enviable toilet experience found Down Under, depending on the traveller’s preference for natural versus manmade landmarks.

Longitude 131°’s Dune Pavilion boasts a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows aimed directly at Uluṟu. Theoretically speaking, guests could remain perched on the loo for 24 hours to witness the monolith complete its evolution from shades of purple to deep reds and oranges. Alternate between the toilet and the tub and it could be the most relaxing and picturesque holiday you’ve had without leaving the bathroom.

3. Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT

a private bathroom with tub with a tiger from the other side of the glass panel at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT
Share an intimate bathroom moment with the wildlife at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

Arguably the most intriguing loo with a view comes courtesy of Jamala Wildlife Lodge , a collection of abodes built in the thick of the National Zoo and Aquarium. Opt to stay in the Jungle Bungalows and a surprise awaits in the luxurious bathroom. A reinforced glass window separates the bathroom occupant and lions, tigers and bears as they go about their animal business unawares.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge has taken the phrase ‘be at one with nature’ and turned it into an entire package. Not many people can say they’ve shared an intimate bathroom moment with one of nature’s beautiful predators, so this might be the only chance to do so.

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4. Reefsuites, Whitsundays, Qld

Reefsuites bathroom underwater
Watch marine life swim by from your throne. (Image: Irjaliina Paavonpera)

More bathrooms should come fully equipped with aquariums solely for the soothing factor. Should you venture to the Great Barrier Reef, prepare to be soothed to oblivion as you answer nature’s call while floating deep below the surface.

Reefsuites is Australia’s first underwater accommodation where nearly every single wall of the room is adorned with a window peeping out to the ocean. Once you spy sharks and sea creatures cruising through the water as you reach for the toilet paper, there’s no going back to a regular bathroom.

5. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, Vic

the bathroom with bathtub at Sofitel Imperial Suite
The Imperial Suite has incredible views over Melbourne.

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is somewhat of an oddity in the ‘toilets with a view’ space, as it has two contenders for the top spot.

The first is the conventional option located in the Imperial Suite on the uppermost floor. As one of the most expensive hotel rooms in Melbourne, it’s an expensive route if you’re going solely for the bathroom views, but it does have the perk of coming with all the luxuries found in a penthouse room.

bathroom views at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, Vic
The infamous level 35 bathroom is a sight to behold.

The second alternative is budget-friendly and accessible to most, found in the Sofitel’s public restroom on level 35. Overlooking the MCG, it’s unlikely you’ll find better seats to Richmond versus Collingwood unless you actually paid for a ticket to the match. The public restroom itself is cleaned to perfection and contains floor-to-ceiling windows that aren’t a common feature in Melbourne’s CBD.

6. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Bathroom
Go completely off-grid at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef.

The two deepest connections you can make are waiting for you at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. The team behind this eco-friendly, luxury accommodation is determined to help you bond with nature and understand our impact on it more, while the second connection made will be to the quaint toilet and the bathroom’s minimalist design.

Few holidays feel like a reprieve from the world these days but leave your phone in your room and you’ll certainly feel serene as you’re enjoying a canape with like-minded, eco-conscious travellers. Perhaps you can strike up a conversation by commenting on the views from the toilet.

7. Mona Pavilions, Tas

the bathroom with tub at Mona Pavilions, TAS
Take in the views of the River Derwent while doing your business.

An adventure to Hobart is always going to entail a healthy dose of eye-opening culture and breathtaking sights, and you’d never think both of those could be found in the bathroom.

The architecturally mesmerising Mona Pavilions are an offshoot of the world-renowned Mona Museum , where you can stay in rooms named after influential Australian architects, the walls lined with artwork from the Mona collection. It’s in the Arthur room, however, that you’ll find a toilet overlooking the stunning River Derwent. Stay in a work of art while overlooking Mother Nature’s work of art – Mona strikes again.

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8. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, NT

incredible views from a public toilet in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Head to the public toilets in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.

For travellers who aren’t staying at Longitude 131° or just happen to be passing through, head to the public toilets in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and feast your eyes on the bulbous red cluster of rocks that are Kata Tjuṯa (also known as The Olgas).

The toilets offer an intriguing look at Kata Tjuṯa, so the chances of friends and family taking similar photos of the same natural phenomena are incredibly low.

9. Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Qld

the bathroom in Daintree Wilderness Lodge
Soak up sensational views of the rainforest from the comfort of your bathroom. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Deep in the rainforest on Kuku Yalanji country is the Daintree Wilderness Lodge , a sustainability-focused resort and one of the best Daintree stays, where you’ll find a lavatory among the trees.

The lodge is situated in a distinct area between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, meaning there’s a rare opportunity to go boardwalking through the lush green leaves or swimming off Cape Tribulation on the same weekend.

But the focus is the toilet, and Daintree Wilderness Lodge’s bathrooms have sensational views of the magical rainforest that encases the accommodation. Plan a trip around a rainy weekend and the pitter-patter of rain on the window will make the bathroom experience unforgettable.

10. Alkina Lodge, Great Ocean Road, Vic

the bathroom at Alkina Lodge
Take in views of the sky from the bathroom.

This one’s for the stargazers. Nestled in a secluded hilltop and the closest luxury accommodation to the Twelve Apostles, Alkina Lodge is made up of three separate suites that are specifically positioned to have maximum privacy.

The design of these fancy living quarters allows for unobstructed views of the sky from the bathroom, and as the Alkina Lodge is located far from any potential light pollution, toilet-perchers are all but guaranteed unrivalled star-spotting. Look out at the night sky and try to decipher Orion’s Belt while surrounded by the creature comforts of soap and face towels.

Louis Costello
Refusing to rest before his entire bucket list is complete, Louis loves nothing more than travelling to obscure locations and uncovering little-known highlights that make those places shine. Writing about his experiences both in Australia and overseas, Louis has picked up a trick or two to get the most out of a holiday, whether it's a weekend or six months.
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Discovering East Arnhem: Australia’s most unique and rewarding corner

    Joanne Millares Joanne Millares

    Hard to reach and harder to forget, East Arnhem offers something rare in modern travel: the chance to slow down and experience Country on its own terms.

    The sky feels bigger in East Arnhem . It stretches wide and uninterrupted above rouged earth, stringybark woodland and beaches so empty they seem to belong to another era. The coastline curves for kilometres without a footprint and the horizon runs on forever.

    For comedian Lou Wall, the scale of the place was the first thing that hit them.

    “The sheer openness,” they say. “The sky feels infinite and the land stretches out endlessly. It’s pretty breathtaking visually.”

    But the physical landscape is only part of the story. The real reward isn’t only the scenery but the shift in perspective the journey brings. Visitors stop trying to tick off the destination and a real engagement takes over.

    “It made me never want to travel again,” Wall jokes. “In that I never wanted to leave East Arnhem.”

    Getting there

    Aerial shot of East Arnhem’s coastline as cars trace the curve of the shore.
    Sail along the remote coastline on an expedition cruise.

    Reaching East Arnhem is part of the adventure. Travellers typically fly into Gove Airport near Nhulunbuy via Darwin or Cairns, or arrive by expedition cruise along the remote coastline. Others make the journey overland along rutted dirt roads that cut through East Arnhem’s small pockets of monsoon forest.

    However you arrive, there’s a distinct feeling of crossing into somewhere different. Permits are required to visit the region, reflecting the fact that this is Yolŋu land where communities and traditional owners maintain deep cultural connections to Country.

    The extra planning becomes part of the experience. By the time visitors arrive, they understand they’re entering a place not just of respect, but also patience and curiosity.

    At one with nature

    East Arnhem’s  landscapes leave a strong imprint. For Wall, one place in particular still lingers in their memory: Ngalarrkpuy , also known as Lonely Beach, near Bawaka Homeland.

    “I genuinely felt like I was living inside an Instagram filter,” they say. “One of the most stunning feats of nature I’ve ever seen. The water was so clear I swear I could see even the fish smiling.”

    Across the region, natural experiences unfold at a slower pace. Fishing, beachcombing and island hopping reveal the rhythm of the coastline. The tides shape daily life and the vastness of the landscape makes even simple moments feel downright cinematic.

    For visitors with limited time, Wall says the Bawaka Homeland experience is unmissable.

    “I just left and I’m already planning when I can get back there.”

    The sense of remoteness is part of the appeal. In a country where many beaches are crowded and well-trodden, East Arnhem’s coastline still feels wonderfully wild.

    Immersing in local culture

    A visitor spends a meaningful moment alongside Yolŋu guides, gaining insight into their deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.
    Experience authentic moments with the locals.

    Culture is woven through every experience in East Arnhem. Visitors have the opportunity to spend time on Country with Yolŋu guides and knowledge holders who share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

    For Wall, one of the most powerful moments came during a conversation with a Yolŋu elder.

    “I got to meet a traditional elder, Mayalil, in Nhulunbuy,” they say. “Listening to her talk about her home made the land feel alive in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

    The region is also home to internationally recognised Aboriginal art centres where artists shape works deeply connected to land and family knowledge.

    Music carries the same cultural energy. East Arnhem has produced globally recognised artists such as King Stingray and Baker Boy, blending Yolŋu language, storytelling and contemporary sound.

    Wall experienced this musical spirit first-hand.

    “A jam session around the fire was it for me,” they say. “Letting the deep joy and history of their music wash over me…  and meeting a few of the King Stingray musicians was unreal.”

    These moments of human connection often become the most memorable part of a visit.

    Spotting local wildlife

    An aerial view of the beach shows tiny figures lined up across the white sand, moving as if in a rhythmic dance.
    Step into a world where nature reigns.

    The wildlife of East Arnhem adds another layer to the experience. The region is home to an extraordinary range of animals, from waterbirds and turtles to dugongs, dolphins and the formidable saltwater crocodile.

    Wall admits they didn’t actually spot a croc during their visit.

    “Devastatingly, I didn’t see one,” they laugh. “But with all the stories from the locals I definitely gained a healthy respect for caution.”

    Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters can be surprisingly small., At Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, Wall remembers walking along the beach one morning and watching it come alive.

    “As you walk through the sand you see hundreds of crabs scurrying into their holes as you pass by,” they say. “Such a small thing, but it was completely magical.”

    Moments like this reveal the quieter rhythms of East Arnhem, where even the smallest creatures seem to play a part in the landscape.

    Visitors who make the journey soon learn the most important travel tip of all.

    “Go in open-minded with a sense of curiosity,” Wall says. “Be prepared to ditch your plans. The land and the locals will guide you on an adventure no spreadsheets could ever compete with.”

    And most importantly, they add, don’t rush.

    “The land and people deserve your time and attention. You’ll be all the better for slowing down.”

    For more information on visiting East Arnhem, head to eastarnhem.com.au .