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.

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.

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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8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

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Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

 

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3. The city as a canvas   

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month  to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.