Best hotels to stay in Australia this year? Here are the winners of the Best Accommodation awards in Australian Traveller’s People’s Choice Awards 2015.
1. Winner Best Luxury Hotel – Crown Towers, Melbourne
Right in the thick of it all on Melbourne’s buzzing Southbank, Crown Towers (pictured) is an extravagant slice of luxury, with spectacular views overlooking the Yarra River, rooftop tennis courts, an expansive day spa to unwind in and a 25-metre indoor pool.
The runners-up: 2. Langham, Melbourne, Vic
3. Park Hyatt, Sydney, NSW
4. qualia, Hamilton Island, Qld
5. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, NSW
2. Winner Best Affordable Hotel – Mantra on Salt Beach, NSW
From just $124 a night, Mantra on Salt Beach is a family favourite, perfectly positioned in Kingscliff on the New South Wales coastline with Byron Bay just a half-hour drive away. Well-appointed rooms overlook a lagoon-style pool and there are several restaurants, the Spa at Salt and a tennis court if you’ve done too much relaxing.
The runners-up:
2. QT Sydney, NSW
3. Adina Bondi Beach, NSW
4. The Cullen, Melbourne, Vic
5. East Hotel, Canberra, ACT
3. Winner Hotel That Best Caters to Children – Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra
With the look and feel of a luxury lodge in the Serengeti, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re not actually in the heart of Canberra in the city’s National Zoo & Aquarium. Geared towards the conservation of endangered animals, a stay in one of the Giraffe Treehouses will have kids coming face-to-face with the tallest beasts in the world, while a night in the five-star Jungle Bungalows or uShaka Lodge, lets you get close to cheetahs, tigers and bears; some rooms also feature huge aquariums. It’s a magical place that children will always remember.
The runners-up:
2. Paradise Resort Gold Coast, Qld
3. Sea World Nara Resort, Qld
4. Turtle Beach, Gold Coast, Qld
5. Daydream Island, Qld
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
4. Winner Best Place to Camp – Jervis Bay, NSW
Are powdery white beaches, turquoise waters and sleepy seaside villages the prerequisites of a great camping holiday? Our readers think so, voting Jervis Bay on NSW’s South Coast the best place to camp. Whether it be pitching a tent in Booderee National Park’s Green Patch campsite (pictured), or retreating at glampsite Paperbark Camp (did someone say hot shower?).
The runners-up:
2. Wilson’s Promontory, Vic
3. Seal Rocks, NSW
4. Lake Argyle, WA
5. Noosa and Halls Gap, Qld & Vic
From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.
Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.
Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.
1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island
Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.
G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.
Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.
End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.
2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough
It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)
Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.
Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.
3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.
On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.
Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.
4. D’Aguilar National Park
Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.
D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.
Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.
5. Arcade Wine Bar
Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.
Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.
Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.
Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.
6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail
Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.
Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.
7. Farm Visits
Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.
At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.
8. Miss Sprinkles
Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.
An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.
The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.
