Welcome to Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels and share what makes them worthy of your wishlist.
For a city with as impressive a coastline as Sydney, it might be surprising to learn that beachfront hotels are thin on the ground, particularly on the luxurious end of the spectrum. In Sydney’s east, you’ll find the newly opened InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. In the south, The Brighton Hotel Sydney. And on the Northern Beaches, Manly Pacific Hotel, Sydney. It’s the latter that has caught my attention for my next Hotel Addict stay.
The hotel faces Manly Beach.
My sister and my car rolls down the Norfolk pine-lined street, pulling up to the white building. It’s busy – which might deter some – but it feels like the place to be on a Friday evening. The beachfront location and restaurant spilling onto the street explain everything. We hand the car to the valet and walk into the breezy foyer that brings instant holiday vibes with whitewashed walls and coastal-inspired artworks.
Coco Republic transformed the hotel in 2023, infusing it with luxe beachy charm reflective of the surrounding neighbourhood. Natural textures, a light coastal palette and modern furnishings decorate the space, while a signature fragrance derived from Australian botanicals local to the North Head, delicately perfumes the air.
The hotel is awash with light tones. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
The lobby is chic and minimal in style.
213 stylishly appointed rooms ranging from cosy Village Superior Rooms and dog-friendly rooms to Ocean-facing rooms and beachfront villas flank the wide hallways. But the one to book is the Infinity Residence. This is the hotel’s most premium room and it overdelivers in more ways than one. At 60 square metres – plus an 81 square metre terrace – the neutral-toned retreat lives up to the name. There’s a full-size kitchen, a separate living area with a curved bouclé sofa and fireplace, a large bedroom and a bathroom with a freestanding bath and LaGaia beauty products. I check the mini bar as I find this is always a good marker of how much a hotel considers its guests and it becomes evident that this room is made for those who want to entertain. There are two Vintec wine fridges stocked with a dozen Australian and international bottles and a range of spirits – Louis Roederer Cristal Brut and Manly Spirits among them.
The Infinity Residence feels more like a high-end apartment than a hotel room.
I reach for the Maison Saint Aix, AIX Rosé and head to the private terrace that brings the real ‘wow’ factor. I estimate that it could comfortably fit 50 people, and am told it gets used for small weddings. There’s an outdoor dining setting and sun loungers to relax on while taking in the spectacular Manly Beach views. As we languidly sip, part of me regrets our dinner reservation because I want to spend as much time using this ridiculously sized space as possible. But I’ve eaten at onsite restaurant Cibaria Manly a couple of times and know better than to skip a meal there (though room service is available).
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AI Prompt
The mini bars are thoughtfully curated.
The villas boast ocean views.
Popular with locals, this Italian eatery serves reliably tasty food and punchy drinks. Not taking that Euro summer holiday this year? The setting transports you to the Mediterranean thanks to Luchretti Krelle’s richly layered, warm design, which features stucco walls and arches. We kickstart the meal with a Paloma Sea Breeze – a tequila, apricot brandy, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, salt and soda concoction – which goes down a treat alongside kingfish crudo with citrus, fennel, pickled cucumber and garlic flowers and fritto misto. But it’s the main dish I order that I won’t forget anytime soon – Moreton Bay bug pasta with spicy vodka sauce. Dessert is a tiramisu with macadamia mascarpone cream, coffee, savoiardi biscuits and cacao.
The hotel’s bar, 55 North, sits next door in the lobby and serves a selection of bites from Cibaria’s menu while a DJ spins tunes Thursday to Sunday evenings.
Cibaria Manly is a local favourite. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)
Moreton Bay bug pasta with spicy vodka sauce.
The next morning – after a restorative sleep – we’re awakened by the most spectacular sunrise, which backdrops volleyballers and runners as they seize the day. It immediately puts us in the right mood to start ours.
Wellness is central to a stay at the Manly Pacific Hotel, Sydney. I head to the rooftop for a quick dip in the swimming pool that overlooks the beach. Wellness enthusiasts are also catered for with the infrared sauna and The Beach Club team, who are on-hand to create personalised wellness experiences and packages, from surfing lessons, kayaking, boot camps, beach yoga, facials, massages and cryotherapy.
Sunrise views from the Infinity Residence terrace. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
Breakfast is served in the accommodation’s more casual dining venue, Bistro Manly. The buffet is generous, with all of the usual suspects, plus a fresh juice maker. We pick from the à la carte menu that features elevated breakfast bites such as lobster benedict, house-made granola and French toast with ricotta and bacon.
Those looking to travel closer to home are in for a treat with Manly Pacific Hotel, Sydney. It offers an idyllic staycation spot that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city, and my only regret with this stay is that I’m not here another night.
The rooftop features a swimming pool and striped sun loungers.
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Details
Best for: Staycationers, wellness enthusiasts and couples
Address: 55 North Steyne, Manly, New South Wales 2095
Room rate: From $350 per night (at the time of writing)
Accessibility: Manly Pacific Hotel, Sydney, is an accessibility-friendly hotel. Accessible rooms feature walk-in showers and toilets with handrails, lowered peep holes and light switches. Facilities include lift access to meeting and event spaces, large entry doors, accessible parking spaces near lifts, entry ramps into the hotel lobby and a disabled bathroom with handrails in the hotel lobby, and braille on lift buttons.
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
