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Unique Places to Stay in Australia

Experience Australia's Most Extraordinary Getaways

Australia offers discerning travellers unparalleled opportunities to explore ancient landscapes and experience a rich Indigenous culture found nowhere else on earth. This vast continent remains largely untamed, with lush rainforests in the north, expansive red deserts dotted with rugged canyons and mountain ranges, endless pristine coastlines, and native bushland alive with unique and beautiful flora and fauna.

The diversity of these landscapes allows for truly unique stays in Australia—whether it’s treehouses nestled by rivers in the Daintree Rainforest, safari-style tents and pavilions on beaches, red desert dunes, bushland, ancient coastal floodplains, or tropical island retreats on the Great Barrier Reef. Each destination upholds the highest standards of comfort and quality, while immersing guests in a genuine sense of place and offering world-class signature experiences. Keep reading to discover more about the most unique places to stay in Australia.

Longitude 131, Northern Territory
Longitude 131, a luxury desert basecamp set on ancient rust-red dunes, offers breathtaking views of Uluru and sixteen tented pavilions designed as luxurious sanctuaries with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and outdoor fireplaces. Guests can explore the World Heritage-listed wilderness and unwind in sophisticated comfort while enjoying unique dishes crafted by Chef Marama Hohepa, featuring fine Australian produce and desert-foraged ingredients, complemented by a premium selection of Australian wines and beers.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Sal Salis, an exclusive beach safari camp on Western Australia’s remote Ningaloo Coast, offers eco-luxe accommodation nestled in the dunes of Cape Range National Park. The camp’s 15 safari tents blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, perched on raised platforms with stunning views of the bush, beach, and Indian Ocean. Each tent features handmade jarrah beds, luxurious cotton linens, and eco-friendly ensuite bathrooms. Guests enjoy three-course dinners by candlelight under the stars, with a contemporary menu crafted from seasonal local produce and complemented by excellent Western Australian wines and regional beverages.

Bamurru Plains, Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains Safari Lodge, set amidst an otherworldly landscape of wild pandanus and twisting trees near Kakadu National Park, offers an immersive experience in Australia’s ancient coastal floodplains. The main lodge is a tranquil, luxurious retreat, with no WiFi or mobile reception, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and connection with nature. The ten spacious safari bungalows, elevated on stilts with mesh screens, allow guests to experience the surrounding wildlife up close from the comfort of their beds. Bamurru’s cuisine features native and locally sourced ingredients, offering a gourmet taste of the region with contemporary Australian dishes from breakfast to dinner.

Silky Oaks Lodge, Queensland
Located in Kuku Yalangi country, Tropical North Queensland, Silky Oaks Lodge offers an eco-friendly retreat high above the Mossman River, surrounded by the lush Daintree Rainforest. The lodge features elegant treehouse-style accommodation that ensures privacy and a seamless indoor/outdoor experience. The Treehouse Restaurant, perched in the rainforest canopy, serves modern Australian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. With genuine hospitality and personalised service, Silky Oaks is an ideal base for exploring the World Heritage-listed rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

Qualia, Queensland
Qualia, a world-class luxury resort in the Whitsundays, is a private sanctuary on Hamilton Island’s northern tip, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. The resort’s elegant pavilions, designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham, offer complete privacy with stunning views of the water and tropical bushland, blending natural materials like timber, stone, and glass for a serene environment. Dining at Qualia is exceptional, with the Long Pavilion serving modern Australian cuisine and Pebble Beach offering a casual lunch setting that transforms into a fine dining experience in the evening, featuring seasonal, sustainable ingredients.

Paperbark Camp, New South Wales
Nestled near the pristine waters and white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp offers luxury tented accommodation in a tranquil bush setting. This nature lover’s paradise, located in the Shoalhaven region, features three national parks with extensive walking trails, deserted beaches, and abundant wildlife. The camp’s twelve elevated safari-style tents are set among eucalyptus and paperbark trees, each with wraparound decks, luxury linens, and open-air en suites that allow for bird watching and kangaroo spotting. The Gunyah, the camp’s treetop hub, offers open-air dining in warm months and a cosy atmosphere with an open fire in winter, perfect for enjoying the surrounding wildlife.

Freycinet Lodge, Tasmania
Overlooking Great Oyster Bay with The Hazards Mountain range as a backdrop, this luxury lodge in Freycinet National Park offers a serene escape amid breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in native bushland and connected by timber walkways, the elegant accommodations feature options with bush or water views, private balconies or decks, and outdoor bathtubs or indoor spa baths. The lodge’s two restaurants offer diverse dining experiences: The Bay Restaurant provides elegant meals with stunning views, while Richardson’s Bistro offers a relaxed setting overlooking Coles Bay. The Hazards Bar and Lounge serves a curated selection of Tasmania’s award-winning wines, artisan beers, boutique ciders, and cocktails.

El Questro Homestead, Western Australia
Nestled within the vast and ancient landscape of Western Australia’s East Kimberley Region, El Questro Homestead offers a luxurious escape in one of Australia’s last true frontiers. Hidden among burnt-range cliffs and lush lawns, this exclusive retreat invites guests to explore the Kimberley’s rugged beauty across its 700,000-acre property, featuring deep gorges, majestic mountains, thermal springs, rainforests, and waterfalls. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Chamberlain River, the homestead boasts ten chic suites with private decks, spectacular views, and, in some cases, freestanding outdoor bathtubs for stargazing. Dining at El Questro is a highlight, with menus inspired by the Ord River Valley’s rich produce, enjoyed on the sweeping veranda at sunrise or under the stars at dinner.

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