Outdoor balcony overlooking beach with two chairs
Photograph: Elise Hassey | Kirra Point Holiday Apartments
Photograph: Elise Hassey | Kirra Point Holiday Apartments

The 30 best luxury hotels in Australia right now

From miraculous ocean views to luxurious pool bars and world-class spas, these are the Australian hotels you need to know about

Melissa Woodley
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Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars

Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our picks of Australia’s top luxury hotels right now.

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The best hotels in Australia

  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels

This little pocket of paradise in the heart of town is the latest addition to Byron’s collection of five-star hotel openings. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the free-flowing property features plenty of communal spaces, including a centrepiece magnesium pool and an eclectic lounge filled with board games, books, a bar and a fireplace. Soak up the sun on comfy loungers by the pool, or retreat to one of 32 light-filled rooms. With a rooftop wellness space and bathhouse in the works for 2025, there’s even more reason to book a stay. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of complimentary snacks and coffee from the self-service bar, including free breakfast pastries and coffee.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
  • price 4 of 4

The three crystalline towers of the Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with a health club and day spa, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When the Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Almost two years later, it's still shining just as brightly as on day one.

Time Out tip: While away the afternoon in ever-so-fancy luxury with The Langham’s famed high tea, which is served in their Palm Court overlooking the lagoon pool.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
  • Perth Central
  • price 4 of 4

Situated in the centre of Perth’s burgeoning CBD and occupying three of Western Australia’s heritage-listed buildings dating back to the 19th century, Como The Treasury is cosier than slipping into flannelette PJs yet as luxe as cashmere. With just 48 minimalistic rooms, it’s the place for those who are usually seen, to not be seen. Guests don’t even need to leave the hotel. You can organise in-house personal training or private yoga sessions; swim laps in the heated indoor pool; dine at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants overlooking the Swan River; or peruse the building’s handpicked retail collective.

Time Out tip: Beat the jetlag with a spa treatment at Como Shambhala Urban Escape, where there is a range of holistic Western and Eastern healing therapies on offer.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels
  • The Rocks

Since opening in 1990, the Park Hyatt has played host to a steady stream of celebrities, heads of state and international jetsetters with money to burn. The carpets are so plush you’ll want to roll around on them like a dog – and the rooms are quiet, to the point they feel hermetically sealed. The biggest selling point here (beyond the deluxe rooms and incredible view of the Sydney Opera House) is the heated rooftop pool. 

Time Out tip: Make sure you book in for a dining experience with one-hatted food and five-star views, at The Dining Room by James Viles.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Merricks North
  • price 4 of 4

This cutting-edge, five-star hotel is what you might expect to find in New York's uber-hip Meatpacking District, not set among rolling hills and gently swaying vines of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It's boutique, with only 45 rooms, featuring king-sized beds, rain showers, black stone baths and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can look out onto the gorgeous surrounding property. A 30-metre infinity pool awaits you outside, among a dozen art commissions and an award-winning restaurant. 

Time Out tip: Of course, the hotel has world-class dining facilities to match its stunning accommodation. Its fanciest restaurant is the hatted Doot Doot Doot, which does an eight-course degustation featuring local produce, or there’s also the on-property winery and cellar door.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels
  • Melbourne

For a taste of inner-city luxury, you can’t go past W Melbourne. The high-end hotel packs 294 guest rooms, 29 suites, a secret bar, a premium restaurant, a sun terrace, a next-level gym and a sexy top-floor pool into its Flinders Lane digs – and still manages to feel boutique rather than behemoth. Floor-to-ceiling windows feature in every room, as do colourful fixtures, Foxtel channels and king beds that lure you into a content slumber. But it’s the bathrooms that really impress: each room is fixed with a Japanese Toto toilet (yes, the ones with a bidet and heated seats!). 

Time Out tip: Head to the indoor pool before 7am for a solo swim, and you might even see hot air balloons pass by the windows.

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Rebecca Russo
Former Editor of Time Out Melbourne
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Expect nothing but five-star service at Crystalbrook Riley. This all too dreamy, waterfront hotel is the perfect place for some fun in the sun (but the luxe adult edition). Stake your claim by the 1,000 square metre swimming lagoon with a man-made beach, sip on Piña Coladas at the Calypso Club, leave your worries behind with a couples massage at Eléme Spa, and fall into a deep sleep in an uber-comfortable king bed.

Time Out tip: Plan a romantic getaway by booking Crystalbrook Riley’s Panoramic Sea View Room, which offers unspoiled views of the Coral Sea from floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels

This five-star hotel is easily the shining star of Hobart’s handsomely historic waterfront district. MACq 01 is proud to be Australia’s first ‘storytelling’ hotel and immerses you in its narrative from the moment you arrive. All of MACq 01’s 114 rooms and suites are named after a prominent Tasmanian personality, who tells the stories of Hobart’s colourful and distant past. Book a premium waterfront suite to score one of the hotel’s famous third-floor private terraces, wood-panelled with sweeping wharf views and kitschy fake lawn. Leaving your room each day will be a chore.

Time Out tip: If your room doesn’t have a water view, head to the hotel’s Story Bar for a sundowner. It’s got one of the best vantage points in Hobart.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • Adelaide Central
  • price 3 of 4

This swish, five-star boutique hotel has become the preferred choice of visiting rock stars and celebrities in Adelaide since opening in 2015, and it's not hard to see why: the place just oozes bespoke luxury. The 170 stylish rooms feature custom-made mattresses and Hunter Lab Range toiletries, while the much-lauded Mayflower restaurant and two bars serve up Wedgwood crockery and Riedel and Waterford marque crystal glassware. The hotel even smells luxurious - it has a specially-curated 'signature scent' inspired by Chanel perfume. Located in the centre of the CBD where shopping strip Rundle Mall meets bar and dining strip Hindley Street, and just a short walk from Adelaide's cultural boulevard North Terrace, it's perfectly situated for exploring the city on foot. That's if you ever want to leave.

Time Out tip: Head to the Hennessy Rooftop Bar (named for the original architect of the 1930s heritage-listed building, not the cognac beloved by hip-hop stars) and try a Honey Trap cocktail – it's made with honey collected from the hotel's own rooftop hives of Ligurian bees.

  • Modern Australian
  • Sydney

The shiny, white-washed stone façade of Raes has been a fixture of Byron Bay’s sparkling, celeb-dotted Wategos Beach for 30 years. Over the decades, the luxury, seven-room hotel has played host to some of Australia’s most elite guests, including Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pink and Tom Cruise. While its waterfront location is the obvious drawcard – along with the secluded spa and freshly-caught seafood at Raes Dining Room – the hotel’s two penthouses are as good as luxury gets in NSW, with sunken baths, plump daybeds and multiple ocean-facing balconies.

Time Out tip: Be the very first in Australia to see the sunrise at Byron Bay’s famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. You're already halfway there, with the walking track from town conveniently passing by Raes. Once you reach the summit of Australia’s most easterly point, you can take in sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the wider Byron region. Pack your swimmers for a post-sunrise dip at Watego’s Beach and keep your eyes peeled in case you’re visiting during whale or dolphin season.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • Fortitude Valley

This swanky stay was one of only two Aussie venues to make the World’s 50 Best Hotel list in 2024, nabbing a well-deserved 25th place. There’s a lot to love about the Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. Soak up the sun poolside with a refreshing smoothie, enjoy spanakopita and seafood at the sophisticated Hellenika restaurant, try an energetic session in the fitness centre with an in-house trainer, and later slow down at The Calile’s glamorous wellness spa.

Time Out tip: Wake up early to nab yourself a beautiful cabana or daybed by the pool. It opens with the sun at 6am.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels
  • Perth Central

A playground of glamour and grandeur, this five-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring Perth’s city centre and beyond. Located in the vibrant pulse of Hay Street, you'll find yourself surrounded by a stellar lineup of renowned restaurants and the illustrious His Majesty’s Theatre, all just steps away. Spread across 16 beautiful floors, InterContinental’s 240 guest rooms guarantee a good night’s sleep with plush bedding and a luxurious window chaise for indulging in lazy afternoon naps.  

Time Out tip: Escape the hustle and bustle with a cocktail or two on the outdoor terrace at The Loft, settle in for an intimate Spanish feast at Heno and Rey, or enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at Ascua.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Travel
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Set in a small surf town just north of Byron Bay, this award-winning hotel raises the bar for luxury Australian beachside stays. In the boutique five-star rooms, you’ll find large tubs, antique pendants and vintage artworks alongside a free stocked mini bar that’s replenished (except for the $70 bottle of Champagne). Things only get better downstairs at Paper Daisy, a hatted bar and eatery helmed by Attica alumnus Jason Barratt. 

Time Out tip: Max out on your stay with daily à la carte breakfast, free access to the steam room, plus complimentary surfboards, bicycles, board games and outdoor lawn games.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels

For a truly five-star experience in Canberra, you can’t go past one of Australia’s oldest and most treasured hotels. The Hyatt has been a home away from home to rock stars, royals and politicians for almost 100 years, with the property celebrating its centennial year in 2024. Nostalgia echos throughout the heritage-inspired setting and perfectly manicured gardens, with attentive service making it all feel like you’re officially Canberran royalty. The Art Deco rooms are spacious, private and exceedingly clean, which is exactly what you’d expect from a Hyatt property. The spacious marble bathrooms are a standout (especially the deep bathtubs). 

Time Out tip: Don’t you dare skip breakfast. The Hyatt’s Promenade Café puts on an impressive buffet spread with all the fixings.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • City West Campus

Play and stay to your heart’s content at this boutique, Art Nouveau-inspired hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct. The Playford facade is a North Terrace icon, recognisable for its curving balconies, vine-etched facades and a row of burgundy umbrellas that line the street. All rooms and suites were designed to ‘be timeless, featuring plush bathrobes and slippers, luxury Appelles amenities, heated towel rails and a customisable pillow menu at your fingertips. Guest parking and 24-hour access to the health club, including a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, earn The Playford bonus points, as does its award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar.

Time Out tip: Start your morning with a creamy latte and a pastry from Luma Restaurant and Bar. The pastries are baked fresh daily using local South Australian ingredients and can be delivered straight to your door for the ultimate breakfast in bed.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
  • Hotels
  • Sydney

Live like royalty with a stay at one of Sydney’s newest luxe establishments, Capella Hotel. Occupying a historic sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD, the overtly elegant space is home to a Parisian-style Brasserie 1930, a naturally-lit 20-metre indoor pool, a marble-trimmed spa and 192 meticulously designed rooms and suites. Expect walls lined with custom artwork, pillow-top beds fitted with Italian linen and mesmerising robotic light installations. This is a Sydney staycation taken to the most luxurious level, and we're absolutely here for it. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of Capella’s dedicated 'Culturist' team who can help you make the most of your stay in Sydney by curating a full itinerary of activities and events.

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Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
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  • Hotels

Retro resort vibes and luxury attention to detail combine at one of the Gold Coast's finest five-star hotels. Where the QT Gold Coast stands apart from its sister sites is its Miami-inspired pool deck, where guests can lay out under the clear blue Queensland sky on a sun lounger, or seek shade in one of the classy cabanas while enjoying a refreshing drink from the Spring pool bar. The pool area is reserved for guests, but you can easily join the ranks by booking one of the hotel’s deluxe ocean or city view rooms or suites.

Time Out tip: Flirt with the luxe life at the qtQT cabins. These rooftop beach-hut-inspired dwellings pair all the creature comforts of a five-star stay with a laid-back, secluded atmosphere, including complimentary board games, a fire pit and alfresco dining.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia

Anchored to Hobart’s buzzing waterfront precinct, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms in three buildings of starkly different eras. You can pick from park-facing Heritage rooms facing the leafy St David’s Park, Pavilion suites with views of the water and Mount Wellington/kunanyi, or Art Deco rooms with bold colour palettes and decor.

Time Out tip: Make friends with The Tasman's chief concierge, James Nobleza, who is Tasmania’s only concierge certified by Les Clefs d'Or. Ask him to help curate your day exploring Hobart’s most captivating attractions.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
  • South Brisbane
  • price 3 of 4

Does taking a dip in a 23m infinity edge pool overlooking the city and the Brisbane River sound like heaven to you? Southbank’s only luxury hotel offers this truly abundant and ‘extra’ experience making their customers feel like heaven really is on earth. The hotel’s river-facing suites also offer uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and Brizvegas itself. The exquisite experiences offered include a progressive dinner, starting at the rooftop and ending in the hotel piano bar with a nightcap, stay-and-play golf packages, helicopter experiences, and premier suite packages including complimentary local transfer in the hotel’s Aston Martin

Time Out tip: Head up to level 21 for cocktails and nibbles by the infinity pool looking out over Brisbane River.

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Toni Moon
Contributor

This ritzy, five-star stay is set on the banks of Perth’s calming Swan River, but trust us, you’ll never want to actually leave the hotel. The lobby is as impressive as any Australian art gallery, featuring 10,000 pieces of Kimberley sandstone and dried native plants displayed in large earthy pots. Natural light sprawls through the floor-to-ceiling windows, with each of the 205 guest rooms and suites offering stunning vistas of the city, river and surrounding parklands. 

Time Out tip: Watch the sun dip below the river from a sun lounger, perched by the fifth-floor infinity-edge pool.

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Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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