It’s getting to that time of the year when the summer holidays feel like a distant dream and the reality of the nine-to-five is starting to take its toll. If you’re feeling the same feels, then perhaps it’s a sign to cash in some annual leave. Save the camping trip or caravan convoy for the upcoming Easter long weekend, and instead treat yourself to a stay at one of Australia’s best five-star hotels – with the top five hotels just crowned at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards.
Now in its 40th year, the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognises the country’s best tourism experiences across 26 categories – ranging from hotels and attractions to festivals, Aboriginal tours and transport operators. Finalists first compete at their respective State/Territory Tourism Awards, with category winners advancing to face a national judging panel for the ultimate prize.
As a team of self-proclaimed hotel fanatics, we were most interested in the winners of the best five-star luxury accommodation category. Claiming gold for the second year running is the exclusive Reef House Adults Retreat in Palm Cove, North Queensland. If the ‘adults-only’ tagline hasn’t hooked you, then how about the sound of two crystal-clear pools, sparkling wine on arrival, complimentary poolside sorbet, beachfront yoga, marine facials and seafood platters under the stars? This isn’t the first time The Reef House has received such a major accolade, having been voted as Tripadvisor’s best hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in 2024.
Another adults-only retreat was runner-up for Australia’s best five-star luxury accommodation, and that honour went to Mt Hay Retreat on NSW’s South Coast. Hidden on a gorgeous 360-acre property, this family-owned escape features six huge luxury suites, a 33-metre indoor heated pool, tranquil gardens, an Insta-worthy feature bath and a fairly amazing ‘cloud swing’. It’s perfect for loved-up lovers, tired adults or just anyone who wants to run away from the city and pretend the real world doesn’t exist for a few blessed days.
The bronze medal went to Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, located in the magical Margaret River wine region. Surrounded by peppermint trees and sand dunes, this resort takes five-star luxury to a new level with its heated infinity pool, gorgeous day spa, ocean-view restaurant and romantic Bungalow-style villas.
The 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards also recognised top-tier hotels across multiple price points, with Peppers Silo Hotel in Tasmania winning gold in the 4 to 4.5-star luxury accommodation category and Urban Camp Melbourne taking top honours in the 3 to 3.5-star category. You can check out a full list of winners and finalists across the best hotel in Australia categories below.
The best 5-star luxury accommodation in Australia:
- Gold: The Reef House Adults Retreat, QLD
- Silver: Mt Hay Retreat, NSW
- Bronze: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, WA
- Finalist: Eos by SkyCity, SA
- Finalist: The Tasman, TAS
The best 4 to 4.5-star luxury accommodation in Australia:
- Gold: Peppers Silo Hotel, TAS
- Silver: Oval Hotel, SA
- Bronze: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, QLD
- Finalist: Crowne Plaza Melbourne, VIC
- Finalist: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, WA
- Finalist: H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel, NT
- Finalist: Midnight Hotel Autograph Collection, ACT
- Finalist: Oriana Retro Hotel and Resort, NSW
The best 3 to 3.5-star luxury accommodation in Australia:
- Gold: Urban Camp Melbourne, VIC
- Silver: Safari Lodge Motel, NT
- Bronze: Broadwater Resort, Busselton, WA
- Finalist: Freycinet Resort, TAS
- Finalist: Great Keppel Island Hideaway, QLD
- Finalist: ibis Adelaide, SA