Australia is breathtakingly big. And presented in some kind of super-technicolor. And spectacularly beautiful. It feels new, and its young cities bubble with ideas, yet its Aboriginal culture is ancient - but you’ll really have to seek this out if you want to find it. And for many visitors it’s hard to get beyond the scale and the colours. The best places to stay in Australia are numerous, but our guide below will outline which regions and cities are good for what, so will help you narrow the options!

Sydney and New South Wales

• Sydney is, for many, the entry point into Australia, and the highlight of New South Wales. Its colonial buildings, in pale sandstone, set around that spectacular harbour with its bridge and opera house are hard to beat when it comes to show stopping views.
• But NSW also has the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, the magical Blue Mountains, the peaceful Snowy Mountain, a coastline of perfect, yellow beaches with surfing centres like Byron Bay and an interior which is both lush and verdant and dry and barren - and there are plenty of national parks to showcase the variety of landscapes.

Melbourne and Victoria

Alternatively you might fly into Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Victoria knows about food and wine. It also knows how to host events with the Victorian 'season' having world class festivals, sporting and cultural events. Cosmopolitan Victoria also has its share of Australia's natural beauty - from the majesty of the Great Ocean Road with the Twelve Apostles jutting out like knives from nowhere, to the lush tranquility of the Yarra Valley, or the colourful haze of the Grampians National Park. Then there are the old gold mining towns and the penguin parades at Philip Island. Not to mention the sport…

Brisbane and Queensland

If you fly into Brisbane you’ll be landing in the state of Queensland, known as ‘The Sunshine State’. Queensland has a lot more to offer than perfect beaches, but there’s so much to do on the coast, what with the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, the Gold Coast and the Daintree Rainforest, that you might not make it further inland to the mountain ranges, sugar cane fields and dry mining towns.

The Northern Territory

An Australian adventure without a visit to the 'Top End' - the Northern Territory - is a missed opportunity. This is where you'll find the magical red desert of Uluru and the wondrous wetlands of Kadadu National Park and state capital, Darwin, sprawling in its tropical humidity, a rival for the title of the world’s most laid-back city.

The Northern Territory, with its unforgiving outback and seriously deadly critters is a bit like the wild west. The stunning, serene billabongs are home to crocodiles who might eat you. And some of the pristine beaches are lined with box jellyfish - though not all of them. The desert is big and dry, and the rock formations haunting, and people do get lost. But this is spectacular landscape on a large scale, and a culture entirely its own.

Western Australia

If you land in Perth, you’re in Western Australia: a region pf desert pricked by rock formations, of farming scrub, eucalyptus forests and green granite mountains ranges known for their deep gashing gorges, all lined with young, golden, leisure-oriented beach towns and cities. Not many tourists venture far from the visitor hubs of Margaret River, the Swan Valley, Broome, Monkey Mia or the Ningaloo Reef. But they should.

Mining has made much of Western Australia rich, but this is still an unpolished place dotted with remote outback towns which might feel like they come from another age. Even in cosmopolitan Perth you can still sometimes feel the grit of the desert.

Western Australia's other natural assets, its chalky, wine friendly soil, and the treasure trove of pearls off its coastline, have also contributed to the state's wealth. But nothing can diminish the distances those who live here have to travel to get anywhere else. Though of course the spectacularly empty views have made W.A. a darling of photographers.

South Australia

South Australia is also known for its wine, with the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, both just outside Adelaide - South Australia’s elegant, arty capital from which much of the life of this state radiates, dwindling as it hits the bone dry land beyond, where temperatures regularly hover around 48 degrees.

Underneath this unforgiving, stoney land are mineral veins on which tiny townships suckle, and beyond that are the hazy colours of the Flinders Ranges. But around Adelaide the land is lush - perfect for wine growing, and beyond that the sea is packed with tuna and lobsters, creating the perfect conditions for a foodie heaven.

Tasmania

A lot more than a pristine island after-thought, Tasmania is a step back in time. Hobart is a step back a few decades, to when there was a grater feeling of space wherever you went in Australia, but some of Tasmania’s pristine wildernesses are a step back in millennia.

Island isolation has protected this diverse and precious ecology, and kept the population low, so Tasmania is now home to some of the world's rarest plants and animals. The craggy peak of Cradle Mountain, the wide scoop of Wineglass Bay, the great stretches of peaceful sand on Seven Mile Beach and the peaceful green-grey of the Huon Valley are all pristine and unmissable for anyone interested in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Canberra

Curiously small, and with a layout planned by a single architect, green and open Canberra isn’t like most capital cities. Not in the way that either Sydney or Melbourne could be. While Canberra isn’t the most charming of cities, it does have some excellent facilities and plenty of money to run them. Firstly there are the two parliament buildings, the new one which is built into a hill, then there’s the National Art Gallery, National Library, National War Memorial, the Science Museum (Questacon), National Film and Sound Archive, the Australian Botanic Gardens, the National Portrait Gallery, the Canberra Museum, the Royal Mint, and all the embassies.

What not to Miss

It’s really hard to recommend the unmissable across a whole continent. But…

• The jaunt across Sydney Harbour to Manly, less than an hour on the ferry, really shows up the splendour of the harbour. You could also take a ferry ride to Taronga Zoo, one of the world's most spectacularly located zoos.
• Sydney’s fish markets are a lively hub with great food.
• The spectacular Blue Mountains, to the north of Sydney, are a collection of eight connected national parks, centred around Katoomba and the Jamison Valley. There’s a hazy, blue magic to many views of the Blue Mountains, it’s not just your imagination. There really is something in the air: a fine mist mixed with eucalyptus oil. This is where to come for mountain views and bush walking.
• Close to the wine region of the Yarra Valley, Melbourne takes wine and food seriously. The centre of town has recently sprouted a collection of new rooftop bars and alleyway eateries converted from once industrial buildings. This is where to eat and drink.
• As well as wine and food, Melbourne also takes coffee, The Arts and shopping seriously. For shopping try Collins Street for Parisian boutiques and Chapel St. for quirky chic. You shouldn't miss out on the Queen Victoria markets though - the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. Melbourne's cultural calendar is packed with festivals celebrating some, or all, of the above.
• The penguin parade at Phillip Island is a perennial crowd pleaser.
• And the Great Ocean Road is spectacular.
• If you have time drive up the coast of Queensland too, from the south, where the beaches are golden, to the north where they’re made up of microscopic pieces of whitened coral.
• If you don’t have time visit Port Douglas or Cairns and see the Daintree Rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.
• The Kuranda Scenic Railway is really scenic…
• And if you’re looking for tropical beach perfection it’s hard to pass up a trip to the bareness of Cape Tribulation, or the luxury of the Whitsunday Islands - most of them are national parks.
• Uluru and Alice Springs are places entirely their own physically and culturally. This is the place to come to explore the desert and Aboriginal culture and heritage.
• The magnificent King's Canyon has sheer 300m cliffs offering death defying views.
• And Kakadu National Park is one of the world’s most special environments - check out Crocodile Dundee…
• The Pinnacles Desert is one of the spectacular highlights of Western Australia, and just on the cusp of the tourist belt, at a few hours drive out of Perth.
• Watch the sun set over the coast of Western Australia - because you can - maybe sipping a Margaret River white to take the edge off the heat, or sitting astride your surfboard.
• Historic, beautiful and packed with markets and great places to eat, Fremantle is certainly worth the short train journey out from Perth.
• South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is a wonderfully unspoiled place, rich with biodiversity, but of course especially rich in kangaroos.
• If you drive north from Adelaide you'll hit the desert and the colourful town of Coober Pedy, arguably the world's opal capital, where miners built their houses, and other buildings, underground where it's cooler.
• Walk Wineglass Bay or Cradle Mountain.

Use our guide to the best places to stay in Australia and start to plan your trip of a lifetime!

The best places to stay in Australia

New South Wales

• Pier One, on Walsh Bay, is right by one of the pillars of the Harbour Bridge, a large and luxurious hotel with spectacular harbour views and slick, nautical decor.
• BLUE Sydney is a collection of rooms and loft-style suites just off the pier at Woolloomooloo. As well as being on the harbour, you're right by the Botanical Gardens, around the point from the Opera House, but also surrounded by hip eateries and bars.
• The Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is right on the beach, with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. There’s a lively, yacht club atmosphere, and 31 nautical feeling rooms. The food and the bar are well known and lively.
• The Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour is a luxurious collection of self catering apartments right on Circular Quay. The fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities make this a perfect - and memorable - spot for families, and there's a pool, gym, restaurant, bar and even childcare facilities.
• Lilianfels in in Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park. The whole hotel looks like a welcoming homestead, with 85 light and airy rooms with fantastic views across the Jamison Valley. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool spa, tennis courts and an award winning restaurant.

Victoria

• The Langham Hotel Melbourne is a luxury hotel in an unrivalled position right on the Southbank by the Yarra River. As well as offering amazing city views and easy access to many of Melbourne's highlights, The Langham has some impressive decor and a fantastic spa.
• The Prince, in hip and happening, seaside St. Kilda, is a very reasonably priced 40 room property with tasteful decor and great facilities, including a steam room and sauna.
• Lake House is a 35 room country house hotel set on six acres around serene Daylesford Lake. This is a great spot for birdwatching and walking, and you're close to the mineral springs. There's also an award winning restaurant.
• The Royal Mail Hotel offers a range of accommodation just two kilometres out from Dunkeld, a charming little country town well located for the Grampians National Park. As well as rooms and self catering apartments, the hotel has a house which sleeps up to 11.
• Drift House in Port Fairy is a boutique hotel right on the beach. Its four suites are all uniquely done and some have stunning views over the Moyne River. A tasteful stop on the Great Ocean Road.

Queensland

• Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel is vibrant and fun, with a fabulous rooftop pool with city views, and easy access to bars and restaurants.
• The QT Port Douglas is just back from the beach, and out of town, so it's ideal for visitors looking for a peaceful stay amongst tropical gardens. The decor is chic and retro and the well lit rooms look out onto either the hotel lagoon pool or the gardens. They also have apartments with one or two bedrooms.
• One&Only Hayman Island is a private island resort about three miles by five in size and on the outer edge of the Whitsunday group, right on the reef. Rooms, suites, villas and penthouses are luxurious, each with a balcony looking out to sea.
• An oldy but a goody, the Daydream Island Resort and Spa is a large resort known for family relaxation. There's a choice of spas, pools and restaurants and plenty of opportunities to explore the reef, or just relax on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches.
• Qualia is a small, stylish resort, offering the ultimate beachside resort experience. As well as the perfect beach, luxury spa and numerous private pools, Qualia is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest - a proper island paradise.

The Northern Territory

• Longitude 131° allows you to stay right by Uluru in what is probably the world's most luxurious tented camp experience. The fifteen tents are tents only so far as they're covered with white sails of tarpaulin, but they're permanent structures with plumbing and cooling systems. As well as catering for your every need, a stay here allows you the optimum amount of time to just gaze on the wonder of this rock rising grandly out of the desert.
• In the heart of the Kakadu National Park you'll find Jabiru, the town in the park and in the heart of town you'll find the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel - a crocodile shaped hotel. Spacious, clean and cool, this hotel will keep you as comfortable as possible while exploring the park.
• For the ultimate in Top End luxury there's Bamurru Plains, a 'wild bush camp' with just nine stand alone bungalows and all the luxury you can imagine. You're right by the coast and the Mary River wetlands. There is an excellent chance you'll see crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and wallabies - and of course an amazing array of birdlife.

Western Australia

• Eco friendly Sal Salis is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Nine safari style tents occupy a remote spot overlooking the Ningaloo Reef.
• Fitzroy River Lodge offers a range of accommodation from safari tents to simple self catering, in the heart of Kimberley. It's great for families and excellent value too.

South Australia

• Thorngrove Manor Hotel in the Adelaide Hills, is a luxurious, five room hotel, perfect for romance and privacy. It's done up to look like and old castle with antiques and four poster beds and tapestries, and offers every luxury you can imagine you might need.
• Southern Ocean Lodge is the ultimate get away from it all. Here you'll find stunning views of the wild southern ocean, complemented by all the luxuries you can imagine and delicious food.
• The Louise is situated in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Come here for luxury, glorious views and superb food - and of course the wine.

Tasmania

• Woodbridge on the Derwent is a collection of eight luxurious suites in an 1825, convict-built riverside mansion just 25 minutes from Hobart. Many of the original features, like late open fireplaces, a ballrooms and library, remain and you're surrounded by food and wine country.
• Saffire is an all-inclusive luxury lodge with 20 rooms and views of Coles Bay. The 'rooms' are a collection of suites and private pavilions dotted along the coast, and there's a fantastic spa, as well as a myriad of walking trails which start right from the lodge.

The Australian Capital Territory

• Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel occupies one of the city’s oldest buildings, a long, low structure just below Parliament Hill. This is a large hotel, with 252 rooms and suites and an extensive garden. The rooms have marble bathrooms and there’s plenty of Art Deco era marble in the public areas too. They also do a lovely afternoon tea.
• Peppers Gallery Hotel is a boutique hotel in Canberra’s ‘city’. Rooms are modern, with all the mod. cons. and there’s original art work on the wall. The restaurant has a great reputation and there’s also a bar, library and a lovely courtyard.

For a self-catering Apartment or private house

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private house we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Australia is a BIG place so it needs A LOT of airports, and it’s unlikely you’ll get away without flying between some destinations. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is the main international hub serving Sydney and New South Wales, Melbourne Airport is the main international airport serving Melbourne and Victoria; Queensland has Brisbane Airport, Cairns Airport and the Gold Coast Airport; Western Australia has Perth Airport etc..
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Europeans often find it hard to imagine how big Australia is. Here’s an indication - if Western Australia were its own country it would be in the world's top ten largest, larger than all of Western Europe. So there’s no bad time to go because it will always be nice and sunny somewhere, if that’s what you’re looking for. And if you want snow then come in the winter, which is June through August in the Southern Hemisphere.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Australia for you?

• Refine your search to one of the state capitals: Sydney? Melbourne?
• Or search by state for the best places to stay in Queensland,
• or the best places to stay in the Northern Territory,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.