Endless ocean and sweeping coastal views await guests at Australia’s dreamiest waterside getaways. From super-luxe resorts set on soft white sands to urban boltholes on buzzy beaches and eco-retreats in rugged coves, Australia’s beachside escapes are among the very best on Earth. Here are just some of the highlights...
Occupying a stunning Art Deco building, Hotel Ravesis is one of Bondi’s best known and most bustling watering holes. It’s also a boutique hotel with 12 individually-designed rooms spread over its top two floors. Just on the corner of beachfront Campbell Parade and buzzy Hall Street, it’s a stone's throw from Bondi's famous surf. Though superbly comfortable, it's not the place for an early night. Join the locals in the dining room, bar and late-night club – you might even get to watch the sun rise over the ocean from your balcony before making it to bed.
Ultra-luxurious escape qualia occupies the northern tip of Hamilton Island with the watery wonders of the Coral Sea just strides away. Guests stay in individual 'pavilions': go for the Leeward Pavilions for part-tropical bushland and part-sea views, or the Windward Pavilions for uninterrupted water and Whitsunday Island views (along with private plunge pools). A stay here is all about beach-hopping, snorkelling, sailing and hiking round Hamilton Island’s lush interior. The resort also has a sensational spa.
Perched on a headland above Mollymook Beach, Bannisters basks in sweeping Pacific Ocean views. The 4-star boutique hotel on the southern coast of New South Wales is best known as the home of Rick and Sarah Stein’s original Aussie seafood restaurant. In between feasting on Sydney rock oysters and local Ulladulla snapper, guests can chill by the inviting infinity pool or slip into the 'Spa by the Sea'. More suites and rooms can be found in Bannisters Pavilion just down the road, while groups can commandeer Bannisters Beach House with arguably even better views.
For beautiful beaches and bountiful wildlife, Kangaroo Island is unbeatable. Revel in the island’s natural beauty at boutique luxury eco-retreat Sea Dragon, which is backed by bushland and set above small and pristine Pink Bay – all white sand and granite rocks. With 250 wildlife-filled acres to itself, Sea Dragon offers guests total immersion in the island's natural landscapes. All lodges and villas have views across the Backstairs Passage to South Australia’s mainland – where you may well spot whales and dolphins. Due to its rugged location, the retreat has an over-12s only policy.
Set within a private nature reserve just south of chic beach resort Port Douglas, this eco-retreat has both bushland and beach views. Thala's accommodation is dotted along a forest-clad headland at the end of isolated Oak Beach. Opt for one of the Coral Sea Bungalows, huddled on the highest ridge, for soaring views of white sand beaches and the shimmering Coral Sea, or go for the Jungle Walk Bungalows to feel enveloped by the lush forest. The Eucalypt Bungalows, meanwhile, offer elevated forest canopy and Coral Sea views. While days are all about the rainforest and seaside walks, nights are for gazing upwards at the star-filled skies from your private veranda.
It’s all go on the Gold Coast luxury hotel scene right now with some exciting new openings, including the first Aussie outpost of Accor Hotel’s Mondrian brand. The Mondrian Gold Coast (pictured in this artist's impression) is scheduled to open in surf town Burleigh Heads in 2023, and will combine luxury hotel rooms and amenities with lavish private residences. The striking building will command 262 feet (80m) of ocean frontage lined with soft sands and the famed surf of Burleigh Heads Beach.
Set between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, The Langham, Gold Coast opened in June 2022. Oozing coastal luxury, it is the first new development on this stretch with direct beachfront access in more than 30 years. Alongside 169 hotel rooms, the striking high-rise complex also has 170 residences, all offering either jaw-dropping ocean or hinterland views. Expect 5-star service plus facilities including a dreamy pool with swim-up bar, fine dining – with T’ang Court as the Michelin-starred flagship restaurant – and an exclusive spa. For sea breezes and creative cocktails make for Coral Moon, an open-air bar overlooking the Pacific.
A Palm Springs-aesthetic with a modern Aussie edge characterises this new peach of a hotel on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Formerly a 1960s-era low-rise motel, Tessa's on the Beach is now a super-cute beachside hotel with just 15 retro rooms. As well as having unfettered access to Bilinga Beach, one of the Gold Coast’s quietest stretches, guests can wallow in the magnesium pool (said to be gentler on the skin), sip cold drinks at the café and bar or lie back on sun loungers on the little lawn overlooking the ocean. Bikes and paddleboards can be hired from reception.
A few flip-flops from the sand, Raes on Wategos is Byron Bay’s ultimate beachfront address. Set by pretty little Wategos Beach, the long-running boutique hotel has just seven penthouses and beachfront suites that have accrued an illustrious client list over the years. Days are best spent surfing, spotting frolicking dolphins or walking up to Cape Byron and its lighthouse. If the room rate is beyond your budget, the acclaimed restaurant (serving modern Australian fare with a Mediterranean twist), beachside terrace bar and spa are open to non-guests.
Palm-fringed Four Mile Beach is one of north Queensland’s most stunning sweeps of sand and Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel sits on the Esplanade right next to it. The adults-only hideaway has an intimate feel with all suites offering guests the option to self-cater with kitchenettes. Alternatively, feast on local produce overlooking the ocean at Hi Tide Cafe-Bar-Restaurant – crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls, anyone? The hotel's Jacuzzi and oasis-like pool are just the ticket for a slow, steamy day, when you're not sailing off to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Halcyon days are most definitely here again at this beauty of a bolthole on sleepy Cabarita’s surf beach. Just north of Byron Bay, this motel-turned-boutique hotel is a mix of mid-century with surfer style and a firm fave of the Instagram crowd. With just 19 rooms and three suites, days at Halcyon House are all about soaking up the seaside views and posing by the pool on blue-and-white stripey loungers.
For a complete castaway experience, Banubanu Beach Retreat is the one to beat. This off-grid eco-escape is on Bremer Island in East Arnhem Land. Set on the footprint-free sands are five beachfront bungalows and an elevated penthouse with a large private deck and endless ocean vistas. Built and run in partnership with the Yolngu people, guests can learn about the area's Indigenous culture on a host of guided expeditions. Other highlights include spotting turtles, following walking trails and kayaking. Days end with a dip in the plunge pool before watching the sun set over the Arafura Sea.
Laid-back Lorne is a gem of a seaside town on the Great Ocean Road, and this surfside bolthole is a charming place to make a pitstop. Opt for one of Cumberland Lorne's one- or two-bed apartments or luxe it up in a penthouse with lofty views over the sandy beach and Louttit Bay. Ideal for families, the large and light-filled apartments all have balconies and kitchens. You’re also just a hop from Lorne's many fab restaurants and cafés. Residents have the use of an indoor pool too, although the Southern Ocean is your best bet for an invigorating dip.
Right by Watsons Bay's ferry wharf, this vibrant waterfront hotel has a dreamy position with both harbour and city skyline views. Its 32 rooms and suites have been recently renovated and are the epitome of coastal chic. Downstairs, the Beach Club is a popular spot for all-day drinks and dining – nab a spot close to the water before the sunset paints the sky pink. There’s plenty to do in this former fisherman’s village: eat fish and chips on the beach, swim in nearby Camp Cove and follow the coastal path to Macquarie Lighthouse and Hornby Lighthouse.
Beach babes and gourmands will adore this beachfront hideaway set on Margaret River’s ravishing Cape to Cape walking track. Not only are you a short hop from the glorious white sands of Smiths Beach, but you’re within a spittoon's distance of the region’s revered wineries. Happily you don’t have to move far to try some: the resort is home to a restaurant and deli-and-wine store helmed by renowned local chef Kate Lamont. With a choice of beach houses, villas, shacks and apartments, there’s something to suit most budgets and groups at the family-friendly resort, which has a kids’ pool as well as a showstopping infinity one.
Whether you opt for a hillside glamping cabin, cliffside chalet, charming A-frame or luxurious standalone villa, you can be sure of a memorable stay at the Cove. Guests have the run of the 350-acre estate at this remote adults-only retreat on Tassie’s northwest coast, with the Alexander Centre providing a luxurious communal area (coffee bar, kitchen, lounge and private showers). Otherwise, time is best spent on solitary strolls along the basalt coastline, paddling off isolated coves and roaming the pastures of the owners’ 170-year-old family farm. Dusk brings high excitement when the fairy penguins return to shore.
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With awesome beaches and adorable quokkas, Rottnest Island already had a lot going for it. Since late 2020, the isolated nature reserve has had an uber-glam place to stay too. Samphire Rottnest is an upscale resort a short ferry ride from Fremantle and Perth and a popular weekend escape. With chic beachfront rooms overlooking Thomson Bay, the 80-room hotel is luxurious but has a refreshingly relaxed, beachy vibe. Sink your toes into the sand at the Beach Club as you sip a cocktail, swim in one of two lagoon-style pools or take a dip in the ocean before savouring southeast Asian flavours at Lontara.
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You can feel the sea breeze tickle your face from the balconies of this beachfront belter on Queensland's tropical Palm Cove. Alamanda Palm Cove pairs barefoot beach life with luxury living, but is also a good choice for families thanks to its range of self-contained apartments. When you’re not basking on the beach, there are three enticing pools to play in and a spa to recharge in. Tuck into tropical flavours at waterfront restaurant Nu Nu or request for a romantic dinner to be arranged on the beach under the swaying palms and sparkling stars.
Noosa is one of Australia’s most beautiful beach towns and On the Beach is the best place to stay if you want to be a stone’s throw from the sand. Overlooking Noosa Main Beach with just the boardwalk between the resort and the sea, its roomy beachfront apartments and penthouses are in prime position for enjoying the Noosa way of life. Fire up the barbecue on your balcony or soak in the hot tub, watching the surfers and dolphins as you wallow. All guests have use of a saltwater pool, gym and spa and can borrow beach umbrellas and chairs from reception. The many bars and restaurants of Hastings Street are also just steps away.
Views of piercing turquoise waters, bone-white sands and picture-perfect sunsets are par for the course for guests at this family-friendly beach hotel right by Cable Beach in the far north of Western Australia. It’s the only hotel situated directly on the 14-mile (22km) Cable Beach, but it’s a big one with a range of studios, bungalows, apartments and suites, plus restaurants to suit most budgets. When you’re not in the pool (there are adults-only and family options), tropical gardens or spa, stroll to the southern end of the beach to Gantheaume Point to spot the dinosaur footprints in the red rocks.
For a secluded slice of sub-tropical paradise slip away to Capella Lodge on the southern side of Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests at this intimate all-inclusive hideaway have the run of a beach and lagoon with mind-blowing views of Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Make yourself at home in one of the nine beach house-inspired suites, lap up the ocean and mountain views from the pool or borrow mountain bikes to explore the volcanic island. Meals are a highlight with the chefs making use of the kitchen garden, as is the spa with its island-inspired treatments. The lodge welcomes children 10 years and over.
After a busy day beach-hopping, swimming with whale sharks and snorkelling with manta rays on Ningaloo Reef, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort is a welcome retreat. The resort in Exmouth Marina offers hotel rooms, self-contained apartments and bungalows (some with private spa baths). It’s a great option for families thanks to its play areas, and laid-back beach bar, restaurant and pool, which is perfectly positioned for gazing out at the rugged Sunrise Beach and gleaming Indian Ocean.
Freycinet National Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in Tasmania, and Freycinet Lodge is the only place you can stay within the park. You’ll need to book well in advance to score a cabin at this perennially popular wilderness hideaway that sits between the sandy sweep of Richardsons Beach and the idyllic craggy inlet of Honeymoon Bay. Dotted around native bushland, many of the cabins and pavilions overlook the dazzling sapphire-blue waters of Great Oyster Bay and the pink-granite Hazards mountain range. Some even have outdoor bathtubs in which to soak it all in.
Surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking Fannie Bay, Mindil Beach Casino Resort is the only beachfront resort in Darwin. The 152-room complex is in prime position for enjoying Mindil Beach’s famed sunsets from the large hotel infinity pool, which is open until 10pm. Then head to poolside venue INFINITY from Friday to Sunday for lively DJ sessions. Guests also have access to a lagoon-style pool, a sandy private beach and a choice of bars and restaurants.
A buzzy bar and restaurant that stands out in sleepy Patonga, The Patonga Hotel also has three elegant apartments and a standalone four-bed cottage. A vision in white-and-blue, the clapboard beachfront hotel is all about long lunches on its sunny deck overlooking the calm little bay. Guests with kids may prefer to get fish and chips or oysters-to-go from its kiosk to eat on the sands. There are wonderful walking trails with spectacular lookouts over Brisk Bay while the ferry goes over to Palm Beach, passing by the beautiful Barrenjoey Lighthouse and West Head.
Revel in soul-stirring ocean, rainforest and lagoon views from the deck of your free-standing villa at Elements of Byron, where guests are cosseted by nature. Right next to secluded Belongil Beach, it's an enchanting hideaway for adults and children with an over-18s pool complete with swim-up bar and private cabanas, and a lovely lagoon-style pool for families. Everyone will love catching the Byron Bay Train – a fully solar-powered heritage train – into town.
Ocean views and airy self-contained living spaces are on offer at COAST, where 15 studios and apartments lie next to the beach at Port Noarlunga on the pretty Fleurieu Peninsula near Adelaide. The safe and patrolled beach is great for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, while divers and snorkellers will want to explore the Port Noarlunga Reef, which has a self-guided underwater trail accessible from the jetty. Wine lovers are well-placed too; the seaside village is just 10 minutes drive from the acclaimed wineries of McLaren Vale. Stop by the cellars to grab a bottle or two to enjoy on your beachfront balcony.
For a family beach holiday it’s hard to beat Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour, with large lush gardens that run right down to Charlesworth Bay. As well as enjoying the ocean, guests can splash about in the resort’s three swimming pools, play a round on a nine-hole golf course, battle it out on the tennis courts or retreat to the spa. The kids will love learning about local marine life at the on-site aquarium. The resort is also on the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, a stunning trail that skirts past gold-sand beaches, rainforests and rocky headlands with dazzling lookouts. You may even spot whales along the way.
Snooze steps away from Perth’s most iconic stretch of sand at the trendy Cottesloe Beach Hotel on the Norfolk pine-lined Cottesloe Esplanade. This white sand wonder is a haven for swimmers, surfers and sunset watchers, and a fab base from which to enjoy the delights of Perth. The beachside establishment has 13 rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the beach. All guests can savour the views with a chilled glass of local Swan Valley wine in the Verandah Bar or opt for the hotel's livelier Beach Club for cocktails and light bites.
Catching the seaplane from Rose Bay to Jonah’s for the weekend is one of Sydney’s ultimate bucket list activities. Perched above Whale Beach, the iconic hotel has been on the scene since 1929. Only open from Thursday to Sunday, it has just 11 rooms and one private residence, all a picture of coastal elegance. Expect sensational ocean views from your private balcony along with plenty of celeb-spotting at the clifftop gardens and swimming pool. The acclaimed restaurant is open to non-residents and always packed, so be sure to book a table well in advance.