Luxury lodges of Australia: 12 of the best

From remote eco-lodges to lavish barefoot private islands, Australia is a leading luxury destination. These luxury lodges in Australia are as individual and unique as they are remote and rugged.

These luxury camps and wilderness lodges showcase Australia’s unique style of sophisticated and carefree luxury - offering unforgettable experiences in Australia’s most inspiring and extraordinary locations.

There’s nothing like discovering Australia’s cosmopolitan cities, vast and ancient Outback landscapes, unspoilt paradise islands and friendly locals, while enjoying the best in experiential and wild bush luxury.

Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s premier luxury lodge experience, perched commandingly above the dramatic cliffs of Kangaroo Island’s south west coast. This eco-lodge has been sensitively designed with sustainability and low-impact principles at it heart.

The 21 luxury suites feature bespoke furnishings lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounges, glass-walled en-suites and outdoor terraces, each with exceptional Southern Ocean views.

The spectacular Great Room, a huge pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows, a wall of golden limestone and a suspended wood burning steel fireplace, is the centre of activity. Here you can unwind with stunning ocean views, plan the day ahead, enjoy exceptional dining or relax at the convivial open bar, stocked exclusively with South Australian wines. The area is punctuated by brilliant furniture from Adelaide-based, Malaysian-born designer Khai Liew.

Exceptional guided adventures will allow you to discover Australia’s answer to the Galapagos to encounter sea lions, seals and kangaroos, all with canapé in hand.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is located between two national parks and spread out at the foot of towering cliffs in the Blue Mountains, about three hours west of Sydney.

Set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve, the resort is made up of 40 individual suites, each with its own indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and the main homestead, which offers distinctive dining, luxury facilities and the Timeless Spa.

Heralding in a new era of conservation-based luxury, this carbon-neutral resort actively protects the surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species, while delivering first-class standards.

Capella lodge

Capella Lodge is the pinnacle of luxury on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Resting atop Lovers Bay, the inspired architectural design invites spectacular views of the ocean, reef and mountains into the lodge.

Just a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane, Lord Howe is a treasure island lost in time, where guests can take mountain bush walks, relax on pristine white-sand beaches and explore the riot of marine life in the world's southern-most coral reef.

Capella’s nine contemporary island-style suites boast king beds, beach-chic furnishings and generous decks and have a feeling of relaxed sophistication that attracts discerning travelers seeking a civilized and carefree experience.

Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet is a new coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast that delivers a sophisticated, intimate style and inspirational experience of local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay, the sleek curves of Saffire Freycinet mark the blend of mankind and nature with breathtaking beauty.

Featuring 20 luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, brilliant restaurant, lounge and bar, there’s also plenty of experiences that have been designed to allow guests to explore and deepen their discovery of the nearby deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches.

Arkaba Station

Arkaba is a classic Outback working sheep station located among craggy sandstone bluffs and gum tree-lined creek beds in the spectacular ancient landscapes of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.

The luxuriously restored 1850s Australian homestead pays homage to the station’s rich pastoral heritage, with just five rooms presented in a style that is rustically chic and utterly exclusive.

Enjoy bush walks, spot red and grey kangaroos and rare yellow-footed rock wallabies, discover Aboriginal rock art, learn about the working of the station and sheep shearing, tackle the Elder Range on a mountain bike or take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound.

Bamurru Plains

Bamurru Plains Lodge is a luxury tented safari camp on the edge of Kakadu National Park offering style and exclusivity. The nine-room camp is the quintessence of ‘Wild Bush Luxury’, surrounded by the northern Australia’s unique coastal floodplains and prolific bird and wildlife.

Standards are focused on the highest levels of comfort, but there’s a distinct effort to introduce guests to the sights and sounds of the spectacular environment.

Activities centre around exploring the surrounding countryside, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, open 4WD bush drives, and expert guided walks, and day trips into Kakadu to uncover the area’s rich indigenous culture.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is Australia’s most northerly island beach resort, consistently ranked among the top 10 in the world and the ultimate in understated beach luxury.

A one-hour flight north from Cairns you’ll find 23 powdery-white beaches, a thousand hectares of paradise island national park and 40 understated beach luxe suites, private villas and pavilions.

There are thrilling diving and snorkeling opportunities, either straight from the beach or at the famous Cod Hole, and the nearby Ribbon Reefs are renowned for some of the best big game fishing in the world.

In addition to the variety of reef and water activities, you can enjoy first rate dining, secluded picnics and indulgent spa treatments.

Longitude 131°

Longitude 131° is luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic. The 15 luxury tents are elevated above the fragile bush of central Australia and boast full-length windows looking out to the nearby rust-coloured monolith of Uluru.

Flowing white canvas roofs create a sense of camping, but interiors are anything but basic – king-size beds, modern bathrooms and remotely operated blinds and windows invite in the views at the push of a button.

Explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta and discover the living cultural landscape of the local Anangu, the traditional landowners who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years, and now lead tours uncovering the Dreamtime creation myths and unique flora and fauna associated with the area.

A superb rotational programme of activities has been designed exclusively for guests and is included in the nightly rate. One of these – and the highlight for many staying here – is an evening meal beneath the stars at Table 131°, where a three-course dinner is accompanied by fine Australian wines.

The Louise

The Louise is a tranquil luxury vineyard retreat close to South Australia’s world-renowned Barossa Valley. The 15 lavishly appointed suites come with a private terrace and contemporary feel, with inspired design and artworks a focus in each.

The Louise’s Appellation restaurant is one of the best in the country, where the casual, elegant and intimate ambience is complemented by a menu focused on the best locally sourced produce and an extensive wine list of outstanding Barossan, Australian and international wines.

Qualia

Qualia is a secluded hideaway of world-class luxury and outstanding design on Hamilton Island’s northern tip, surrounded by the unrivalled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

The 60 extremely private pavilions, many with private plunge pools and outdoor showers, enjoy a sun-drenched northern aspect, perfect for appreciating the passing beauty of each day.

Qualia has two infinity pools overlooking the Coral Sea, exclusive restaurants offering fine, fresh and innovative dining, a stunning spa incorporating authentic treatments and access to Australia’s only island championship golf course.

Sal Salis

The nine luxury wilderness tents of Sal Salis sit among the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, a unique place to explore Western Australia’s Coral Coast – one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

This is one of the best places on earth to swim with whale sharks and manta rays and spot giant humpback whales, while on land the coastal dunes and gorges of the Cape Ranges National Park provide a great opportunity to interact with red kangaroos, wallaroos and emus in and around the camp.

The camp brings a touch of style to this remote and beautiful setting where safari guides are on hand to provide an immersive wilderness experience, the chef serves up unmatched bush cuisine, and an evening sundowner is a time for laughter.

Spicers Clovelly Estate

Spicers Clovelly Estate has a relaxed, natural style and sophisticated charm. The clean design and chic interiors lend a level of elegance to the lodge; the discreet, personalised service, a warm touch.

This French-inspired piece of provençal style in the hinterland hills of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast comes with classic Chanel-inspired interiors, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscapes and expansive views across to the coast.

Spicers Clovelly Estate has just ten luxurious suites - a combination of Estate Suites, Spa Suites and a Luxury Spa Suite - all featuring French furnishings, luxury linens, sitting areas and bay windows, slick LED TVs and iPod docking stations, as well as Bemboka blankets and Parker Morgan feather and down pillows.

Inside the stunning spa suites, double showers and spas ‘á chambre’ flow with fresh rainwater collected on site, while the heated marble floors provide the ultimate in comfort.

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