A collection of Australia’s Best Boutique Hotel Stays
Beautiful boutique hotel stays: from the Bellarine Peninsula to Byron Bay
More than just a bed or a place to rest your head, Australia’s best boutique hotels are personality packed and provide a true sense of place. Intimate and inviting they include sophisticated vineyard retreats, cool coastal surf hotels and just about everything in between.
Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of it all – or get away from it all, we’ve rounded up a collection of Australia’s best boutique hotels.
10 of Australia’s Best Boutique Hotel Stays
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach – New South Wales North Coast
Just metres from the sands of palm-fringed Cabarita Beach (only 30 minutes from Coolangatta Airport), between the glamour of the Gold Coast and bohemian Byron Bay, Halcyon House is a little Cote dÁzur chic, a little Californian cool and every bit Australian laid back coastal class. 21 beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, decadent day spa and a beautiful beachside location.
Jackalope – Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Set among the grapes of Willow Creek vineyard only an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula; this is no ordinary country escape! Jackalope offers an intoxicating combination of glamour and sophistication, cleverly juxtaposed with the classic country charms that surround it. The décor is chic and sophisticated, but the welcome is warm and genuine. 46 contemporary guest rooms and suites, a choice of dining options (including the award-winning Doot Doot Doot), a very cool cocktail bar and a super-sleek infinity pool overlooking the vines.
Spicers Potts Point – Sydney, New South Wales
Housed in three fully renovated Victorian Terrace Houses dating back to the 1870s, Spicers Potts Point is, from the kerbside, almost indistinguishable from the houses that surround it .. and that is just how it should be. Step inside, and this Sydney luxury boutique accommodation has achieved a seemingly effortless blend of classic Sydney heritage with contemporary style and comforts. Whilst delicious gourmet breakfasts can be enjoyed in the hotel’s light and airy courtyard, there is no restaurant at as such .. and really there is no need. Spicers Potts Point is surrounded by some of Sydney’s hippest eateries. This is Sydney luxury boutique accommodation with a true local flavour.
Ship Inn – Stanley, Tasmania
In the picturesque Tasmanian town of Stanley on the island state’s windswept north-west coast, the Ship Inn – built in 1849 – has recently been lovingly restored to provide welcoming boutique accommodation. Just as the Ship Inn has survived many different personas over its 170+ year history, each of individually decorated suites has its own personality and it’s own Tasmanian tale to tell: from seafarers, shipwrecks and early settlers, to pioneers, pastoralists and Australia’s only Tasmanian-born prime minister.
The Lon Retreat – Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria
Set on a 200-acre private estate, on Victoria’s beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, the Lon Retreat is a sprawling sandstone homestead housing seven guest suites that invite guests to slow down and quite simply relax. Named after seven different types of cloud, the Lon Retreat’s unpretentious and contemporary, individually decorated guest suites take their design cues from the changing moods of the sky and the sea. Whilst the Lon Retreat enjoys direct access to the beach, there’s also a heated indoor pool (with mineral waters tapped from the limestone caves below) for when the ocean looks a little fresh! The on-site Lon Spa’s minimalist treatment rooms each enjoy soothing ocean vistas and whilst there’s no in-house restaurant as yet, hampers stocked with homestyle meals can be enjoyed in the comfort of your spacious suite. Alternatively, head out to explore the surrounding landscapes dotted with vineyards, farm gates and other gourmet finds.
The Islington – Hobart, Tasmania
Hidden behind high gates on one of South Hobart’s tree-lined suburban streets, the Islington, more like a private home than a city hotel, is at the same time opulent and understated; a welcoming place where elegance and exceptional service go hand in hand. 11 individually appointed guest rooms are decorated with furnishings and artefacts sourced from Africa, Asia and all corners of the globe. Meanwhile, the walls and halls are adorned with an impressive art collection – from Whitleys to Warhols. It is however, the ubiquitous views of Mt Wellington that really steal the show! There are plenty of quiet spots to sit and contemplate or plan adventures for the day ahead, but the centrepiece of the hotel is without doubt the sun-filled conservatory which serves as the restaurant for delicious cooked-to-order breakfasts.
United Places – Melbourne, Victoria
On the edge of Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens, in the trendy suburb of South Yarra, United Places Melbourne offers a stylish and sophisticated urban sanctuary. An oasis of understated luxury and contemporary elegance, each guest suite boasts its own private terrace, a well-equipped kitchen and a mini-bar stocked with thoughtful local produce. The hotel’s signature restaurant – Matilda – is also a firm local favourite.
Drift House – Port Fairy, Victoria
In an unassuming 1840s blue stone house (and the Edwardian cottage next door) in the coastal town of Port Fairy on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Drift House is a very cool design-led six suite retreat that delivers a genuinely warm welcome. Boutique accommodation is complemented with the hotel’s signature “Super Continental” breakfasts (usually including fresh berries, home-made spreads and relishes, locally baked sourdough and regionally-sourced charcuterie) served in the glass-walled Salon surrounded by the hotel’s fragrant courtyard garden. All this only a short stroll from Port Fairy’s surf beach, tranquil riverside and historic town centre where guests will discover a collection of great local eateries.
Ovolo Inchcolm – Brisbane, Queensland
In a break from the conventional, art deco architecture and modern art meet at the Ovolo Inchcolm to create a warm and welcoming boutique hotel just 10 minutes’ stroll from Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall and the city centre. Boutique and bespoke, elegant and eclectic, Ovolo Inchcolm celebrates its heritage features whilst offering all of today’s modern comforts. Individually decorated rooms are complemented by the property’s lively restaurant and intimate rock star bar.
Bespoke itineraries showcasing Australia’s best boutique hotel stays:
From tropical Port Douglas to the furthest tip of Tasmania, from the outback to the ocean, this list is only the smallest selection of the many fabulous unique and boutique places to stay right across our beautiful backyard. We can curate short breaks and epic self-drives incorporating Australia’s best boutique hotels, in whichever direction you choose to travel.
Read on to browse our collection of suggested Australian itineraries featuring some of the country’s fabulous boutique accommodation for inspiration:
New South Wales itinerary suggestions
Victoria itinerary suggestions
Queensland itinerary suggestions
Tasmania itinerary suggestions
then contact your Southern Crossings Travel Designer to tailor a personalised itinerary featuring some of Australia’s best boutique hotels and personality-packed luxury accommodation that’s just right for you.
