The 29 best luxury hotels in Australia

This little pocket of paradise in the heart of town is one of the latest additions to Byron’s collection of five-star hotel openings – and just months after its debut, Basq House was named among the world's 100 best new hotels for 2025. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the free-flowing property features plenty of communal spaces, including an eclectic lounge filled with board games, books, a bar and a fireplace, and a centrepiece magnesium pool inspired by a traditional Moroccan riad. Soak up the sun on comfy loungers by the pool, or retreat to one of 32 light-filled rooms. 

The rooms may be minimalistic and compact, but thanks to high ceilings and a breezy balcony, they feel spacious and airy. The blush-toned colour palette adds a soft, feminine touch, while a fully stocked mini-bar, linen bathrobes, luxe Mr Smith toiletries and a plush king bed make it the perfect setting for moments of intimacy or pure relaxation. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of complimentary snacks and coffee from the self-service bar, including free breakfast pastries and coffee.

Address: 4 Fletcher Ln, Byron Bay NSW

Price: From $395 per night

The shiny, white-washed stone façade of Raes has been a fixture of Byron Bay’s sparkling, celeb-dotted Wategos Beach for 30 years. Over the decades, the luxury, seven-room hotel has played host to some of Australia’s most elite guests, including Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pink and Tom Cruise. While its waterfront location is the obvious drawcard – along with the secluded spa and freshly-caught seafood at Raes Dining Room – the hotel’s two penthouses are as good as luxury gets in NSW, with sunken baths, plump daybeds and multiple ocean-facing balconies. 

Raes Dining Room is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay, and Australia, for that matter. A long lunch here, and getting that shot along the tiled staircase, is as synonymous with the beach town as the Lighthouse and the Hemsworth brothers. Here, the brief is modern Australian food with a Mediterranean touch. Think kangaroo 'tartare', tomato tagliolini with coral prawns, local fish cooked in paperbark and lemon myrtle leaves, and a lemon meringue bombe for dessert. If you can't splurge on a stay, you should definitely splurge on lunch. And if you can't splurge because Raes is already fully booked (a common occurrence), try for a night at Raes Guesthouses – their sister boutique resort, located just 100 metres from the OG hotel. For something closer to town, there's also The Bonobo by Raes – a new 33-room hotel-meets-lifestyle hub.

Time Out tip: Be the very first in Australia to see the sunrise at Byron Bay’s famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. You're already halfway there, with the walking track from town conveniently passing by Raes. Once you reach the summit of Australia’s most easterly point, you can take in sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the wider Byron region. Pack your swimmers for a post-sunrise dip at Wategos Beach and keep your eyes peeled in case you’re visiting during whale or dolphin season.

Address: 6-8 Marine Pde, Byron Bay NSW

Price: From $886 per night

Situated in the centre of Perth’s burgeoning CBD and occupying three of Western Australia’s heritage-listed buildings dating back to the 19th century, COMO The Treasury is cosier than slipping into flannelette PJs, yet as luxe as cashmere. With just 48 minimalistic rooms, it’s the place for those who are usually seen, to not be seen. Guests don’t even need to leave the hotel. You can organise in-house personal training or private yoga sessions, swim laps in the 20-metre heated indoor pool, dine at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants overlooking the Swan River (may we suggest Post for a fine Italian affair), or enjoy a luxe treatment at the Shambhala day spa.

The most intriguing part of COMO The Treasury is that no two of its 48 rooms are the same. Each floor plan is shaped by the building’s heritage-listed layout, spanning from 55 square metres (yep, that’s the “smallest”) to 120sqm for the largest suite. The rooms are equipped with everything you could ever need – king beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, comfy grey sofas with plush pillows, a complimentary mini bar and a generous bathroom with heated tiles and a deep soaking tub.

Time Out tip: Beat the jet lag with a spa treatment at Como Shambhala Urban Escape, where a range of holistic Western and Eastern healing therapies are on offer.

Address: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA

Price: From $1,016 per night

This ritzy, five-star stay is set on the banks of Perth’s calming Swan River, but trust us, you’ll never want to actually leave the hotel. The lobby is as impressive as any Australian art gallery, featuring 10,000 pieces of Kimberley sandstone and dried native plants displayed in large earthy pots. If the foyer is anything to go by, you already know what awaits you at a higher altitude is going to blow you away. That being said, the fifth-floor infinity pool sits pretty aside panoramas of the nearby city skyline and Elizabeth Quay. Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s vitality pools overlook the famed Bell Tower – one of the best architectural constructs in Australia. The sauna may be a much-needed feature too, or perhaps a much-wanted self-indulgence, as the exclusive Hearth Restaurant specialises in local produce and open-fire cookery at the base of the hotel.

Natural light sprawls through the floor-to-ceiling windows, with each of the 205 guest rooms and suites offering stunning vistas of the city, river and surrounding parklands. Ultra-modern is the vibe, along with soft tones, curvaceous fittings and considered lighting. That floating feeling is attainable across all quarters, but our favourites are the Elizabeth Quay and Presidential Suites, which both boast spacious, private balconies.

Time Out tip: Getting to Rottnest Island from The Ritz-Carlton Perth is a breeze, with the Barrack Street Ferry Terminal just seconds from the hotel lobby.

Address: Elizabeth Quay, 1 Barrack St, Perth WA

Price: From $549 per night

A playground of glamour and grandeur, this five-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring Perth’s city centre and beyond. Located in the vibrant pulse of Hay Street, you'll find yourself surrounded by a stellar lineup of renowned restaurants and the illustrious His Majesty’s Theatre, all just steps away. Spread across 16 beautiful floors, InterContinental’s 240 guest rooms guarantee a good night’s sleep with plush bedding and a luxurious window chaise for indulging in lazy afternoon naps. Once you’re feeling revitalised, hit the hotel fitness centre from AM to PM, which is decked out with all the modcons, including elliptical machines and rowers. If you overstay your training sesh, never fear, InterContinental offers 24-hour room service for post-cycle snacking. Take sweaty gym gear off your mind too, and hand it over to the in-house laundry. 

Three different rooms and two suites are featured at this CBD hotel – all contemporary in style, sun-lit and carpeted or vinyl floor-boarded for a warm welcome. If expansive views across Perth are high on your priority list, make sure you book the King Premium Corner Cityscape View room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling adjacent windows for multi-directional vistas. The 89-square-metre Penthouse Suite is a home away from home too, with its full-on kitchen, dining and living room. Its 180-degree panoramas of Perth don’t go astray either.

Time Out tip: Escape the hustle and bustle with a cocktail or two on the outdoor terrace at The Loft, settle in for an intimate Spanish feast at Heno & Rey, or enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at Ascua Restaurant.

Address: 815 Hay St, Perth WA

Price: From $324 per night

It’s one of the most expensive hotels ever built in Australia – and it shows. Perth's Crown Towers is the place to stay for a true five-star (some even say six-star) hotel experience. In fact, it was Australia's only hotel to receive five stars in Forbes' 2025 Travel Guide Star Award. Luxurious finishes, attentive staff and fancy décor greet you, as do the seven-metre woven ceilings in the lobby. You'll find plenty of places for a world-class meal, including buffet breakfast at the Epicurean, which is considered the best in Perth. Splash out during your stay by booking a super-luxe massage or facial at the onsite day spa. Or literally make a splash at the multi-tiered lagoon, complete with cabanas and plenty of comfy sun-bathing chairs. Resort-style, waterside dining at The Enclave is an experience in itself, thanks to the private infinity pool with spectacular views of Perth and the Swan River.  

As for Crown Towers’ rooms and suites, ten differing spaces are fitted out with neutral tones, elegant fixtures and pristine furniture. And you’d be all out of luck if you don’t take full advantage of the west-facing abodes, which offer vast and simply breathtaking river- and city-scapes of Perth. The Premier King and Twin rooms do the trick, along with the Studio, Executive and Premier Suites, and the cream of the crop Premier Club View Suite with uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling perspectives. You know it’s getting serious when there are marble tabletops involved, too.

Time Out tip: Take a dip in the lagoon-style pool no matter what the weather; it’s heated to 30 degrees all year round.

Address: Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood, Perth WA

Price: From $459 per night

For a taste of inner-city luxury, you can’t go past W Melbourne. The high-end hotel packs 294 guest rooms, 29 suites, a secret bar, a premium restaurant, a sun terrace, a next-level gym and a sexy top-floor pool into its Flinders Lane digs – and still manages to feel boutique rather than a behemoth. Every detail at the W Melbourne has been carefully considered, meticulously placed and kept affectionately local. Its design takes inspiration from Melbourne’s laneway culture, with little nods to the city throughout the venue. From the wardrobes that look remarkably like Melbourne’s streetside kiosks to the street art-style works of a female affectionately called 'Mel' that adorn many of the hotel’s walls, you can tell this is a place that likes to have a bit of fun. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows feature in every room, as do colourful fixtures, Foxtel channels and king beds that lure you into a contented slumber. But it’s the bathrooms that really impress: each room is fitted with a Japanese Toto smart toilet (yes, the ones with a bidet and heated seats!). There’s a fitness centre on level 14 alongside what might be the cherry on top of this entire hotel: a gorgeous, gold-roofed indoor pool with a poolside bar and a DJ booth. 

Time Out tip: Head to the indoor pool before 7am for a solo swim, and you might even see hot air balloons pass by the windows.

Address: 408 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC

Price: From $365 per night

High above Melbourne’s streets, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne delivers a hotel experience defined by dramatic views and polished luxury. Arriving in the 80th-floor lobby, guests are met with sweeping city panoramas framed by vast floor-to-ceiling windows – a spectacle that continues throughout the stay.

The hotel rises 80 storeys and houses 257 thoughtfully designed rooms, each blending deep brown and cream interiors with golden touches. Automatic blinds reveal ever-changing outlooks over Port Phillip Bay, while expansive bathrooms feature sliding panels so the scenery can be admired even from the bathtub. Dining centres on Atria, a modern Australian restaurant that showcases seasonal menus and a celebrated tasting experience, with breakfast reimagined for hotel guests. Wellness is equally central, with a level-64 sanctuary that includes treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools, a sauna and steam room.

Time Out tip: The 20-metre heated infinity pool is the standout, complete with submerged lounges gazing across the skyline. Even the gym’s treadmills come with a view.

Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC

Price: From $750 per night

Opened just over a decade ago, the QT Melbourne has made quite a splash in the city. Its 188 rooms can be hard to come by, so if you’ve got your heart set on staying, book in advance. The handsome building has a grand entrance – all soaring ceilings, wood panels and marble. You’ll find a large selection of mostly digital art flickering throughout the hotel, and rooms have an orient-meets-Wall Street vibe with timber floorboards, glamorous ensuites and QT’s “please-don’t-make-me-get-up” gel-topped beds.

Book into a suite and you could find yourself with a freestanding bathtub, set on an enclosed pavilion overlooking one of Melbourne’s hipper rooftop bars. This being a posh joint, you’ll also find high-spec designer tech, free Wi-Fi and fresh new release movies. Valet parking, 24-hour room service and an on-site gym are the cherries on top of this fashionable Melbourne sundae.

Time Out tip: See eye-to-eye with Melbourne’s stunning skyline on the sun-drenched rooftop bar at QT, featuring private booths, a lounge and an outdoor bar. 

Address: 133 Russell St, Melbourne VIC

Price: From $257 per night

After a $600 million redevelopment, 1 Hotel – the eco-driven, luxury hotel juggernaut with a focus on blending sustainability with beautiful biophilic design touches – finally opened its doors to the public in mid-2025. From the minute you walk through the doors of 1 Hotel Melbourne and into the lobby, it’s impossible not to feel charmed by the laid-back luxury. A cute little farm stand stocked with fresh apples is set up to the side (handy for hungry kiddies), while a large board has information on the restaurant opening hours, spa treatments and ‘happenings’ – aka activities like DJ sessions, full moon readings, cheese and wine nights, and yoga classes.

More peaceful sanctuary than standard hotel room, it’s the little touches here that make every stay special: the robes are made from a fluffy cotton tracksuit material, so it feels like you’re wearing a giant hoodie; there’s a yoga mat and cork roller to stretch out your muscles post-workout or swim; and there’s no paper or plastic at all – instead, you can use a cute mini blackboard to leave notes, while a beautiful engraved stone acts as a Do Not Disturb marker. Other luxury amenities include filtered water taps, a Delonghi coffee machine, Bamford Wellness spa products and a mini bar stocked with yum goodies.

Time Out tip: Book a table at the on-site restaurant, From Here By Mike, where menu highlights include the twice-baked Meredith Dairy goat’s cheese soufflé and oh-so-salty house spaghettini with white anchovies.

Address: 9 Maritime Place, Docklands, Melbourne VIC

Price per night: From $368 per night

This cutting-edge five-star hotel is what you might expect to find in New York's uber-hip Meatpacking District – not set among rolling hills and swaying vines of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It's boutique, with only 45 rooms, featuring king-sized beds, rain showers, black stone baths and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can look out onto the gorgeous surrounding property. The staff are very attentive, showing you to your room and familiarising you with all the whiz-bang accoutrements and luxurious touches therein. Everything in the mini bar is included in your stay (with the exception of the wine), movies are free on demand, and an iPad is loaded with information about the hotel, a room-service menu, local points of interest and news websites.

Jackalope's amenities are pretty spectacular, too, with a 30-metre infinity pool and spa overlooking the vines and numerous function spaces. The Geode, a self-contained building next to the spa, hides a pretty cool secret: one half is a poolside bar, which is extremely popular in summer, particularly during summer weddings. The other half is a small massage room, with enough space for two tables and breathtaking views across the hills. 

Time Out tip: The hotel has world-class dining facilities to match its stunning accommodation. Its fanciest restaurant is the acclaimed Doot Doot Doot, which does an eight-course degustation featuring local produce. There’s also the on-property winery and cellar door.

Address: LL Vineyard, 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North, Mornington Peninsula VIC

Price: From $580 per night

This swanky Brisbane stay is the only Aussie venue to feature in the World's 50 Best Hotels every year since it launched in 2023 (having ranked 12th in 2023, 25th in 2024, 34th in 2025 and 83rd in 2026). There’s a lot to love about The Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. Soak up the sun poolside with a refreshing smoothie, enjoy spanakopita and seafood at the sophisticated Hellenika restaurant, try an energetic session in the fitness centre with an in-house trainer, and slow down later at The Calile’s glamorous wellness spa.

On the sleep front, there are nine types of rooms and suites to tickle your fancy, ranging from an urban abode with a breezy Juliet balcony overlooking James Street, to a poolside room with day beds in the spacious living area, to a deluxe suite that screams "this is what dreams are made of". Each room also features a locally sourced mini-bar, Nespresso machine, Chromecast television and a Dyson hairdryer. You can get all dolled up for a night on the town – aka Fortitude Valley – or within the James Street Precinct itself, at top restaurants like Gerard's Bistro or SK Steak & Oyster. 

Time Out tip: Wake up early to nab yourself a beautiful cabana or daybed by the pool. It opens at 6am to let you catch the sun rising.

Address: 48 James St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD

Price: From $422 per night

The three crystalline towers of the Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with a health club and day spa, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When the Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Four years later, it's still shining just as brightly as on day one.

The two outer towers house 170 ‘jewel residences’ (think luxury serviced apartments), while the tallest central tower boasts 169 rooms and suites. Touches of blue in every room subtly highlight The Langham’s million-dollar seaside setting, with sweeping views maximised by the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. When the sun comes out to play, head outside to the peaceful lagoon where you can move seamlessly from the water to the swim-up bar to the plush poolside lounges. If the weather is playing up – a rare occurrence on the GC – float upstairs to The Langham’s luxurious wellness centre on level two. Warm up in one of the steamy sauna rooms, drift away in the diamond-shaped indoor magnesium pool, or take a meditation class in the multi-purpose health studio. For an extra touch of luxury, visit the Chuan Spa for treatments inspired by centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, including hot stone therapy, white clay facials and mud wraps.

Time Out tip: While away the afternoon in ever-so-fancy luxury with The Langham’s famed high tea, which is served in their Palm Court overlooking the lagoon pool.

Address: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD

Price: From $375 per night

Arguably the Gold Coast’s most luxurious accommodation to date, this 24-storey beach house marks the Australian debut of LA’s innovative Mondrian hotel group. The five-star property swung open its doors in June 2025, just metres from Queensland’s pine tree-framed Burleigh Beach. Inside, Mondrian Gold Coast serves up laid-back luxury with 208 studios, suites and homes – all boasting views that’ll make your jaw drop, stretching from the Pacific Ocean right out to the Hinterlands. Sun-drenched and twice the size of the national average, the rooms perfectly capture the essence of Queensland's iconic surfing destination with its famous rolling waves, swaying pines and sparkling white sands.

Downstairs, LiTO whisks you straight to the Italian coast with a warming all-day menu of Med-inspired fare, including woodfire breads, lobster bucatini and tableside tiramisu. On level three, Haven pairs Burleigh’s barefoot vibes with the freshest seafood, finest Champagnes and unbeatable Pacific Ocean views. Post-feast, you can relax in one of two magnesium-infused plunge pools or splash out in the 24-metre resort-style pool. On the wellness front, Mondrian Gold Coast is home to a super modern fitness studio and neighbouring Ciel Spa, specialising in advanced bio-wellness therapies. 

Time Out tip: If you're staying a while, opt for a suite or beach house – the added kitchenette and laundry will come in handy. 

Address: 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast QLD

Price: From $499 per night

Escape to your very own piece of paradise at Australia’s most famous private island resort. This is the type of place you see on television shows, only much, much better, thanks to its panoramic position on the sparkly blue waters of the Whitsundays. The high-end property on Hayman Island is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings, each boasting either rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool views. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suites, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool – the largest pool in the Southern Hemisphere – from a private beach-facing balcony. 

In your downtime (of which there's plenty), unwind by the heated infinity pool, seek shade under the exclusive waterfront cabanas, melt away stress with a hot stone massage, or settle in for a seafood feast at sunset. When it comes to dining, there are five restaurants and bars to pick from: head to Pacific for a complimentary buffet breakfast with ocean views; Bam Bam for zesty Pan Asian dishes by the infinity pool; Amici for Mediterranean classics and woodfired pizza; Aqua for relaxed poolside bites; and Pacific Bar for a fine glass of wine. 

Time Out tip: Every morning, you can make the most of complimentary watersports, including paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Trust us, it's worth waking up early for!

Address: Hayman Island, Whitsunday Islands QLD 

Price: From $851 per night 

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island’s newest boutique escape, The Sundays, was the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island in more than 17 years. The $35 million price tag is just a hint of what to expect at this boutique beach hotel by the team behind Qualia, which brings a fresh, family-friendly energy to the island. All guests at The Sundays enjoy complimentary return transfers from the airport or marina, so you could be sipping cocktails by the beach within minutes of touching down.

The property itself is a coastal-luxe dream come true, featuring 59 tropical-inspired rooms, a private hotel pool with cabanas and sun loungers, an activity deck for sunrise yoga and moonlit movies, and a water’s edge restaurant and bar by acclaimed Sydney chef Josh Niland with sparkly views of Catseye Beach. Here, guests can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast and free sundaes from 2pm to 4pm daily. Plus, all guests have access to all the perks of the neighbouring Hamilton Island Resort Centre – think snorkelling gear, catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards, larger pools, a gym, a kids’ club and a brand-new playground.

Time Out tip: Designed with young families in mind, The Sundays' interconnecting rooms are perfect for those with little ones in tow, comfortably sleeping up to six guests. The hotel also features eight accessible rooms with easy access to the tropical gardens and waterfront restaurant.

Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays QLD

Price: From $1,030 per night

If you’re craving private island resort vibes without the thousand-dollar price tag, Ardo is your go-to. Right by the water’s edge and on the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef, this is proudly Townsville’s first five-star luxury hotel. Inside, there are 132 elegant rooms and suites spread across seven floors, offering views of the sea, yacht-dotted marina, sparkling city lights – or, if you’re staying in one of the premium suites, a combo of all three.

Each room features private courtyards or balconies, individually controlled cooling, plush king beds and a mischievous minibar. You won’t ever need to leave the resort, which also boasts a dazzling day spa, complimentary access to the neighbouring gym, a heated infinity pool with sun loungers, a rooftop bar for sunset sips and two chef-hatted restaurants. On the ground floor, Terasu offers a punchy Japanese dining experience inspired by the bright lights of Tokyo, while Marmor on level eight delivers a sophisticated modern Australian dining experience combining the best of the land and the sea.

Address: The Ville Precinct, 67 Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, Townsville City

Price: From $329 per night

Expect nothing but five-star service at Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns. This all-too-dreamy, waterfront hotel is the perfect place for some fun in the sun (but the luxe adult edition). The property houses 311 coastal-chic rooms and suites with views of the city lights, lagoon or ocean. All your needs (even some you didn't know you had) are taken care of with your choice of an uber-comfortable king bed or two king singles, a spacious balcony, a 55" HD Smart TV, complimentary movies, a Nespresso machine, mini-bar, rainforest shower and baths in selected rooms. 

Stake your claim by the 1,000-square-metre swimming lagoon with a man-made beach, sip on Piña Coladas at the Calypso Club and leave your worries behind with a couples massage at Eléme Spa. The Crystalbrook Riley is also within walking distance to the main marina in Cairns, which is the perfect gateway to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Time Out tip: Plan a romantic getaway by booking Crystalbrook Riley’s Panoramic Sea View Room, which offers unspoiled views of the Coral Sea from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD

Price: From $311 per night

Play and stay to your heart’s content at this boutique, Art Nouveau-inspired hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct. The Playford facade is a North Terrace icon, recognisable for its curving balconies, vine-etched frontage and a row of burgundy umbrellas that line the street. All rooms and suites were designed to be timeless, featuring plush bathrobes and slippers, luxury Appelles amenities, heated towel rails and a customisable pillow menu at your fingertips.

Guest parking and 24-hour access to the health club, including a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, earn The Playford bonus points, as does its award-winning Luma Restaurant & Bar. Having undergone renovation in 2023, you can rest assured that The Playford is decked out with all the mod-cons for a more than pleasant stay.

Time Out tip: Start your morning with a creamy latte and a pastry from Luma Restaurant & Bar. The pastries are baked fresh daily using local South Australian ingredients and can be delivered straight to your door for the ultimate breakfast in bed.

Address: 120 North Tce, Adelaide SA

Price: From $212 per night

Anchored to Hobart’s buzzing waterfront precinct, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms in three buildings of starkly different eras. You can pick from park-facing Heritage rooms with Georgian touches like vaulted doors and restored fireplaces overlooking the leafy St David’s Park; Pavilion suites that boast floor-to-ceiling window panes with views of the harbourfront and kunanyi/Mount Wellington (plus a 108-square-metre rooftop); and Art Deco rooms with bold colour palettes and decor in all their yesteryear glory. So if you’re after a spot of luxury, luxury is what you get.

The award-winning Tasman also delivers the goods via their adjoining eatery, Peppina – serving up divine Italian fare. There's house-made gnocchi, succulent braised meats and just-caught seafood. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Hobart, and you’d be silly to pass it up. The hotel’s central locale is hard to beat too, with Derwent Harbour, Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD on The Tasman’s doorstep.

Time Out tip: The Peppina Pantry offers a European-style breakfast spread that's well worth the $55. It's centred around a large wooden table overflowing with local charcuterie, artisan cheeses and fresh salads. On the sweet side, there’s housemade granola, pot-set yoghurts (I highly recommend the cereal panna cotta), buttery pastries, pancakes and honey straight from the comb.

Address: 12 Murray St, Hobart TAS

Price: From $459 per night

This five-star hotel is easily the shining star of Hobart’s handsomely historic waterfront district. MACq 01 is proud to be Australia’s first ‘storytelling’ hotel and immerses you in its narrative from the moment you arrive. All of MACq 01’s 114 rooms and suites are named after a prominent Tasmanian personality from Hobart’s colourful and distant past. Six on-site restaurants and bars have you spoilt for choice when hunger sets in. Or hit the decked-out gym, if that’s more your thing. 

Book a premium waterfront suite to score one of the hotel’s famous third-floor private terraces, wood-panelled with sweeping wharf views. Leaving your room each day will be a chore. But if you do muster up the enthusiasm to venture out, MACq01 is right in Hobart’s epicentre, meaning that perusing on foot is most certainly on the cards.

Time Out tip: If your room doesn’t have a water view, head to the hotel’s Story Bar for a sundowner. It’s got one of the best vantage points in Hobart.

Address: 18 Hunter St, Hobart TAS

Price: From $462 per night

Australia’s first dedicated art hotel delivers much more than just a place to crash from its optimal location on Hobart’s historic waterfront. Staying at The Henry Jones is like staying at an art gallery, with 400 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art displayed throughout the lobby and suites. As you absorb the visual delights of the hotel, you can also wine and dine at its sophisticated restaurant, Landscape, or all-day café Jam Packed – each spotlighting Tasmania’s finest local produce, or settle in for a drink at the hotel’s intimate cocktail lounge, IXL Long Bar.

As for The Henry Jones’ rooms and suites, they all underwent a facelift in 2018, so rest assured (and comfortably) knowing that you’re snoozing in sophisticated style. The dual-level Corporate Studio will get you by if you’re on a budget, while the Peacock Terrace awaits your splashing out. This particular room is the oldest standing building on Old Wharf and the original home of the Jam Factory founders. Expect a smooth blend of industrial coolness, timber allure and hand-cut stone walls, with red a common theme between the rooms. It’s the whole package at The Henry Jones Art Hotel.

Time Out tip: Henry Jones runs guided art and history tours most days at 4pm. Tours are complimentary for in-house guests; you’ll enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you hear the narrative of the site and its art unfold.

Address: 25 Hunter St, Hobart TAS

Price: From $298 per night

You may recognise the name of this designer hotel chain from its outposts in Melbourne and Sydney, but Ovolo Nishi has swiftly become a firm favourite for both Canberrans and travellers alike. Taking over the bones of the former arty establishment Hotel Hotel in 2018, Ovolo Nishi is a true guest-first hotel. Lap it up in one of Ovolo’s 82 stylish rooms situated across just three floors, individually furnished with timber, concrete, eucalypt, salvaged Tasmanian tree ferns and one-of-a-kind vintage artworks. Of course, you get all the modern bits too – a super comfy queen/king bed, walk-in rain shower, Smart TV with Chromecast, Alexa Bluetooth speaker and electric block-out blinds.

During your stay, be sure to max out on the perks, including a welcome drink during Apero Hour, a 24-hour gym, Canberra’s long-standing favourite Monster Kitchen and Bar, and, maybe most importantly, a free in-room mini-bar for those midnight treats. Also, take advantage of being within walking distance to many of the city's iconic landmarks. Pop down the road for some skimming at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia on a rainy autumn day, or head across the neighbouring highway to Acton Beach on a sunny arvo, where you can hire a boat and test out your lake legs in style. 

Time Out tip: Ovolo Nishi offers rooms that face both inwards and outwards – towards the atrium for a cosier atmosphere and towards the sun if you’re in the mood for a natural wake-up call.

Address: 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra, ACT

Price: From $175 per night