Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Alexx
Looking for the best places to stay in Australia? From epic hostels to ultra-luxe hotels to off-grid safari tents, this list of the Australia accommodation providers will help you choose where to stay during your Australia adventures.
If you’ve read any of my blogs before, or if you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I’m alllll about finding the *best* accommodation available in any destination. It doesn’t have to be expensive either, I love discovering a funky hostel or a budget-friendly tiny home just as much as I love a five star hotel!
Accommodation is something that is so overlooked when people plan big trips but it can honestly make or break your holiday, so I’m always keen to help you book somewhere that’s going to exceed your expectations. Whether you want something fancy that looks good on the ‘gram or you just want somewhere comfortable and safe as a solo female traveller, here’s a list of all of my favourite places I stayed on my Australia road trip.
And once you’ve checked out the best places to stay in Australia, feel free to read up on the best places to stay in New Zealand or the best places to stay around the world from my previous travels.
What makes an accommodation provider special?
Good accommodation is partly about meeting the minimum requirements (safety, comfort, value etc.) and partly about personal preference.
Even the best hostel in the entire world won’t be a good place to stay for someone who prefers all the amenities of a world-class hotel, and a luxury villa isn’t going to be great for someone who prefers social accommodation or an eco-friendly glamping spot.
I spent 2.5 months travelling Australia, firstly driving Great Ocean Road along the Victorian Coast and then continuing onto Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, before flying to Sydney and driving all the way up to Cairns. During that time I stayed at more than 50 different hotels, hostels and glamping spots, as well as another 25 or so on previous trips to Australia, and I’ve selected the absolute best out of these to put onto this list so you where is worth a splurge, where is worth going out of your way for, and where is just a decent place to rest your head for a night.
All of these reviews are based on my personal experience on my travels, and they’re exactly the places I would recommend to friends and family as well as visit again on my future trips. I hope you find somewhere special to add to your Australia itinerary, or perhaps your future Australia bucket list!
Australia Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay in Victoria
Melbourne
Next Hotel
Type of accommodation: Luxury design hotel
Why it’s amazing: Next Hotel has the vibe and aesthetic of a design hotel but the location and facilities of a top-notch business hotel, giving you the best of both worlds. The room had loads of space for relaxing as well as working, the staff had the genuine friendliness that is often missing at chain hotels, and the on-site bar and restaurant are a great addition to Melbourne’s impressive food scene.
Address: 103 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Search your travel dates at Next Hotel
Read my full Next Hotel review
Selina Hostel Central Melbourne
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: My first experience with the Selina chain of hostels was during my time in Porto, so when I heard that they were expanding into Australia I knew that I had to try out their new locations in Melbourne. The Central Melbourne hostel has an unbeatable location, right opposite Flinders St Station, which does make it noisy but with earplugs you’ll be sweet, The private rooms are HUGE with a desk for digital nomads to work away at (as is the case for most Selina hostels) and the shared kitchen/lounge is massive with lots of dining, chilling and working.
Address: 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Search your travel dates at Selina Hostel Central Melbourne
Bonus tip: I also stayed at the Selina St Kilda location which has great private rooms, but unfortunately is let down by the very small kitchen and lack of elevator. If you don’t mind lugging your stuff up the stairs and don’t plan on cooking every meal then you can check out the St Kilda hostel here.
Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Road)
Sandpiper Motel
Type of accommodation: Motel
Why it’s amazing: Sandpiper Motel is a cute little motel just a short walk from the ocean in Apollo Bay, one of the main stops along the Great Ocean Road. I only stayed here for a night during my three day Great Ocean Road trip which was unfortunate because it was comfortable, cosy and in a brilliant location with an ocean-view balcony, and it’s one of the best value places to stay along the GOR. I’ll be back here next time I’m driving along Great Ocean Road for sure.
Address: 3 Murray St, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
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Warrnambool
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Type of accommodation: Spa resort
Why it’s amazing: Who doesn’t want to stay somewhere with a hot pool sanctuary right outside their hotel?! Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs is an absolute pot of gold at the end of the Great Ocean Road rainbow, the ideal place to spend a couple of days if you’ve been roadtripping along the stunning Victoria coast. The rooms are SO comfortable, my whole experience was super calming from the moment I stepped inside until the moment I drove away (reluctantly!).
Bonus tip: There are four hot pool sessions each day, the morning one is the best way to start the day but the twilight session is adults-only and gives you the opportunity to stargaze as you enjoy the pools.
Address: Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool, VIC 3280
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Book Deep Blue Hot Springs tickets
Real my full review of Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Australia Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay in South Australia
Coonawarra
Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
Type of accommodation: Holiday park and bubble tent
Why it’s amazing: Located near the VIC/SA border, in what seems like the middle of rural Australia, is Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park. The park has loads of space for tents and vans but what really sets it apart is its fantastic glamping offerings! Choose from a classic lotus belle tent or opt for a blow-up bubble tent, which comes with a comfortable bed, fan/heater, privacy curtains and a portable-style toilet in a bathroom out the back. The stars here are absolutely incredible, one of my best stargazing nights in Australia for sure.
Address: 242 Comaum School Rd, Comaum SA 5277
Search your travel dates at Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
Adelaide
Hotel Indigo
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: Hotel Indigo is right in the centre of Adelaide, just 30 seconds from the Adelaide Central Market (the most underrated market in all of Australia if you ask me!). Indigo is actually a chain but each of their locations pays homage to local design and culture, the Adelaide location has wallpaper made up of old Adelaide Festival posters, so funky and vibrant! And as a bonus there’s a rooftop bar with stunning city views as well as a pool half way up the hotel.
Address: 23-29 Market St, Adelaide SA 5000
Search your travel dates at Hotel Indigo Adelaide
You might also like: How to spend 3 days in Adelaide
Kangaroo Island
Seaview Motel
Type of accommodation: Motel
Why it’s amazing: Kangaroo Island was one of my favourite destinations on my Australia road trip, and I highly recommend including it in any South Australia/Adelaide itinerary if you have the time. We stayed at the gorgeous Seaview Motel, located in Kingscote right by the ocean, just a short walk from the cafes and shops in the Kingscote town centre. The motel has been recently renovated and offers generous-sized, beautifully designed rooms for a great price. The best value accommodation on Kangaroo Island from my research!
Address: 51 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote SA 5223
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Read my full review of Seaview Motel
You might also like: Why you need to add Kangaroo Island to your bucket list
Australia Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay in New South Wales
Sydney
Kimpton Margot Sydney
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: If you’re looking for somewhere opulent to stay in Sydney, look no further than the new Kimpton Margot Sydney, a little slice of Art Deco goodness down the road from World Square. The hotel opened in early 2022 and has immediately taken its place as the fanciest hotels in the country, with an exquisite lobby that looks like it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. I was lucky enough to stay in a one bedroom suite (highly recommend if you want to treat yourself) but the ‘normal’ rooms are absolutely lush too.
Bonus tip: Stick around the hotel for 5pm-6pm each day, the Kimpton has a social hour with complimentary drinks for all guests.
Address: 339 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Search your travel dates at the Kimpton Margot Sydney
The Langham Sydney
Type of accommodation: Luxury hotel
Why it’s amazing: The Langham is a world-class luxury hotel brand, but their Sydney location feels more personal and boutique than the other Langhams I’ve experienced. The staff are fantastic, the restaurant serves up a fabulous buffet and award-winning high tea, and there’s an ultra-Instagrammable swimming pool with a sparkling ceiling.
Address: 89-113 Kent St, Millers Point NSW 2000
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Read my full review of the Langham Sydney
Wake Up! Sydney
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Budget accommodation can be hard to come by in Sydney, and *decent* budget accommodation is even rarer, but Wake Up! Sydney is a brilliant option for staying in the city without breaking the bank. They’ve got both dorm rooms and private rooms which are basic but comfortable enough, and the hostel is right opposite Central Station so you have easy access to move around the city. The private room even had a desk which is a rarity for hostels, ideal for digital nomads!
Address: 509 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Search your travel dates at Wake Up! Sydney
ADGE Apartments
Type of accommodation: Self-contained apartments
Why it’s amazing: If you’re looking for an apartment set up with a full kitchen, ADGE Apartments offer spacious units in a great location for a very affordable price. The rooms are bright, I mean Austin Powers bright, but $250 one bedroom apartments are extremely hard to come by in Sydney! Enjoy being in one of Sydney’s hippest suburbs too, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to fill any itinerary.
Address: 222 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
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Little Albion Crystalbrook
Type of accommodation: Small boutique hotel
Why it’s amazing: Located in a heritage building in Sydney’s sophisticated Surry Hills neighbourhood, this gem is ideal for an elegant weekend away. The rooms are beautiful, beds are comfy, there’s a sun-soaked rooftop terrace and they have a daily honour bar where you can DIY your own tipple.
Bonus tip: Reuben Hills is a café just around the corner and they have the best Nutella hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my life.
Address: 21 Little Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
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Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: Even with 100 rooms in a huge warehouse setting, the Ovolo on Woolloomooloo Wharf feels like an upscale boutique hotel. The design is simply stunning, it’s industrial-chic with pink and gold accents, and the rooms are decked out for maximum comfort. But what takes it to the next level is the perks, like daily social hour with free drinks and canapés, and free snacks in the lobby all day. Sign me up.
Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Search your travel dates at Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport
Type of accommodation: Design hotel
Why it’s amazing: Airport hotels are notorious for being boring and costly, but Citadines Connect at Sydney Airport is neither. This is by far my favourite airport hotel in the world, and I’ve stayed in many! There are currently road works all around Sydney Airport so it’s tricky to walk there with bags but it’s just $10 for a shuttle. The hotel itself is epic, the rooms are cosy but make good use of space, there’s a rooftop bar/cafe with snacks and drinks, and there’s loads of work-friendly spaces with plugs and great WiFi if you’re a digital nomad needing to make the most of every minute on the road (like me).
Address: 121 Baxter Rd, Mascot NSW 2020
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Mudgee
Sierra Escape
Type of accommodation: Glamping tent
Why it’s amazing: I mean, look at the photos! Sierra Escape has five tents perched up on hilly farmland above Mudgee, with incredible panoramic views across the valleys. The tents are well-equipped with an indoor fire, beanbags, kitchen and full bathroom, with both indoor and outdoor freestanding bathtubs. Kangaroos roam the property too, I had a couple grazing down by my firepit as the sun went down! There’s also a shared infinity pool for guests to use, although I can confirm it’s bloody freezing in May (maybe not the best idea I’ve ever had…).
Address: 1345 Lower Piambong Rd, Piambong NSW 2850
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Evamor Valley
Type of accommodation: Glamping tent
Why it’s amazing: Mudgee is punching well above its weight in the unique accommodation category, and Evamor Valley is another incredible glamping spot that’s worth adding on to your NSW bucket list. They have three luxurious safari tents for a romantic getaway (or a girls’ trip, or a solo adventure) as well as a farm, river and billabong for you to explore.
Bonus tip: Arrive before sunset, watching the sky change colour and reflect in the pond with a glass of vino in hand is a Mudgee must-do.
Address: 109 Tinja Ln, Eurunderee NSW 2850
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Hawks Nest
Myall River Camp
Type of accommodation: Glamping tent
Why it’s amazing: Just an hour north of Newcastle you’ll find the small towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest that border the Myall River, and a short drive further north will bring you to the off-grid campground of Myall River Camp. It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re in a tent or a campervan, but if you’re looking for a glamping spot within a few hours of Sydney, Myall River Camp has safari tents and tiny houses to choose from.
The tents are beautiful and rustic, with a full kitchen, BBQ and loads of space for activities, and they have a bunk room in case you’re travelling with some friends or have kids with you (they allow nine-year-olds and over).
Bonus tip: Keep an eye and ear out for dolphins making their daily commute down the river to the ocean.
Address: 341 Mungo Brush Rd, Hawks Nest NSW 2324
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Clarence Valley
Clarence Valley Tiny Homes
Type of accommodation: Tiny home
Why it’s amazing: I discovered Clarence Valley Tiny Homes almost by accident, I actually woke up in Port Macquarie one Saturday morning and realised I had messed up my itinerary and hadn’t booked anywhere to stay that night! I checked on booking.com and found Clarence Valley Tiny Homes, and was able to lock in a last minute stay (on a weekend, how lucky!). The owners’ main job is actually building tiny homes for people to purchase, and the one I stayed in is a model that they rent out as a bit of a side hustle, but oh my gosh it has absolutely convinced me to try the tiny home life. This house was perfect for a solo traveller, with a proper kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living area, plus a cute little balcony out front. I’m obsessed!
Address: 23 O’Maras Ln, Gulmarrad NSW 2463
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Byron Bay
The Surf House
Type of accommodation: Boutique hostel
Why it’s amazing: If you want to stay somewhere affordable without cheaping out on comfort, the Surf House is a boutique hostel in the middle of Byron Bay with both dorm rooms and private rooms on offer. The facilities are brilliant too, with Byron’s only rooftop bar onsite, free surfboards for guests to use, and a big kitchen with loads of tables for eating, making friends, and working.
Address: 23 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
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Read my full review of the Surf House
Wake Up! Byron Bay
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: Owned by the same company as Surf House but targeting a more budget backpacker crowd, Wake Up! Byron Bay is right across the road from the beach and has cheap and cheerful dorms and private rooms. Private rooms start at only $129 per night, which has gotta be one of the most affordable accommodation options in Byron.
Address: 25 Childe St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Search your travel dates at Wake Up! Byron Bay
Australia Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay in Queensland
Gold Coast
KOKO Broadbeach
Type of accommodation: Apartments
Why it’s amazing: My parents came to visit during my Australia road trip and we spent five nights at KOKO Broadbeach, which was an absolute treat after visiting a different hotel/hostel almost every night for the few weeks prior! KOKO is a pretty recent open, with beautifully designed and decorated apartments close to Broadbeach’s main shopping and dining area. If you want your own space with a full kitchen as well as a bit of character and spice, KOKO is for you.
Address: 14 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Search your travel dates at KOKO Broadbeach
Brisbane
Il Mondo Boutique Hotel
Type of accommodation: Hotel/apartments
Why it’s amazing: Il Mondo is a top-rated family-owned hotel with rooms from just $207, which is cheeeeap for a decent place to stay in Brisbane! They also have spacious apartments if you want a proper kitchen, and there’s a pool for guests to use on a hot Queensland summer day. What I loved the most about Il Mondo though is the staff, so friendly and chatty, it always makes such a difference when you check in somewhere and are immediately made to feel at home.
Address: 25-35 Rotherham St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Search your travel dates at Il Mondo Boutique Hotel
Noosa
Bounce Noosa
Type of accommodation: Boutique hostel
Why it’s amazing: Alright, this new addition to the Noosa accommodation scene is up there with my all-time favourite hostels in the world. And for good reason, just look at that pool! The rooms are divine, my private en suite room felt like I was staying at an upmarket boutique hotel rather than a hostel, and the summery vibe is just unbeatable. Get a bunch of friends together and book a Noosa getaway at Bounce, you won’t regret it.
Address: 14 Mary St, Noosaville QLD 4566
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Habitat Noosa
Type of accommodation: Glamping tent
Why it’s amazing: Habitat Noosa is a huge campground with a number of offerings from tent sites, campervan sites, cabins right through to luxury glamping cabins for up to four people (with a king bed and bunks). I stayed in the luxury cabin, which comes with a fridge, dressing table if you want to unpack, and a bathroom with flushing toilet and shower. Each tent also has a balcony and firepit, perfect for hanging out at while you watch the local kangaroos hop between the tents.
Bonus tip: Habitat also runs eco-tours through the Noosa Everglades across the lake from the campsite, which is one of the most unique things to do along the Queensland coast.
Address: 204 Lake Flat Rd, Boreen Point QLD 4565
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Airlie Beach
Reefsleep by Cruise Whitsundays
Type of accommodation: Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Why it’s amazing: You’re literally sleeping in a luxury swag under the stars on a pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef, with amazing food, unlimited drinks and easy access to swimming, snorkelling or diving. Do I need to say any more? I cannot stress this enough, if you were going to choose one epic accommodation experience to have in Australia, it should be this.
Address: 24 Port Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Read my detailed review of the all-inclusive Reefsleep Whitsundays experience (there’s more to it than just a night in the tent!) or search your travel dates.
Sea Star Apartments
Type of accommodation: Self-contained apartments
Why it’s amazing: Airlie Beach offers the best access to the Whitsunday Islands and some of the best Great Barrier Reef experiences, but accommodation here can be expensive for what it is. Luckily I discovered Sea Star in my search, where you can find incredible value apartments up on the hills above Airlie, with a super quick drive to the township while being far enough from the chaos and noise. Sea Star offers apartments from just $181 in the off-season, and that also gives you access to the amaaazing infinity pool that looks out over the ocean. Dreamy!
Address: 2 Nara Ave, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
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Townsville
Island View Motel
Type of accommodation: Motel
Why it’s amazing: Another fantastic value option in Queensland is the Island View Motel, which has newly-renovated spacious rooms with cooking facilities, as well as a shared BBQ and pool outside for guests, plus secure parking. The view is truly next level, looking right over Townsville and out to Magnetic Island. Prices start from just $104 per night, perfect for anyone on a budget.
Address: 15-19 Victoria St, Townsville QLD 4810
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Mission Beach
Mission Beach Resort
Type of accommodation: Resort
Why it’s amazing: My one night stay at Mission Beach Resort wasn’t long enough, and as I was leaving I already knew I had to come back for longer. They offer well-priced, well-equipped and spacious rooms and apartments just five minutes from the beach, and they have not one, not two, but four (!!) outdoor pools surrounded by tropical garden.
Bonus tip: Mission Beach is known as being a hot spot for seeing cassowaries, known as the world’s most dangerous bird.
Address: Lot 4 Wongaling Beach Rd, Wongaling Beach QLD 4852
Search your travel dates at Mission Beach Resort
Cairns
Global Backpackers
Type of accommodation: Hostel
Why it’s amazing: If you’re looking for a social place to stay in Cairns without having to slum it (or sacrifice your sleep, I’m looking at you Gilligan’s), Global Backpackers has comfortable rooms in a central location for a decent price. I stayed in a private en suite room which was perfect for my time in Cairns, and with it being right in the city (opposite Cairns lagoon) it was just a short walk to the various activities I had booked. There’s a well-equipped kitchen, huge fridge room (the biggest of any hostel I’ve ever seen!) and some great dining, chill out and work zones.
Address: 67 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870
Search your travel dates at Global Backpackers Cairns
I hope you found somewhere epic for your upcoming Australia holiday! I’ll be adding places here as I manage to visit more of the country so bookmark this page or save it on Pinterest to remind yourself to check back later.
Happy travels!
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