It might be a magnet for backpackers, but Australia is also emerging as a top-end travel destination, with luxury lodges and high-end boutique hotels at every turn. Here is our pick of the best.
Best for exclusivity: Moonlight Head, Great Ocean Road
Private lodge Moonlight Head is set at the midpoint of Australia’s Great Ocean Road in coastal Victoria, with the Shipwreck Coast and the Otway National Park on your doorstep.
From the four-bedroom lodge you can explore it all, by foot, horse or motorbike. You’ll have to drag yourself away from the lodge first, though. Built from recyclable materials, it faces the sea and has expansive roof lights so you feel as if the southern sky is your ceiling. Inside, there are Persian rugs, Italian furniture, and a private chef.
Sample product:Kiwi Collection offers rates of £1,375 per night, including a four-hour horseback adventure for two (020 3178 7194)
Best for views: Longitude 131, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
For private views of the sun rising and setting over iconic Ayers Rock, look no further than Longitude 131. Each of the 15 elevated, air-conditioned tents has a dome roof and fabric ceiling to create the illusion of camping, but you’ll hardly be roughing it, with a private bathroom, Bose sound system, and a turndown service.
There are escorted tours to Ayers Rock itself and other nearby natural wonders, plus helicopter tours, camel and Harley Davidson rides. After sunset drinks and canapés, dine under the stars on sumptuous outback fare.
Sample product:: Abercrombie and Kent’s Signature Australia 14-day tour includes two nights at Longitude 131, from £4,925 including international flights. (0845 618 2214)
Best for relaxation: The Byron, Byron Bay
Set within a stunning 45-acre rainforest, The Byron is right on Tallow Beach, at Australia’s most eastern point. Wake up in one of 92 suites, take a yoga class, wander along boardwalks through the rainforest and spot tropical birds, and then indulge in a treatment at the spa – or just lounge around the 25-metre infinity pool.
Close to several national parks and nature reserves, it’s the perfect location for an escape from the rat race. You can also go whale watching, ballooning, horse riding on the beach, skydiving or to circus school.
Sample product::Travel 2 offers three nights at the four star-plus The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, Byron Bay from £231 per person room-only, until December 23.
(08000 224 182)
Best for marine life: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Sal Salis is an eco-friendly lodge hidden among the white sand dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park, 50 metres from the ocean. The famous reef is home to thousands of fish, coral and molluscs, and is a top spot for swimming with whale sharks and manta rays.
There’s plenty of wildlife to spot from your tent too, including red kangaroos, emus, wallabies and goannas. It’s a real getaway, with no TV or phones – but the tents are plush, with en suite bathroom, a chef and a bar.
Sample product::Audley Travel offers a tailor-made two-week trip to Australia, with three nights at Sal Salis and taking in Perth, Darwin and Kakadu National Park, from £3,550. (01993 838 810)
Best for city chic: Limes Hotel, Brisbane
The Fortitude Valley area of Brisbane is known for trendy bars, cafes and clubs. The boutique Limes Hotel fits well into the über cool neighbourhood – it’s the first Australian property to join the Design Hotels group.
There’s an in-house tapas bar and even a rooftop cinema. Choose between a balcony or courtyard room, the latter complete with a hammock, allowing you to make the most of the Brisbane weather.
Sample product:Design Hotels offers rates of £130 per person per night. (0800 3746 8357)
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