13 of Australia’s best destination lodges, hotels and resorts

These are the most experiential stays in Australia, from outback stations and safari camps to remote coastal hideaways.  

Lodges, hotels and resorts can be much more than just a place to rest your head on holiday. They can be immersive experiences in remote wilderness or unique environments, combining five-star accommodation with carefully curated tours and itineraries. However, Australia’s landscape is vast and diverse – from wet tropical rainforests to sunbaked deserts to towering ocean cliffs and plunging canyons – yet many of these natural wonders remain remote and hard to access. We’ve uncovered the country’s most experiential destination hotels and resorts, including safari camps and working cattle stations, secluded coastal retreats and private islands, where the stay is as extraordinary as the environment itself.  

Bamurru Plains

Top End, Northern Territory

Perched on a remote floodplain beside the Mary River, Bamurru Plains immerses guests in 300 square kilometres of untamed wilderness on the edge of Kakadu National Park open from March to October each year. With just 12 bush safari tents, this off-grid camp offers an intimate wildlife experience in Australia’s remote floodplains and savanna woodlands. Glide across floodplains on an airboat spotting saltwater crocodiles, cruise rivers in search of fish, or wander the savanna on guided walks in search of wallabies, dingoes, water buffalo and brumbies. Return to your safari bungalow to unwind by the pool or share a meal at the long-table communal dining space, enjoying an all-inclusive destination hotel where the natural world is always just outside your door.

Southern Ocean Lodge

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Set along the rugged cliffs of Kangaroo Island, also known as Australia’s Galapagos, Southern Ocean Lodge offers ocean vistas and an intimate connection to native wildlife. Koalas, kangaroos, fur seals and dolphins are your neighbours here, while the lodge itself is a haven of coastal design. Savour locally sourced produce paired with premium South Australian wines, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Southern Spa, and explore the island’s wild landscapes on guided hikes or wildlife encounters. Every stay at this experiential hotel is a luxurious escape into one of Australia’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries.

Learn more: Signature reviews Southern Ocean Lodge

Arkaba Station Homestead

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Step back in time at the 1850s Arkaba Station Homestead, nestled within 25,495 hectares of the Flinders Ranges. Guests enjoy cosy homestead rooms, gourmet dining and access to a host of wildlife adventures, from guided safari drives and birdwatching to immersive bush walks. Opt for the multi-day Arkaba Walk for a wilderness trek with comfortable bush camps and chef-prepared meals, culminating in a night at the historic homestead. Scenic flights over Wilpena Pound add a thrilling perspective to this rugged yet refined outback destination hotel.

Monarto Safari Resort

Monarto, South Australia

Just an hour from Adelaide, Monarto Safari Resort offers an African-style safari without leaving Australia. At dawn and dusk, watch southern white rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and hippos roam freely across the 1,500-hectare safari park, the largest of its kind outside of Africa. Stay in luxury hotel rooms or safari tents (which open soon), then unwind with contemporary Australian cuisine at Kutjera restaurant or spa treatments at Marula Day Spa. Trails and elevated platforms let guests explore the wider zoological park on foot, creating an immersive experience of wildlife and nature at this experiential hotel.

Capella Lodge

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Set on the sub-tropical paradise of Lord Howe Island, Capella Lodge boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforest and volcanic peaks. The nine suites offer unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Snorkel the world’s southernmost coral reef straight from the beach, hike coastal trails or marvel at Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack. Inside, elegant island-inspired interiors reflect the natural surroundings, providing a serene destination hotel amid one of Australia’s rarest and most fragile ecosystems.

Longitude 131˚

Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory

Standing on red desert dunes with direct views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Longitude 131˚ combines luxury and Aboriginal cultural experiences in a outback setting. Sixteen tented pavilions offer five-star comfort while guests enjoy gourmet meals, spa therapies using native ingredients and guided adventures. Hike the Uluru base, explore the Valley of the Winds, ride camels, or take a scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view of this iconic landscape. Longitude 131˚was also among the first Australian experiential hotels to be awarded two Michelin Keys.

Learn more: Signature reviews Longitude 131

Sal Salis

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Tucked within Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis is an eco-luxury safari camp with spectacular views of Ningaloo Reef. Stay in private tents set among the dunes and immerse yourself in marine and desert adventures: snorkel with whale sharks or swim with humpback whales, kayak along pristine beaches, or relax in a hammock beneath the stars. Guided gorge walks and stargazing complement five-star cuisine inspired by the region, with local wines and seasonal produce making up the menu. Here, the reef and wilderness converge in a private and sustainable setting.

Learn more: Signature reviews Sal Salis

El Questro Homestead

Kimberley, Western Australia

Set within 283,279 hectares of gorges, waterfalls, thermal springs and rainforests, El Questro Homestead provides a luxurious base for exploring the Kimberleys’ remote wilderness. The homestead offers all-inclusive dining and drinks with river views, and guests can hike, cruise, join cultural tours, take scenic flights, or explore the park on 4WD tours. Found a 90-minute drive from Kununurra airport. This destination hotel is the gateway to deep gorges, majestic ranges. thermal springs, mud flats, salt flats, rainforests and waterfalls.

Swell Lodge

Christmas Island, Indian Ocean Territory

There’s not a single other accommodation option within Christmas Island’s national park, but the two chalets operated by Swell Lodge. Created and built by Australian wildlife photographer Chris Bray, the solar-powered sites are accessible only by 4WD, and have a private 80-metre forest trail. This off-grid retreat immerses guests in nature, from the island’s infamous migrating red crabs to frigatebirds, dolphins, goshawks and parrotfish. Lounge on the ocean deck, explore rainforest trails, or simply unwind surrounded by the sounds of nature. Every detail has been carried in, handcrafted and assembled on-site, offering a unique, sustainable escape surrounded by one of the world’s most pristine marine and island environments.

Bullo River Station

Baines, Northern Territory

Experience life on a working cattle station at Bullo River Station, where 161,874 hectares of savanna and waterways provide a playground for wildlife and adventure. Spot wallabies, dingoes, crocodiles and water buffalo, fish in pristine pools, take a scenic flight over the landscape or simply unwind by the homestead pool. Try wild swimming at the croc-free Marlee’s Baths, watch the station workers muster, or birdwatch more than 200 species. All-inclusive lodging offers modern comfort with private ensuites and shaded verandahs, while communal areas provide a welcoming space to connect with fellow travellers. Bullo River Station is an experiential hotel that is accessible only by chartered flight, helicopter, or by a 4WD road that can, at times, be impassable.

Silky Oaks Lodge

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Nestled on 32 hectares above the Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge offers plush rainforest treehouse suites and the ultimate Daintree escape. Verandahs, hammocks and open-air design invite guests to relax to the soundtrack of the forest. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, join guided walks, engage with the Kuku Yalanji People, or embark on e-bike adventures and 4WD rainforest safaris. The 323-square-metre Daintree Pavilion is the top suite at this experiential hotel and provides a spectacular private retreat with an infinity pool, open-air atrium, and two bedroom wings.

Lizard Island

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Lizard Island Resort sits within a pristine National Park, offering direct access to 24 secluded white-sand beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Contemporary suites and villas, fine dining at Salt Water restaurant, and indulgent spa experiences create a sophisticated coastal holiday destination for discerning guests. Guests can snorkel, dive, kayak, hike or learn to scuba dive, exploring marine life, meeting green sea turtles and tropical fish. With three Michelin Keys awarded to this destination hotel in 2025 and an endless selection of guided and self-guided nature activities, from sea darts and yoga to birdwatching.

Learn more: Signature reviews Lizard Island Resort

What is a ‘destination hotel’/’experiential hotel’?

A destination hotel is a type of hotel that is not just a place to stay, but a primary reason for visiting a location. Unlike typical hotels that mostly serve travellers passing through or visiting nearby attractions, a destination hotel is itself an attraction, often offering unique experiences, luxurious amenities, or access to extraordinary natural or cultural environments. Similarly, an experiential hotel is a hotel that focuses on immersive experiences rather than just providing a place to sleep. The idea is to engage guests with the local culture, environment or lifestyle, so their stay feels like an adventure or personal journey, not just a standard hotel visit.