Australia's best rooms with a view

FROM breathtaking panoramas of bushland and beaches to the sun rising over Uluru – Nicky Park peers out from Australia's best rooms with a view.

FROM breathtaking panoramas of bushland and beaches, to catching the last sunrays over Uluru – Nicky Park peers through Australia's best rooms with a view.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

Mounts Gower and Lidgbird provide the ultimate backdrop to the southernmost reef in the world. Glimmering waves beckon as contented cows graze nearby and I am so transfixed by the view it's almost impossible to put on a swimsuit and head out.

Tip: The premium Lidgbird Suite of Capella Lodge has a dramatic 270-degree ocean and mountain outlook but the lowest tariff Lagoon Lofts also offer excellent views from their mezzanine levels.

Park Hyatt, Sydney

Jaunty green and yellow ferries bustle in and out of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House appears close enough to touch. Room-service dinner on the balcony bathed in the distant glow of those famous white sails is not to be missed.

Tip: Opera Deluxe rooms at the Park Hyatt have two balconies.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Kooljaman Resort, Cape Leveque

Migrating whales are a regular sight from July to October, yet this view is spectacular any time of year. Russet-coloured earth and white sand provide the perfect contrast to an impossibly blue ocean. With accommodation ranging from campsites to up-market safari tents, Kooljaman Resort has views to suit every budget.

Tip: Time your visit to coincide with a full moon, when the landscape is bathed in silvery light.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Voyages Longitude 131, Uluru

Most visitors drive to a designated viewing area and join the masses to watch the sun rise or set over Uluru. From one of the luxurious tents at Longitude 131 this same view is yours to enjoy in cosy privacy.

Tip: Tents 12 to 15 are the most private.

VICTORIA

The Deckhouse, Wye River

This "view for two" is a self-contained studio apartment located along the Great Ocean Road. Koalas snooze in nearby gum trees and surf lifesavers limber up on the beach; by night myriad stars twinkle and lights shine from distant ships.

Tip: Book early as The Deckhouse is popular.

Sofitel, Melbourne

With accommodation starting on level 36, even low floors offer amazing views at Sofitel. At night a sparkling carpet of lights from Melbourne's outer suburbs stretches into the distance and on weekend mornings hot-air balloons float past.

Tip: Bay view rooms are considered premium yet I prefer the other side of the hotel.

QUEENSLAND

Tingirana, Noosa

From balconies at Tingirana, the passing parade along Noosa's busy boardwalk provides constant entertainment. Sun-worshippers head towards the beach and joggers dodge tiny tots in designer gear while everyone pretends not to notice the celebrities. With so much going on all around, the breathtaking ocean view seems almost superfluous.

Tip: Centre rooms on levels two and three are best for views.

Q1 Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise

This is the Gold Coast as you have never seen it, with views stretching from Byron Bay, New South Wales, to Brisbane. The surf-lifesaving helicopters fly past lower than my room yet I am nowhere near the top 80th floor of Q1 Resort & Spa. Swimmers bob prettily like coloured corks and the ocean stretches seemingly forever.

Tip: Ocean-view rooms on high floors are worth the extra cost.

TASMANIA

Bay of Fires Lodge, Bay of Fires

Hikers who sign up for the Bay of Fires walk enjoy the ultimate reward: two nights at Bay of Fires Lodge. Located on a hilltop 40m above the ocean and surrounded by national park, the building affords breathtaking panoramas of pristine bushland and beaches.

Tip: The walk to this accommodation also offers spectacular views.