Best places to stay in NSW and Queensland
To celebrate The Australian’s 60th birthday, we’ve selected a stellar array of accommodation from city, coast and country. Here, we feature NSW and Queensland.
To celebrate The Australian’s 60th birthday, we’ve selected a stellar array of accommodation from city, coast and country We start this special series with NSW and Queensland.
NSW
City slickers
CAPELLA SYDNEY: If you’re looking for luxury, this is the place. The 192-room (including 34 suites) property, carved from the long-abandoned Department of Education edifice, retains period features such as walnut panelling, marble steps and vestibules, plus steel windows, all of which is augmented by fine original art. In the guest quarters, Frette bedlinens are in a pale dived shade called Singapore Grey. Witness the cloudlike mattress topper, glam corduroy slippers and soft gowns, adjustable lighting, thick layering of curtains, Spotify playlist of “night time” tunes, essential oil pillow spray and “soothing pulse point roller”. “Culturalists” in The Living Room social lounge offer expert on advice on what to see and do in town.capellahotels.com
W SYDNEY HOTEL: In an era when luxury hotel and restaurant interiors so often serve up oatmeal tones, W Sydney embraces brassy, performative glamour. Wedged between twin motorways whizzing by Darling Harbour, its luminous chambers are kitted out with nautical shades, mirrored furnishings and curvaceous beds and chaises. Nestled on level 29 is a cocktail den, supper club and free-flowing pool deck with cerulean vistas. Btwn, the hotel’s sprawling restaurant, is infused with a high-octane energy, with red track ceiling lighting, chevron patterns that recall road signs, and columns decorated with aerosol art by Sophi Odling. You’ll be wowed with a capital W. marriott.com
Regional gems
SUN RANCH, NORTH COAST: A 1980s farmhouse on a 22ha property in the Byron Bay hinterland was the starting point for this groovy, new age escape, where yoga and margaritas are a marriage made in heaven. There’s more than a hint of New Mexico in the look across the four pool suites (called Wam Bam, The Rattler, Gettin’ Lucky and Saddle Up) and half a dozen two-bedroom off-grid barns. Expect macrame wall hangings, cowboy hats, timber panelling and subdued 1970s colour palette. A sunken lounge, whiskey saloon, basalt-paved pool, ice bath and sauna round out the amenities Yee haa and woo-woo all in one place.sunranch.com.au
Little National Newcastle: Expanding its reach after the success of sister properties in Canberra and Sydney, the Little National opened in the Steel City in April. The comfortable but compact concept is clever, offering 181 cosy, minimalist rooms with all the essentials. The difference here is the addition of more spacious apartment options featuring lounge and kitchenette. The communal lounge and library are designed for work and pleasure, serving coffee or cocktails. Light meals are available from the kitchen and there’s a 24-hour wellness centre.littlenationalhotel.com.au
Small but sweet
THE LODGES, BELLS AT KILLCARE: This longstanding central coast success story recently unveiled a quartet of self-contained, family-friendly lodges. Each has two guestrooms, both on the ground floor, set up with king beds that can be split into twins. Ensuites are accessorised with deep-green glossy tiles and feature an oval tub and two showers, including an al fresco option with access to a private plunge pool, softened with magnesium and warmed year-round. Add daybeds, covered dining and barbecue area.bellsatkillcare.com.au
202 ELIZABETH, SYDNEY: This six-storey boutique establishment emerged from an unprepossessing 1980s blond-brick block last year. With 38 guestrooms and suites, it joins a chic network of arty properties in the neighbourhood, among them Crystalbrook Albion, The Old Clare and Ace Hotel. Each of the guestrooms is different in design and layout, but they all feature colourful wall coverings adorned with the likes of pineapples and palm fronds. You’re in the heart of hip Surry Hills, but smart soundproofing ensures a peaceful stay. Bring the pooch, too.202elizabeth.com.au
Island idyll
ARAJILLA RETREAT, LORD HOWE ISLAND: Single and two-storey cabins with louvred windows and beachcomber decor inspired by Aussie shack vernacular range along boardwalks fringed with kentia palms, a short stroll or cycle from Old Settlement Beach. This all-inclusive lodge is delightfully laid-back, with Balinese-style spa and bountiful cuisine. Thoughtful extras include beach equipment, hiking gear, bikes and excursion-ready picnic baskets or barbecue packs. For an extra dash of style, there’s the on-site two-bedroom Blue Peter Beach House.arajilla.com.au
Go coastal
IL DELFINO, YAMBA: Set on a bluff between Main Beach and Convent Beach, Il Delfino consists of five self-contained units refashioned from a 1940s cottage. They are snug but snazzy spaces – three of them with two bedrooms and two with one – offering unfettered ocean views. Each is named for an Italian playground: Cinque Terre, Portofino, Ischia, Scopello and Ravello. Although the apartments are arrayed with Smeg coffee machines, Sonos speakers and vintage bibelots, they’re not so precious that you feel you can’t scatter sand in them after a beach swim. Il Delfino is Italian for dolphin and you might glimpse, from your balcony, a pod of them whirling by. ildelfino.com.au
The glampers
PAPERBARK CAMP, SOUTH COAST: Celebrating it’s 25th birthday this year, this luxe retreat 2½ hours south of Sydney paved the way for dozens of other canvas-clad operations across the country. Roughing it is not required at this sophisticated operation, with each of the 13 tents featuring hardwood floors, plush interiors, private open-air ensuite bathrooms and solar-powered lighting. Top of the range is the king deluxe safari option, which adds a Moroccan slant to its cool monochromatic fit-out, replete with egg-shaped bathtub. Bliss in the bush with the beach a short stroll away.paperbarkcamp.com.au
EVAMOR VALLEY, MUDGEE: This award-winning glamping property just outside Mudgee township features six permanently sited khaki canvas tents, with decks and fire pits (marshmallows and toasting forks provided), spread in an arc on a glorious green and gold rural spread. Owner Charmaine Hurrell’s love of design shines through in the chic furniture, thoughtful accessories and generous provisions. Eastern rosellas flit about, imperious ducks rule the dam, and a walking trail leads to a billabong and Cudgegong River. Sunset views are wonderful, the sense of solitude profound.evamorvalley.com.au
Country roads
LOGAN BRAE RETREATS, BLUE MOUNTAINS: Spread across two properties encompassing pristine bushland and thriving farmland, Logan Brae is a true city escape. Two couples’ cabins are the perfect perch for admiring the Blue Mountains escarpment, kitted out with wood-burner fireplaces, deep tubs, plunge pools and attractive interiors of timber, stone and leather. Nearby, The Lodge has room for eight with open-plan living and dining areas, a billiards room and expansive barbecue deck. Option No 4 is the Machinery Shed, a generously proportioned and slickly restored farm building within the property’s original apple orchard. loganbraeretreats.com.au
QUEENSLAND
City slickers
EMPORIUM HOTEL SOUTHBANK, BRISBANE: Glistening northeast panoramas from the top levels of this glossy high-rise take in a 180-degree sweep of bridges, boats gliding along the Brisbane River, and jagged skyscrapers punching the clouds. An urban oasis vibe prevails on Level 21, with rooftop infinity pool, bar lounge and tropical-themed The Terrace diner, where light and zingy Asian flavours prevail. Among 143 suites in myriad categories, consider the poolside Cabana styles that open to palms and private patios.emporiumhotels.com.au
THE CALILE HOTEL, BRISBANE: This luxury property on James Street was named the 12th best in the world and the only Australian entry on this year’s inaugural list of the top 50 global hotels, compiled by the same team that puts together the highly influential World’s Best 50 restaurants. Designed by architects Richards & Spence, The Calile opened in 2018. “Channelling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe in the heart of the city” is how it was described by the award judges. “The Calile Hotel is the centrepiece of the chic James Street precinct, a leafy oasis in the centre of Brisbane that’s upping the city’s design and dining credentials at a rapid pace.” Foodies are spoilt for choice with six restaurants.thecalilehotel.com
Regional gem
ARDO, TOWNSVILLE: With an infinity pool and lively rooftop bar presenting the blue hues of the Coral Sea in panorama, the recently opened Ardo has plenty to recommend it. Add two signature restaurants (Japanese plus steak and seafood) and 132 guestrooms and suites, and this new hotel has taken Townsville’s hospitality scene up several notches. The decor combines cork floors with concrete ceilings and bathrooms with terrazzo surfaces and mosaic tiles. Grab a pew on your balcony, sip an Army & Navy cocktail and admire Magnetic Island across the water.ardohotel.au
Island idyll
HAYMAN ISLAND, WHITSUNDAYS: Some readers may recall 1970s holidays on Hayman, complete with conga lines, pirate nights and cocktails served in hollowed-out pineapples. This great Aussie survivor has undergone myriad incarnations since then but none as glam as today’s iteration under the InterContinental brand. New to the scene amid diverse accommodation choices are 12 ultra-chic Beachfront Pavilions with dipping pools and direct beach access. Diverse dining options abound, from Asian-inspired fare at Bam Bam to generously topped wood-fired pizzas at Amici.haymanisland.intercontinental.com
Small but sweet
ESSENCE, PEREGIAN BEACH: Skip the Noosa hordes and head instead to Peregian, a paradisiacal slice of sand just to the south. A recent arrival is Essence, a boutique hotel offering 22 smartly appointed studios and 10 two-bedroom apartments. The beach-chic aesthetic marries rattan furniture and concrete with cool timber floors and art deco touches such as fluted credenzas and scalloped velvet headboards. Many of the balconies look out towards the Glasshouse Mountains and are perfect sunset perches.essenceperegianbeach.com.au
Go coastal
THE ELANDRA, MISSION BEACH: This once revered resort on the Cassowary Coast, south of Cairns, was pummelled by Cylone Yasi in 2011 and limped along for the next decade or so. It has now undergone a metamorphosis and emerged as beautiful as a Ulysses butterfly. The 20 design-driven rooms are nestled within 6ha of tropical rainforest, delivering vistas along Wongaling and South Mission beaches, and across Lugger Bay to Dunk and Bedarra islands. The airy bar and restaurant lead to a pool deck topped with pairs of sun lounges, and there’s a spa and gym for those with wellness on their mind. Beach strolls and trips to the outer reef beckon.theelandra.com.au
THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST: The city’s first beachside hotel in three decades, The Langham opened in its prime position between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach with much fanfare in 2022. There are 169 luxury hotel rooms and suites and 170 serviced apartments stacked in the centremost of the three glass Jewel towers. Key elements of the Langham’s signature British-influenced style have been transplanted here: lavish sprays of freshly cut pink flowers, elegant furniture and uniforms, gleaming silverware and fine bone china, a lobby scented with ginger flower, and the ever-smiling “service stylists” who swan about in tailored pastel pink suits. There is, of course, the famous afternoon tea, along with a pool to laze around in between going for swims at the beach just metres away.langhamhotels.com
Country roads
NARROWS ESCAPE, MONTVILLE: Tucked away at the edge of Kondalilla National Park in Montville, Narrows Escape is an adults-only retreat set amid rainforest. After being named Tripadvisor’s Most Romantic Hotel in the World in 2021, and with packages named “honeymoon heaven”, “romantic cocoon” and “babymoon”, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s just for loved-up couples. However, Narrows Escape is a good spot for a girls’ getaway, and is popular with (well-heeled) hikers. Guests of the eight luxurious villas – two with heated private plunge pools – are pampered with chocolates, fresh flowers, gourmet cheese platters and home-baked croissants.narrowsescape.com.au
The glamper
MITCHELL GRASS RETREAT, LONGREACH: At a place indelibly linked to the tough life of the drover, this tented oasis would surely turn a stockman soft. Airconditioned, fully screened and with a king bed and ensuite – some with a freestanding tub – each tent is kitted out to convert the most ardent anti-camper to sleeping under canvas. A kitchenette plus barbecue on a private deck means guests can be fully self-sufficient, especially when supplied with a breakfast basket. The operation is well positioned for visits to Longreach attractions such as the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and a cruise on the Thomson River.mitchellgrassretreat.com.au
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