From contemporary city escapes to remarkable regional lodgings, there’s plenty to love about the best 5-star hotels in Australia. Tick off bucket-list items and local wonders while dining and drinking your way through some of the country’s favourite destinations in ultimate luxury.
Take a swing on a championship golf course after a day on the Great Ocean Road or go from outback to opulent spa treatments in minutes – it’s all possible when you’re staying at the best 5-star hotels in Australia. We’ve rounded up the must-stay spots across the country, covering beachfront boltholes, desert oases and historical havens, all perfectly located for your next great escape.
The best 5-star hotels in Queensland
Langham Gold Coast
It’s all about Gold Coast glamour at Langham Gold Coast, a sun-kissed oasis just moments from the spectacular shores of Broadbeach. The exclusive self-contained residences stand proudly along the shoreline, featuring fully equipped kitchens, plush bedding and open-plan living areas, leading onto a private balcony with jaw-dropping views. The surrounding resort complex leaves no doubt as to why it’s one of the best 5-star hotels in Australia. Paddle in two glittering resort-style pools, relax at the spa and dine and drink your way through three world-class restaurants, including the Langham Palm Court.
The Star Gold Coast
A self-proclaimed ‘5-star fun-parlour’, The Star Gold Coast is a hedonistic haven for discerning travellers, featuring two distinct-yet-luxurious accommodation options, an indulgent spa, award-winning restaurants and outstanding facilities, including a 24-hour casino. The freshly renovated Star Grand stands proudly on Broadbeach Island, offering 596 refined rooms, an expansive pool and eight dining options. For a little more living space, look to the suites at The Darling, complete with unique finishes and the finest amenities.
Read more: One Night at The Star Grand
Pullman Cairns International
Pullman Cairns International delivers tropical luxury from its oceanfront spot in the heart of Tropical North Queensland’s capital. Just minutes from the departure point for Great Barrier Reef ferries, it’s perfectly placed for enjoying all the region has to offer, while remaining conveniently close to the airport. The 5-star escape puts comfort and convenience at the top of its list, with an award-winning spa, a seafood-focused restaurant and some of the largest rooms in the city. If the Pullman Cairns is unavailable, fear not – its sister hotel, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, is just across the road and equally impressive, with 5-star rooms and facilities.
Sofitel Gold Coast
Chic, contemporary furnishings combine with French-inspired decor at the 5-star Sofitel Gold Coast. Known as one of the area’s most lavish hotels, this opulent escape is home to modern ocean-view rooms, the outstanding Room81 restaurant, two sensational swimming pools, a stylish bar and so much more. Just steps from the oceanfront, the hotel sits in the heart of cosmopolitan Broadbeach, within easy reach of buzzing restaurants, curated cafes, and of course, the famous stretch of sand. Iconic Gold Coast landmarks, such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Star Casino or the huge Pacific Fair Shopping Centre aren’t too far away either.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Sitting just moments from Four Mile Beach, within easy reach of two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is a jewel in Port Douglas’ crown. Contemporary rooms look over the lush tropical landscapes or the glittering saltwater pools, setting the tone for what could only be a 5-star escape. Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef or serene Daintree Rainforest before returning to indulge in an evening of decadent dining at Harrisons Restaurant. Take to the water at Marina Mirage with a host of watersport activities or unwind in a poolside cabana – this is your holiday, your way.
Ovolo The Valley
Fun and fortune calls your name at Ovolo The Valley, the award-winning wonderland in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Inspired by the creative and cultural fabric of the neighbourhood it calls home, this design-forward escape features a maximalist interior, a curated selection of contemporary artwork, luxurious amenities and high-tech touches, putting it firmly in the running for the best 5-star hotels in Australia. Quirky communal spaces call for rest and relaxation, with a rooftop pool and 24-hour gym, while the onsite eateries – ZA ZA TA and KAZBA – buzz with diners devouring innovative Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
The best 5-star hotels in Northern Territory
Sails in the Desert
An oasis in Australia’s Red Centre, Sails in the Desert is the epitome of luxury outback living, with 228 beautiful rooms and suites, a shimmering swimming pool shaded by gum trees and plenty of dining options, catering to every taste. While away an evening at Ilkari Restaurant or learn more about Indigenous cuisine at Walpa Lobby Bar, where dishes are inspired by centuries-old cultures. It’s not all food-focused though – the thought-provoking Mulgara Gallery is the perfect introduction to unique Indigenous art, while the Red Ochre Spa offers an antidote to days spent exploring the harsh landscapes, with a range of sumptuous treatments.
The best 5-star hotels in New South Wales
Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s CBD sits an unassuming beacon of luxury that’s setting a new standard for the best 5-star hotels in Australia: Amora Hotel Jamison. Just a short walk from Circular Quay, Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Botanical Gardens and Barangaroo, it’s perfectly located for exploring the best of the Harbour City. However, you’ll need to get past the hotel’s outstanding facilities first – with two bars and restaurants, a heated indoor swimming pool, Amora day spa, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness centre and the 31st-floor Jamison Club Lounge, you may never want to leave.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
It’s hard to look past Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney when it comes to the best 5-star hotels in Australia. Found in the former Fairfax and Bank of New South Wales building, the luxury lodging combines the very best heritage features with modern facilities, all just a few minutes from the Sydney Opera House. Spend your days exploring Sydney’s vibrant CBD, discovering outstanding restaurants and iconic landmarks, before returning to the chic rooms and suites for a peaceful night’s sleep. A fitness centre, spa and onsite dining options, home to a traditional afternoon tea, are the cherries on top.
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Million-dollar Sydney harbourside views meet heritage architecture and luxe amenities at Ovolo Wooloomooloo, a consistent entrant in all ‘best 5-star hotels in Australia’ lists. Just a short walk from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this uber-stylish, award-winning designer hotel puts you in the heart of the Harbour City while also offering a serene place to rest your head, with top-rated rooms flush with amenities such as Alexa smart speakers, iPads and Apple TV. For a moment of solace, relax by the indoor/outdoor jacuzzi and pool, before joining the crowds at the hotel's 100% plant-based restaurant, Alibi Bar & Dining by renowned plant-based chef Shannon Martinez.
W Sydney
The W brand is famous the world over for delivering a five-star experience, and W Sydney is no different. This new addition to the Sydney cityscape sits in the heart of Darling Harbour, just a stone’s throw away from the remarkable restaurants, high-end shopping and world-class entertainment found in Sydney’s CBD. Evenings offer dining delights: share delicious dishes at BTWN restaurant, sip on cocktails at the chic Living Room bar, or venture to the WET Deck and 29/30 rooftop bar for stunning views over the sparkling city. Come daytime, take a dip in your choice of pools, escape for a few hours at AWAY Spa or indulge in a sweet treat at 2am: Dessertbar by Janice Wong.
The Star Grand Hotel
The best 5-star hotels in Australia share a common theme: luxury hospitality at its very finest. At the glamorous The Star Grand Hotel, perfectly positioned in Sydney’s Pyrmont, this is elevated to another level, with high-end dining, world-class entertainment, refined rooms and sweeping city views coming together under the one roof. Leaving the complex is completely optional – see a show at the onsite Lyric Theatre, taste one of the city’s finest gin and tonics at G&Tea and take your tastebuds to new heights at the renowned Sokyo. Should you want to explore further afield, the hotel’s prime location puts you just minutes from Sydney’s vibrant CBD.
Capella Sydney
Elevate your next city escape at Capella Sydney, a golden beacon of pure luxury standing proudly in Sydney’s concrete jungle. Occupying an iconic corner in the heart of Australia’s best-known city, this magnificent hotel has left no stone unturned: behind the original sandstone facade sits a world-class wellness centre, two stunning restaurants and a collection of light-filled rooms that combine the building’s unique past with sleek furnishings. Take a stroll to the nearby Rocks district, or toast to your stay with a glass of bubbles at McRae Bar. With such an esteemed offering, Capella Sydney raises the standard for five-star hotels in Australia.
Planning a trip? Discover our collection of Sydney escapes
The best 5-star hotels in Victoria
RACV Torquay Resort, Great Ocean Road and RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Mornington Peninsula
Regional Victoria is home to not one, but two of the very best 5-star coastal retreats: RACV Torquay Resort and RACV Cape Schanck Resort. Perched at the start of the Great Ocean Road, RACV Torquay Resort is perfectly placed for exploring the Surf Coast, all while enjoying its award-winning facilities.
RACV Cape Schanck Resort is just as ideally located, sitting proudly on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, close to world-class wineries, beautiful beaches and the rugged landscapes of the region.
Both properties are home to a championship golf course, tranquil spa and remarkable restaurants, getting you into holiday mode almost immediately. Victoria isn’t the only lucky state to enjoy RACV’s exceptional offering: Royal Pines in Noosa is equally as impressive.
The Langham, Melbourne
Stay and play in the middle of Melbourne’s arts and cultural district at The Langham. The 5-star escape couldn’t be any closer to the action thanks to its position on Southbank, but remains a serene sanctuary for guests, with 388 elegant rooms and suites, each with views of the Yarra River and city skyline. Chuan Spa takes relaxation to a new level, with a suite of body and face treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, while the 15-metre indoor pool, bathed in natural light, is the ideal spot to restore and rejuvenate before hitting the town. You won’t have to go far to find decadent dining: the hotel’s signature restaurant, Melba, offers a brilliant buffet-style experience, with a collection of open and interactive kitchens. Our tip: try the Wedgwood afternoon tea with free-flow bubbles.
The Windsor, Melbourne
An icon of Melbourne’s CBD, The Windsor is a masterclass in historic opulence, delivering a 5-star experience within its grand century-old halls. Built in 1883, the heritage-listed property combines original Victorian décor with modern facilities and a central Spring Street location, making it the favoured home-away-from-home for local and international superstars. Charming rooms and suites have been lovingly restored, as has the dining room, where Australia’s longest continual afternoon tea is served. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice – some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants are just a short stroll away.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Perched on the prestigious end of Collins Street, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins combines French elegance and modern luxury for a Melbourne city escape like no other. Newly refurbished rooms feature brand-new contemporary furniture, French-inspired photography and the latest and greatest technology, forming the perfect base for days spent eating, drinking and walking your way through the state’s capital. As a Hotel for the Arts, it also features rotating art exhibitions, meaning you won’t have to travel far for a taste of the city’s thriving arts and entertainment scene.
W Melbourne
Wander down one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways to discover the bold and beautiful W Melbourne, a luxurious five-star hotel that aims to elevate the city escape to extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from its Flinders Lane location, the urban oasis blends seamlessly into the city’s vibrant culture, with striking rooms that reflect the locals’ unique sense of style. Wake up the senses with a double-shot latte at Culprit, savour a refreshing drink poolside at WET bar, or let Warabi restaurant’s omakase experience whisk you away to the streets of Japan. Should you deign to leave your hedonistic haven, you’ll find some of Melbourne’s best-known drinking and dining spots just moments away.
The best 5-star hotels in South Australia
The Playford – MGallery by Sofitel, Adelaide
As one of Australia’s most awarded boutique hotels, The Playford – MGallery by Sofitel needs no introduction. Found on Adelaide’s lively North Terrace, the elegant 5-star hotel is an indulgent city escape that’s perfectly located for soaking up the best of the South Australian city. An Art Nouveau aesthetic flows throughout the hotel, especially in the boutique-style accommodation, where old-world charm is complemented by contemporary comforts. Expect little luxuries like walk-in showers, suites with spa baths and access to the 24-hour health club. The award-winning Playford Restaurant is of an equally high standard, producing European-inspired fare using high-quality local ingredients.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Reborn after a devastating fire, Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge has firmly reclaimed its spot as one of the best 5-star hotels in Australia. Frequently celebrated as one of the world’s top luxury lodges, it continues to redefine the standard for experiential travel, offering elevated luxuries from its cliffside perch. Relaxation is a guarantee, found while admiring rolling landscapes during a spa treatment at the island-inspired spa, or simply reclining on the beach. Wine and dine your way through the day with the all-inclusive offering, starting with artisan pastries every morning and finishing with regional degustations, paired with South Australian varietals. For a truly unforgettable experience, look to the ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion, where four ensuite bedrooms, two lavish living areas and two plunge pools are ready and waiting.
The best 5-star hotels in Western Australia
Alex Hotel
Within a 19th-century heritage building, old-world grandeur and modern cosmopolitan living blend in perfect harmony at the luxury five-star COMO The Treasury in Perth. Gastronomic greatness is yours to experience at the Wildflower restaurant, a star of Perth's fine dining scene. Indulge in treatments to invigorate your mind and body at Shambhala Urban Escape, take time to appreciate stunning skylines from your designer room or suite, or organise a tailored experience with the concierge and experience the diverse beauty of Western Australia.
COMO The Treasury
Old-world grandeur and cosmopolitan living blend in perfect harmony at COMO The Treasury, one of Perth’s clear contenders for best 5-star hotels in Australia. Housed within a 19th-century heritage building, this luxury bolthole delivers the quintessential COMO experience, recognised the world over: expect gastronomic greatness at the fine dining Wildflower restaurant; indulge in invigorating treatments at Shambhala Urban Escape and experience the very best of Perth with tips and tricks from the expert concierge team. Come bedtime, soak up the elegance of the designer rooms and suites, featuring bespoke beds and generous ensuite bathrooms.
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Pair days tasting some of Australia’s best wines with a stay at one of the best 5-star hotels in Australia at Pullman Bunker Bay. Perched alongside the pristine sands of Bunker Bay, this tranquil retreat is set amongst 35 acres of native landscapes in the middle of the Margaret River region, making it the perfect launchpad for adventures in the area. After days gallivanting, discover new Indigenous flavours at Other Side of the Moon Restaurant & Bar, or take a moment to yourself in the heated infinity-edge swimming pool. The five-star facilities don’t end there: two tennis courts, a fitness centre, complimentary yoga classes and a serene day spa are all on hand for the ultimate West Australian escape.
The best 5-star hotels in the ACT
Avenue Hotel Canberra
With 213 stylish,spacious rooms, apartments and suites, Avenue Hotel Canberra is a sensational spot to rest your head in Australia’s capital. Each room includes amenities like king beds, flatscreen TVs, Kevin Murphy toiletries and rainfall showers, while apartments are perfect for longer stays, with full kitchens and separate living spaces. If you don’t fancy cooking, the hotel’s award-winning steakhouse, Marble & Grain, offers a seasonal menu full of local produce, including beef, venison and lamb from their own farm. Located in the centre of the city, adjacent to the popular neighbourhood of Braddon, Avenue Hotel Canberra is 10 minutes from major national attractions, while remaining within walking distance of restaurants, bars and theatres.
The best 5-star hotels in Tasmania
The Tasman
Some of Australia’s best 5-star hotels are found in our southernmost state, with Tasmania more than pulling its weight when it comes to luxury accommodation. Among the charming Georgian sandstorm warehouses of Hobart’s Salamanca, The Tasman is a waterfront haven that blends Art Deco charm with contemporary design. Opt to stay in a panoramic room for stunning views across the harbour, or upgrade to the Presidential Suite for expansive living spaces and a spectacular outdoor terrace. Come dinner, savour Italian cuisine with a local twist at Peppina, or sip on classic cocktails at Mary Mary.
MACq 01 Hotel
Prepare to be wowed by the grandeur of the iconic MACq 01 Hotel, situated on Hobart’s glamorous waterfront. With a nod back to Tasmania’s long history, designer rooms tell the tales of people who helped shape the state through specifically chosen soft furnishings, artworks and antiquities. Plus, Master Storytellers are on hand to reveal the secrets of the past, the joys of the present and the exciting plans for Tasmania’s future. Taste history of a different kind at the award-winning Evolve Spirits Bar and enjoy dinner at Old Wharf Restaurant, which celebrates the state’s very best food and drink.
Freycinet Resort
Sequestered away in the rugged wilderness of Tasmania’s East Coast, Freycinet Resort offers unparalleled access to the spectacular Freycinet National Park, one of Australia’s finest natural wonderlands. You’ll have a front-row seat to its beauty from your private cabin, but it’s best enjoyed when explored with a hike, drive or indeed, through the local food and drink. Indulge in fresh seafood at the acclaimed Marine Farm, or sample award-winning wines at the nearby Devil's Corner Cellar Door. Come bedtime, plush beds and a serene surrounding will ensure a good night’s sleep.
Looking for a stay where you can feel the love? It's time to book an escape to one of Australia's Most Romantic Hotels.
