From hidden treehouses to underground hotels, Australia is home to some of the most eccentric and unique hotels in the world. We're trawled through the masses and found the very best of the best. When you're planning your next holiday, make sure you include an overnight-stay in one of these crazy places!
- Mira Mira Accommodation, The Cave, VIC: You’ll find yourself in an underground world with this unique cave experience. Enter via the doorway into the mouth of Magog, and descend via the winding steps that are illuminated by fire lanterns. The cave has incredible views of the hills, and is the perfect places for a romantic weekend away.
2. The Pole House, Fairhaven Beach, VIC: Perched 40 metres above Fairhaven Beach, this suspended house boasts possibly one of the best views in all of Australia. Built on a steel stilt, the iconic building has floor to ceiling glass windows that offer the clearest view of Fairhaven beach possible.
3. Saffire Freycinet, TAS: If you love architecture, the environment and are looking for a luxurious getaway, Saffire Freycinet is the place for you. Nestled in Tasmana’s east coast overlooking the Hazards Mountains and Freycinet Peninsula, Saffire features twenty luxurious suites, an exlusive day spa and allows guests to visit a working oyster farm and enjoy a glass of wine whilst learning more about the environment.
4. Longitude 131 °, NT: What’s better than a view of Uluru? Viewing it from one of the most unique accommodations in Australia, of course. It’s one of the most iconic luxury lodges in all of Australia (if not, the world!) and features fifteen individual luxury tents. The five star luxury hideaways are surrounded by rugged dessert and wilderness, making it the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway.
5. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks, NSW: If you ever needed an excuse to visit Seal Rocks, let this lighthouse be it. Nestled on top of the town, the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage will leave you breathless. Built in 1875, this spacious three bedroom cottage offers total privacy and easy access to the beach.
6. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, NT: Have you always dreamt of staying in a giant crocodile shaped hotel in the middle of the desert? Us too. This cool retreat is in the midst of Kakadu National Park’s wilderness, and is the perfect base place to stay at for exploring the incredible surroundings.
7. Thalia Unique Oceanfront Retreat, Swansea, TAS: Rest and relaxation are the only words you could use to describe this sanctuary. Set on a private 52 hectare wooded peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by the perfect waters of Great Oyster Bay. Your own private 5km beach will provide many happy memories, and did we mention the bathtub overlooking the beach? Yep.
8. The Treehouse, Bilpin, NSW: Always fancied staying in a real life treehouse? You can fulfill all your childhood dreams amongst the trees in this secluded accommodation. Enjoy the fireplace or a beautiful spa bath whilst looking out through the glass walls on your private view.
9. Ruwenzori Retreat, Mudgee, NSW: This themed retreat can sleep up to 13 people, and is one of the most unique places to stay in Aus. It’s literally three old train carriages that have been renovated to be able to sleep 13 people, and also includes a long dining table for all your celebrations. It’s super close to the Mudgee wineries, and has a large fire pit that’s ideal for winter.
10. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, WA: A luxury beachside safari camp nestled in the sand dunes – what more could you want?! The secluded location in the Cape Range National Park boasts privacy, and is the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic escape. This unique accommodation is designed to get you amongst the great outdoors, whilst providing you an extremely high level of luxury. Whether you’re hiking through the bush or snorkelling with the marine life in Ningaloo Reef, this is a truly unique escape.
11. Amala Luxury Villa, Byron Bay, NSW: If you’ve been yearning for a trip to Bali but don’t have the funds for flights, this is truly the next best thing. Located in the gorgeous hinterland of Byron Bay, this romantic, self-contained retreat will transport you to a magical place. With your own private heated pool and spa and Byron Bay’s famous beaches just a stroll away, how could you not?
12. Misty Mountains Tropical Rainforest Retreat, Cairns, QLD: This luxury eco-friendly hideaway is perfect for an environment loving couple looking for a completely private escape. Nestled within a private 200 acre paradise, this totally private villa sits amongst lush tropical gardens and an expansive natural lagoon.
13. Desert Cave Hotel, Cooper Pedy, SA: Perhaps not one for the claustrophobic, the Desert Cave Hotel gives adventurous spirits the opportunity to sleep underground. Quiet, dark, cool and airy – the rooms have high ceilings and are extremely spacious. Explore the beautiful outback and the underground world, with underground shops, a bar and opal display area.