The Best Luxury Holidays in Australia to Book ASAP

From lush, ultra-luxe island escapes around the country to all-inclusive stays deep in the heart of the Northern Territory, Australia is serving up some of the most unforgettable bucket list experiences on the planet.

With wide-open landscapes, world-class beaches, and that unmistakable sense of magic, Australia is the place to be in 2025 (Europe? Never heard of her…).

We’ve curated our favourite luxury holidays that’ll soothe your soul, lift your spirits, and treat you to a little taste of the high life. All that’s left to do? Sit back, relax, and let the indulgence begin.

Lizard Island Resort

Lizard Island Resort is the kind of place that exists more in dreams than brochures. Set on a national park island fringed by the Great Barrier Reef, its architecture blends barefoot luxury with raw elegance—open-plan pavilions that blur the line between indoors and out, timber decks floating above aquamarine coves. Each of the 40 rooms is a quiet invitation to retreat, but it’s the landscape that steals the show: white-sand beaches, coral gardens at your doorstep, and sunsets that drip gold over granite peaks. Accessible only by air, it’s a genuinely rarefied escape—untouched, unforgettable, and utterly sublime.

Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet redefines luxury with 20 stunning suites set within a national park at Coles Bay, one of Australia’s most breathtaking spots. Each suite features king beds, espresso machines, double baths, and secluded courtyards, while pavilions include private plunge pools. The all-inclusive dining is matched only by awe-inspiring views from every corner, including the restaurant and lobby. Explore with guided walks, snorkeling, and oyster shucking, or unwind at the serene day spa. A two-night stay is just enough to glimpse the magic of this extraordinary retreat.

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Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is where luxury meets landscape in the most cinematic way. Reborn after the Kangaroo Island bushfires, this architectural marvel now stands stronger—an ode to resilience and reverence for nature. Perched on clifftops that defy gravity, the lodge’s curved forms echo the wind-sculpted coast, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing a horizon that shifts with every hour. Inside, indulgence feels intimate: think bespoke island experiences, exquisite local cuisine, and spa rituals shaped by the elements. This is not just a stay—it’s immersion in story, spirit, and the raw grandeur of Australia’s southern edge.

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Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Sal Salis’ stylishly appointed wilderness tents offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, but what really sets this place apart is its unparalleled access to the pristine Ningaloo Reef. Unzipping your safari tent just 50 metres from the UNESCO heritage-listed reef is the very definition of barefoot luxury. At Sal Salis, situated 70 kilometres south of Exmouth, stay in one of their 16 “off-grid” luxury safari tents where you’ll truly be able to surrender to the natural beauty that surrounds you.

With each tent mere steps from the reef, you can easily dictate the pace of your day. Whether you’re more of a go-getter and up for snorkelling and exploring nearby Cape Range National Park, or if you’d rather kick back in your hammock and while away the hours spotting whales… it’s the perfect destination for marine enthusiasts, nature lovers and luxury seekers alike but more than anything it’s for those looking for somewhere truly unlike anywhere else.

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Pelorus Private Island

Nestled amidst the northern peaks of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef’s ‘Great Palm’ archipelago near Townsville, Pelorus Private Island beckons with 400 hectares of unspoiled wilderness and stunning fringing reefs.

Accessed by helicopter or private yacht, this secluded paradise offers a haven for exploration and relaxation. The island features five luxurious ocean-facing suites designed by Melbourne-based design and interior architecture studio, Dubois, all surrounded by breathtaking beauty at every turn.

Revel in the pristine coral gardens right off the private beach, indulge in adventure on the Great Barrier Reef or a boat charter to the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) installation.

Longitude 131

And absolute bucket-list experience that we’ll be putting to the top of our list this year is to sleep under the desert stars at Longitude 131 – a safari-style resort that offers postcard views of Uluru from your pillow. It’s intimate, with just 16 luxury lodges plus a lounge, library, bar, and Spa Kinara, where the treatments feature outback botanicals.

Come nightfall you can cosy up in a swag to watch the sunset from your balcony or dine and sip on sundowners at the Dune Top. It really doesn’t get more magical than this! 

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Hayman Island

When planning a holiday on home soil, Hayman Island is an absolute standout. Nestled among the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hayman offers a harmonious mix of luxury, adventure, and tranquillity.

The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is a hidden paradise, boasting grassy cliffs, white beaches, and a celestial-blue sea. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a newbie, the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders are moments away, with Maori wrasse and manta rays awaiting your discovery.

If your idea of the best island holiday in Australia lists lounging and dining, then you’re in luck. From yoga to private beach picnics, the island caters to all tastes. 

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Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island Lodge is the ultimate blend of luxury and natural beauty, offering guests a serene retreat surrounded by the splendour of the Coral Sea and 1,368 hectares of National Park.

Indulge in uber-luxe accommodations that feature private patios and breathtaking ocean views or dive into pure relaxation at the infinity pool or Gwandalan Day Spa. The resort’s bar and restaurant offer alfresco dining experiences showcasing gourmet meals crafted from fresh seafood and local produce.

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Now that you’re ready to chase summer with these luxury holidays in Australia that promise wanderlust at every turn, you’re going to need a new pair of swimmers to take on your adventure, and why not check out our pick of the best resort wear this season to take you from beach to bar in style.

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love and each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.