The diversity and scale of Australia’s natural splendour is breathtaking. A dedicated explorer could spend a lifetime exploring all that this unique continent has to offer. From humblingly huge desert and otherworldly rock formations to gnarled, ancient rainforest and the world’s largest coral reef, the range of sights to see is vast. As is the range of accommodation you can book.
For an unforgettable trip, try glamping in a remote part of the Outback, enjoy an authentic Aussie station (farm or ranch) experience, spend the night in a grand, historic Melbourne hotel, or really commit and try a few different types of stays. If there’s ever been a destination to sleep in a tent one night and a luxury hotel the next, it is indeed Australia.
A glampsite in the Outback, Karijini National Park
Found deep within Karijini National Park, Karijini Eco Retreat provides a luxury experience while immersed in the sublime natural beauty of the Outback. Just a short hike from your glamping tent, you’ll find the rich red rock of Joffre Gorge, a natural amphitheatre with a pool of water and a pebbled rock island in the middle. Other park highlights include the stunning, year-round Fortescue Falls and Mount Bruce, whose summit trail rewards you with breathtaking views of the majestic and empty, arid landscape. Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2026 found that 25% of travelers* want to take part in life’s “quieter” hobbies on their travels, and 21% said they’d be happy to go on a vacation just to enjoy a natural sensory experience, such as the whistle of birds chirping.
Camping in the Bush also offers almost unparalleled stargazing, making this a perfect pick for for the nearly two thirds (62%)** of travelers who reported in Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2025 that they’re considering visiting darker sky destinations to really take in the midnight magic of the astros. The sound of dingos and owls howling and hooting in the distance as you fall asleep adds to the priceless experience of taking in nature at its most pure.
A beachfront villa, Byron Bay
For laid-back Aussie beach life with a touch of luxury, plenty of privacy and your very own swimming pool, Fat Frog Beach Houses, both a Booking.com Travel Proud property and Booking.com Genius property, is the perfect choice. The holiday home is located just a short walk from the captivating beach in Byron Bay, the mellow surf town that’s long been known for its surfer and hippie communities. If the novelty of fantastic waves and sunning yourself on the sand wears off, hike up to Cape Byron Lighthouse to touch the most easterly point of Australia.
A harbourside apartment, Sydney.
For those who want a taste of city life Down Under, a stay beside Sydney’s spectacular harbour is a great place to start. At Milson Serviced Apartments, some apartments have sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge, Lavender Bay and the city’s stunning skyline. You’ll also be in close proximity to many key sights, including the Opera House and the luscious Royal Botanic Garden.
A historic shearer’s quarters, Derwent Valley
One of Australia’s most famous and historic paintings – ‘Shearing the Rams’ by Tom Roberts – depicts daily life in a timber shearing shed. The wool industry has been a huge economic and social force in Australia over the years, and guests can now stay within the confines of one of Tasmania’s most historic homesteads. Just under an hour’s drive from Hobart (the capital of Australia’s scenic and stunning Tasmania island state), the Georgian Rathmore House and its Shearers’ Quarters Rathmore boast a range of accommodation. From stylishly revamped and minimal self-catered rooms in the old shearer’s quarters, to beautifully restored suites in the main homestead where you’ll be served sumptuous meals, a stay here will give you a glorious glimpse into 19th-century rural Tasmania. Spend your days spotting platypus in the Dew Rivulet, going fishing for trout, and admiring the resident black swans, peacocks and wombats. And while away your afternoons and evenings sipping a cup of tea on your terrace, or local wines and toasting marshmallows on the campfire.
A secluded mountain lodge, Woodbridge
Nestled high up in the hills of Tasmania, just over an hour’s drive away from Shearers’ Quarters Rathmore, Woodbridge Hill Hideaway is a mountain lodge retreat that gazes out onto Bruny Island’s Great Bay and the native forests below. Each private bungalow features a bathtub overlooking the gum trees and a beautiful balcony. Enjoy a peaceful morning soaking in the tub while watching the sunrise before tucking into the lodge’s exemplary bacon and eggs breakfast. Days can be spent exploring Tasmania’s ancient forests, wild swimming and enjoying barbecue dinners in summer. Or in winter, take a dip in the lodge’s heated swimming pool before cosying up by your bungalow’s private fireplace.
A historic hotel, Melbourne
Australia has its fair share of fascinating historic hotels – from a Frank Lloyd-Wright-style building in Canberra, to a 19th-century quarantine station that’s now a working hotel (with ghost tours available). But it’s afternoon tea at the grandiose Hotel Windsor that will most impress history-lovers. It’s the oldest hotel in Australia, was the place where the Constitution of Australia was drafted in 1898, and has hosted guests including Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. Admire the Renaissance Revival facade that makes it a Melbourne landmark, still proudly standing opposite the Gold Rush-era Parliament House and Treasury. Then step inside and behold its burgundy carpeted-, antique-filled lobby, to be met with a level of tradition and grace that brings to life the hotel’s grand Victorian history. And if a stay here feels a little too extravagant, there’s always the renowned afternoon tea with classical music and opulent floral arrangements in the 1920s dining room.
A remote Outback station, Adelaide River
To explore the Outback and enjoy as close to an authentic Aussie station experience as possible, the historic Mt Bundy Station is a great bet. Located on the banks of the Adelaide River, room types range from glamping to homestead suites and self-contained cottages. Guests get to see the station’s resident livestock, wild wallabies, frogs and maybe the odd crocodile peppering the landscape. It’s as truly rustic an experience as you’ll find. But you’ll also get plenty of creature comforts like the property’s Outback Bar and Pizza nights, and luxe perks like the outdoor pool with a splendid panoramic view across the fields.
Methodology
*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
**Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.
