It’s that time of year again, when you’ve exhausted all your annual leave yet the summer holidays still feel far on the horizon. The solution? A short out-of-town escape to help recharge for the days ahead.
Longitude 131º
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT
Scattered along the red-rust dunes of the Central Desert, Longitude 131° is a luxury outback experience like no other. Choose between a stay in one of the 16 tented pavilions or treat yourself to the crème de la crème of hotel stays at the premium Dune Pavilion – the only accommodation with views to both World Heritage-listed wonders Ulur– u and Kata Tjut– a. To top off the experience, indulge in the bar and restaurant’s exclusive offering of contemporary Australian dining.
Book here: longitude131.com.au
Captain’s Rest
Location: Lettes Bay, TAS
On Tasmania’s rugged west coast, where the bay meets the edge of the world, sits Captain’s Rest, a weathered fisherman’s shack turned storybook escape. Once a place of solace for designer and sailor Sarah Andrews after her own shipwreck, today it’s one of Australia’s most celebrated stays. The two-person cabin is a trove of antiques, its wide windows opening to sweeping views of Macquarie Harbour. Guests can soak in deep baths, curl up by the fire or watch ducks lazily drift past the jetty. More than a getaway, Captain’s Rest is an invitation to slow living and quiet wonder.
Book here: captainsrest.com
Il Delfino
Location: Yamba, NSW
Perched on the clifftops of Yamba on the state’s North Coast, Il Delfino is a spirited inn that combines mid-century design with breezy Australian surf culture. Formerly a 1940s apartment block, it has been restored as a Mediterraneaninspired boutique escape that feels like a secret slice of paradise. Each of the five suites is a lesson in laidback luxury, with interiors inspired by the Italian coast: think arched doorways, shell sconces and vintage furniture. Lie back on one of the chic white sun loungers and embrace the Italian spirit of la dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing.
Book here: ildelfino.com.au
Monarto Safari Resort
Location: Monarto, SA
An African-style safari awaits in South Australia. An hour from Adelaide, this new resort drops you straight onto the savanna. Safari-style suites open onto sweeping plains where elephants, giraffes and rhinos wander freely, while pools, a spa and terrace dining set the scene for an escape that feels both wild and wonderfully indulgent. At sunrise and sunset, tours take you closer to the herds as the landscape glows golden. With luxury tents coming soon, Monarto is set to become Australia’s most unforgettable weekend.
Book here: monartosafariresort.com
The Sundays
Location: Hamilton Island, QLD
Framed by Catseye Beach and the vast blue of the Whitsundays, The Sundays is Hamilton’s newest boutique hotel. The 59-room retreat pairs sculpted stonework and tropical gardens with coastal interiors and boardwalks that meander to a private stretch of sand. Guests can start the day with sunrise yoga, wind down with moonlight movies or indulge in daily sundaes by the pool. At its heart sits the Catseye Pool Club, a relaxed restaurant with seasonal produce and the effortless spirit of island life.
Book here: hamiltonisland.com.au
Yallungah Boutique Hotel
Location: Orange, NSW
If you thought Orange was just about awardwinning shiraz and chardonnay, meet Yallungah Boutique Hotel, the town’s stylish new check-in. Housed in a grand 1896 homestead, its original slate roofs and timber joinery are set against bold contemporary art and sleek finishes. There are 22 rooms and suites, each with its own personality. The hero? The Yallungah Suite, a sun- drenched sanctuary with lounge and fireplace, plus a private balcony. Newlyweds, weekending couples and corporate escapists alike will find it hard to check out.
Book here: yallungahhotelorange.com.au
Capella Lodge
Location: Lord Howe Island, NSW
Lord Howe Island, NSW On an island where prehistoric cliffs spill into turquoise seas, Capella Lodge offers a unique subtropical escape. Blending into the landscape with bleached wood and glass, the nine suites have views of Gower and Lidgbird mountains. Inside, island-inspired textiles and bespoke furnishings set the tone, while private decks – many with plunge spas – open onto the lush surrounds. Days unfold to snorkelling and cycling under Kentia palms before sunset canapés. With its intimate scale and World Heritage backdrop, Capella redefines what it means to disconnect.
Book here: capellalodge.com.au
Levantine Hill Estate Hotel
Location: Yarra Valley, VIC
The Yarra Valley is raising the bar on vineyard stays with the arrival of its first all-suite luxury hotel in early 2026. Nestled on the rolling hills of the award-winning Levantine Hill Estate, the property will house 33 spacious suites, each featuring a private balcony with sweeping vineyard views. Designed by renowned Australian architects FK (formerly Fender Katsalidis), the sleek interiors take inspiration from the restraint and sophistication of the wine-making process.
Discover more here: levantinehill.com.au
Kyah
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
Blackheath’s Kyah is a newly remodelled motel that, thanks to the work of MKD Architects, has retained all of its small-town, art deco character while being elevated to boutique hotel status. Its restaurant, Blaq, officially reopened in August under the helm of executive chef Alejandro Huerta, who combines urban dining (he comes from stints at Noma in Copenhagen and Pujol in Mexico City) with regional charm. Think global influence, local produce.
Book here: thekyah.com.au
Bangalay Villas
Location: Shoalhaven Heads, NSW
A hidden gem for weekending Sydneysiders, Bangalay Shoalhaven offers a beachside oasis three hours from the city. Take a dip in the tree-fringed pool before settling into a lazy afternoon with the salty spray of the coastal breeze keeping you cool. A trip to the villas isn’t complete without dining at the poolside restaurant, where each meal is locally sourced and uses herbs and florals foraged from the property.
Book here: bangalayvillas.com.au
