Travel Tips

The Weirdest Places To Stay In Australia

Updated at : 27 Mar, 2024

The wonderful world of Oz

Why stay at a normal hotel when you can stay in a treehouse, ancient paddle steamer, or underwater suite? Instead of a holiday apartment, stay in a tranquil coastal tent or sleep beneath the stars at a secluded bush hideaway. Australia offers some absolutely wonderful, quirky, and one-of-a-kind accommodations. We look find some of the most exceptional.

In2TheWild, various

Off-grid retreats immersed in nature are the norm at In2TheWild's luxury eco-friendly cabins, which are spread throughout boutique farms, vineyards, and ultra-secluded rural sites in the Australian bush in portions of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. There is a total of 23 compact yet beautiful cabins. Guests may relax in hammocks, go on treks, or sit around the campfire to watch the stars. A cabin near Orange, New South Wales is shown in this photo.

Reef suites, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Australia's First Underwater Hotel, in the Great Barrier Reef, Lets You  Sleep Next to Fish | Condé Nast Traveler

Sleep among the fishes in a luxurious room suspended underneath Reef world, a permanently anchored floating pontoon on Hardy Reef in Airlie Beach. The two double-bed suites have huge reinforced glass windows that allow visitors to see reef life in action from their beds and bathrooms; coral trout, snapper, turtles, reef sharks, and barracuda are all likely to be seen. The pontoon, operated by travel company Cruise Whitsundays, also has a glamping area on its upper deck.

Bayside Glamping & Co, South Australia

This family-run glamping establishment, located just a short distance from Marion Bay on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, is a true hidden gem. Guests may choose between a seaside bell tent and the off-grid Tiny House (shown) just outside of town. The tiny cabin, which runs on solar power and rainwater, includes a wide fairy-light-festooned deck with a sofa and BBQ, as well as a hot shower, comfortable bed, and large windows to enjoy the unobstructed views of the surrounding grassland, where emus and rooms are the only likely visitors.

Hideaway Litchfield, Rakula, Northern Territory

This family-run glamping establishment, located just a short distance from Marion Bay on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, is a true hidden gem. Guests may choose between a seaside bell tent and the off-grid Tiny House (shown) just outside of town. The tiny cabin, which runs on solar power and rainwater, includes a wide fairy-light-festooned deck with a sofa and BBQ, as well as a hot shower, comfortable bed, and large windows to enjoy the unobstructed views of the surrounding grassland, where emus and rooms are the only likely visitors.

Karijini Eco Retreat, Pilbara, Western Australia

Karijini Eco Retreat, WA | The Australian

Deep in the rough heart of the sun-scorched Pilbara area, there are plunging gorges, green ponds, and towering termite mounds. Karijini National Park is a wonderfully remarkable site, as is this bush camp. The Gumala Aboriginal Corporation owns the Karijini Eco Retreat, which fades into the jungle and is within walking distance of Joffre Gorge. In addition to luxurious eco tents, there are dorm cabins, campgrounds, and an outdoor café. Everyone may enjoy breathtaking views of the starry sky.

Retreat at Taronga Wildlife Retreat, NSW

Even the picturesque Sydney Harbour backdrop cannot compare to the lovely sight of sleepy koalas clinging to trees. These are the breathtaking vistas that visitors may see at Taronga Zoo's urban eco-retreat. The 62 sustainably constructed lodges are nestled in natural bushland near the sea, with many offering views of the Sanctuary, a lush setting where an ensemble cast of classic Australian animal’s wander. A wonderful shared lounge and café overlooks the enclosure and harbour. Stays often include zoo admission and unique immersion guided tours.

Bamurru Plains, Mary River Floodplain, Northern Territory

A water buffalo farm in the sweltering tropical wetlands of the Northern Territory does not scream luxury, but Bamurru Plains is just that. The Wild Bush Luxury business runs this high-end safari-style camp, which includes ten beautiful bungalow tents where visitors may pamper and immerse themselves in one of Australia's most isolated places. Days may be spent poolside or on airboats exploring the wetlands, viewing crocodiles and birds, or fishing. You may also take a helicopter ride into Arnhem Land to see ancient rock painting.

Banubanu Beach Retreat, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Eco Island Beach Retreat - Bremer Island, Banubanu NT

There's something very unique about staying somewhere that few people have heard of, much alone will ever visit. This off-the-beaten-path seaside camp is one such location. It was developed in collaboration with the Yolngu people and is located on the northern extremity of Bremer Island, off the coast of East Arnhem. Banubanu guests sleep in breezy beachside bungalows or penthouse bungalows, all of which provide spectacular views of the Arafura Sea.

Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy, New South Wales

There's something very unique about staying somewhere that few people have heard of, much alone will ever visit. This off-the-beaten-path seaside camp is one such location. It was developed in collaboration with the Yolngu people and is located on the northern extremity of Bremer Island, off the coast of East Arnhem. Banubanu guests sleep in breezy beachside bungalows or penthouse bungalows, all of which provide spectacular views of the Arafura Sea.