19 Extremely Gorgeous And Expensive Places To Stay In Oz That You Just Wish You Could Afford
I'm going to have to marry rich to get this for future Valentine's Days.
Where we've been able to, we've named featured places with both their English and Aboriginal names. At times, when a specific name can not be found or was contested, we've acknowledged the traditional owners of the land, region, country or language group.
We've also named Tasmanian places in both English and palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines. Just so you know, BuzzFeed has worked with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre to ensure we're honouring the language and its resilience — and we thank them for their contribution.
1. Longitude 131º in Yulara / Anangu Land, NT.
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With views of Uluru just outside your tent door, this camping experience will make you feel like you're living the high life. You can explore the area, get a spa treatment and dine like royalty at Longitude 131º. However, it might be one to put on the bucket list of "when I win the lottery", because good quality comes at a high price here.
Prices start at $1,700 per person, per night with a minimum two night stay. That being said, this rate is all-inclusive, so you get breakfast, lunch and dinner, an open bar, an in-tent bar, signature experiences (including seeing Uluru at sunset) and return airport transfers. So, once you're there, you don't really need to pull out your wallet again.
2. Haggerstone Island, QLD.
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In peak luxury goals, you can actually rent out this entire island if you've got the means. But, if you're just wanting to stay a couple of nights, there's individually designed beachfront villas waiting for you.
Prices start at $850 per person, per night. Or, if you go all out, the whole island starts at $6,800 per night. This includes your breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily excursions on a 45ft jet boat, equipment for a huge range of activities (snorkelling, kayaking etc.) and, of course, the use of the jetski.
3. The Villas of Byron in Byron Bay / Cavanbah, NSW.
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If you want to stand out from the crowd of people swarming Byron, these intensely beautiful villas will make your stay unlike any other. Each villa comes with its own private pool so be ready to splash your cash.
Prices start at $775 per night.
4. Sal Salis in Ningaloo Reef / Yinigudura Land, WA.
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Want both the Outback and the ocean? Then this is the place for you. You'll camp up on the dunes of the Cape Range National Park with views of the bush and the beach. Jump in the water and swim with whale sharks, or relax in your superb accomodation. *Looks deep into empty wallet.* If only.
Starting from March 15, prices start at $849 per person, per night with a minimum two night stay. However, there is a bit of a discount if you book six months in advance (with a minimum of three nights stay). This includes all your meals, an open bar, the use of equipment like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as guided activities.
5. Thorngrove Manor in Adelaide / Kaurna, SA.
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Live out your ultimate castle-life fantasy in this gorgeous manor. This abode has no communal areas and they promise that you'll never see another guest. My princess dress is absolutely drooping in envy of the people who can actually stay here.
Rates start at $1,199 per night.
6. The Castle On Tamborine in North Tamborine / Yugambeh Region, QLD.
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Ever looked across at Europe and grumbled about their fancy, historic and undoubtedly cool amount of castles? Well, if you did then this place is definitely the weekend getaway for you. Divided into two wings with a day spa in the middle, this place is positively oozing in relaxation.
Prices start at $300 per person, per night if you're staying midweek.
7. La Foret Enchantee in Margaret River / Noongar, WA.
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This one is definitely for those who love to indulge in the finer things in life. You can stay at either the la Cabine accomodation or il Palazzo — both of which are as luxurious (and as crippling to your bank account) as you can imagine.
Prices start at $850 per night. You also have the option to add things on like a private chef!
8. Cradle Mountain Lodge in Cradle Mountain, TAS.
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With a bubbling hot tub and stunning views — there's nothing that could make this weekend better. An easy two-hour drive from Launceston, you might find yourself considering staying an extra couple of nights — although you'd be wise to double check that decision with your financial planner.
Prices start from $430 per night for two people.
9. Bamurru Plains in Kakadu, NT.
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This safari lodge is set on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia's Top End. You're able to go on airboat safaris along the floodplains, take a river cruise and go on guided walks — not to mention pamper yourself in their bungalows or Kingfisher suite.
The prices at Bamurrua Plains is dependent on the package you get, which then becomes inclusive of the activities in the package. The Floodplain Chillout Package starts at $680 per person, per night with a minimum two night stay. However, this doesn't include any additional activities and the earliest you can book this particular package is in May.
10. Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park, TAS.
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If you're going to make the trip down to Tassie, you might as well stay in style. This lodge offers a range of different accomodations, from the one room cabin to the costal pavilion with a bay view. Located in an absolutely stunning part of the world — my heart is just begging me to go.
Prices start at $289, but vary on the type of accomodation you're wanting.
11. Paperback Camp in Woollamia / Yuin Nation, NSW.
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Located in Jervis Bay, these luxury tents will make your romantic weekend away one for the history books. You can explore the surrounding towns or simply chill out and relax — whatever you decide to do, it'll be a great detox from the city.
Prices start at $615 per night.
12. El Questro in Argna Nation / Kimberley Region, WA.
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Reopening on April 1 this year, El Questro has been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. There's multiple accomodation options for you to choose from, like The Homestead (which sleeps 20) to camping (the El Questro property covers 700,000 acres). There's absolutely plenty for you to explore.
Prices vary according to accomodation type. For example, camp grounds start at $22 per night, but rooms in The Homestead could set you back $2,155+ per night.
13. Woodlands Rainforest Retreat in Narbethong / Wurundjeri Land, VIC.
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Nestled in the Black Spur rainforest on the edge of the Yarra Valley, this place is perfect for you and your partner to while away the weekend. With luxurious cottages that offer complete seclusion — the only neighbour you have to worry about is some bouncing wallabies.
Prices differ depending on packages. For example, if you're staying for longer the first couple of nights are cheaper. From what I can see though, prices start at $490 per night, with a minimum two night stay.
14. The Canopy Treehouses in the Atherton Tablelands, QLD.
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Get back to nature and your childhood in these gorgeous treehouses. Your accomodation is surrounded by rainforest, so you'll definitely spend some time reconnecting with nature.
Prices start at $399 per night.
15. The Louise Barossa in Marananga, SA.
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With vineyard views to get every wine-lover raring to go, this accomodation is practically heaven. Plus, its restaurant — Appellation — has food that is meant to be an experience just in itself.
Prices start at $650 per night for two people.
16. Nightfall Camp in Lamington National Park / Yugambeh Country QLD.
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This ultimate luxury glamping spot in Queensland will make you reconsider your desire to save for a house deposit. That being said, a stay here will set you back a pretty penny — definitely one to save for a special event.
Prices start from $935 per night with a two night minimum. However, it looks like it's heavily booked up throughout the year!
17. Sanctuary by Sirromet in Mt Cotton, QLD.
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It might be only 30 minutes away from Brisbane airport, but these tented pavilions will make you feel like you're a million miles away. Each one has a private ensuite and balcony. As it's located on the grounds of Sirromet Winery, you might as well pop around for a little bit of a tipple as well.
Prices start at $440 per night, for two people.
18. Glamp Sandridge Estate in Wynyard / Northern lutruwita, TAS.
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Specialising in both weddings and glamping, Sandridge Estate is 100% a romantic destination. Focusing on the glamping side, Camp Sandridge is an eco village of eight tents. Starting at $200 per night, it's a sight more affordable than others on this list.
Prices start at $200 per night.
19. And finally, Naked Cubby Collective in Canberra / Ngunnawal Nation, ACT.
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Naked Cubby Co has two tents ready for you to stay. Choose between Edgar, who is described as "breezy and cosy", or Frank, who is "earthy and dark". Situated in the Mount Majura Vineyard, you can opt in to a food and wine package for your one night stay. They only do one night stays, so this quiet retreat is perfect for a quick getaway.
Prices start at $260 per night.
Right now, in some Australian states, it’s important to stay home and avoid non-essential trips. We hope you’ll find our content entertaining, inspiring, or useful for a future trip. For all other states, we still encourage you to practise social distancing and, if you feel sick, stay home and help to keep yourself and others safe.
Just FYI, prices are accurate at the time of publication.