Top destinations for hotels in Australia and Oceania
The size and varied geography of Australia and Oceania shape a wide hotel landscape: coral reefs, vast coasts, alpine ranges and remote atolls. Expect everything from global luxury resorts to rustic outback stations and intimate eco-lodges.
Great Barrier Reef & East Coast Australia
Resorts, family-friendly hotels and liveaboard/ diving properties dominate along the reef and coastline.
- Whitsunday Islands — private island resorts and villas
- Great Barrier Reef (Cairns, Port Douglas) — dive resorts and eco-lodges
- Gold Coast — large family and leisure hotels
- Byron Bay — boutique and wellness properties
Sydney & Melbourne (urban hubs)
Major city hotels, business-focused chains and stylish boutique options in central locations.
- Sydney CBD — luxury and international chains
- Melbourne (CBD, Fitzroy) — boutique and design hotels
- Barangaroo & Docklands — modern business hotels
- Bondi & St Kilda — coastal boutique stays
Tasmania & Southern Regions
Country lodges, vineyard stays and wilderness accommodation focused on food and nature experiences.
- Hobart & Bruny Island — farmhouse B&Bs and gourmet stays
- Freycinet / National Parks — eco-lodges and coastal retreats
- Cradle Mountain — mountain cabins and lodges
New Zealand — North & South Islands
Alpine lodges, spas and boutique country hotels that cater to adventure travelers and wine tourists.
- Queenstown — alpine resorts and adventure lodges
- Milford Sound — fjord lodges and eco-accommodation
- Marlborough / Winelands — vineyard stays and boutique hotels
- Auckland & Waiheke Island — city boutique hotels and winery villas
South Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga)
Island resorts, overwater bungalows, private villas and all-inclusive properties for couples and families.
- Fiji — private island resorts and beachfront bure
- Vanuatu — eco-resorts and dive properties
- Samoa & Tonga — small island bungalows and local guesthouses
- French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) — overwater luxury bungalows
Melanesia & Papua New Guinea
Remote, culturally focused lodges and expedition-style camps for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Papua New Guinea — jungle lodges and cultural stays
- Solomon Islands — dive resorts and small local hotels
- New Caledonia — French-style boutique resorts and coastal hotels
Types of hotels and accommodations in Australia and Oceania
Lodging across Australia and Oceania ranges from slick city hotels to traditional stays and remote island hideaways. Below are the main categories, what to expect, and notable examples by country or region.
Luxury & Resorts
High-end service, spas, private beaches and reef access. Many properties offer all-inclusive packages and exclusive excursions.
- Luxury island resorts — Fiji, Bora Bora
- Five-star city hotels — Sydney, Auckland
- Reef resorts — Great Barrier Reef
- Private island villas — Whitsundays
- Wilderness luxury lodges — Kangaroo Island, Fiordland
Boutique & Design
Smaller hotels with a focus on local design, gastronomy and personalized service.
- Boutique urban hotels — Melbourne, Wellington
- Design guesthouses — Hobart
- Heritage conversions — inner Sydney
- Small island boutique properties — Samoa
Family-Friendly
Spacious rooms, kid facilities and easy beach or nature access for family activities.
- Family resorts — Gold Coast, Fiji
- Holiday apartments — Queensland coast
- Kid-friendly lodges — Rotorua
Business & Urban
Central locations, conference facilities, fast Wi‑Fi and efficient transport links suited to business travelers.
- Business hotels — Sydney CBD, Melbourne CBD
- Airport hotels — Brisbane, Auckland
- Serviced apartments — long-stay corporate options
Budget & Hostels
Hostels, budget hotels and guesthouses for backpackers and price-conscious travelers.
- Backpacker hostels — Brisbane, Queenstown
- Budget motels — coastal routes
- Economy hotels — regional towns
- Campgrounds and caravan parks — national parks and beaches
Unique & Eco Stays
Eco-lodges, station stays, vineyard cottages and glamping that emphasize local nature and culture.
- Eco-lodges — Daintree Rainforest, Vanuatu
- Outback station stays — Northern Territory
- Vineyard cottages — Barossa Valley, Marlborough
- Glamping — remote islands and national parks
Best coastal, island, and resort hotels
Coastal and island tourism across Australia and Oceania centers on pristine beaches, coral reefs and private islands. Resorts typically focus on beach access, diving, spa services and seclusion.
Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays
Luxury resorts, private island properties and dive-focused hotels dominate this region.
- Dive resorts — Cairns & Port Douglas
- Private island resorts — Whitsundays
- Overwater bungalow experiences — select luxury properties
South Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, Tahiti)
All-inclusive resorts, overwater bungalows and private villas are common — ideal for honeymoons and beach escapes.
- All-inclusive resorts — Fiji
- Luxury overwater bungalows — Tahiti, Bora Bora
- Eco-resorts and dive camps — Vanuatu
New Zealand coasts & fiords
Smaller luxury lodges and coastal retreats emphasize nature, hiking and water-based activities.
- Fiord lodges — Milford Sound
- Coastal boutique retreats — Abel Tasman
Tasmania & southern coasts
Coastal country hotels and gourmet-focused stays that pair local food with wild landscapes.
- Seaside luxury cottages — Bruny Island
- Gourmet coastal hotels — Tasman Peninsula
Lakes, rivers & outback resorts
Where there is no sea, lakefront lodges, river resorts and outback glamping provide memorable resort alternatives.
- Lakefront lodges — inland NSW and Victoria
- Outback glamping and station stays — Red Centre and Kimberley
Hotel price ranges and travel tips
Hotel prices across Australia and Oceania range widely: major cities and popular island resorts are typically pricier, while regional towns and hostels are more affordable. Note that Australia and New Zealand often cost more than many South Pacific islands.
Average nightly prices (approx., in USD)
- Budget: $30–$90 (hostels, budget motels, camping)
- Mid-range: $90–$250 (3–4 star hotels, serviced apartments)
- Luxury: $300+ (5-star hotels, private villas, luxury resorts)
Practical tips
- Check local taxes and tourism levies — these are often added at payment.
- Tipping customs vary: tipping isn’t obligatory in Australia/New Zealand but is appreciated in upscale venues.
- Breakfast inclusion varies by rate — confirm when booking.
- Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for remote islands and markets.
- Typical check-in is 14:00–15:00 and check-out 10:00–11:00; early check-in depends on availability.
- Plan airport transfers for remote resorts; rent-a-car is useful for regional travel.
- Book ahead for high season (Southern Hemisphere summer, school holidays) to secure best rates.
- Verify medical and emergency access for isolated properties.
- Seasonal demand and weather (cyclone season in some Pacific islands) can affect prices and availability.
- Look for bundled packages (activities, diving, spa) to get better value.
- Consider staying in nearby towns or offseason for substantial savings.
- Read guest reviews and recent photos — they reveal real conditions better than promo images.
Unique stays and heritage hotels in Australia and Oceania
Across Australia and Oceania you can find authentic, experiential stays — historic houses, vineyard cottages, mountain lodges, desert camps and eco-lodges. Below are examples noted for architecture, history, setting or atmosphere.
- Barossa Valley, Australia — Vineyard cottages: intimate stays among vineyards with wine tastings and gourmet fare.
- Lord Howe Island, Australia — Small island lodges: limited guest numbers and pristine nature.
- Outback stations, Northern Territory — Station stays: authentic ranch life, horse riding and remote safaris.
- Cradle Mountain, Tasmania — Mountain lodges: rustic-yet-comfortable cabins beside wild landscapes.
- Marlborough, New Zealand — Vineyard homestays: boutique rooms on wine estates with local pairings.
- Milford Sound, New Zealand — Fiord lodges: secluded lodges with dramatic fjord views.
- Outer islands of Fiji — Traditional bure stays: wooden bungalows, village life and cultural immersion.
- Papua New Guinea — Cultural village stays: immersive experiences with indigenous communities and rituals.
- New Caledonia — Colonial villas: French-influenced architecture on Pacific shores.
- Kimberley region, Western Australia — Remote eco-camps: expedition-style camps for gorges and coastal exploration.
Tips for booking hotels in Australia and Oceania
Planning and booking stays across Australia and Oceania means considering climate zones, travel distances and seasonal weather. Book carefully for remote islands and peak seasons to avoid surprises.
Booking tips
- Book early for Southern Hemisphere summer (Dec–Feb) and school holidays.
- For diving and island trips, reserve transfers and activity packages well in advance.
- Compare prices across regions — city centers usually cost more than nearby coastal towns.
- Use local booking platforms and agencies for remote camps or specialized excursions.
- Check cancellation policies and flexible rates for weather-sensitive bookings.
- Look for long-stay discounts and shoulder-season deals to save money.
- Arrange airport transfers for remote islands — boat and flight slots can be limited.
- Business travelers should confirm proximity to conference venues and transport links.
- If sustainability matters, verify eco-certifications and property practices before booking.
- Read guest reviews to confirm current service levels and facilities.
- Be flexible with dates when possible — shifting by a few days can lower rates considerably.
- We recommend using Bookaweb.com as a trusted platform for searching and booking accommodation, especially for combined itineraries and package deals.
