Escape to rugged islands bursting with wildlife, tropical havens on the edge of the Great Barrier reef, outback homesteads with old-school charm or Euro-chic stays in a secluded pocket of the Barossa. Whatever type of remote luxury retreat Australia has plenty to choose from. Here, Gourmet Travller editors select our favourite Australian luxury retreats and resorts offering the finer things in wilderness.
Here are the best luxury retreats Australia has to offer for those seeking wild luxury thrills.
Mt Mulligan Lodge
Perched on a sacred site, Mt Mulligan Lodge in north Queensland proves to be a traveller’s outback delight. It’s a unique north Queensland getaway, which genuinely merits the description “outback escape” as it is 28,000-hectare working cattle station. It’s an all-inclusive property but the pleasures of staying here are as much about what’s not part of the package. For example, there’s no formal reception area, check-in fussing or having to present a credit card to cover extras. With a maximum of 32 guests at any time, there’s a hyper-personal approach to everything.
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The Louise
Explore the Barossa Valley by day, relax in splendour at night, as The Louise pairs nature with nurture in all the best ways. The hedonist of the Baillle Lodges’ family is fresh from the three-million-dollar refresh, resulting in a European atmosphere across each of the 15 villa-style guest suites, complete with sun-dapppled private courtyards overlooking the neighbouring vines. Of course, the biggest drawcard for a stay at The Louise is the opportunity to sample the dégustation with matching wines at in-house Appellation and then roll into bed.
Lizard Island
Secluded yet bursting with life, Lizard Island Resort continues to rank with the best remote luxury retreats Australia has to offer. It’s been welcoming holidaymakers since 1975 and was most recently renovated in 2015, after it was smashed by cyclone Nathan. Today, the resort comprises 40 private villas, including beachfront suites and oceanview villas with private plunge pools. Guests can choose to spend their days exploring the island any number of ways, including driving themselves in one of the resort’s motorised dinghies, which are complimentary to all guests.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Eyes on the horizon (it’s visible from every room), you can feel the ascension at Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0. Over four years ago, the original lodge was a perfectly bucket-listed must-do for those with the means for super-prime travel. But now, off the back of a bar-raising reconstruction, the Kangaroo Island stay is rising to Australian icon status. Like the original, Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0 serves up an accommodating brand of luxury. Twenty-three pavilions cling to the slope towards Hanson Bay but now they are reoriented to open towards the southeast for a bigger inhale of views. This time around, there’s an infinity pool off the Great Room terrace and the larger spa now featuring hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna and gym, and it has moved to the main building.
Saffire Freycinet
If you haven’t visited this luxury Tasmanian lodge, chances are it’s been topping your lust list since it opened in 2010. Sublime undulating architecture is embedded into the even more sublime and undulating surrounds to make this the place to go when you need more awe in your life. Each of the 20 rooms has views for days while the four private pavilions – each with its own plunge pool – offer the ultimate luxe stay. The elegant food and drinks are on free flow and service is delivered with a hyper-personal touch. It’s also one of the few luxury lodges where children are welcome if it’s the family connection you crave.
Rumi on Louth
This relatively new eco-luxe resort off the coast of South Australia is an unconventional island retreat, one that embraces the gorgeous wild landscapes of Louth Island — a sun-bleached palate of white beige sand and sage flora that’s filled with birdlife and surrounded by the kind of startling aqua blue waters that channel the arid islands of the Mediterranean — while also utilising expensive technology that puts Rumi firmly in the luxury end of the resort spectrum. Current stays are in the two-storey, timber-clad main building with apartments and suites, while you’ll dine at the superb Samphire restaurant. Plus, Rumi plans to open for 27 one-bedroom villas placed in secluded parts of a 135-hectare island.
Kittawa Lodge
On the rugged coastline of Tasmania’s King Island, surrounded by the Bass Strait, two chic one-bedroom lodges sit separately but together in quiet, perspective-shifting luxury. The off-grid, edo-friendly luxury accommodation is surrounded by rugged coastline, pristine beaches, lush grassy landscapes and adorable wildlife.
Arkaba Homestead
This sequestered stay sits on a 24,000 hectare private wildlife conservancy at the most southern point of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Sandstone cliffs and river red gums line the boundaries of the geological amphitheatre, which is home to Arkaba’s sandstone homestead, dating back to 1856. Guests can choose from walking, driving or air safaris to get up close with the area’s wildlife, including emus, echidnas and more. The arrival of chef Calvin Von Niebel (who spent time working in Yotam Ottolenghi’s kitchens in London) promises you’ll always be well fed, no matter how far you roam.
Wander on Kangaroo Island
Overlooking the rugged coastline of Kangaroo Island, Wander’s sleek eco-conscious lodges allow you to slow right down and connect with the island’s striking beauty. There are only four ‘WanderPods’, each positioned to take advantage of the Great Australian Bight views, making them perfect for a romantic off-grid getaway. Each lodge boasts a plush king bed, luxe linens and amenities, and an outdoor stone bath for soaking under the stars.
A version of this article first appeared in Gourmet Traveller Magazine in April 2023, but has been since updated with additional luxury Australian retreats and resorts and more relevant information.
