From the sky-high sophistication of Melbourne’s newest landmark to the windswept luxury of Kangaroo Island and the iconic charm of Byron Bay, Australia’s most exceptional stays have been crowned in the 2025 Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards.
The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has been named Hotel of the Year, leading the winners of the 2025 Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards, which celebrate the pinnacle of Australian luxury travel.
Joining The Ritz-Carlton at the top of this year’s honours are Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, awarded Resort of the Year for its masterful blend of wild coastal beauty and refined design; and Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay, named Boutique Hotel of the Year for its seamless expansion and enduring intimate glamour.
“This year’s winners showcase the evolution of Australian luxury and stand out for their distinct sense of place,” says Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin. “They’re world-class destinations but uniquely Australian.”
Sydney’s The Eve Hotel took top honours in the Best New Hotel category, recognised for its vibrant, urban resort glamour and sophisticated design. Meanwhile, Victoria’s acclaimed Lake House in Daylesford was recognised for Best Hotel Dining, fusing hyper-local produce, seasonal menus and elegant hospitality.
When it comes to cruising, Silversea was crowned Cruise Line of the Year, with judges agreeing it stands out for its refined service, all-suite ships and immersive culinary program.
Readers were also invited to have their say, voting for the People’s Choice Awards, which saw Emirates named Airline of the Year, while Qantas Frequent Flyer was voted the best loyalty program. Victoria’s Alba Thermal Springs and Spa was voted the Best Travel Experience in Australia.
Judged by an expert panel including Michael Harden, Lee Tulloch, Alexandra Carlton and led by Hunkin, the awards highlight more than 50 of Australia’s most remarkable properties in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide.
The Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards are proudly supported by Malaysia Airlines and Flight Centre.
The winners
Hotel of the Year: The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
Resort of the Year: Southern Ocean Lodge
Boutique Hotel of the Year: Raes on Wategos
Best New Hotel: The Eve Hotel Sydney
Best Hotel Dining: Lake House
Cruise Line of the Year: Silversea
Best Travel Experience: Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
Best Airline: Emirates
Best Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer
All winners in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards have been determined via an esteemed panel of industry experts, including Goumet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin and seasoned travel contributors Michael Harden, Lee Tulloch, Alexandra Carlton and more. Led by Hunkin, the judges and an expert team of critics also reviewed and endorsed more than 50 hotels across Australia to deliver the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide.
How we pick the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards winners
Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide
Celebrating the very best Australian hotels and resorts.
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