Best Accommodation in New South Wales
Accommodation now takes more forms than ever. Hotels – boutique and otherwise – will always have their place, but in recent years entirely new genres have emerged. Now, the best way to experience some of the most beautiful spots in New South Wales might be to rent out a self-contained cottage on a working farm. It could mean booking out a secluded coastal hideaway. And spa retreats are still just as relevant as ever.
Whether you’re a local looking to get out of the city for the weekend or a traveller planning a longer holiday, there’s a spot in here for you. These are the best places to stay in New South Wales.
Accommodation
Raes on Wategos
Legend has it that Salvador Dalí designed this intimate whitewashed hotel’s tropical garden and free-form pool. After a superlative 2017 refresh led by interior designer Tamsin Johnson, it’s emerged better than ever, with a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that’s a destination in its own right.
Accommodation
Halcyon House
Halfway between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, this ’60s surf motel turned boutique hotel is ideally positioned for exploring in both directions. But you might not want to leave. The in-house restaurant, Paper Daisy, is widely acclaimed and the fresh blue-and-white interiors encourage all-day lazing.
Accommodation
Elements of Byron
This is one of Byron's quintessential resorts, and we can see why. Between the luxurious villas, bars, cocktail caravans and – not to mention – the swim-up bar in the adults-only pool, Elements will provide the escape you need.
Accommodation
Bannisters Port Stephens
British celebrity chef Rick Stein is behind this former no-frills motel. Now it offers good eating, spa treatments and an enviable swimming pool.
Accommodation
Borrodell Suites
In the heart of Orange’s world-class wine country, this winery and hotel is just as worth visiting in the cooler months as it is during harvest season.
Accommodation
The Old Schoolhouse Milton
Soak up the country air at this historic, rambling property south of Sydney. Hang out with chickens, roam the vegetable garden or take the tyre swing for a spin.
Accommodation
Nashdale Lane Glamping
Split your time between wine tasting, walking the countryside and relaxing in glamping cabins (which even come with their own fireplace).
Accommodation
Paperbark Camp
Glamping was a thing here before glamping was a thing anywhere. It’s bordered by the Jervis Bay National Park, which means you’re in for pristine swims and spectacular coastal walks.
Restaurant
Cottage Point Inn
Cottage Point Inn has been going strong since the 1950s. A waterside degustation here is the main draw, but the Inn also features two boutique apartments with sublime views over Cowan Creek.
Accommodation
Paramount House Hotel
Japanese-style timber baths, mini-bar snacks by LPs Quality Meats and room service courtesy of nearby Chin Chin. You could easily stream a movie in your well-appointed room, but with Golden Age Cinema waiting just downstairs, you might as well enjoy the big screen.
Accommodation
Soma Byron Bay
Book in for a multi-day retreat to experience meditation, yoga, coaching and stunning rainforest views.
Accommodation
Mona Farm
There are six historic buildings to choose from on this beautiful tranquil property. It's BYO food or there’s a chef on hand to make your meals.
Accommodation
Lilypad
A luxury floating villa anchored in the waters off Palm Beach. Following a fire in 2020, it was revamped with Mediterranean-style interiors and a pioneering solar-powered floating sauna. There’s an onboard cellar flush with booze, breakfast from the Boathouse, plus lunch and dinner by your own private chef.
Restaurant
Jonah’s
Whale Beach’s own elegant fine diner and hotel lives inside a wartime-era coach house with one of the best ocean views in Sydney. Staying here is the perfect weekender – Jonah’s feels like it’s a world away, but you actually haven’t left town.
Accommodation
Barranca
Four luxe villas surrounded by towering sandstone walls and a thick blanket of trees in dreamy Kangaroo Valley.
Accommodation
The Surf House
A budget-friendly hotel in Byron Bay's heritage-listed former council chambers. It has all the style and luxury of a boutique hotel, but with the communal spaces (including shared kitchen and laundry facilities) you’d find in a hostel. Plus, it’s home to Byron’s only open-air rooftop bar.
Accommodation
The Camp
This luxe canvas bell-tent is fitted with a queen-sized bed and a solar-powered hot shower. And it's just a 30-minute drive from Byron Bay.
Accommodation
The Sunseeker
An ’80s motel that's been given a mid century Cali refurb. The only choice you have to make is this: room or standalone bungalow? Then comes the relaxing part: laze beside the kidney-shaped pool and order a drink from the Tiki-meets-brutalist bar.
Bar
The Eltham Hotel
This historic Northern Rivers pub – which opened in 1903 – has been lovingly restored to its original condition. Upstairs, each of the comfortable and quaint rooms have their own theme. Downstairs is all about beers, live music and pub gold standards such as schnitzels and smoked whipped fish fingers.
Accommodation
Blackbird Byron
Located in the Bay hinterland, this boutique, adults-only hotel combines brutalist urban design with high-end hospitality. Stay in one of three striking villas and make the most of luxe features, including private chefs, an infrared sauna and magnesium infinity pool.
Accommodation
The Eastern Thredbo Village
Find slumber and low-key luxury on the fringe of Thredbo’s ski village with these two stylish cabins, offering a Japanese-style onsen bath for two, stunning views of Mount Kosciuszko, super-comfy beds and well-equipped kitchens.
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Accommodation
The Bower
Each room at this boutique hotel feels like your dream Northern Rivers home.
Accommodation
Turon Gates
Recharge at one of six adult-only, luxe glamping tents pitched near the Blue Mountains. Each private, self-contained hut comes with a two-person bath, day lounge and outdoor deck with views of mountains, bushland and Aussie wildlife.
Bar
Hotel Palisade
This 100-year-old harbourside boozer is a destination in The Rocks. Hit the public bar for heart bistro fare and classic cocktails. Or head upstairs to cocktail bar Henry Deane for sweeping views of the harbour.
Accommodation
Crystalbrook Albion
With heritage elements and just 35 rooms, this boutique hotel barely feels like one.
