The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Australia

Culgoa Point Beach Resort is home to a stunning stretch of sand | Courtesy of Culgoa Point Beach Resort / Expedia

4 November 2021

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In a country teeming with pristine beaches, finding the perfect beach hotel in Australia is tricky. Whether you’re after a luxurious getaway that spills onto golden sands, a beach house-style apartment as a base for surfing and watersports, or perhaps a rainforest bungalow with its own private beach, there’ll be an option that fulfils all your beach dreams. And even if – dare we whisper it – you tire of sand and sea, all the hotels below offer plenty besides, from on-site fine-dining restaurants to excursions that allow you to see more of Australia’s natural wonders – bookable on Culture Trip.

Qualia, for lavish lounging in the Whitsunday Islands

Qualia, a woman enjoying a private pool in a suite overlooking the Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Hamilton Island – one of the largest islands in Queensland’s Whitsundays and Qualia’s setting – is certainly no slouch when it comes to beaches. But if you want something extra special, you’re also within easy reach of the heralded Whitehaven Beach, which couldn’t look any dreamier if it tried. Back at the hotel, further admire the Whitsunday scenery as you dine alfresco at one of the on-site restaurants – or just soak up the amenities of the beach house accommodation. If you want to get active, a whole world of beach sports and activities are available, including paddle-boarding and catamaran trips at the hotel’s private Pebble Beach.

Alamanda Palm Cove, for instant beach access in Palm Cove

Cabanas and pool at Alamanda Palm Cove, Australia

Courtesy of Alamanda Palm Cove / Expedia

Boasting a truly enviable route to the beach – you can literally step out of some suites onto the sand – Alamanda is a golden ticket for luxury-seeking beach-lovers. The palm-fringed beach you’ll be rolling on to is one of the highlights of the hotel’s setting in gorgeous Palm Cove, a small, colourful coastal village. Stylish, contemporary rooms are similarly impressive thanks to a serious amount of space, ranging widely in size depending on price. If you want to maximise your time on those golden sands, Alamanda’s locally loved Nu Nu restaurant will arrange beachfront dining for you.

Hawley House, for rooftop bathing in Tasmania

A retro-chic room at Hawley House, Tasmania, Australia

Courtesy of Hawley House / Expedia

Dating back to 1878, Hawley House is set amongst gardens and greenery but is also just minutes away from Hawley Beach – a peaceful hidden gem with a rugged feel that offers stunning sunset viewing. The house is essentially a countryside estate and as such is packed with history and an old-world atmosphere – such as antique furnishings in all rooms – with plenty of modern-day luxury added to the mix. Top of that luxury list is the rooftop bath, which offers fabulous views across the grounds and ocean – best enjoyed with a glass of fizz in hand. A nice bonus is the free continental breakfast served every day.

Hotel Bondi, for a vibrant atmosphere on Bondi Beach

Balcony with a view of Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Courtesy of Hotel Bondi / Expedia

Soak up the best of the iconic Bondi Beach at this cool and casual hotel located directly opposite the action, which you can gaze at from the balconies attached to all rooms. There’s a smart bistro on-site, plus a vibey beer garden to settle into after a day on the sand. Speaking of beer, head to the hotel’s bottle shop if you want to pick up local brews for your day at the beach. If you want to explore a little further, you’re also in the heart of town – meaning that restaurants, cafés, shops and bars are all around. There’s also a golf course a few minutes away and smaller beaches a short journey south if you’re looking for something more relaxed than lively Bondi.

Culgoa Point Beach Resort, for waterside relaxation on the Sunshine Coast

Couple paddle boarding at Culgoa Point Beach Resort, Queensland, Australia

Courtesy of Culgoa Point Beach Resort / Expedia

Tropical-style landscaped gardens offset this resort on the longest private beach in beautiful Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The accommodation is made up of smart, airy apartments, many with views of the Noosa River and access to the private beach. The nautically inclined will love the fact the resort has its own marina berths – but if you’ve left your yacht at home, you can always take to the water via the resort’s kayaks and paddleboards. Elsewhere, there’s a spa, sauna, gym and pool to enjoy, plus the many sights and attractions of Noosa – such as bike trails, classy beachfront restaurants and Noosa National Park, where you can spot koalas.

Rye Hotel - One Four Nelson, for beachfront suites in Mornington Peninsula

The pool at Rye Hotel - One Four Nelson, Australia

Courtesy of Rye Hotel - One Four Nelson / Expedia

Take your pick from a room overlooking Victoria’s popular Rye Beach and Port Phillip Bay, or a poolside stay overlooking the heated swimming pool and spa. Either way, you’ll still be minutes away from unforgettable beach scenes at this hotel. The attached pub and restaurant is a fun place to relax when you’re done with the beach for the day and there are tons of other eateries scattered near to the hotel. It’s also worth exploring the Mornington Peninsula area, as you’ll find other great beaches and neighbourhoods – try the pretty town of Sorrento, to the west of the hotel – as well as Victoria’s only natural geothermal springs.

Azure Sea Whitsunday, for show-stopping views in Airlie Beach

Elegant modern room with balcony at Azure Sea Whitsunday

Courtesy of Azure Sea Whitsunday / Expedia

Set in an ever-popular coastal town in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, Azure Sea is blessed with unmissable views over the Coral Sea across to Hayman Island. When you want to sample the water for yourself, the nearest beach is a five-minute walk away – but for something more immediate, the resort’s infinity-edge waterfall swimming pool is a big selling point and also maximises those amazing views. You can also enjoy the views from any of the apartments, which feature balconies and a full kitchen. If you don’t fancy cooking, Airlie Beach is packed with global restaurants – plus lots of specialty coffee for your caffeine fix.

The Port Lincoln Hotel, for neighbourhood-exploring in Port Lincoln

The swimming pool overlooking the sea at The Port Lincoln Hotel

Courtesy of The Port Lincoln Hotel / Expedia

Get a first-rate view of Boston Bay’s immense blue sprawl from this beachfront hotel. With 111 rooms available, there’s something to suit all budgets – from luxury ocean view suites equipped with a spa to simpler, cosy town-view rooms, plus family rooms for those travelling with children. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar – which takes advantage of the killer views – but you’ll also want to explore the charms of wider Port Lincoln, where you can take a winery tour of local vineyards like Boston Bay Wines and Lincoln Estates. Or, if you’re feeling curious, arrange a coastal safari to get further acquainted with the area’s magnificent landscape.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, for losing yourself in nature in Port Douglas

A private balcony with forest and ocean views at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Queensland

Courtesy of Thala Beach Nature Reserve / Hotels.com

Eco-conscious accommodation is a key focus at Thala Beach, which sits amongst forest in a nature reserve connecting to a private beach with dramatic ocean views. All the spacious suites and bungalows have a tropical feel and are nestled within the forest, allowing for viewing of the site’s varied wildlife. Get to know your surroundings even better on one of the free guided tours, where you can spot birds and butterflies, go stargazing or even embark on a Coconut Odyssey. Keep exploring by making the short journey out to the Great Barrier Reef and relax afterward by eating dinner in the treetops at the on-site Osprey’s Restaurant – accompanied by a glass of Australian wine or Thala’s take on an old fashioned, made with cinnamon.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, for beachfront luxury on the Gold Coast

Large pool with palms and a boardwalk at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast

Courtesy of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort / Booking.com

The direct beachfront location that opens onto a seemingly endless stretch of white sand is a huge selling point for this plush Gold Coast hotel, but it’s certainly not the only one. If you tire of heavenly postcard scenes, there are tropical gardens and lagoons to enjoy around the resort, plus several swimming pools – one with a Swim-Up Service if you need refreshments during your dip – and a choice of restaurants and bars. The Gold Coast also has lots to offer, including sublime beaches, watersports, weird and wonderful wildlife in the Hinterland Rainforest – along with all the shopping you could ask for at the Marina Mirage, connected to the hotel via a tunnel walkway.

For more amazing places to stay in Australia, check out our pick of the best hotels to book in the Whitsunday Islands, bookable on Culture Trip.

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