Boutique-Hotel Chic...

New South Wales

Grab a cocktail, hit the dancefloor, join the beautiful people or escape the crowds – rest and play the Sydney way, or travel far beyond the city for an indulgent out-of-this-world experience that’s sure to stay with you long after you’re back on more familiar ground.

Sydney hotels
A visit to Sydney is all about the views – so max out on those jaw-dropping vistas with a stay at Sebel Pier One or the Sydney Park Hyatt. Both are built on the water’s edge and enjoy fabulous Sydney Harbour views, as well as all the convenience and fun of being located in the historic dining and entertainment precinct of the Rocks.

Sydney bars
Sydney’s nightlife is among the most vibrant in the world, and theres no more exciting venue than the Ivy, a sprawling complex of bars, lounges, restaurants and a live music venue – not to mention a rooftop pool and two super-swanky hotel suites – where the citys platinum party crew hang out. For a different kind of thrill, enjoy a cocktail or home-brewed beer at the Opera Bar, as you watch the sun set against the city skyline. For panoramic views of Sydneys legendary Bondi Beach, visit the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.

Beyond the city
A world away from the hustle of the city scene, Paperbark Camp is a peaceful bush retreat in Jervis Bay, on the South Coast. Here, youll sleep under the stars in a luxuriously appointed tent and enjoy the areas wealth of natural beauty – as well as pampering fine dining and massage treatments. The Greater Blue Mountains play host to Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, a six-star homestead-style hideaway set within its own 4,000-acre private conservation and wildlife reserve, surrounded by native forests and sandstone cliffs. Or, to get away from it all during a Sydney vacation, take an afternoon to fly by seaplane to the award-winning Cottage Point Inn, perched on the waters edge in the heart of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. After a leisurely three-course lunch, reboard your seaplane and return to Sydney, flying a circuit of the harbour over the Bridge and Opera House before landing at Rose Bay.

Queensland

Whether you want to be right in the centre of the action – to see and be seen in some of the countrys hottest, clubs and bars – or to take yourself away from it all and decompress at a luxurious, secluded retreat or hotel, no one does boutique chic quite like Queensland.
Welcome to the high life...

Brisbane hotels
If you’re looking for more than just a place to lay your head while in Brisbane, the Emporium Hotel offers an unparalleled level of hospitality and service, right down to its Exquisite Sleeps menu, which allows guests to choose from no fewer than eight different pillow options. Located in the heart of the Emporium precinct, the hotel also offers guests a rooftop lap pool, sauna, gym and cocktail bar, and custom-designed, individually furnished suites.

Brisbane bars
The leafy city suburb of Fortitude Valley has built quite a reputation for its buzzing cafés, nightclubs, live music venues, renovated pubs and great restaurants. Its latest nightspots include Laruche Bar & Supperclub, an art nouveau-inspired site combining art, fine design and a European tapas-style menu; and Alloneword, a stylish, exclusive space with a cool bar and outdoor area that plays cutting-edge music to a super-hip crowd. For a drink in a remarkable setting, visit Cloudland, with its retractable roof and waterfall.

Beyond the city
A jewel in the Gold Coasts coastline, the Palazzo Versace is one of Australias most luxurious hotels, with 205 elegant rooms, 72 condominiums, three award-winning restaurants, a private marina, designer shopping and the Salus Per Aquum day spa all under one roof. Midway along Queenslands coast, rent a beach house in the tiny settlements of Agnes Water, or nearby 1770 for total privacy. Tropical North Queensland also boasts outstanding luxury retreats, including Daintree Rainforests Shangri-La, the über-private Bali Hai, and Altitude One40, with its own private helipad, at Mission Beach. For the ultimate in escapism, why not hire your own island? Double Island, off Palm Cove, is a five-star haven for A-listers seeking guaranteed seclusion.