The best hotels in Australia have been officially named
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A raft of luxurious Australian hotels have been named among the best in the world.
From a revamped beachside spot to an island haven, 25 local properties have been recognised with Michelin Keys.
Capella Sydney has been named one of the best hotels in the world. Capella Sydney
The prized gongs were handed out by the prestigious Michelin Guide after anonymous visits by inspectors hunting for places that “offer outstanding experiences.”
For the first time, Michelin award One Key distinctions to stays across the country while promoting top-notch properties on its global ranking list.
Twenty-two properties were added to the list, while three were promoted.
Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania was promoted to the top honour of Three Michelin Keys.
It was dubbed ”a sleek, contemporary retreat nestled among Tasmania’s rugged east coast bushland, beneath the Hazards mountains. Its 20 timber-lined suites, local design and tailored nature experiences create an indulgent escape where seclusion and the wilderness take centre stage.”
Also upgraded was the fancy Kangaroo Island stay, Southern Ocean Lodge.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent his honeymoon there, and the property regularly appears on lists of the world’s best hotels.
Michelin say it “brings contemporary Australian design to the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island, with 25 sea-facing rooms overlooking the Southern Ocean and surrounding wildlife. Guests can unwind in understated luxury or explore the island’s wild landscapes through tailored nature experiences, gourmet dining and spa treatments.”
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo island attracts Prime Ministers. Southern Ocean Lodge
Hot off the back of the 50 Best Hotels nod, Capella Sydney was promoted to Two Michelin Keys.
“It transforms a heritage landmark near Circular Quay into a refined contemporary retreat, celebrating Australian Aboriginal culture through its art and design. Richly detailed rooms, a first-rate spa and destination dining combine heritage character with modern luxury,” the guide says.
Also in South Australia, Sequoina Lodge was given a listing for the first time,
Bosses say it ”sits high above Adelaide Hills’ Piccadilly Valley, with 14 private suites designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape. From moon windows and spring-fed hot pools to native wildlife, Dreamtime storytelling and seasonal dining, the lodge offers a secluded escape rooted in nature and local culture.”
But it’s not all about once-in-a-lifetime splurges.
A raft of more affordable Aussie stays were given recognition with One Michelin Key.
Intercontinental Coogee Beach is newly revamped. Supplied
The new Ardour Milton Park in the NSW Southern Highlands near Sydney was one.
The newly revamped Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG was also named as one of the best in the world.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex held an event there on her latest visit to Australia.
Also in the city, The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery, was recognised.
The Sundays, a new spot to enjoy on Hamilton Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays, also made the cut.
The late Dame Olivia Newton-John’s Gaia Retreat near Byron Bay was also on the list.
The Michelin Key is the hotel distinction equivalent to the Michelin Star for restaurants.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral reopened after an extensive renovation in February 2026. Supplied/Hamilton Lund
A total of 54 Australian hotels made the Michelin Key list for 2026, with 22 local properties were added to the list for the first time. Thirty-two properties retained their Key status from last year. They’re all listed on the firm’s website and app.
Hotels are awarded One, Two or Three Michelin Keys, according to the level of experience they offer.
Sequoia Lodge in South Australia made the cut. Sequoia Lodge
One Key means “a very special stay, two is for “an exceptional stay and three are reserved for “an extraordinary stay, the company says.
Gwendal Poullennec, a Michelin Guide international director, said the places chosen aim to “push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travellers to discover new destinations.”
“All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalised, and experiential concepts,” Poullennec added.
Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania was on the list. Saffire Freycinet
Michelin Guide New Three Key hotels in Australia
- Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
- Southern Ocean Lodge, South Australia
Michelin Guide New Two Key hotels in Australia
- Capella Sydney, NSW
- Sequoia Lodge, South Australia
Halcyon House, in Cabarita on the northern NSW coast gained a nod. Halcyon House
Michelin Guide New One Key hotels in Australia
- Ardour Milton Park, NSW
- Blackbird Byron Bay, NSW
- Chalets at Blackheath, NSW
- El Questro – The Homestead, NT
- Gaia Retreat & Spa, NSW
- Halcyon House, NSW
- InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG, NSW
- Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Victoria
- Le Mas Barossa, South Australia
- Lon Retreat & Spa, Victoria
- Maleny Lodge, Queensland
- Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills, South Australia
- Mt Mulligan Lodge, Queensland
- Pretty Beach House, NSW
- Sticky Rice Villas, South Australia
- The Corinda Collection, Tasmania
- The Langham Melbourne, Victoria
- The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery, NSW
- The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Victoria
- The Sundays, Queensland
