Take glamping to the next level with a stay at Sal Salis on Western Australia’s incredible coast. Just off shore, heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is home to some of the planet’s most amazing marine life and guests can swim with whale sharks and humpback whales during their seasonal migration. The property’s luxury safari tents are scattered across the dunes, a few sandy steps from the water.

Fall asleep in the world’s oldest rainforest at the rejuvenated Silky Oaks Lodge in the heart of Queensland’s Daintree. Each elegant suite is designed to be the grown-up treehouse of your childhood dreams, complete with open-air showers and bathtubs with views of the surrounding trees and Mossman River.

Choose between 40 rooms and villas, each with unforgettable views of the Great Barrier Reef, when you stay at exclusive Lizard Island. Explore the island’s natural beauty on relaxed hikes or take to the water and discover some of the world’s most famous dive sites, such as Cod Hole.

This exclusive stay 2.5 hours north of Hobart is the ideal base from which to experience the best Tasmania has to offer. Indulge in oysters plucked straight from the water on a special marine-farm tour, visit a free-range Tasmanian devil enclosure to learn more about the famous mammal or explore picturesque Wineglass Bay by boat.

Just 1.5 hours outside Sydney in the Blue Mountains, the adults-only Spicers Sangoma Retreat has a wellness program for everyone. The adventurous can embark on a private abseiling or rock-climbing expedition before soothing sore muscles in the bathtub of their scenic bush suite. For a more relaxed affair, sip a glass of wine while creating a masterpiece in a watercolour-painting class.

You’re seeing Uluru in unique style when you stay at this safari-tent dotted property. But for a real once-if-in-a-lifetime experience book the Dune Pavilion, which features views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the two bedrooms and private desert-side plunge pool.

First-rate food and wine are just the beginning at The Louise in South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley. Enjoy a breakfast picnic at sunrise with kangaroos for company or take a guided tour of some of the region’s most noteworthy cellar doors, including Seppeltsfield. Each suite boasts vineyard panoramas and all the modern amenities you’d expect at a high-end getaway.

Nature-lovers shouldn’t skip a stay at Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Retreat, where the zoo’s residents are closer than ever. Depending on which room you choose, wake up to dazzling harbour views, the sound of birdlife or the sight of koalas in the trees outside your window. 

Wake with a refreshing swim in your plunge pool, settle on the sand of the resort’s own beach or while away the hours in the spa at this top-class Hamilton Island property. Qualia’s designer pavilions and beach house are a great starting point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, with snorkelling and diving daytrips available on request.

Located on the edge of the Northern Territory’s spectacular Kakadu National Park, Bamurru Plains draws inspiration from the classic safari lodge, including the thrilling wildlife spotting. Each bungalow has mesh-screen walls that grant access to majestic views across the plains, while the Bamurru menu features elevated bush-inspired fare.

If you want truly awe-inspiring views at Capella Lodge book the Lidgbird Pavilion. It’s one of just nine suites at the property and not only is the dramatic meeting of ocean and mountain visible from your bed, it features a wrap-around verandah, a plunge pool and plenty of space for sunset drinks and dinner.

Could there be anything more decadent than sharing your lodgings with a cheetah? Thankfully, at this lodge the sleek cat sleeps outside your bungalow and observing it – or tigers, sun bears, giraffes or meerkats, depending on your room – as you recline in the tub is probably as close as you’ll want to get.

Whether you’re staying in aloft in a Canopy Banyan or amongst the lush vegetation in a Rainforest Banyan, all you’ll see from your windows is the lush green leaves of the Daintree Rainforest. This eco-focused lodge offers guided walks to a sacred waterfall, cultural tours of Kuku Yalanji country, curated picnic hampers full of local produce and spa treatments that harness native botanicals to draw you into a deeper state of bliss.

Chart a course along the coast or through the Kimberley region aboard True North – a luxe cruise that takes you to some of the area’s most remote locations. While the activities off the water are guaranteed to impress, passing the time on the sun deck or at the alfresco bar is just as satisfying.

The property might resemble an alpine chalet but don’t expect to see snow – this mountain-top retreat is just two hours south-west of Brisbane. Dial up the luxury levels with a dip in the pool, soak in the hot tub or decadent massage at on-site Spa Anise.

It’s less than 90 minutes from Sydney – that includes driving and boating time – but this new luxury lodge feels far, far away. Accommodation is a mix of safari tents and bungalows overlooking the Hawkesbury River with all meals served in the breezy Budyari Restaurant.

5 Epic Day Trips to Take From Brisbane