The most exciting Australian hotel openings of 2026

Picnic Island, Tasmania

For ultra-exclusive travel, Picnic Island delivers a rare private island experience off the coast of Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park. Nature lovers can commune with penguins, hike hidden trails and listen to an evening chorus of rare seabirds. Accommodating only eight guests across four luxuriously appointed spaces, the resort offers a dedicated island host and skipper, a private chef and a custom boat for marine adventures. Just steps from the water’s edge, each bedroom has uninterrupted views across Freycinet’s iconic pink granite peaks. The island operates entirely off-grid, with availability limited to 100 nights a year to protect the delicate ecosystem.

QT Parramatta, NSW 

Designed as part of a 65-storey mixed-use tower with a “twisting rhomboid” design, this new Coronation Property hotel is on track to become the area’s first five-star hotel. Featuring 65 designer suites, a destination restaurant, a 300-seat ballroom, multiple wellness spaces and an infinity pool overlooking the city, the next hotel under the QT brand is scheduled to open later this year. 

Ardour Milton Park Bowral, NSW

A $10 million transformation will see the Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa become a ritzy Salter Brothers’ country retreat that gives Bridgerton energy. Think English manor weekend vibes, with heritage architecture and contemporary interiors, across more than 40 individually styled rooms. Stroll through the heritage-listed gardens or treat yourself to some relaxation time at the exclusive Eliva Spa, which features everything from LED mask therapy to innovative recovery rituals. A European-style restaurant and a Polo Bar perfectly position this new property to capture the growing demand for luxury regional getaways.

RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort, WA 

Watch a famous Coral Bay sunset at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia before you dive into a resort-style saltwater swimming pool at this remodelled resort. Opening mid-year, the property will feature 90 modern one to three-bedroom units, a new clubhouse and a restaurant and bar with al fresco dining. With direct access to pristine beaches and bucket-list marine encounters, from whale sharks to manta rays and turtle hatching, this is a standout choice for experience-led travellers.

Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach, NSW 

Bringing global luxury to one of Australia’s most iconic coastlines, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach offers leisure travellers and high-end staycationers 198 ocean-facing rooms and suites, many with sweeping coastal views. Another Salter Brothers hospitality venue, it features a chic beach-house aesthetic combined with premium leisure and dining credentials. Mediterranean-influenced cuisine is on offer at one restaurant and bar, while a second eatery is a Rick Stein venue. A leisure deck featuring an ocean-facing infinity pool, sunrise yoga by the sea, pickleball courts, fitness facilities, and an Eliva Spa cement the hotel’s luxe appeal. 

The Monty Anglesea, VIC 

Dive into the vibrant colours and designs of vintage Palm Springs at this 16-room boutique property on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. An outdoor swimming pool, spa and lounge area, plus a modern California-Mexican cantina overlooking the Anglesea River, are designed for relaxation and, of course, enviable Insta posts. Plus, there are two accessible rooms and EV chargers on the property. An official opening, which will incorporate the under-construction rooftop bar, is expected later this year.