These new and reimagined properties in NSW (and one in the ACT) showcase how the little details can make a big difference when it comes to a memorable getaway, whatever experience you are looking for.
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG
242 Arden St, Coogee; (02) 9315 7600
- EV charging
- Wheelchair-accessible
THE LOCATION Opposite the beach in the Sydney eastern suburb of Coogee, this five-star property is 25 minutes from the CBD and 20 minutes from the airport.
THE PLACE This is a hotel with a few previous lives. Many years ago it was home to a Holiday Inn, then more recently the Crowne Plaza, but a multi-million-dollar refurbishment was completed in 2026 to create the 198-room luxury offering featuring everything from an ocean-facing infinity pool to a private pickleball court. Notably, British celebrity chef Rick Stein has set up shop here, adding true culinary bona fides.
THE EXPERIENCE From common areas to personal suites, the entire InterContinental experience is light-filled, with fixtures and furniture of bleached-blond timber, marble and steel, and, of course, white wooden shutters. The Woods Bagot design aesthetic of each room draws inspiration from the shoreline itself, with natural, curved joinery and sun-washed fabrics. Like striding into a salty, summer sea only a stone’s throw away, it’s all too easy to sink into this kind of comfort.
DON’T MISS If wellness is your passion, spend an additional $80 for an hour at Eliva Spa, featuring magnesium mineral pools, cool steel cold plunge baths, saunas and steam room and vitamin C-infused showers, followed by a “recovery lounge” of infrared mats, LED facial masks, compression boots and vibroacoustic therapy.
FROM $486 a night. Konrad Marshall
Reflections Signature Tiny Homes
1 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay; (02) 6685 6496
THE LOCATION Find these two ocean-facing tiny homes at Reflections Holiday Park on Clarkes Beach, a 15-minute walk from Byron Bay’s town centre.
THE PLACE Phwoar. How’s the view from up here? While Reflections features several family-friendly villas and cabins, these new “signature” tiny homes are built with couples in mind, from the double showers to deckchairs on the roof looking straight at Clarkes Beach. A spacious, wraparound verandah is made for morning coffees and sunset drinks, and air conditioning is welcome after a day spent reading and swimming (as is a private outdoor shower to wash the sand off). The interior design is modern and fresh – all wood-panelling against bone-white walls – and although the rooms are indeed tiny, a large window can be cracked to let the sea breeze in.
THE EXPERIENCE A kitchenette does the job for basic cooking and reheating, and there’s a communal barbecue area with ocean views, but the kiosk at Beach at Byron restaurant is literally next door for pastries on your shaded verandah. A long lunch at Hatted Beach is the right idea too, or just spend the day down at Clarkes.
DON’T MISS The two-hour Walgun Cape Byron walking loop, taking you through rainforest and clifftops to the lighthouse.
FROM $433 a night; three-night minimum stay. Callan Boys
25hours Hotel The Olympia
1 Oxford St, Paddington; (02) 7234 2525
- Pet-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
THE LOCATION On the border of Paddington and Darlinghurst, and just a skip away from Surry Hills, this hotel has the best of inner Sydney on its doorstep.
THE PLACE Since opening in 1911 as West’s Olympia Theatre, this heritage-listed building has been home to a cinema, a nightclub and now, a hotel. The building’s cinematic history is evident throughout; the reception desk operates under a neon “video” sign, from which guests can borrow tapes of iconic titles along with a VHS player. There’s a ticket booth at the entrance and archival film footage on a loop outside the lifts.
THE EXPERIENCE Rooms are presented in two schemes: The Renegade rooms with noir accents and The Dreamer spaces in whimsical pastels. You might be asked which you feel most aligned with on check-in. The rooms vary in size and can accommodate pets, as well as guests who prioritise an oversized bath. Book directly and you can check in from 2pm and stay until 1pm, allowing the weekend to stretch a little longer.
DON’T MISS Make time for a drink at moody in-house bar The Mulwray, named after Evelyn Mulwray from the 1974 film Chinatown. The rose-tinted “Somewhere In Chinatown” cocktail is a must-order.
FROM $399 a night. Gyan Yankovich
Australia Street Suites
206-212 Australia St, Newtown; (02) 9123 5500
THE LOCATION Five kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD in the heart of Newtown, Australia Street Suites is mere metres from busy King St, Camperdown Park, and a 10-minute walk to the historic Enmore Theatre.
THE PLACE Step into one of these three two-bedroom apartments in the heritage-listed 1911 H. May building via a private rear entrance and find yourself in calm, comforting and classy surroundings. Each space features warm timber finishes, and original paintings by the likes of Australian artists Toni Clarke and Kyle Murrell. No detail has gone unstudied or unaddressed, from the Jardan furniture to the Leif bathroom products, Sheridan towels and Riedel glasses. Windows and skylights bring a sun-filled glow to these roomy inner-city terrace digs.
THE EXPERIENCE The suites are located above four dining venues operated by the owners – family hospitality group Paisano & Daughters – so it’s no surprise that staying here is billed as the “ultimate foodie escape”. You’d do well to pop downstairs to try Joe’s Tavern, Mister Grotto or Osteria Mucca, or order a few treats for your apartment, from champagne to charcuterie to a canned cocktail from Continental Deli.
DON’T MISS The pick of the bunch is dinner at Osteria Mucca. Try the braised octopus, or the potato and ricotta gnocchi with white bolognaise sauce.
FROM $450 a night; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Konrad Marshall
Hide
17 Ruskin St, Byron Bay; (02) 6680 9519
- EV charging
THE LOCATION Position is important in Byron – you want to be close enough to town to walk but far enough away that the nightlife doesn’t keep you awake. Hide ticks this box: on a quiet side street between two churches, it’s a five- to 10-minute walk to town and beach.
THE PLACE Opened under the Hide brand in 2025 in what was previously Aabi’s at Byron, Hide has 12 rooms across two floors: some have balconies with views towards the lighthouse, while others face south towards the hinterland. Some have bath tubs; one has a kitchenette. The aesthetic is minimalist chic, with muted-toned bed linen, indoor pot plants and wood-panelled cabinetry. There’s a Nespresso machine, and bathroom products from Melbourne brand Salus.
THE EXPERIENCE A policy of no kids under 16 and no guests-of-guests on premises means serenity is not just the vibe but the reality. There’s a magnesium pool and a wellness patio with infrared sauna, cold plunge and outdoor hot tub. Deft touches include complimentary bikes to ride around town, sparkling and still water on tap, and a mini bar with real and oat milk.
DON’T MISS A swim at Main Beach, still one of the country’s most impressive, and a walk to the lighthouse. No amount of development can kill these natural beauties.
FROM $290 a night; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Katrina Strickland
Moso House Pearl Beach
11 Diamond Rd, Pearl Beach; 0433 394 618
- EV charging
- Pet-friendly
THE LOCATION Known as the Palm Beach of the Central Coast, Pearl Beach is 90 minutes’ drive north of Sydney.
THE PLACE The Cottage at Pearl Beach underwent a year-long transformation to become Moso House. While much is new, it retains the original fibro cottage’s charm. All four guest rooms are en suite, with heated floors and beds dressed in organic cotton. The pick is the master suite with a free-standing tub. An open-plan living area comprises a vast kitchen with butler’s pantry, a 10-seater dining table and comfy lounges beneath cathedral-height ceilings. An outdoor firepit and deck invite gatherings and lazy lunches.
THE EXPERIENCE Arrive at midday (checkout is a generous 3pm) to music already on the Sonos, the waft of essential oils and the fire set, ready to light. Stroll Pearl Beach’s curving bay, or walk to Warrah Lookout through red gums. Come back to the infrared sauna, ice bath and yoga mats. Guests can add on yoga, guided meditation, in-house massage or personal training sessions. Bring supplies and cook up a storm in that seriously impressive kitchen.
DON’T MISS Leave room for hand-rolled pasta, dry-aged beef and Italian vino at Tutti by Chillis in Ettalong from hospitality heavyweights Cameron Cansdell and Hayley Hardcastle.
FROM $1100 a night; two-night minimum stay. Sheriden Rhodes
Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains
5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba; (02) 4780 1200
- EV charging
- Pet-friendly
- Wheelchair-accessible
THE LOCATION This Blue Mountains retreat at the scenic end of Katoomba overlooks the Jamison Valley and is a short stroll from Echo Point Lookout.
THE PLACE Heritage-listed Lilianfels reopened in June 2026 under the Ardour brand, with 89 rooms and suites. These have been rejuvenated and a new central bar, The Lounge, doubles as a dining area and a space for high tea. New touches, such as gas fireplaces and sandstone in the pool and spa area, blend tastefully with the ageing, wrinkled maps in gilded frames. Elsewhere through the manicured estate are the restaurants Darley’s for deluxe indulgence and the more casual Miss Lilian, while for the warmer months there’s an outdoor pool and tennis court.
THE EXPERIENCE This is a place to savour the moments: admire the view of the ancient canyon system and eucalypt forest, gaze upwards through the Milky Way, taste the glaze dancing over the duck at Darley’s, or delight in the Davidson plum chocolate layer cake on the top tier of the high tea. It’s very grown-up, but families feel welcomed.
DON’T MISS The trails in and around Katoomba, from Echo Point just out the door to more strenuous mountain walks, are always worth exploring.
FROM $500 a night. Michael Ruffles
Bay and Bush Jervis Bay
21 Pritchard Ave, Woollamia; (02) 4444 6879
- EV charging
THE LOCATION This property is just north of Huskisson on the NSW South Coast, about two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney.
THE PLACE Bay and Bush is exactly what its name suggests: cottages and safari tents on 11 hectares of bushland just five minutes away from Huskisson and the beautiful waters of Jervis Bay. The safari tents have everything you could want for glamping: air-conditioning, modern bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, a comfortable queen bed and a covered patio from which to look out for wildlife.
THE EXPERIENCE Wake to birdsong and take advantage of the safari tent’s private outdoor shower. Breakfast with coffee is included at the on-site cafe, and you can add on a massage or treatment at the new day spa, or suit up for an apiary experience with the resident beekeeper. Come dusk, watch kangaroos graze around the property before a drink beside an outdoor fire, then head into Huskisson for dinner.
DON’T MISS Jervis Bay’s beaches are world-famous, and the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach is a beautiful way to explore the coast. Back in Huskisson, stop for lunch or browse the boutiques.
FROM $570 a night; two-night minimum stay during peak periods. Nathan Gilson
Rosemary Lane
28 Rosemary Lane, Orange
THE LOCATION Take the scenic four-hour drive west across the Blue Mountains from Sydney to the attractive Central West regional city of Orange.
THE PLACE Built in the very early 20th century, this once-humble abode with grandma vibes was dragged into the 21st century with a complete, careful and decidedly colourful renovation and restoration. Sleeping six, Rosemary Lane features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room with Patagonian quartz benchtops and splashbacks and heated limestone tile flooring. Its main showstopper bathroom features vivid red floral wallpaper with a matching French antique wall sconce, a lavish sunken bath and handcrafted Moroccan tiles. The trio of bedrooms each feature stained-glass windows dressed in heavy linen curtains and Roman blinds, and the beds feature Swedish blankets and linen quilt covers.
THE EXPERIENCE These designer-like digs are kitted out with everything you could conceivably require for a weekend away, or even longer. The solid six-seater dining table is perfect for eating in but the plethora of gourmand Orange delights await outside your front door. There are many restaurants to choose from and the renowned premium wineries are a mere 10-minute drive away.
DON’T MISS Rowlee Wines at the village of Nashdale offers good food and top drops, served in a contemporary dining room with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
FROM $595 a night, plus a $359 cleaning fee; two-night minimum stay. Anthony Dennis
Eucalypt Retreat
139A Murrays Rd, Conjola Creek; 0421 495 374
- EV charging
- Pet-friendly
THE LOCATION This luxury lodge is adjacent to a working dairy farm on the NSW South Coast just outside Milton, a three-hour drive from Sydney.
THE PLACE Overlooking Conjola Creek and across to the Budawang Ranges, Eucalypt Retreat sleeps 13 in six linen-clad bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Gather around the fireplace on the top floor, meet for cocktails in the downstairs living area or take a cup of tea or glass of wine and sink into one of the lounge chairs positioned along the wrap-around deck. The infinity pool and spa are solar-powered as part of owners Natalie and Jimmy Spencer’s commitment to minimising the property’s environmental impact; the house is designed to be off-grid.
THE EXPERIENCE Wake to the sound of farm animals and local wildlife. Wander down to say hello to the Suffolk sheep and watch the herd of Jersey cows make their leisurely way from paddock to milking shed. Take the fishing rods and kayaks down to the creek before playing a game of croquet on the lawn. The generous kitchen includes a well-stocked pantry and a welcome cheese platter, while fresh produce can be picked from the garden.
DON’T MISS Pop into Milton for the farmers’ market, held on the first Saturday of each month.
FROM $1500 a night; two-night minimum stay. Stephanie Peatling
Aruna Estate
200 Kareela Rd, Penrose; 0456 685 096
THE LOCATION The property is a two-hour drive from Sydney that starts as motorway hell before transforming into a classic winding country-road drive.
THE PLACE Aruna is a working farm with sheep, a couple of gorgeous (and stubborn) black-and-white Speckle Park steers and a regenerative commercial garden. Four one-bedroom villas dot the property, as well as two off-grid cabins and a homestead with four private bedrooms. The Chrysalis villa overlooks a firepit and small lake surrounded by native gardens. A welcome hamper (crackers, cheese, eggs, bacon, sourdough, juice and wine) is waiting in the kitchenette, while a comfy sofa faces a gas fireplace. The bedroom features a queen-sized bed.
THE EXPERIENCE ”Bougie bush” is the best way to describe this getaway. The farm itself is large, and while you can see the other cabins, it still feels remarkably private. Walking around the paddocks, running to open each farm gate, picking from the small garden that is available to guests and spotting wombats tick the farmstay boxes for kids. Grown-ups, meanwhile, can check property prices on the way home.
DON’T MISS While nearby Bowral has its annual spring tulip festival, you can go native with a bushwalk at the nearby Fairy Bower Falls walking track, or a visit to Fitzroy Falls, both in Morton National Park.
FROM $540 a night; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Louise Rugendyke
Bon Bon
126 McLachlan St, Orange; 0418 165 852
THE LOCATION Your apartment is right in the centre of this Central Tablelands city, and close to wineries.
THE PLACE Five 1970s apartments have been renovated and recast as some of the region’s most compelling stays. Each self-contained, two-storey unit is rendered in its own colour palette, with tiles, cabinetry, Bonnie and Neil fabrics and custom-designed bedheads presented in various hues of rose, pistachio or sky. Each has two spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with marble benchtops and artworks sourced by co-owner Pip Brett through Jumbled, the vibrant concept store she runs in the heart of town.
THE EXPERIENCE Every nook reveals an intricate detail, from a handmade ceramic key-holder to sculptural wall sconces. Treat it as a base for exploration: Hey Rosey is Orange’s skinniest hatted wine bar, ChaLou is its most exciting young winery, Swinging Bridge has arguably the best view, and the boutiques, bakeries and monthly farmers’ market all have plenty to offer. Stock up, pull a cork and sprawl on the lounge back at Bon Bon.
DON’T MISS The place is never busier than during Orange Food Week (April 2-11, 2027). Missed it? Lunch at Fiorini’s followed by a walk to Pinnacle is hard to beat.
FROM $500 a night; two-night minimum stay. David Matthews
Budgalong
302 Budgalong Rd, Spicers Creek; 0437 866 285
THE LOCATION Find this property on a working farm 45 minutes from regional capital Mudgee.
THE PLACE Budgalong consists of two camps – Mountview and Fairfield – both of which feature three-room, safari-style canvas tents. Two spacious bedrooms (with ridiculously large and comfortable beds and electric blankets for cold nights) bookend the tent, each with their own modern bathroom and double shower. A well-stocked kitchenette (biscuits, chocolate, wine!) and lounge room with two small sofas sit at the heart of the tent, which is warmed by an indoor tabletop fireplace. The real star, however, is the aspect. A hilltop location affords lovely views framed by sliding doors and a large verandah. From there, a gravel path leads down to a firepit.
THE EXPERIENCE You may have heard of the Japanese practice of forest bathing, so consider this Aussie bush bathing: you are surrounded by towering gum trees, scrubby countryside and the pre-dawn calls of cockatoos. A restorative sunset lookout walk leads to views of the flowering butter-yellow canola, while a long-abandoned rail trail on the property is built for mountain-biking. Order a hamper ($240 for two) that includes its own lamb and Grassland chicken products.
DON’T MISS Mudgee is home to more than 35 cellar doors, with tasting experiences, restaurants and wine dogs.
FROM $467 a night; two-night minimum stay. Louise Rugendyke
Narraweema Guesthouse
10 Gregson St, Gloucester; 0425 270 447
THE LOCATION Three hours’ drive north of Sydney, Gloucester is at the base of the iconic Barrington Tops.
THE PLACE This grand, 110-year-old home once served as a private hospital, but now offers a more luxurious kind of respite with an adults-only, semi-detached king suite (with kitchenette) and new two-bedroom cottage. The light-filled cottage comprises a swish kitchen with integrated coffee machine, four-seater dining table, plush lounge, original art and vintage pieces. Billowy king beds dressed in 100 per cent linen practically guarantee a good night’s sleep, while the bathroom features a walk-in rain shower, heated floors and Leif amenities.
THE EXPERIENCE You may not see the owner (an interior designer who lives on-site), but you’ll appreciate her luxe country-meets-monochrome aesthetic and seasonal breakfasts delivered to your door on a tiered cake stand. Cap off a day exploring the Barrington Tops’ ancient rainforest, or tasting small-batch wines at scenic Faulls Ridge with a complimentary vino by a blazing fire back at Narraweema. Or flop in a deckchair by the dreamy pool with vistas of the craggy Buccan Buccans.
DON’T MISS Stop by the striking Farmer’s Wife Distillery en route to (or from) Gloucester, with its soaring blackbutt ceilings, sandstone fireplace, curated cocktails and share plates.
FROM $450 a night; two-night minimum stay. Sheriden Rhodes
Dolphins Motel
17 Shepherd St, Mollymook; (02) 4415 6130
- EV charging
- Pet-friendly
- Wheelchair-accessible
THE LOCATION This motel is a three-minute, thong-slapping walk from the popular Mollymook beach, which is 225 kilometres south of Sydney.
THE PLACE Dolphins, a beachside motel in the heart of this town’s main strip, reopened in March this year after a major makeover. The decor and design are heavy on nostalgia, combining 1950s Californian beach house with classic Aussie motel stylings in its 10 retro-inspired rooms and a spacious three-bedroom apartment. The thoughtful design extends into the kitchenettes and private terraces. Smart TVs, Smeg kettles, Dyson hair dryers, an outdoor ping-pong table, and free use of bicycles and surfboards as well as the motel’s own heated swimming pool make this a holiday haven with class.
THE EXPERIENCE Mollymook is a popular South Coast getaway for good reason. Its laidback vibe adds to the charm of the stunning white-sand beaches, a range of top-notch restaurants and cafes are a short drive away in Milton or Ulladulla, while some of the region’s best bushwalks are found nearby in the beautiful Budawang Ranges. You needn’t go far, though. Dolphins has its own licensed Dolly’s Cafe, serving breakfast and lunch.
DON’T MISS Experience the joy of room service from 6am, with Dolly’s Cafe hand-delivering barista-made coffees and hot food to guests.
FROM $269 a night; two-night minimum stay for weekends and peak periods. Mike Foley
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
The Bundah B&B
Address supplied on booking, Narrabundah
THE LOCATION This quiet, three-bedroom house is in leafy Narrabundah, a suburb 15 minutes’ drive from Canberra’s CBD.
THE PLACE Smartly designed accommodation for a couples’ long weekend or family holiday is hard to find in a city where the hotels are largely aimed at public servants on work trips, but this freshly renovated single-level home helps fill that gap. There are two living areas with lounges perfect for opening a good book and a nice bottle, and three bedrooms with luxury forest-green linen. For winter, you can tend to a working fireplace, while a back deck and fenced yard are made for summer afternoons and happy dogs (the house is pooch-friendly). Board games and underfloor bathroom heating bolster the cosy factor.
THE EXPERIENCE Soft beds and a fully equipped kitchen mean lazy mornings and cooking your own hot breakfast, but you also don’t want to miss the pancakes at Recess Coffee, a short walk away. Or you can follow the lead of locals and try the gold-standard cardamom buns at Under Bakery at Fyshwick’s new Dairy Road precinct. It’s less than four kilometres from the stay.
DON’T MISS Try the ramen and cocktails at Canteen, inside Dairy Road and one of our Good Food Guide’s essential restaurants for 2026.
FROM $595 a night; two-night minimum stay. Callan Boys
* Writers stayed as guests of the properties.
Get more short-break inspiration from Good Weekend’s 2026 52 Weekends Away round-up:
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
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