Embrace Luxurious Australia

Got a little extra cash to splash? Read on for our ultimate luxury guide to staying and playing in Australia. 

ADELAIDE 

Adelaide is the home of the national food and wine festival; Tasting Australia which showcases the regions long history of wine production. For those with the discerning pallet this is the place to go. 

Live out your fairytale fantasies in this fabulous luxury hotel.

Thorngrove Manor Hotel, located 17 minutes from Adelaide is a stunning 5 star getaway ideal for couples or the individual interested in the local wine selection. The Manor is secluded with far reaching views and boasts baroque towers and fantastical turrets that will transport you to another world. Each suite has its own character and unique location within the Manor from the Queens Chamber through to the Observatory Suite. Each room comes with wireless broadband so you can enjoy the fantasy of medieval surroundings without being cut off from the real world beyond. 

If you prefer to be in the city, an alternative is The Sebel Playford. Situated in the attractive North Terrace area this is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. For total opulence, go for the New York style split level loft suite which features a spa bath and views out over the city. 

When in Adelaide, one of the oldest wine producing regions in Australia there is no excuse for not visiting Bridge Water Mill where you can tour the vineyards and taste the wines produced there. Bridge Water Mill also has an award winning restaurant that offers the perfect marriage of contemporary French cuisine and fresh Australian produce paired perfectly with its own wines and prepared by Le Tu Thai, one of Australia’s most respected chefs.  

Alternatively, if you like to eat in the city there is the Top of the World. Offering exceptional seafood and international cuisine, this revolving restaurant is different to any other in the city. Book an evening meal and watch the stars come out above and below. 

Now, for the ultimate shopping experience, take a trip across to Rundle Mall. This is by far the largest shopping centres in the city with over 600 shops, 3 department stores and 15 arcades. If you prefer your shopping a little more exclusive, head on over to King William Road at Hyde Park where you will find all the big name boutiques and designer fashion stores.  

Now if you’ve had enough hustle and bustle you can take the short trip out to Glenelg beach. Just half an hour from Adelaide’s central business district by tram, this is a quiet beautiful retreat where you can enjoy the water sports or simply soak up the sun. 

SYDNEY 

Sydney is known for its glamour thanks largely to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and it is now officially more expensive to live in than New York City.  

Here you are spoilt for choice; there are a number of hotels throughout the city offering sumptuous suites with breathtaking views. Despite this abundance of luxury there are two hotels which stand out as being superior. Both the Park Hyatt and the Shangri-La have views out over the harbour, making them the perfect place for business or to simply relax in style.

The Premier Grand Harbour View Room boasts stunning views of the Harbour.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney offers some of the most luxurious guest rooms and suites available. The Premier Grand Harbour View room has a 270 degree view of the harbour including unparalleled views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The Park Hyatt also has commanding views over the harbour and particularly over the Opera House. The rooms are luxurious but contemporary and all have the latest mod-cons. The Governor Suite looks out directly at the Opera House and has an astonishing six balconies and mineral water on request. The Governor suite starts from $815 per night.  

Now that you’ve made yourself at home, let’s go get something to eat. Tetsuya’s, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Sydney uses classic French techniques to bring you stunning Japanese cuisine. If you like your food luxurious then this is the place for you, the waiting list for a table is often more than a month.

The menu changes frequently so you can never be sure what will be on offer but it doesn’t really matter because with one of the best chefs in the world at the helm, every dish is superb. You will struggle to find this standard of food anywhere else.  

Sydney is also fantastic for shopping, take a trip to Bondi Markets and check out Australian design at its freshest. You will be able to see clothing and jewellery from up and coming designers as well as second hand and retro pieces. This is a must for anyone interested in fashion off the beaten track. 

If you feel more comfortable on the high street take a trip down to Elizabeth Street where you will find David Jones; the oldest department store in the world. For Australian and international designers as well as chic boutiques and a whole host of taste experiences move across to No1 Martin Place. The Galleries Victoria is your best bet for art and also hosts the largest book store in Sydney. 

For the ultimate way to experience Sydney why not climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Go for the twilight climb and you will find yourself reaching the summit a full 134 metres above the harbour as the sun sets, making it an experience you will never forget. What better way to experience one of the most famous cities on Earth. 

BRISBANE 

Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia with a population of 1.6 million but feels like a large town, you might get a bit lost but in Brisbane it is more likely to lead to discovery than panic.  

The Sofitel Brisbane is one of the most luxurious city centre hotels in the city, making it the ideal base for a city break. For absolute indulgence book the Club Opera Suite and enjoy panoramic city views as well as access to the Club Sofitel Lounge.

 While there, book yourself into the spa for a full pampering including a full range of massages and treatments including a jet lag detoxification treatment, ideal for getting over that long flight. 

If you like your accommodation a little more palatial there is the Conrad Treasury Hotel. Book a suite for an unforgettable stay in this heritage listed building where you can enjoy 18foot ceilings and a private balcony. On site there is a casino, 6 restaurants, 5 bars and constantly changing entertainment. It is hard to find a hotel this grand anywhere and the price reflects this. 

Dine in style in this romantic restaurant.

Okay, rested? Feel ready to get a bite to eat? Siggi’s is perhaps the most luxurious restaurant in Brisbane with a long history of fine dining. It is located in the old Port Office which was completed in 1880 and has now been Brisbane’s premier fine dining restaurant for twenty years. Here you will find exquisite food and unrivalled service from the professionals.

If you prefer your service a little more relaxed head on down to the Brisbane River where you will find Alchemy; arguably one of the best restaurants in the city. The head chef, Brad Jolly has won numerous awards and has worked with Marco Pierre White and Jamie Oliver. The menu is fresh and exciting, taking inspiration from local produce and the views out over the river. 

Brisbane is a place built on culture and architecture. While in the city you can see the work of renowned Australian artists in the Queensland Art Gallery. If you like your art more kinetic, pay a visit to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre where you can catch the ballet, opera or orchestra. There is always something going on.  

For shopping there is no better place than the Queen Street Mall. There are over 500 shops including the Wintergarden shopping Complex which is home to designer fashion, footwear and jewellery from both Australian and international designers. At the top of the mall is The Myers Centre, Brisbane’s largest shopping precinct.  

While in Brisbane take a catamaran out to Moreton Island, one of the world’s largest sand islands. There you can toboggan down the worlds largest sand dune, snorkel with rainbow fish and swim with water birds. You can even camp for the night and sleep out beneath the stars.

There are numerous tours that offer everything from treks, quad biking through to three day long camping holidays where you can explore the whole island. 
 

PERTH 

Perth is the perfect destination for any sun lover; the city enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other in the country and has the world’s largest inner city park to enjoy it in. 

Unwind in the generously sized rooms of the intercontinental hotel.

One of the best hotels in the city is the Perth Burswood, located within the Burswood Entertainment Complex you will have 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 2 pools, a spa, an 18 hole golf course and a casino to play with. All the rooms are contemporary and light with great views.

If you prefer to stay in the heart of the city then book a room at the Sheraton. The Presidential Suite, situated on the top floor, offers stunning views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River. The suite boasts a separate office, marble en-suite and two private balconies. 

Now for a bite to eat, and not just any bite: Jackson’s, a contemporary Australian restaurant is widely regarded as the best in Perth. Neal Jackson, the head chef, serves up the finest Australian lamb and an inspired vegetarian selection as well as a formidable selection of Australian wines. If you appreciate good food then this is a must. 

For your cultural needs head on over to the Perth Concert Hall, a massive 1,729 seat purpose built hall that often hosts acoustic music events. Alternatively His Majesty’s Theatre is the premium performing arts venue in Perth, the theatre forms part of a hotel with two resident companies; the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet. At His Majesty’s Theatre you will be able to see local, national and international companies performing.  

For shopping in Perth wander through London Court, an Elizabethan style arcade that is crammed full of little independent shops. Take a look around Raine Square Shopping Plaza, Forest Chase and for all the best boutiques visit King Street.

If you like your fashion with a label, go to Subiaco, a trendy area that hosts gourmet food stores and designer outlets.

Perth is a tourist friendly city, while it has gleaming multi story buildings and traffic jams this is on a smaller scale than most other cities. It is a city that can be negotiated for the most part on foot. There is the Swan River where sailing is popular and numerous parks to picnic in or simply relax and enjoy the weather.  

Being the sun capital of the world, Perth has plenty to offer in terms of beaches. Whether you like sunbathing, surfing, playing volleyball or watching the pros battle it out there is something for you.  

MELBOURNE 

Melbourne’s most successful export is Neighbours but don’t let that fool you, there is far more to it than Ramsey Street. 

The Crown Towers dominates the Melbourne skyline.

The Crown Towers is without a doubt the most luxurious hotel in Melbourne, it towers above the South Bank district, dominating the skyline. Book a Deluxe Suite for unparalleled luxury, located on floors 16 to 28. Each Suite has floor to ceiling windows that give a 180 degree view of either the city or Port Phillip Bay. You will not be disappointed by the views or the two; yes that’s two, 42 inch plasma TVs.

Guests have access to the Crown Spa, more than 40 restaurants, bars and cafes, luxury shopping including Prada, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, the Crown Entertainment Complex featuring cinemas, nightclubs, an indoor theme park and casino.  

If you want to venture out from your cocoon of opulence then head on over to Quaff, a modern restaurant that offers sumptuous Australian and European Cuisine. Head Chef John Psanis, the talent behind other successful Melbourne restaurants has created a fresh modern menu combined with an extensive wine list.  

If you want to immerse yourself in the local and national culture The National Gallery of Victoria hosts a range of exhibitions from fashion to prints right through to video and is home to the largest stain glass ceiling in the world. Melbourne is also filled with street art including sculpture, aboriginal art, murals, stencils and performance which can be found all over the city. 

For shopping Melbourne Central is the place to go with over 300 stores and an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes in a modern architectural environment. Shot Tower Square houses a number of stores including the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Shop and the Shot Tower Museum.

In Albert Coates Lane you will find designer fashion labels from around the globe and world famous boutiques that bring fashion straight from the fashion capitals of Milan and Paris. If you prefer your fashion a bit more close to home take a look at Lonsdale St Building where local designers are showcased. 

And don’t forget that Melbourne, like everywhere else in Australia has plenty of beaches to keep the sun worshippers happy. 

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