Australia is a land filled with fun and adventure that continually attracts tourists from all over the world. Along with its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, sandy surfing beaches, and treasure trove of attractions, visitors to the land down under will find a vast array of interesting accommodations to choose from.
There are plenty of traditional hotels, of course– but Australia also features some accommodations that truly are “off the beaten path.” If you’re curious about some of the more unique places to stay in Australia, read on. Here are six that really stand apart from the rest.
The Canopy Treehouses – Some of the most unique accommodations down under can be found within Australia’s lush rainforest near Cairns. There along the highlands overlooking the exotic scenery are The Canopy Treehouses. Each treehouse, constructed of timber and glass, offers its guests an Earth-friendly place to relax in natural luxury. Spa services are available at The Canopy, and guests can enjoy a therapeutic message right on their own private treehouse balcony.
Desert Cave Hotel – The Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, Australia features some unusual accommodations, indeed. Its 19 rooms, bar, arcade, and shopping area will mostly impress guests because of its location– it’s all underground! Many people who have stayed at the Desert Cave Hotel claim they had never slept better. The dark and cool atmosphere provides the perfect conditions for deep sleep. Claustrophobic travelers can opt to stay above ground if they’d prefer– and for guests both above and below the hotel offers several fun and exciting tours around Australia’s outback including “Down ‘N Dirty” opal hunts and the very scenic “Painted Desert Tour.”
PJ’s Underground – White Cliffs is where commercial mining for the beloved opal all began, and its mines are now the rooftop of PJ’s Underground Bed and Breakfast. With its 64 million year-old roof, these deluxe underground accommodations are some of Australia’s most warm and welcoming. Guests can choose to stay in one of six underground rooms with some communal facilities, or PJ’s underground cottage which offers the ultimate in privacy.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol – The Old Mount Gambier Gaol served as an Australian jail from 1866 to 1995, and now offers unique hostel-type accommodations to travelers passing through Mount Gambier. Both cell and non-cell rooms are available, each one offering anywhere from 3 to 10 beds and sleeping upwards of 45 people! This recently renovated jail is the perfect place to take in some of Australia’s most breathtaking surroundings– including Mount Gambier’s “Blue Lake.”
The Boatel – If you ever find yourself in the southern part of Australia, you’ll find an interesting way to vacation in style. The Boatels, located out of Mannum, offer a hotel experience that will take you down the sparkling waters of the River Murray while you relax and take in the beautiful surrounding wilderness. A Boatel comfortably accommodates 12 guests, and features an elegant lounge, dining area, and kitchen in the upper area. At night it transforms into a Skylounge, where guests can stargaze before settling in for the night. The Boatel also houses 5 extravagant bedroom suites, each with a bed fit for royalty and a private bathroom filled with luxurious amenities.
Mira Mira – One of the strangest places to stay in Australia has to be Mira Mira, nestled in the Gippsland region of the country. Weird accommodations here come in the forms of three distinctly different sculptures. Guests at Mira Mira can literally stay inside these one-of-a-kind works of art! Upon entering The Cave fantasy sculpture, guests will follow a winding, torch-lit staircase down to their living quarters– complete with modern amenities and furnishings, the sounds of running water, and windows looking out over the hillside.
The Japanese Zen retreat is a place for guests to relax and rejuvenate while gazing out over their own private pond. This sculpture features real shoji screens and a spa bath for a true zen-like atmosphere. Last but certainly not least is the Tanglewood retreat. Straight out of a fairy-tale, this sculpture has influences from the Spanish artist, Antoni Gaudi. Each guest staying at any one of the three artsy retreats gets a rare opportunity to view the Australian bush in a way that no other accommodations can offer.
Australia definitely has its fair share of strange accommodations, each one offering an experience that can’t be matched by the average hotel. These unusual places are some of the hidden gems that make Australia an exciting place to visit.
This guest post was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer for Expedia.
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