Best Hotels in Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns & Ayers Rock
- Henna Shah
- Sep 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Australia is a dream destination for travellers seeking a mix of stunning landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, and luxury hospitality. Whether you’re exploring Melbourne’s Docklands, watching planes glide across the night sky from a rooftop infinity pool, or waking up to views of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, choosing the right hotel can make your trip unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best hotels in Australia, including detailed insights on Melbourne Marriott Docklands, Marriott Hotel Sydney Circular Quay, Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino in Cairns, and Desert Garden Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort in Uluru.
Table of contents
Why choosing the right hotel in Australia matters?
Australia is vast, and every city offers a unique travel experience. From the bustling energy of Sydney to the cultural richness of Melbourne and the natural wonders of Uluru, your hotel often becomes more than just a place to rest.
Whether you’re looking for hotels in Sydney, Australia with iconic harbour views, or a more relaxed stay near the Outback, selecting the right property ensures comfort, convenience, and unforgettable memories.
Two most important factors to keep in mind while choosing a hotel in Australia are: 1. Location, location and location - How close is the hotel to the nearest accessible mode of public transport? How close is it to downtown or where all the main attractions of the city are to make it convenient for you to cover more ground on a daily basis? How accessible is it to good restaurants in the city.
2. Amenities that the hotel has to offer - Travelling around Australia often involves extensive road travel and adventure and you would be completely drained out by evening. Unless you’re into nightlife, you maybe done with dinner by 9 PM daily. In this case you need a hotel with good attention to detail like comfortable beds, a clean bathroom, good housekeeping and pools, sauna and jacuzzi to unwind after a full day of exploring.
Melbourne Marriott Docklands – A modern stay with rooftop views
Where is Melbourne Marriott Docklands located?
The Melbourne Marriott Docklands sits in the vibrant Docklands precinct, an area known for its waterfront promenades, shopping, dining, and easy access to the Free Tram Zone (FTZ). This location ensures effortless connectivity to Melbourne’s CBD, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Does Melbourne Marriott Docklands offer parking?
Yes, and that’s part of the appeal. While central Melbourne parking is often expensive, Melbourne Marriott Docklands offers affordable parking, making it convenient for guests who prefer driving and the parking lot is right opposite the hotel for easier access if you are choosing to hire a car and explore the region on your own.
What kind of rooms does the hotel offer?
The hotel is known for its spacious rooms with panoramic cityscapes and partial Docklands views. Large windows frame Melbourne’s skyline, and modern interiors create a welcoming atmosphere. For those who value both comfort and design, these rooms strike the perfect balance.
What Makes Melbourne Marriott Docklands unique?
Several features make this property stand out:
Infinity rooftop pool & jacuzzi: Temperature-controlled and offering magical views, it’s the ultimate way to unwind while spotting planes in the night sky.
Marriott Elite Lounge: Happy hours include excellent vegetarian options, a rarity in many hotels across Oceania.
Breakfast buffet with avocado slices: Perfect for DIY sandwiches and a thoughtful nod to vegetarian travelers who can whip up their own sandwiches.
Early packed breakfasts: Ideal for day tours with early starts like for the Great Ocean Road. Just inform the front desk a day prior and they should have your boxes ready to go early the next day.
Exceptional hospitality: Staff consistently replenish toiletries and mineral water, a detail often overlooked in other hotels.
Hotel cost in Melbourne, Australia
The hotel cost varies on the seasonality and the type of room you select. However, in a comfortable room in a good hotel during the off and shoulder seasons should cost you anywhere between AUD 200-300 per night (excluding breakfast).
Marriott Hotel Sydney Circular Quay – The heart of the harbour city
For anyone wondering where to stay in Sydney for tourists, the answer is often the Marriott Hotel Sydney Circular Quay.
Location: It’s the most conveniently located property in Sydney’s CBD, steps from Circular Quay Station, the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Views: Depending on your room, you’ll wake up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Sydney Opera House—two of the most iconic landmarks in Australia.
Accessibility: From ferries to trains, everything is within reach, making sightseeing seamless and often not even needing any public transport to cover the major highlights of the city. Also, there are a bunch of restaurants in and around the hotel sorting your dinner scenes.
If you are planning to self drive around Sydney, then please note that some streets are shut during VividSydney (May-June). Also, parking is generally very expensive in Sydney and you may want to opt for paid parking lots over hotel offered parking.
Hotel Cost in Sydney, Australia
While Sydney accommodation can range widely, expect premium pricing for harbour-view rooms. At the Marriott Circular Quay, costs reflect the unbeatable location and views, but the value is undeniable when compared to similar properties. For travelers searching for the best hotels in Sydney, Australia, this is a top contender.
Opera House View rooms are more expensive than the Harbour Bridge View rooms, however, the room tariff is anywhere between AUD 300-400 during the off and shoulder seasons. If you are a Marriott member, depending on your membership tier you may be eligible for complimentary breakfast in the lounge. They also have happy hours at the lounge with a decent spread.
Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino, Cairns – Entertainment and luxury by the harbour
In tropical Queensland, the Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino combines entertainment with spacious, luxurious rooms overlooking Cairns Harbour.
Room highlights: Double vanity bathrooms, large bathtubs that convert into jacuzzis, and stylish interiors.
Onsite casino: Small but lively, offering a fun evening option. Guests even receive starter coupons in the room.
Amenities: A swimming pool and sauna complete the relaxation experience.
This property offers a well-rounded stay for travelers seeking both adventure and indulgence in Cairns and is conveniently located near the Esplanade. However, I’ll strongly recommend staying at a hotel in Palm Cove over the Esplanade in Cairns for better views and more homey vibes. Most small group tours and dive clubs also arrange for pickups from Palm Cove so it should not come in the way of your sightseeing.
Hotel Cost in Cairns, Australia
If you’re staying in Cairns near the Esplanade, during June which is peak season for diving on the Great Barrier Reef, it would cost you anywhere between AUD 250-350 per night (excluding breakfast).
Desert Gardens Hotel, Uluru – Staying close to natural wonders
At the Desert Gardens Hotel in Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru, convenience is key.
Free Airport Transfers: Guests can easily reach the resort without worrying about additional transport costs.
Location: Situated close to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the hotel provides easy access to sunrise and sunset tours of Australia’s most iconic natural landmark. It is also located near the Town Square that has a supermarket and a few restaurants.
Room views: Rooms located on the first floor of the hotel have balconies with a select few of them having a view of the Ayers Rock.
While simpler than big-city luxury hotels, the Desert Gardens Hotel is perfectly positioned for travelers who want to focus on Uluru’s unique landscapes and experiences around it. Just pre-plan your dinner or carry some ready to eat food here as beyond 8 PM it gets challenging to find any restaurant open in the Ayers Rock Resort and there is no in-room dining available.
Hotel Cost in Uluru, Australia
Ayers Rock Resort was the most expensive accommodation of our trip as compared to the accessibility, modern amenities and overall room furnishing offered by the hotels in Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns. We paid AUD 335 per night at Desert Gardens Hotel (excluding breakfast).
How to find accommodation in Australia
Finding the right hotels in Sydney, Australia or other destinations requires balancing budget, location, and experience. Here are some tips:
Define your priorities: Do you want harbour views, proximity to public transport, or access to a pool?
Check for inclusions: Some properties, like Melbourne Marriott Docklands, stand out with thoughtful inclusions like packed breakfasts or extra amenities.
Compare hotel costs in Sydney: Luxury properties such as Marriott Circular Quay may come at a premium, but mid-range options also exist within walking distance of major attractions.
Book early: Sydney and Melbourne are popular year-round. Booking in advance secures better rates and preferred room views.
Leverage loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy and Accor’s ALL program often provide perks like free breakfast, lounge access, and room upgrades.
By planning strategically, you’ll secure the best hotels in Sydney, Australia and beyond without unnecessary stress.
Last word: Best Hotels in Australia for every traveler
From Melbourne’s rooftop infinity pool to Sydney’s iconic harbour views, Australia’s hotels provide more than just a place to sleep—they become part of your travel story.
Melbourne Marriott Docklands shines with its rooftop experiences and thoughtful vegetarian-friendly touches to its breakfast buffet spread.
Marriott Hotel Sydney Circular Quay is unbeatable for location and views.
Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino in Cairns merges leisure and entertainment.
Desert Garden Hotel at Uluru connects you directly with Australia’s most famous natural wonder, the Ayers Rock.
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