Grab your mates and a bottle of sunscreen! It’s time for a piña colada poolside at some of the most glamorous hotel pools in Australia!
Australia is long revered for its vast coastline and world-class beaches, but with the blistering heat of summer fast approaching, don’t overlook this country’s fantastic selection of luxurious hotel pools sure to convert even the most loyal beachgoers.
As part of their 2021 Uniquely Aussie Awards, Wotif has found some of this country’s best kept aquatic secrets, as nominated by Aussies. So, grab your togs and be sure to slap on some sunscreen so you can get around this list of the 10 best hotel pools in Australia of 2021.
Better yet, head to Wotif’s website to check out all of their last-minute accomodation deals!
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JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Coming in at first place and with good reason, the “magical lagoon” at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is just as much of a fish tank as it is a pool! One of the most dreamiest hotel pools in Australia, be sure to grab your snorkel for this saltwater experience and share the water with real, live tropical fish. There is also a second pool with a children’s slide, and plenty of cabanas for anyone who prefers their summers poolside with a drink in hand.
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Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
With 12 saltwater lagoon pools, sandy beaches and pool-side-cabanas, the only thing that could make this glamorous hotel pool better is a swim up bar. Oh wait… They have that too! Coming in second place, this Port Douglas resort is within quick reach of two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest – but you’d have to get out of the pool first!
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Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort
With cabanas, sunlounges and a luxurious man-made beach, Crystalbrook Riley takes third prize in Wotif’s list of the most luxurious hotel pools in Australia. The resort offers poolside drinks service, and has two restaurants onsite. Plus, a long wooden boardwalk across one side of the pool means that you can even choose this hotel pool as the destination for your wedding ceremony! Just be sure to mind your step.
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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
This list would be rendered obsolete without the addition of an infinity pool or two, and Sofitel Sydney certainly brings in the goods with its spectacular pool-side view of Darling Harbour. One of the best hotel pools in Sydney that is in fact a rooftop pool; if the gorgeous view of Sydney’s sunlit skyline has you parched, the pool bar, Le Rivage (The Shore), offers an extensive cocktail list, along with an array of gourmet nibbles.
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InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel
While this luxurious beachfront resort has two outdoor swimming pools, it is the beautiful one-acre saltwater Lagoon Pool at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove that gives this hotel its place on this list. But, if you’re a stickler for options, the 40-metre-long Terrace Swimming Pool and Spa is a small walk away. Designed with relaxation in mind, this pool is surrounded by lush tropical Queensland gardens, reclining sun loungers and The Pool House, which serves a light all-day menu and generous cocktail selection.
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Emporium Hotel South Bank
Opened in 2018, the five-star Emporium Hotel South Bank is considered as one of the most breathtaking hotel pools in Australia. With a grand pillarless ballroom and stylish piano bar, the interior of this high-end boutique boasts luxury. But, the pièce de resistance has to be the 23-metre infinity edge pool with views overlooking South Bank and the river to Brisbane City and beyond. Yes Brisbane, a rooftop pool! The sun-lit Terrace Rooftop Bar with retractable glass ceiling serves everything from an all-inclusive breakfast to cocktails by pool, so there’s really no need to ever leave.
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InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Hayman Island is nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday islands, with a stunning beachfront pool that sits only slightly past the shoreline of the white-crescent beachfront. This luxurious hotel pool experience looks out upon the ocean, with the heart of the Great Barrier Reef only moments away. And if that’s not close enough to the water for you, guests who stay on the Pool Wing’s Direct Pool Access Suites can swim out into the pool via their own private balcony.
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Palazzo Versace
Just a short 20-minute walk from Sea World and you will find yourself at Palazzo Versace, a luxury resort on the Gold Coast that boasts an exotic poolside oasis like no other. The award-winning 63-metre pool has its very own sandy white beach, and an array of glamorous cabanas that can be rented alongside trays of oysters and seafood platters that will float you on a wave of champagne all the way to the Mediterranean. After a dip in the pool, make the most of their Water Salon, with a selection of relaxation packages concocted to help you relax by the pool in the privacy of your own cabana.
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Mindil Beach Casino Resort
If you’ve about finished relaxing and are ready for a bevvy and a boogie, then this one’s for you. With the large pool sitting just shy of the shoreline, Mindil Beach Casino Resort has sunset ocean views for days. During the week, the sun beds provide the perfect spot to soak up the water view and wind-down, but come Friday to Sunday, the Lagoon pool becomes a strictly adults only area with their INFINITY event providing the ultimate beach-club experience. Enjoy the bar, eats and beats, with a live DJ performing.
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The Ville Resort – Casino
The Ville’s infinity-edge resort pool is the perfect place to head for some poolside bites and cocktails as you soak in the hot Queensland sun. But, with a swim-up Splash Bar that is open all week round, it is important to wear your floaties to this party pool. The pool is free to use for guests of the hotel, but day passes can also be purchased for people outside of the resort. While children are allowed, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Or, do one better and leave the kids with the sitter so you can make the most of the delicious cocktails on offer!
Looking for more inspiration for your next Australian holiday? Try these hidden gems, with The 14 Best Secluded Getaways Around Australia For 2021. Or, if you’re looking to unwind, check out these 7 Health and Wellness Retreats in Australia to Unwind 2021.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.