Recharge your soul and recuperate your senses at these best secluded and off-the-grid getaways around Australia.
Nothing beats running away from the humdrum of life for a weekend – whether with your lover, close friend, or just by yourself. But where does one go? We can’t just sprawl across any paddock or stroll through any isolated wilderness. We could get lost! And that won’t help with your already peaking stress levels.
So, to assist you on your quest for inner peace, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best secluded getaways around Australia for 2021. From hidden beach retreats to secluded sanctuaries, isolated accommodation and secret spots waiting to be explored, you’ll feel at one in any of these places. And don’t we all need it after this crazy pandemic?
Image via Tourism Australia
Banubanu Beach Retreat, Northern Territory
Situated on the isolated Bremer Island, the Banubanu Beach Retreat showcases silence and serenity. A perfect spot to reconnect with yourself. Book in for an immersive Welcome to Country day tour of the Nhulunbuy Region and Buku-Larrngay Art Centre with a local Yolngu guide or, if you’re looking for rejuvenation, take part in a traditional healing ceremony. Getting there is half the fun, taking a 15-minute flight from Gove Airport on the Gove Peninsula.
Image supplied via Walk into Luxury
Cape to Cape Walk, Western Australia
Get ready to visit and explore Western Australia’s picturesque headlands, beaches, limestone caves and Karri forests, followed by a refreshing swim in the crystal clear ocean. And you can do it all on this four-day Cape to Cape Walk in Margaret River which also includes world-class degustations and premium secluded accommodation. Take in stunning sunsets in your very own exclusive beachfront villa and take a dip in a secluded rock pool called The Aquarium.
Image supplied via Instagram
Burraburoon Farm Stays, New South Wales
Welcome to the edge of the outback, where silence is not only a virtue, it’s just natural. Burraburoon is a working sheep station on the shore of a large lake, with unique accommodation to suit all needs. Choose from a converted red-rattler railway carriage at the homestead, or renovated caravans and campsites at Bob’s Bend. But where you sleep is just the beginning. Think tranquil garden strolls, canoeing on the lake, open stargazing and a well-equipped camp kitchen.
Image via Visit Victoria
Five Acres Farm Stay, Victoria
Just a two-hour drive south of Melbourne, the Five Acres Farm Stay is as secluded and serene as it sounds. Set on a micro-farm on Phillip Island, each cabin exudes luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Across the front lawn of each cabin you can see cows, and as you browse the area you’ll find plenty of other farm animals to fawn over. The local area is also filled with wonderful activities to undertake, from the famous Penguin Parade and gorgeous coastal walks.
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Hamilton Island Golf Club, Queensland
Take a swing at what is said to be “one of the most challenging courses in the world” and breathe in the spectacular views of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea at Hamilton Island Golf Club. And while you’re there, stay nearby at qualia for the most luxurious getaway you could ever imagine. Hamilton Island Golf Club is an 18-hole course on Dent Island, adjacent to Hamilton Island, and is, in itself, a secluded spot to swing your busy life away.
Photographed by simonrae. Image via Shutterstock
Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tasmania
Cradle Mountain is the perfect allrounder destination, but it is also quintessentially exclusive. And you can stay on the edge of it all thanks to Cradle Mountain Lodge that rests in pristine wilderness and teems with luxury. It features warm hospitality throughout – including their delectable onsite restaurant and resplendent spa treatments – with immediate access to breathtaking walks. Best of all, there’s Cradle Mountain to see, sharing an array of day treks to undertake.
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via Visit Victoria
The Bucklands Studios, Victoria
Victoria, we have found the most romantic getaway for you and your budding lover, and it’s in the High Country at The Bucklands Studios. Each of their studio villas offers different levels of exquisiteness, but all encompass the desire for tranquillity. With everything you need for a weekend escape including kitchenettes and daily deliveries of breakfast, you’ll be able to focus on the two most important things in your life: you and the love of your life.
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Leeuwin Estate, Western Australia
Sometimes you just need a day trip getaway, and Leeuwin Estate may just be your best option. The estate rests in the Margaret River wine region and has earned an international reputation for producing premium wines and award-winning dishes. We recommend taking on the Leeuwin Immersion Experience, offering a historical overview of the Margaret River wine region and its winemaking philosophy, finishing with a wine and food degustation.
Photographed by @blntpencil. Image via South Australia Media
CABN, South Australia
CABN is a growing enterprise across Australia where people can visit remote sanctuaries without having to pitch a tent. And in South Australia, there’s a few of them to choose from. We recommend Chloe, a cabin set within heritage-listed bushland, away from all the hustle and bustle of Adelaidian life. Think of it as a luxury, off-grid, isolated accomodation option. It can comfortably host up to four guests, with a queen bed and two bunk beds, and its secluded location means you won’t be running into anyone apart from your guests.
Photographed by Jesse Lindemann.
Image via Tourism and Events Queensland
O'Reilly Rainforest Retreat, Queensland
Awaken to the chirping sounds of happy birds while the sun gleams through the curtains. This is expected at O’Reilly Rainforest Retreat since it is surrounded by Lamington National Park. It may not be as exclusive as other secluded getaways on this list, but with all the stretching trails in the area, you will surely find resplendent serenity. There’s also treetop walks and two waterfalls in the immediate vicinity, and plenty of other activities to sink your teeth into. Oh, and we almost forgot about the infinity pool!
Image via World Expeditions & Great Walks of Australia
Lords Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safaris, Northern Territory
On Lords Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safaris Ultimate Luxury Safari Adventure, guests will discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Fogg Dam Reserve, the beautiful Leaning Tree Lagoon and the pristine waterfall in Maguk (Barramundi) Gorge – and that’s only day one! Guests will also witness the beauty of Top End’s famous sunsets before settling in for a relaxing night at the isolated accommodation in a bush camp. It’s a tailor-made, multi-day secluded adventure!
Image via Destination NSW
Spicer's Sangoma Retreat, New South Wales
You don’t need to drive halfway through New South Wales to experience serenity. Spicer’s Sangoma Retreat is just over an hour from Sydney and is tucked away in the lush forests of the Lower Blue Mountains. Each room shares its own luxuries, but are well-secluded from the rest, and they all showcase the sprawling beauty of the surrounding forest. While you’re here, take a bite at the onsite restaurant, savour your senses at their spa, or tackle the wilderness around you.
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Stowaway Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island features rugged coastlines and breathtaking scenery, with both equally showcased at Stowaway. This slice of paradise features two self-sustainable cabins in two different locations. First is The Nest, perched atop a hill that overlooks Lathami Conservation Park and St Vincent’s Gulf off the shore. And the other is aptly named Sleep Hollow, tucked in a quieter part of the Stowaway property. Both contain outdoor spas, a sauna, a well-equipped kitchen and a minibar.
Image: Pretty Beach House
Pretty Beach House, New South Wales
Australia’s most exclusive luxury lodge, Pretty Beach House, is situated just 90-minutes north of Sydney on the New South Wales Bouddi Peninsula. But, honestly, it feels worlds away. Nestled in a coastal national park, the boutique property offers only four pavilions, each a stone’s throw away from bushwalks, golden beaches and isolated bays. Visitors can enjoy a guided walk in the morning, followed by an ocean or pool swim, then finish the day with a seasonal Italian dinner on the property’s luxurious private boat or in the grand dining room. The choice is yours.
Looking for other off-the-grid, isolated accommodation options in Australia? Take yourself to the countryside in style with these 10 Best Luxury Farm Stays Around Australia. Or for a secret retreat, wind down at one of these 7 Best Health and Wellness Retreats in Australia of 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.
