Australia may not have Michelin-starred restaurants, but its hotels are now stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Michelin Keys. In the first-ever awards for the country, 35 Australian hotels have been recognised for their architecture, service, character, and unique contributions to their regions.
Unlike Michelin stars, which are only given in select regions, Michelin Keys can be awarded anywhere in the world. Inspectors consider five factors:
- Design and architecture
- Quality of service
- Individuality
- Value for mone
- Impact on the local area
The Michelin Guide has long been synonymous with dining excellence, but the new system extends its prestige to hospitality. Keys – awarded in tiers of one, two, or three – represent different levels of unforgettable stays. A single key denotes “a very special stay,” two keys mark “an exceptional stay,” and three keys signify “an extraordinary stay.” For an exhaustive list of the 2025 Australian Michelin Key awarded hotels, read on...
Queensland
1. Lizard Island Resort (Lizard Island)
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Keys awarded: 3
Located within the Great Barrier Reef, this resort offers 24 private beaches and world-class diving straight from the shore. Guests can explore coral reefs with marine biologists, dine under the stars, or retreat to luxury villas overlooking turquoise waters. It’s one of the most exclusive and remote getaways in Australia. In this inaugural list, Lizard Island Resort in Queensland stood out as the only property in Australia to earn three keys, celebrated as “one of the most outstanding experiences in the world.”
2. Silky Oaks Lodge (Daintree Rainforest)
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Keys awarded: 2
Nestled in the world’s oldest rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge combines eco-luxury with tropical immersion. Guests can kayak along the Mossman River or indulge in treehouse spa treatments. Its architecture seamlessly blends with the lush green canopy around it.
3. Spicers Peak Lodge (Maryvale)
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Keys awarded: 2
Perched on a mountaintop 1,100 metres above sea level, this lodge boasts panoramic views of Queensland’s Scenic Rim. The property offers fine dining, luxury suites, and star-gazing experiences far from city lights. It’s a haven for couples seeking both seclusion and indulgence.
4. Qualia (Hamilton Island)
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Keys awarded: 1
A serene sanctuary in the Whitsundays, Qualia is famed for its understated elegance and holistic approach to relaxation. Each pavilion is designed to capture ocean breezes and sweeping Coral Sea views. It’s a favourite escape for international celebrities seeking privacy.
5. The Calile Hotel (Brisbane)
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Keys awarded: 1
Australia’s first “urban resort,” The Calile is a design icon in Brisbane’s James Street precinct. Its pastel palette, poolside cabanas, and subtropical landscaping give it a Miami-meets-Mediterranean vibe. Stylish boutiques and renowned restaurants sit right at its doorstep.
Victoria
1. Jackalope Hotel (Mornington Peninsula)
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Keys awarded: 2
This striking hotel is set among vineyards and is known for its bold contemporary design and immersive art installations. With an award-winning restaurant and a sleek infinity pool, it redefines regional luxury. The giant black jackalope sculpture at its entrance is a local landmark.
2. The Ritz-Carlton (Melbourne)
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Keys awarded: 1
Soaring above the city on the top floors of a skyscraper, the Ritz-Carlton offers panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay. The interiors blend timeless elegance with modern Melbourne edge. Its sky lobby is one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. The Interlude (Melbourne)
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Keys awarded: 1
Built within the historic bluestone walls of the former Pentridge Prison, The Interlude transforms heritage into luxury. Guests can explore the prison’s history before retreating to modern suites. It’s an extraordinary blend of storytelling and indulgence.
4. Melbourne Place (Melbourne)
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Keys awarded: 1
A boutique gem, Melbourne Place showcases contemporary style with intimate service. Its central location makes it perfect for arts, culture, and nightlife seekers. The interiors balance cosmopolitan chic with local Melbourne flair.
5. Drift House (Port Fairy)
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Keys awarded: 1
This coastal hideaway fuses Victorian heritage architecture with strikingly modern design. Each suite is unique, offering a playful mix of bold colours and textures. It’s ideal for travellers seeking both style and seaside charm.
6. 1 Hotel (Melbourne)
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Keys awarded: 1
A leader in sustainable luxury, 1 Hotel Melbourne uses reclaimed materials and lush greenery throughout its design. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Yarra River and a rooftop sanctuary. It’s where eco-conscious principles meet five-star comfort.
New South Wales
1. Spicers Sangoma Retreat (Blue Mountains)
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Keys awarded: 2
An intimate eco-retreat, Sangoma offers African-inspired luxury just 90 minutes from Sydney. With open-air pavilions and locally sourced fine dining, it celebrates slow living. The infinity pool looks out over eucalyptus-filled valleys.
2. Capella Lodge (Lord Howe Island)
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Keys awarded: 2
This boutique lodge captures the raw beauty of Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can enjoy world-class snorkelling and views of Mount Gower from their suites. It’s often described as Australia’s most romantic island escape.
3. QT (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
Known for its theatrical interiors and playful design, QT Sydney transforms two historic buildings into a vibrant hotel. Expect bold art, eclectic furnishings, and a buzzing lobby bar. It’s a stylish favourite for creative travellers.
4. Ace Hotel (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
The first Ace Hotel in the Southern Hemisphere, this property brings Brooklyn cool to Sydney. It celebrates local artists, musicians, and culinary talent. The rooftop bar is a must-visit for its views and vibrant scene.
5. The Eve Hotel (Redfern)
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Keys awarded: 1
A modern boutique hotel, The Eve reflects the creative energy of Sydney’s Redfern district. Its interiors feature bold art and contemporary design. The vibe is distinctly youthful and urban.
6. Basq House (Byron Bay)
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Keys awarded: 1
A stylish coastal retreat, Basq House captures Byron’s free-spirited vibe in a luxurious setting. Guests can lounge poolside or explore nearby beaches. The interiors combine laid-back surf culture with refined elegance.
7. Il Delfino Seaside Inn (Yamba)
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Keys awarded: 1
This charming inn overlooks the Pacific Ocean in the relaxed surf town of Yamba. Known for its warm hospitality and ocean breezes, it’s ideal for beach lovers. Guests enjoy easy access to local cafés and coastal walks.
8. Wildlife Retreat at Taronga (Mosman)
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Keys awarded: 1
Stay among kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses at this unique eco-lodge inside Taronga Zoo. Every room offers glimpses of wildlife habitats. It’s one of the only luxury hotels in the world where conservation is part of the experience.
9. Capella (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
Once a grand heritage building, Capella Sydney now shines as a beacon of modern luxury. Its interiors are a blend of contemporary design and restored sandstone details. Guests enjoy proximity to Sydney’s cultural icons.
10. The Langham (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
Renowned for old-world glamour, The Langham offers one of the city’s best spas and harbour views. Its afternoon tea is a Sydney institution. The interiors exude understated British elegance.
11. Park Hyatt (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
With unrivalled views of the Opera House, the Park Hyatt epitomises harbourside luxury. Its waterfront rooms are among the most coveted in Sydney. It’s the definition of iconic five-star accommodation.
12. Osborn House (Bundanoon)
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Keys awarded: 1
A heritage guesthouse reimagined with playful, maximalist interiors. Surrounded by the Southern Highlands, it blends country charm with luxury. The spa and gardens are standout features.
13. Four Seasons Hotel (Sydney)
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Keys awarded: 1
Located at Circular Quay, this hotel is the epitome of international five-star service. Guests enjoy sweeping harbour views and world-class dining. Its location makes it perfect for exploring Sydney’s icons.
14. Crystalbrook Albion (Surry Hills)
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Keys awarded: 1
This boutique hotel combines contemporary edge with a restored convent heritage. It has one of Sydney’s coolest rooftop terraces. Its bold design celebrates individuality and creativity.
Tasmania
1. Saffire Freycinet (Coles Bay)
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Keys awarded: 2
Overlooking Wineglass Bay, this award-winning lodge is consistently ranked among Australia’s best. Guests enjoy immersive food experiences, from oyster shucking in the bay to chef-led tastings. Its architecture is designed to mirror the Hazards mountains.
2. Henry Jones Art Hotel (Hobart)
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Keys awarded: 1
Housed in a converted 19th-century jam factory, this hotel celebrates Tasmania’s artistic spirit. The walls are lined with contemporary artworks from local creators. It’s a cultural and historical landmark on Hobart’s waterfront.
3. The Islington Hotel (Hobart)
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Keys awarded: 1
A Georgian mansion turned boutique retreat, The Islington oozes character and charm. With just 11 rooms, it feels like an intimate private estate. Art, antiques, and mountain views set the tone.
4. The Tasman Hotel (Hobart)
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Keys awarded: 1
Blending 1800s heritage architecture with sleek modern additions, The Tasman offers a unique contrast of old and new. Its rooms feature sandstone walls and luxe details. It’s perfectly positioned near Hobart’s waterfront and Salamanca Market.
5. Macq 01 Hotel (Hobart)
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Keys awarded: 1
Known as the “storytelling hotel,” Macq 01 celebrates Tasmanian history through design and character-driven themes. Each room is inspired by a local identity, from explorers to convicts. It’s immersive, quirky, and uniquely Tasmanian.
South Australia
1. Thorngrove Manor (Adelaide)
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Keys awarded: 2
A fantasy-like castle hotel, Thorngrove is filled with turrets, towers, and lavish interiors. Every suite is individually designed with medieval-meets-modern opulence. It’s one of Australia’s most eccentric and imaginative stays.
2. Southern Ocean Lodge (Kangaroo Island)
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Keys awarded: 2
Perched above Hanson Bay, this lodge combines luxury with raw natural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Southern Ocean, while local produce shines in its dining. It’s a sanctuary for both relaxation and adventure.
Western Australia
1. Empire Spa Retreat (Yallingup)
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Keys awarded: 1
Surrounded by vineyards and bushland, Empire Spa Retreat is a serene adults-only haven. The spa is a highlight, offering treatments with native botanicals. It’s a perfect escape in the Margaret River wine region.
2. Como The Treasury (Perth)
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Keys awarded: 1
Set within beautifully restored 19th-century state buildings, this hotel is an architectural masterpiece. Minimalist interiors meet fine dining and a world-class wellness spa. It’s often rated Australia’s best city hotel.
Northern Territory
1. Longitude 131 (Yulara)
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Keys awarded: 2
This desert camp offers luxurious tented pavilions with direct views of Uluru. Guests enjoy exclusive guided experiences through the Red Centre. At night, fine dining beneath the stars makes it unforgettable.
