Looking for a winter getaway? Here are 3 sustainable luxe places to stay in Melbourne, Margaret River and Queensland.
Text by: Eris Choo and Amy Van
When the tropical heat begins to stifle, consider trading it in for crisp air and excellent cuisine south of the equator. Australia’s winter season is the perfect excuse for a stylish getaway — whether it’s Melbourne’s vibrant art and dining scene, a secluded stay on Queensland’s Hamilton Island, or a vineyard-fringed hideaway in Margaret River. Here are destinations where winter feels like a privilege.
1 Hotel Melbourne, Victoria
Located along the banks of the Yarra River, 1 Hotel Melbourne opened its doors in June 2025 in the beautifully restored Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the un-renovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The hotel’s industrial roots are captured in thoughtful design details, from reclaimed timber furnishings to restored steel trusses and window frames. Its 277 rooms, including 36 suites, are earthy and tranquil, offering skyline or river views and luxury amenities by Bamford. A wellness floor includes an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and holistic treatments at Bamford Wellness Spa, while the Field House Gym offers a space to recharge with top-of-the-line equipment. On the food front, From Here by Mike is a love letter to the land, spotlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, while the Crane Bar & Lounge serves boutique Victorian wines and organic cocktails with botanical infusions.
Edge Luxury Villas, Margaret River, Western Australia
Tucked away in the heart of Margaret River’s wine country, between the townships of Margaret River, Busselton and Dunsborough, Edge Luxury Villas offers the region’s only overwater stay – four adults-only boutique villas on the edge of a serene lake. Each of the villas is suspended above water and designed to blur the line between indoors and out. Guests get to enjoy uninterrupted forest and lake views from every angle, including the freestanding stone bath, king-sized bed, fireplace and lounge. The self-contained villas also boast fully equipped kitchens, barista-grade coffee machines, and private balconies with hammocks.
Entirely off-grid, powered by solar and rainwater, and newly outfitted with EV charging stations, Edge is as thoughtful as it is sustainable. The perfect excuse for luxurious slow living – you get to wake to birdsong, spot kangaroos from your balcony, or stargaze by the fire in winter.
The Sundays, Hamilton Island, Queensland
One of Australia’s most beloved destinations near the Great Barrier Reef has welcomed a new 59-room boutique retreat, and like its namesake, The Sundays reimagines experiences that evoke the laidback joy of the weekend. Designed with families and couples in mind, the property features local artworks, coastal textures, and a soft, earthy palette in each room, with sweeping views of the Whitsundays. Curated experiences include sunrise yoga, moonlit cinema nights, and daily “Sundaes at the Sundays” by the pool.
The Catseye Pool Club, the hotel’s signature restaurant helmed by famed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, anchors the hotel with seasonal produce and unfussy, sharing-style dining. The cocktail list by Sam Cocks, known for his work at Saint Peter Bar, is no less impressive, perfect for poolside sipping or sundowners by the sea.