Quirky places to stay in Australia

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn – Kakadu, Northern Territory

The Gagudju Holiday Inn at Jabiru is situated in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, and is one of the few World Heritage areas listed for both cultural and natural heritage.

What’s quirky about this hotel is its unique structure - in the shape of a big green crocodile. The crocodile jaws make the hotel entrance, which leads to a billabong like foyer.

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is situated just two and a half hours from Darwin, and is the ideal base to explore Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art galleries plus view the towering sandstone escarpment of Arnhem Land. 

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn - Kakadu

Desert Cave Hotel – Coober Pedy, South Australia

The Desert Cave Hotel, situated in Coober Pedy, is best known for offering the opportunity to sleep in an underground hotel. You can enjoy the surrounds of the beautifully formed natural sandstone surrounds as you stay in this oasis in the desert.

Since 1915 Coober Pedy became famous for those seeking the elusive opal, but the locals found it more comfortable living in dugouts or underground homes to escape the sweltering all temperature above ground. The earth gives natural temperature control for cool, quiet living in this semi desert area of outback South Australia. 

Desert Cave Hotel - Coober Pedy

The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Hobart, Tasmania

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is Australia’s first and only dedicated art hotel. The hotel, situated neatly upon Hobart’s glorious waterfront, is a former IXL jam factory dating from the 1820’s that has been transformed into a luxurious first class hotel showcasing the work of Tasmania’s finest artists.

Located on Hobart’s Victoria dock, most of the 56 rooms have water views, and the hotel's decor offers an ingenious mix of contemporary design elements with traditional building structures and artworks, designed by award winning architects.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Hobart

Reefworld – The Great Barrier Reef

Don't miss the chance to stay overnight on Australia’s most remarkable natural landmark, The Great Barrier Reef with Reefsleep, located on Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld pontoon.

The Reefsleep features two types of air-conditioned accommodation, both with ensuite bathrooms: a luxurious king-size room ideal for couples or honeymooners and a bunk-style quad room for friends, family or other guests. Accommodation also includes sunset beverages, gourmet al fresco dinner with wine, full breakfast, buffet lunch, scuba dive or guided snorkelling safari. Optional activities include the underwater viewing chamber, waterslide, helicopter tours and massages.

This unique and unforgettable experience allows guests to enjoy the unique solitude and tranquillity of this World Heritage listed site over two days and one night. 

Reefsleep - Reefworld Pontoon

Peppers Convent – Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Peppers Convent in Australia’s world famous Hunter Valley wine country in New South Wales, is a romantic retreat that was once home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns.

Built in 1909, Peppers Convent offers 17 deluxe rooms, restored to reflect the buildings charming heritage and character. The buildings interior has been infused with a French Baroque flavour, illuminated through the constant symbol of cherubs, angels, gilt and toils du jour window furnishings, mixed with a distinctive character of an Australian country guest house.

Peppers Convent is surrounded by some of the best boutique wineries and restaurants the Hunter Valley has on offer, specifically the Pepper Tree wine tasting barn and renowned Roberts Restaurant.

Peppers Convent – Hunter Valley 

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel – Launceston, Tasmania

The Penny Royal Hotel is a boutique property that offers modern facilities just a 5 minute walk to Launceston's city centre. Originally built as a corn mill in 1840, it was moved 54 kilometres to Launceston and was rebuilt as a hotel over 130 years later.

This unique traditional style hotel offers motel rooms as well as apartments, all with a distinctive heritage atmosphere. The rooms have recently been fully refurbished and are well appointed with all the modern comforts, while still retaining a unique heritage atmosphere. 

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel – Launceston

Tangalooma Island Resort - Moreton Bay

Australia has many outstanding and treasured islands, but non as well-kept and interesting as Moreton Island. 
What makes Moreton Island so special is that it has one of the least polluted and least disturbed coastal environments along the Queensland-New South Wales coastline, and is the third largest sand island in the world with a list of very unique and protected wildlife. 

Aerial View of Tangalooma Island Resort

If you are looking for the perfect stay to experience this natural dime, then Tangalooma Island Resort is where to take yourself. Tangalooma Island Resort is located on Moreton Island, approximately 40 kilometres off the coast from Brisbane, Queensland. 

The resort nestles on Moreton Bay Marine Park, which was established in 1993 to protect the ecologically significant habitats of Moreton Bay. Moreton Bay Marine Park is the only place in the world where significant populations of dugongs and turtles can still be found close to a major metropolitan centre. 

Tangalooma Island Resort has over 80 tours and activities, the most popular being its whale watching cruises, where you are 100% guaranteed to see a whale or you get your money back! Encounter the majestic humpback whales and their playful calves as they breach and play in the winter waters of the bay between June and October. 

Whale watching

Tangalooma also has Dolphin viewing and feeding tours, where you can get up close and personal and feed the wild bottlenose dolphin’s that come ashore to Tangalooma each evening at sunset.

If Tangalooma’s abundant wildlife can’t keep you busy enough, then the resort has many other activities on offer such as beach volleyball, ATV quad bike touring, catamaran hire, kayak hire, guided snorkelling tours of the Tangalooma wrecks, parasailing, desert safari tour, sand boarding on the desert, helicopter joy flights, archery, banana boating, beach cricket, putt putt golf, segways and plenty more.  

Sand tobogganing

Bound by perfect waters and untouched national parks, Tangalooma Island Resort is the perfect destination for your next escape.

Right now you can experience Tangalooma Island Resort for the hot price of $399 per person twin share. The package includes 2 nights in a Hotel Room, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, return launch transfers and dolphin feeding on one night of the stay. Valid for sale and travel until 21 September 2012. To book click here or call 13 88 33.

4 Places to swim with amazing sea creatures

Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is an incredible aquatic environment filled with an amazing diversity of seasonal marine life ranging from colourful corals and reef fish, manta rays, turtles, whales and dolphins to the world's largest fish, the magnificent whale shark. Between late March and July the award winning Three Islands Whale Shark Dive specialises in whale shark snorkelling adventures with professional, friendly staff ensuring each tour is operated to the highest standard giving a magical marine wildlife experience. This unique adventure begins with a reef snorkel before moving to the outer reef for the star attraction, the Whale Sharks.

Snorkel with the Whale Sharks, Three Islands Whale Shark Dive

Seals in Port Lincoln

Set off on an unforgettable underwater adventure in beautiful Port Lincoln. These fascinating puppy dogs of the sea will welcome you to the crystal clear waters of Seal Cove. Watch them as they bound out to the boat with excitement to begin their awaited performance. These inquisitive sea mammals will engage you in their underwater production. Summersaults, back flips, and graceful swirls will fascinate and amaze you. The leaps and twists out of the water right in front of you - truly electrifying! Join the Australian Sea Lion and become part of their underwater playground.

Sharks at Seaworld, Gold Coast

This experience gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with sharks and other marine life, while accompanied by a qualified Shark Bay diver. You will swim in Shark Bay’s reef lagoon as smaller whitetip and blacktip reef sharks swim around you. There is also an opportunity for you to look through to the Shark lagoon to see the larger Sharks which are just a window length away. Each dive is an educational experience and all participants must hold a current Diving Certificate and will receive their very own souvenir photo taken by a professional photographer.

Shark at Seaworld, Gold Coast

Dolphins at Mornington Peninsula

Join the team at 'Moonraker Dolphin Swims' as they take you on a snorkelling experience like no other. Snorkel with resident Bottlenose Dolphins, swim alongside cheeky Australian Fur Seals, explore underwater marine parks filled with colourful fish and join the search for weedy sea dragons. Tours depart Sorrento Pier just 1.5 hours from Melbourne on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Tour activities include morning or afternoon tea, all snorkelling equipment, wetsuit and guided snorkel tour with marine naturalist.

Moonraker Dolphin Swim, Victoria

Top 10 Gold Coast hotels for swimming

If you are a fish out of water we have the best Gold Coast hotels and resorts for you!

Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa, 5 stars

The Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa has swimming facilities to please the whole family. There is a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool/hot tub, lap pool, a children’s pool and direct beach access. Aerobic classes are available on the premises and Sea World, one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks featuring water parks, slides and marine education is only a two minute drive away.

Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa

Palazzo Versace, 5 stars

For an glamourous romantic getaway look no further than the 5 star Palazzo Versace. Shopping is only 10 metres away and the beach just a 100 metre stroll, but leaving this beautiful resort may be very difficult. Relax in Australia’s only water salon where poolside lounging is taken to a whole new level, enjoy the clear waters of the beautiful lagoon, sandy beach scene and Cabana’s offering private pool side service and wellbeing treatments.

Palazzo Versace

Sea World Resort & Water Park, 4.5 stars

Sea World Resort & Water Park is one of Australia’s best family resorts, offering free unlimited use of the Sea World water park (open seasonally) which has attractions for the young, old and everyone in between. The water park has a mammoth plunge, 50 metre lagoon pool with waterfall, kids splash zone and cabana. For smaller children, and children at heart the giant tipping bucket, water slides and jets are lots of fun at the poolside WaterPlay.

Sea World Resort

Towers of Chevron Renaissance, 4 stars

Consists of three majestic towers rising 50 levels, The Towers of Chevron Renaissance are connected on the 5^th floor by the ‘Beaches in the Sky’ complex. Consisting of a massive 600 metre square bell-shaped lagoon pool surrounded by sandy beach,  tropical gardens and plenty of grass for a picnic.

The Towers of Chevron Renaissance

Mantra Sun City, 4.5 stars

The Aztec inspired architecture and design of Mantra Sun City can best be enjoyed by climbing the ancient looking fortress with snake like waterslides and sliding down into the azure pool. Set amongst lush tropical gardens the property also offers a spa, indoor pool, sauna and Day Spa. 

Mantra Sun City

Paradise Resort Gold Coast, 3.5 stars

Located near the heart of Surfers Paradise, Paradise Resort Gold Coast boasts a brand new Water Park and lagoon pool. Featuring a giant tipping bucket waterfall, water cannons, waterslides there are 3 stories of aquatic fun! The younger kids don’t miss out either with a miniature waterpark offering slippery slide and water cannons. 

Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Breakfree Diamond Beach, 3.5 stars

The quiet, low rise Breakfree Diamond Beach holiday resort in the southern part of Broadbeach is great for family holidays and romantic escapes. The property makes the most of space offering tropical gardens, 2 lagoon style pools, 2 spas and a shaded BBQ area. For the little ones there is also a kid’s paddling pool, playground and games room. If you feel like splashing in the waves, then Kurrawa Beach is only 100 metres away. 

Breakfree Diamond Beach

Turtle Beach Resort, 4.5 stars

Offers accommodation for families of all sizes with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, you will never be bored at Turtle Beach Resort. Enjoy 4 separate swimming areas including a kid’s paddling pool and adults only retreat, plus 4 spas, 2 saunas, two playgrounds and an 18 hole putt putt golf course and 28 seat cinema! 

Turtle Beach Resort

Diamond Sands Resort, 4 stars

Set upon Mermaid Beach, the low rise Diamond Sands Resort offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments set amongst lush tropical gardens and a lagoon pool with sandy beach. During the cooler months the pool and adjoining spa are heated. Enjoy your holidays by the pool with a picnic on the lawn or sausages on the free BBQs.

Diamond Sands Resort

Oaks Calypso Plaza, 4.5 stars

Located opposite Coolangatta Beach, Oaks Calypso Plaza offers a lagoon style swimming pool with waterslides and children’s wading pool surrounded by sub tropical gardens. Swimming is not restricted to the hotel, with a patrolled beach just across the road and the world famous Snapper Rocks offering great surf just a 10 minute walk around the headland. 

Oaks Calypso Plaza