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Our links go there, and the hotel is always chosen before the link.",{"type":362,"attrs":363,"content":365},"heading",{"level":364,"textAlign":197},2,[366],{"text":367,"type":347},"Short answer: where to stay in Australia",{"type":342,"attrs":369,"content":370},{"textAlign":197},[371],{"text":372,"type":347},"Start with three nights in Sydney, near Circular Quay or The Rocks. Add Melbourne for city life, or fly north to Cairns and the Whitsundays for reef, beaches and rainforest. Perth is the choice if you want to see the west coast.",{"type":374,"content":375},"bullet_list",[376,384,391,398,405],{"type":377,"content":378},"list_item",[379],{"type":342,"attrs":380,"content":381},{"textAlign":197},[382],{"text":383,"type":347},"Best for romance: qualia",{"type":377,"content":385},[386],{"type":342,"attrs":387,"content":388},{"textAlign":197},[389],{"text":390,"type":347},"Best for families: Crystalbrook Riley",{"type":377,"content":392},[393],{"type":342,"attrs":394,"content":395},{"textAlign":197},[396],{"text":397,"type":347},"Best for first-timers: Park Hyatt Sydney",{"type":377,"content":399},[400],{"type":342,"attrs":401,"content":402},{"textAlign":197},[403],{"text":404,"type":347},"Best for design: The Calile Hotel",{"type":377,"content":406},[407],{"type":342,"attrs":408,"content":409},{"textAlign":197},[410],{"text":411,"type":347},"Best for nature: Silky Oaks Lodge",{"type":362,"attrs":413,"content":414},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[415],{"text":416,"type":347},"How to choose the right hotel in Australia",{"type":374,"content":418},[419,431,442,453,464],{"type":377,"content":420},[421],{"type":342,"attrs":422,"content":423},{"textAlign":197},[424,429],{"text":425,"type":347,"marks":426},"Sydney:",[427],{"type":428},"bold",{"text":430,"type":347}," stay around Circular Quay, The Rocks or Darling Harbour for easy access to ferries, the Opera House and restaurants. Bondi is the famous beach but a fair way from the centre.",{"type":377,"content":432},[433],{"type":342,"attrs":434,"content":435},{"textAlign":197},[436,440],{"text":437,"type":347,"marks":438},"Melbourne:",[439],{"type":428},{"text":441,"type":347}," the CBD and Southbank are convenient, and trams are free within the city centre zone.",{"type":377,"content":443},[444],{"type":342,"attrs":445,"content":446},{"textAlign":197},[447,451],{"text":448,"type":347,"marks":449},"The reef:",[450],{"type":428},{"text":452,"type":347}," Cairns and Port Douglas are the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree. The Whitsundays lie further south, with boat trips to Whitehaven Beach.",{"type":377,"content":454},[455],{"type":342,"attrs":456,"content":457},{"textAlign":197},[458,462],{"text":459,"type":347,"marks":460},"Seasons:",[461],{"type":428},{"text":463,"type":347}," they are the reverse of ours. December to February is summer in the south, while the north has its wet season at the same time.",{"type":377,"content":465},[466],{"type":342,"attrs":467,"content":468},{"textAlign":197},[469,473],{"text":470,"type":347,"marks":471},"Distances:",[472],{"type":428},{"text":474,"type":347}," Sydney to Melbourne is about an hour and a half by plane, Sydney to Cairns around three hours, and Sydney to Perth more than four.",[],"0","BodyBlock",{"_uid":479,"image":480,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":481,"caption_title":482,"image_caption":14},"a4510401-e36c-4156-9512-3ea2290fb7e7",{"id":14,"alt":481,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":482,"width":483,"height":484,"source":485,"filename":486,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":487,"public_id":488,"aspect_ratio":489,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"Park Hyatt Sydney on the water in The Rocks, with the Opera House behind.","On the water",3839,2159,"Hotels.com (Expedia Group)","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Fharbour-opera-house-park-hyatt-sydney.jpg",{"alt":481,"title":482},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Fharbour-opera-house-park-hyatt-sydney",1.778138026864289,"FullImage",{"_uid":492,"body":493,"card":539,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"4319e585-a302-4529-a955-0f483f62ee4e",{"type":339,"content":494},[495,500,505,511,516,521],{"type":362,"attrs":496,"content":497},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[498],{"text":499,"type":347},"Sydney: the harbour and the Opera House",{"type":342,"attrs":501,"content":502},{"textAlign":197},[503],{"text":504,"type":347},"Sydney is built around a great natural harbour. Circular Quay and The Rocks sit between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and ferries leave from here for Manly and the rest of the city.",{"type":362,"attrs":506,"content":508},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},3,[509],{"text":510,"type":347},"Park Hyatt Sydney: right beneath the bridge",{"type":342,"attrs":512,"content":513},{"textAlign":197},[514],{"text":515,"type":347},"Park Hyatt sits on the water in The Rocks, with the Harbour Bridge overhead and the Opera House across the cove. The building is low and light, and the rooftop pool looks out over the harbour.",{"type":342,"attrs":517,"content":518},{"textAlign":197},[519],{"text":520,"type":347},"This is our first-timer pick, because the view is Sydney itself. It is one of the most expensive hotels in the country, and rooms without an Opera House view are less good value. Take the ferry to Manly one morning; it leaves from the quay nearby.",{"type":342,"attrs":522,"content":523},{"textAlign":197},[524,528,530],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":526},"Book your stay:",[527],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347}," ",{"text":531,"type":347,"marks":532},"Check availability and prices at Park Hyatt Sydney",[533],{"type":534,"attrs":535},"link",{"href":536,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fpark-hyatt-sydney-sydney-australia.IFzaFYq","_blank","url",[],{"_uid":541,"image":542,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":543,"caption_title":544,"image_caption":14},"6be3c2d9-a1cf-42ed-b50b-8566d7f6e149",{"id":14,"alt":543,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":544,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":547,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":548,"public_id":549,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The indoor pool beneath the glass roof at Capella Sydney.","The indoor pool",3840,2160,"https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Findoor-pool-capella-sydney.jpg",{"alt":543,"title":544},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Findoor-pool-capella-sydney",1.7777777777777777,{"_uid":552,"body":553,"card":583,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"b3b6f32f-0dfa-4892-8910-6dec578db75e",{"type":339,"content":554},[555,560,565,570],{"type":362,"attrs":556,"content":557},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[558],{"text":559,"type":347},"Capella Sydney: sandstone and calm",{"type":342,"attrs":561,"content":562},{"textAlign":197},[563],{"text":564,"type":347},"Capella occupies two early 20th-century sandstone government buildings close to Circular Quay. The interiors are calm and light, and there is an indoor pool beneath a glass roof and a large spa.",{"type":342,"attrs":566,"content":567},{"textAlign":197},[568],{"text":569,"type":347},"It suits travellers who want a central base with quiet and polished service. Most rooms do not have harbour views. The Royal Botanic Garden and the Opera House are a short walk away.",{"type":342,"attrs":571,"content":572},{"textAlign":197},[573,576,577],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":574},[575],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":578,"type":347,"marks":579},"Check availability and prices at Capella Sydney",[580],{"type":534,"attrs":581},{"href":582,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fcapella-sydney-sydney-australia.DGo9472",[],{"_uid":585,"image":586,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":587,"caption_title":588,"image_caption":14},"bfb0ebc9-f6f8-46fb-98e1-b7eecf4e67ac",{"id":14,"alt":587,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":588,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":589,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":590,"public_id":591,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, home to Ovolo.","The wharf","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Ffinger-wharf-ovolo-woolloomooloo.jpg",{"alt":587,"title":588},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fsydney\u002Ffinger-wharf-ovolo-woolloomooloo",{"_uid":593,"body":594,"card":624,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"a41c26f1-676d-45b0-b58b-2d2736c88c31",{"type":339,"content":595},[596,601,606,611],{"type":362,"attrs":597,"content":598},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[599],{"text":600,"type":347},"Ovolo Woolloomooloo: on the old timber wharf",{"type":342,"attrs":602,"content":603},{"textAlign":197},[604],{"text":605,"type":347},"Ovolo is on the Finger Wharf, a long timber wharf from the 1910s east of the centre. The interiors are playful and colourful, with the old beams and ceilings left exposed, and there is a pool inside the building.",{"type":342,"attrs":607,"content":608},{"textAlign":197},[609],{"text":610,"type":347},"It suits couples and friends who want something more relaxed and personal than the big hotels. The centre is around a twenty-minute walk through the Botanic Garden. The restaurants along the wharf are busy in the evening.",{"type":342,"attrs":612,"content":613},{"textAlign":197},[614,617,618],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":615},[616],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":619,"type":347,"marks":620},"Check availability and prices at Ovolo Woolloomooloo",[621],{"type":534,"attrs":622},{"href":623,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fovolo-woolloomooloo-sydney-australia.Uu43SOX",[],{"_uid":626,"image":627,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":628,"caption_title":629,"image_caption":14},"236b573f-88ca-4197-bd06-e3dc1bbfdc51",{"id":14,"alt":628,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":629,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":630,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":631,"public_id":632,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The mosaic-lined indoor pool at Park Hyatt Melbourne.","The pool","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fmelbourne\u002Fmosaic-pool-park-hyatt-melbourne.jpg",{"alt":628,"title":629},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fmelbourne\u002Fmosaic-pool-park-hyatt-melbourne",{"_uid":634,"body":635,"card":675,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"5f06c73e-a524-47ee-9464-40ee2fe7f560",{"type":339,"content":636},[637,642,647,652,657,662],{"type":362,"attrs":638,"content":639},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[640],{"text":641,"type":347},"Melbourne: coffee, art and gardens",{"type":342,"attrs":643,"content":644},{"textAlign":197},[645],{"text":646,"type":347},"Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, with narrow laneways full of cafes, large parks and a food scene many consider the country's best.",{"type":362,"attrs":648,"content":649},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[650],{"text":651,"type":347},"Park Hyatt Melbourne: by the cathedral and the gardens",{"type":342,"attrs":653,"content":654},{"textAlign":197},[655],{"text":656,"type":347},"Park Hyatt is on the eastern edge of the city centre, beside St Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens. Rooms are large, and there is an indoor pool decorated with mosaics.",{"type":342,"attrs":658,"content":659},{"textAlign":197},[660],{"text":661,"type":347},"It suits travellers who want peace and parkland on the doorstep with the centre within walking distance. The style is classic. Walk through Fitzroy Gardens in the morning and on to the laneway cafes.",{"type":342,"attrs":663,"content":664},{"textAlign":197},[665,668,669],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":666},[667],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":670,"type":347,"marks":671},"Check availability and prices at Park Hyatt Melbourne",[672],{"type":534,"attrs":673},{"href":674,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fpark-hyatt-melbourne-melbourne-australia.xY3m5Jy",[],{"_uid":677,"image":678,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":679,"caption_title":680,"image_caption":14},"e504871c-1764-43e4-a748-5cb549809f0a",{"id":14,"alt":679,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":680,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":681,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":682,"public_id":683,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The terrace looking across the city from The Langham, Melbourne.","The terrace","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fmelbourne\u002Fterrace-skyline-langham-melbourne.jpg",{"alt":679,"title":680},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fmelbourne\u002Fterrace-skyline-langham-melbourne",{"_uid":685,"body":686,"card":716,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"ed905284-e250-46bc-a3d6-6e34af57ea0a",{"type":339,"content":687},[688,693,698,703],{"type":362,"attrs":689,"content":690},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[691],{"text":692,"type":347},"The Langham, Melbourne: by the river on Southbank",{"type":342,"attrs":694,"content":695},{"textAlign":197},[696],{"text":697,"type":347},"The Langham sits on Southbank along the Yarra River, looking across to the city. It is known for its afternoon tea and has a spa and an indoor pool.",{"type":342,"attrs":699,"content":700},{"textAlign":197},[701],{"text":702,"type":347},"It suits travellers who want the riverside promenade, with restaurants, the casino and the arts precinct close by. The style is traditional and a little formal. Cross the bridge to Flinders Street and the laneway cafes.",{"type":342,"attrs":704,"content":705},{"textAlign":197},[706,709,710],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":707},[708],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":711,"type":347,"marks":712},"Check availability and prices at The Langham, Melbourne",[713],{"type":534,"attrs":714},{"href":715,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fthe-langham-melbourne-melbourne-australia.9c7QRhH",[],{"_uid":718,"image":719,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":720,"caption_title":721,"image_caption":14},"cd4790c4-5ab4-4751-96ab-4f41fcb9e958",{"id":14,"alt":720,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":721,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":722,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":723,"public_id":724,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The plant-covered facade of The Calile Hotel.","The facade","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fbrisbane\u002Ffacade-plants-the-calile-hotel-brisbane.jpg",{"alt":720,"title":721},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fbrisbane\u002Ffacade-plants-the-calile-hotel-brisbane",{"_uid":726,"body":727,"card":767,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"e9285fed-130e-4738-b447-9ee600b2d07b",{"type":339,"content":728},[729,734,739,744,749,754],{"type":362,"attrs":730,"content":731},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[732],{"text":733,"type":347},"Brisbane and Perth: design hotels in the sunshine cities",{"type":342,"attrs":735,"content":736},{"textAlign":197},[737],{"text":738,"type":347},"Brisbane is the gateway to Queensland, and Perth is Australia's most isolated big city, on the west coast. Both enjoy sunshine almost all year.",{"type":362,"attrs":740,"content":741},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[742],{"text":743,"type":347},"The Calile Hotel: a resort pool in the city",{"type":342,"attrs":745,"content":746},{"textAlign":197},[747],{"text":748,"type":347},"The Calile is on James Street in Brisbane, a street of boutiques and restaurants. The hotel has bright, 1950s-inspired architecture and a large pool with cabanas that feels like a holiday resort.",{"type":342,"attrs":750,"content":751},{"textAlign":197},[752],{"text":753,"type":347},"This is our design pick, for a city break with pool days. It is not in the CBD, but a short taxi ride away. The pool is popular with locals at weekends.",{"type":342,"attrs":755,"content":756},{"textAlign":197},[757,760,761],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":758},[759],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":762,"type":347,"marks":763},"Check availability and prices at The Calile Hotel",[764],{"type":534,"attrs":765},{"href":766,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fthe-calile-hotel-brisbane-australia.21yhwV7",[],{"_uid":769,"image":770,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":771,"caption_title":721,"image_caption":14},"1d168b62-7153-421d-9e2a-118f628fc5d3",{"id":14,"alt":771,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":721,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":772,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":773,"public_id":774,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The heritage facade of the State Buildings, home to COMO The Treasury.","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fperth\u002Fheritage-facade-como-the-treasury-perth.jpg",{"alt":771,"title":721},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fperth\u002Fheritage-facade-como-the-treasury-perth",{"_uid":776,"body":777,"card":807,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"2a12f4f1-307a-4a8a-bba9-c9afc562d838",{"type":339,"content":778},[779,784,789,794],{"type":362,"attrs":780,"content":781},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[782],{"text":783,"type":347},"COMO The Treasury: old government buildings in Perth",{"type":342,"attrs":785,"content":786},{"textAlign":197},[787],{"text":788,"type":347},"COMO The Treasury occupies the State Buildings, a group of historic government buildings in central Perth. Rooms are large and calm, and there is a spa, a pool and a rooftop restaurant.",{"type":342,"attrs":790,"content":791},{"textAlign":197},[792],{"text":793,"type":347},"It suits travellers who want an elegant city base for Perth and the west coast. Perth is a long way from the rest of the country and needs its own flight. Take the ferry to Rottnest Island one day to see the quokkas, the small local marsupials.",{"type":342,"attrs":795,"content":796},{"textAlign":197},[797,800,801],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":798},[799],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":802,"type":347,"marks":803},"Check availability and prices at COMO The Treasury",[804],{"type":534,"attrs":805},{"href":806,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fcomo-the-treasury-perth-australia.OzHh2sn",[],{"_uid":809,"image":810,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":811,"caption_title":812,"image_caption":14},"ed1cb584-9067-4523-b860-d7369770da68",{"id":14,"alt":811,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":812,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":813,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":814,"public_id":815,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"A private plunge pool with a sea view at qualia.","A pool pavilion","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fwhitsundays\u002Fplunge-pool-sea-view-qualia-hamilton-island.jpg",{"alt":811,"title":812},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fwhitsundays\u002Fplunge-pool-sea-view-qualia-hamilton-island",{"_uid":817,"body":818,"card":858,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"900a3c71-bf26-4851-a3c7-5c0e514d3a3f",{"type":339,"content":819},[820,825,830,835,840,845],{"type":362,"attrs":821,"content":822},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[823],{"text":824,"type":347},"Queensland: reef, islands and rainforest",{"type":342,"attrs":826,"content":827},{"textAlign":197},[828],{"text":829,"type":347},"In northern Queensland the Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast, with the Whitsunday Islands to the south and the Daintree rainforest in the far north.",{"type":362,"attrs":831,"content":832},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[833],{"text":834,"type":347},"qualia: pavilions on Hamilton Island",{"type":342,"attrs":836,"content":837},{"textAlign":197},[838],{"text":839,"type":347},"qualia sits on the northern tip of Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, with pavilions scattered through the bush and views over the sea. It is for adults only, and many pavilions have their own plunge pool.",{"type":342,"attrs":841,"content":842},{"textAlign":197},[843],{"text":844,"type":347},"This is our romantic pick, for a honeymoon or a special occasion. It is expensive, and you fly to Hamilton Island via Sydney or Brisbane. The boat trip to Whitehaven Beach, one of the whitest beaches in the world, is a highlight.",{"type":342,"attrs":846,"content":847},{"textAlign":197},[848,851,852],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":849},[850],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":853,"type":347,"marks":854},"Check availability and prices at qualia",[855],{"type":534,"attrs":856},{"href":857,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fqualia-whitsundays-australia.CtVDQ96",[],{"_uid":860,"image":861,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":862,"caption_title":863,"image_caption":14},"1b4517ee-616e-4ba9-8866-4a83cf07bc59",{"id":14,"alt":862,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":863,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":864,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":865,"public_id":866,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The view from a room down to the lagoon pool at Crystalbrook Riley.","The lagoon pool","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fcairns\u002Flagoon-pool-view-crystalbrook-riley-cairns.jpg",{"alt":862,"title":863},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fcairns\u002Flagoon-pool-view-crystalbrook-riley-cairns",{"_uid":868,"body":869,"card":899,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"4a5d31b6-b822-4c40-b52c-af580ce26a40",{"type":339,"content":870},[871,876,881,886],{"type":362,"attrs":872,"content":873},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[874],{"text":875,"type":347},"Crystalbrook Riley: a lagoon pool in Cairns",{"type":342,"attrs":877,"content":878},{"textAlign":197},[879],{"text":880,"type":347},"Crystalbrook Riley is on the Esplanade in Cairns, with a large lagoon-style pool edged with sand. Reef boats leave from nearby, and the airport is about fifteen minutes away.",{"type":342,"attrs":882,"content":883},{"textAlign":197},[884],{"text":885,"type":347},"This is our family pick, with easy day trips to the reef and a pool children love. Cairns has no swimming beach in the centre, so the pool earns its keep. The restaurants along the Esplanade are within walking distance.",{"type":342,"attrs":887,"content":888},{"textAlign":197},[889,892,893],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":890},[891],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":894,"type":347,"marks":895},"Check availability and prices at Crystalbrook Riley",[896],{"type":534,"attrs":897},{"href":898,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fcrystalbrook-riley-cairns-australia.QEQByoX",[],{"_uid":901,"image":902,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":490,"caption_text":903,"caption_title":904,"image_caption":14},"d0327444-e8d2-42d2-a14c-e669cfa41912",{"id":14,"alt":903,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":904,"width":545,"height":546,"source":485,"filename":905,"copyright":485,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":906,"public_id":907,"aspect_ratio":550,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},"The boardwalk through the rainforest at Silky Oaks Lodge.","The rainforest","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fpicolo\u002Fimage\u002Fupload\u002Fv1\u002FPicolo\u002FHotels\u002Fdaintree\u002Frainforest-boardwalk-silky-oaks-lodge.jpg",{"alt":903,"title":904},"Picolo\u002FHotels\u002Fdaintree\u002Frainforest-boardwalk-silky-oaks-lodge",{"_uid":909,"body":910,"card":940,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"66ee1396-e445-47b4-badd-6e8daa77be2f",{"type":339,"content":911},[912,917,922,927],{"type":362,"attrs":913,"content":914},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[915],{"text":916,"type":347},"Silky Oaks Lodge: treehouses by the river in the Daintree",{"type":342,"attrs":918,"content":919},{"textAlign":197},[920],{"text":921,"type":347},"Silky Oaks sits in the rainforest beside the Mossman River north of Port Douglas, with treehouses on stilts among the trees and a restaurant overlooking the water. There is a spa, and the lodge runs rainforest walks and reef trips.",{"type":342,"attrs":923,"content":924},{"textAlign":197},[925],{"text":926,"type":347},"This is our nature pick, for two or three nights after some time in the cities. It is humid and hot, and insects come with the territory. Swim in the river in the morning, when the birds are at their busiest.",{"type":342,"attrs":928,"content":929},{"textAlign":197},[930,933,934],{"text":525,"type":347,"marks":931},[932],{"type":428},{"text":529,"type":347},{"text":935,"type":347,"marks":936},"Check availability and prices at Silky Oaks Lodge",[937],{"type":534,"attrs":938},{"href":939,"uuid":197,"anchor":197,"target":537,"linktype":538},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hotels.com\u002Faffiliates\u002Fsilky-oaks-lodge-finlayvale-australia.ueFjIfj",[],{"_uid":942,"body":943,"card":985,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"7e1811aa-1ddd-47e4-b0b5-9d88d84c211e",{"type":339,"content":944},[945,950],{"type":362,"attrs":946,"content":947},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[948],{"text":949,"type":347},"When to book",{"type":374,"content":951},[952,963,974],{"type":377,"content":953},[954],{"type":342,"attrs":955,"content":956},{"textAlign":197},[957,961],{"text":958,"type":347,"marks":959},"Sydney and Melbourne:",[960],{"type":428},{"text":962,"type":347}," spring and autumn, September to November and March to May, are pleasant and better value than the summer around Christmas.",{"type":377,"content":964},[965],{"type":342,"attrs":966,"content":967},{"textAlign":197},[968,972],{"text":969,"type":347,"marks":970},"Queensland and the reef:",[971],{"type":428},{"text":973,"type":347}," June to October is the dry season, with clear water and little rain. December to March brings the wet season and stinger season in the north.",{"type":377,"content":975},[976],{"type":342,"attrs":977,"content":978},{"textAlign":197},[979,983],{"text":980,"type":347,"marks":981},"Christmas and New Year:",[982],{"type":428},{"text":984,"type":347}," Sydney is packed for the New Year fireworks over the harbour. Book early.",[],{"_uid":987,"body":988,"card":1055,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"3534c433-d70f-4316-a3e6-780ba32e4bcc",{"type":339,"content":989},[990,995,1000,1005,1010,1015,1020,1025,1030,1035,1040,1045,1050],{"type":362,"attrs":991,"content":992},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[993],{"text":994,"type":347},"Frequently asked questions about hotels in Australia",{"type":362,"attrs":996,"content":997},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[998],{"text":999,"type":347},"Where should I stay in Sydney?",{"type":342,"attrs":1001,"content":1002},{"textAlign":197},[1003],{"text":1004,"type":347},"Circular Quay and The Rocks are best for a first visit, with the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the ferries on the doorstep. Darling Harbour and Surry Hills are good alternatives.",{"type":362,"attrs":1006,"content":1007},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[1008],{"text":1009,"type":347},"How long should I spend in Australia?",{"type":342,"attrs":1011,"content":1012},{"textAlign":197},[1013],{"text":1014,"type":347},"At least two weeks from the UK. That gives you Sydney, one more city and a few days on the reef or in the rainforest.",{"type":362,"attrs":1016,"content":1017},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[1018],{"text":1019,"type":347},"When is the best time to see the Great Barrier Reef?",{"type":342,"attrs":1021,"content":1022},{"textAlign":197},[1023],{"text":1024,"type":347},"From June to October visibility is best and the weather driest. Summer in the north brings the wet season and stingers along the coast.",{"type":362,"attrs":1026,"content":1027},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[1028],{"text":1029,"type":347},"Do I need a visa for Australia?",{"type":342,"attrs":1031,"content":1032},{"textAlign":197},[1033],{"text":1034,"type":347},"Yes, British travellers need an electronic visa, such as the eVisitor, applied for online before departure. Check the current rules.",{"type":362,"attrs":1036,"content":1037},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[1038],{"text":1039,"type":347},"What is the difference between Cairns and the Whitsundays?",{"type":342,"attrs":1041,"content":1042},{"textAlign":197},[1043],{"text":1044,"type":347},"Cairns is a city with boats out to the reef and the rainforest nearby. The Whitsundays are an island group further south with resorts, sailing and Whitehaven Beach.",{"type":362,"attrs":1046,"content":1047},{"level":507,"textAlign":197},[1048],{"text":1049,"type":347},"How much does a luxury hotel in Australia cost?",{"type":342,"attrs":1051,"content":1052},{"textAlign":197},[1053],{"text":1054,"type":347},"Prices vary a lot by season and city. Sydney and the Whitsundays are the most expensive, while Brisbane and Cairns are often cheaper for the same standard. Check prices for your dates via our links.",[],{"_uid":1057,"body":1058,"card":1092,"layout":476,"component":477,"article_rounded":200},"030bc5d1-8ad1-4772-b835-83577b0c7bf4",{"type":339,"content":1059},[1060,1065],{"type":362,"attrs":1061,"content":1062},{"level":364,"textAlign":197},[1063],{"text":1064,"type":347},"Read next",{"type":374,"content":1066},[1067,1080],{"type":377,"content":1068},[1069],{"type":342,"attrs":1070,"content":1071},{"textAlign":197},[1072],{"text":1073,"type":347,"marks":1074},"Australia travel guide",[1075],{"type":534,"attrs":1076},{"href":1077,"uuid":1078,"anchor":197,"target":1079,"linktype":28},"\u002Fen-gb\u002Fpicolo\u002Fdestinations\u002Foceania\u002Faustralia","1ff27c65-1437-423f-bb0a-21cc1eded168","_self",{"type":377,"content":1081},[1082],{"type":342,"attrs":1083,"content":1084},{"textAlign":197},[1085],{"text":1086,"type":347,"marks":1087},"Oceania",[1088],{"type":534,"attrs":1089},{"href":1090,"uuid":1091,"anchor":197,"target":1079,"linktype":28},"\u002Fen-gb\u002Fpicolo\u002Fdestinations\u002Foceania","4c96b454-2a14-4a5f-a87a-124ca8f28acf",[],{"_uid":1094,"theme":14,"author":14,"component":1095,"author_name":1096,"author_text":14,"author_image":1097,"section_overline":1098,"facebook_share_link":1099,"instagram_share_link":1100},"5eb5938e-83b9-42c0-9bd4-ad8c16e545a6","ArticleFooter","Picolo editors",{"id":197,"alt":197,"name":14,"focus":197,"title":197,"filename":14,"copyright":197,"fieldtype":16},"Enjoy Australia",{"id":14,"url":14,"linktype":28,"fieldtype":29,"cached_url":14},{"id":14,"url":14,"linktype":28,"fieldtype":29,"cached_url":14},{"_uid":1102,"card_type":1103,"component":1104,"filter_by":1105},"c5b67d0d-7e9d-4ef0-8a4a-373ce89adfdc","stories to inspire your next trip","PaginatedArticles",{"_uid":1106,"plugin":1107,"values":1108},"ed0dbeb3-e67e-4cec-ad02-c1b392846aa5","storyblok-tags-select",[1109,1110],"Australia","Luxury Hotel","Article",{"id":14,"alt":320,"name":14,"focus":14,"title":321,"width":322,"height":323,"source":324,"filename":299,"copyright":324,"fieldtype":16,"meta_data":1113,"public_id":326,"aspect_ratio":327,"content_type":328,"is_external_url":200},{"alt":320,"title":321},"best-hotels-australia","en-gb\u002Fpicolo\u002Fdestinations\u002Foceania\u002Faustralia\u002Fbest-hotels-australia",-10,[1109,1110],236190958193642,"4e1a6027-87b5-4304-beb1-9bb0d7665d80","2026-10-30T11:42:25.854Z",[1122],{"id":1123,"name":1124,"slug":1125,"published":208,"full_slug":1126,"is_folder":200,"parent_id":1127},236213431585647,"Hotell i Australia","hotell-australia","nb-no\u002Fpicolo\u002Fdestinasjoner\u002Foseania\u002Faustralia\u002Fhotell-australia",236190955801576]