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The 2025 check-in list: here are seven of the hottest new hotel openings in Australia

From coast to city, these are Australia’s standout hotel debuts from the past few months

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Hotel pool
Photograph: ShotbyThom
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Australia doesn’t claim to be the city that never sleeps. We’re proud to have one of the world’s best work-life balances, where travellers can pack their days with epic experiences, then crash in style at one of our top-notch hotels. This year, Australia has seen a burst of stylish new hotels opening their doors, with plenty more on track to launch by the end of 2025. From a secluded safari escape to a luxury island getaway and a sustainable city stay, here are seven of the hottest new hotel openings so far.

Inside of hotel room facing ocean
Photograph: Justin Nicholas

Mondrian Gold Coast

Arguably the Gold Coast’s most luxurious hotel to date, this 24-storey coastal-luxe beach house marks the Australian debut of LA’s innovative Mondrian group. The five-star hotel sits mere metres from Burleigh Beach, with 208 studios, suites and homes boasting breathtaking views across the Pacific Ocean and out to the Hinterlands. Guests can unwind in the magnesium plunge pool, 24-metre resort-style pool, or wellness space and spa. There’s also a chic terrace eatery, an oceanfront restaurant and a pool club. 

Penthouse facing river
Photograph: Supplied | 1 Hotel Melbourne

1 Hotel Melbourne

In June, Melbourne gained a new, waterfront hotel that's both swanky and sustainable. Perched right on the banks of the Yarra River, this nature-inspired property marks 1 Hotel’s long-anticipated debut in Australia. The sleek 277-room hotel was built using recycled materials, is draped in native greenery and heroes hyper-local produce in its signature restaurant, Here by Mike, helmed by celebrated chef Mike McEnearney.

Pool with lounges
Photograph: Supplied | Monarto Safari Resort

Monarto Safari Resort

At the end of autumn, Monarto Safari Park – the world's largest open-range safari park – scored a brand-new luxury resort featuring 78 African-inspired hotel rooms overlooking the expansive plains of Monarto’s new Wild Africa precinct. The resort pampers guests with a world-class spa, thermal plunge pool, ice bath, sauna, and two outdoor swimming pools. Plus, keep an eye out for 20 stylish glamping tents arriving later this year.

Hotel room overlooking lake
Photograph: ShotbyThom

The Lodge Wadjemup

Rottnest Island is already one of Australia’s most sought-after islands, and even more so now after the $40 million makeover of The Lodge Wadjemup. Just months after welcoming its first guests in late December, this island-inspired hotel was named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Places to Visit in 2025. The coastal-luxe property features 109 rooms with courtyard, lakeside or pool views, plus sunset dining and top-notch conference facilities.

Spiral red staircase
Photograph: Supplied | InterContinental Brisbane

InterContinental Brisbane

Just last week, the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, made its Brisbane debut, taking over the former Hilton site. The timeless 319-room property began welcoming guests on July 1 under the new brand, complete with a new signature club lounge on level 25 with sweeping views over the River City. In 2026, it’s set to undergo a significant two-year luxury transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympics. 

Hotel exterior at sunset
Photograph: Supplied | Courtyard by Marriott Darwin

Courtyard by Marriott Darwin

In early July, the world’s biggest hotel chain unveiled its first-ever Northern Territory property in Darwin. It’s a major milestone for Marriott International, which now flies its flag in every Australian state and territory. The first stage of the 186-room hotel’s renovation features slick self-check-in technology, all new furnishings and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, with a hyper-local restaurant and pool upgrade planned within the next two years.

Blue hotel studio room
Photograph: Supplied | Hyatt House South Melbourne

Hyatt House South Melbourne

A sister brand of the grand Park Hyatt Melbourne, this new southside hotel offers a more residential-style experience for longer-term stays. It’s fitted with homely amenities and is located near many of the city’s coolest attractions, including Albert Park Lake, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Arts Precinct and South Melbourne Market. Bonus: it’s pet-friendly, so your dog (or cat) can join the getaway too.

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