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Looking to splash some cash this year? We’ve got the ultimate travel inspo for the most lavish holiday of your life. The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth have just been revealed for 2026, and three of Australia’s most exclusive stays made the cut.
Curated by Robb Report's ‘Travel Masters’ – a panel of 24 luxury travel advisors – the list spotlights both flashy new openings and past favourites. While only the global top ten are ranked, the remaining luxury stays are grouped by region, with Australia claiming half of Oceania’s top spots.
First up is Mt Mulligan Lodge – a hidden wilderness retreat in Outback Queensland that the Travel Masters called “an underdog that consistently feels fresh and exceeds expectations.” Capped at just 28 guests, this majestic eco-lodge sits on an expansive 28,000-hectare cattle station beneath the striking silhouette of its namesake tabletop mountain. The judges loved that it’s one of the rare luxury outback retreats to welcome children, offering plenty of activities, including quad biking, sunrise hikes, paddleboarding, barramundi fishing and starlit degustations.
Regarded as one of the world’s best resorts, Kangaroo Island’s famous Southern Ocean Lodge also claimed a spot on the list. Reopened in 2024 following the devastating 2020 wildfires, the dramatic oceanfront retreat now features 25 ultra-premium suites, each angled perfectly towards the Southern Ocean. Beyond the views, many guests come here for the all-inclusive experiences – think guided cliff-top walks, stargazing, sundowners and canapés served with the local kangaroos.
Rounding out the trio of Australia’s best ultra-luxe stays is Orpheus Island Lodge – a private island resort in Tropical North Queensland where the Great Barrier Reef is literally at your doorstep. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the exclusive 28-guest retreat recently unveiled 14 bigger and brighter suites, a new restaurant and an expanded line-up of reef activities, from fishing to catamaraning. If you really want to flex, you can book out the entire island for you and your crew.
You can check out the full list of The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth here.