Which hotels and resorts are Australian owned?
Small boutique hotels and the many ultra-cool motels that have had recent revamps are quite obviously Australian owned. But what about the big guys? It gets harder to tell as international resorts and hotels now often offer a local experience, and because many of the big brands bailed out smaller hotel groups during the pandemic.
Here’s some recommendations for staying Australian, while escaping the cooler capital cities for a long weekend and dose Vitamin D this Winter.
We have to start with Hamilton Island, Australia’s first major resort destination that’s still in Australian hands.
What we love about Hamilton is there are so many options - from the high end adults-only Qualia to holiday homes and villas that are great if you want to take the family and avoid squabbles about bedroom sharing.
Lord Howe Island or Far North Queensland
Baille lodges are the bees knees of Australian luxury style and eco tourism. They are just beautiful in every way. Whether you’d like a mild weather winter escape at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, or to experience the heat and spectacle of Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree, there’s something for everyone. An Australian tourism business that’s expanded globally, this is one you can trust for quality and for doing the right thing by the environment and people in the areas they offer their beautiful hotels.
K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island)
The largest sand island in the world, World Heritage Listed and with a name meaning Paradise, this is one to put on your Winter escape list. Kingfisher Bay resort is our pick of the accommodation, but there are options galore. Once owned by Japanese companies, the island’s resorts were bought back into Australian hands in 2018.
Brisbane or Gold Coast
When you’re booking your winter escape weekender (or any city break) look out for QT, Adina or Vibe hotels which are Australian owned.
The QT Gold Coast is one for architecture, art and day spa lovers. The Adina Brisbane has a great location and river views.
And for those who have time to go further afield…
In turn from usual pandemic events, two spectacular Australian holiday resorts came back into Australian hands in 2021. El Questro in the Kimberly and Kings Canyon Resort are now owned by the G’Day group. And you can’t get more Australian sounding than that!
At Australian Style Hunter, we only recommend brands and products that are tried and tested by us, and we truly believe are the best you can get while supporting Australian businesses and brands. We sometimes use affiliate links, which means we may get a small payment if you decide to purchase our recommended products.
We’re always on the look out for anything Australian, so get in touch if you have a recommendation - we’d love to hear about it.