Discover Australia: Staycation Ideas Close to Home
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August 13, 2026
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From reef-fringed islands and vineyard-lined valleys to vibrant coastal cities, Australia offers a staycation that feels both expansive and refreshingly new. Each destination reveals a different side of the country, where ocean views, open landscapes, and lively neighbourhoods invite you to step away from the everyday and explore closer to home.
Experiences are as varied as the scenery, from snorkelling along the Great Barrier Reef and exploring rugged coastlines to wine tastings in renowned regions and afternoons spent by the beach. Along the way, discover local dining, browse boutique precincts, or simply slow down and take it all in. With so much to explore, every trip offers a new perspective on Australia.
Book your next getaway in Australia and discover the benefits available when you use your Platinum Card® to book a stay with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection3 through American Express Travel.
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12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
*,3
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
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Marananga, Australia
The Louise, Beckons
Set among the vines in South Australia's Barossa Valley, The Louise, Beckons is a retreat where wine, landscape, and art come together. This intimate, all-suite property offers sweeping vineyard views, private courtyards, and sunlit terraces designed for slow, restorative stays. Days unfold with cellar door tastings, seasonal dining at Appellation, and scenic rides along Seppeltsfield Road. Thoughtful details such as local artworks and in-suite fireplaces create a warm, immersive atmosphere. Whether savouring a long lunch or unwinding under a vast starlit sky, The Louise invites you to settle into the gentle rhythm of wine country.
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Hobart, Australia
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Step into a wine experience that begins below ground in a historic cellar and vault at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. Sommelier-led tastings bring Tasmanian and Italian vintages to life through the stories behind each bottle, setting the tone for a stay rooted in place. Above, three architectural eras unfold across elegant rooms and suites with warm tones, curated local art, and select waterfront views. Dine on regional flavors at Peppina, then unwind with cocktails at Mary Mary. From nearby coastal walks to cultural landmarks, Hobart offers a setting that invites you to explore, taste, and linger.
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Whitsundays, Australia
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef
In the Whitsundays, Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef brings you close to the Great Barrier Reef, where vibrant marine life meets lush tropical surroundings. At its centre, the Living Reef offers the chance to encounter over 100 marine species just steps from your room. Days unfold with snorkelling, kayaking, and scenic flights over coral formations, balanced by time spent by lagoon-style pools or along quiet rainforest paths. Dining draws on fresh coastal flavours, while ocean-view rooms and private balconies frame the island’s natural beauty. It’s a stay designed for both discovery and easy, sun-soaked relaxation
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Surfers Paradise, Australia
The Langham Gold Coast & Jewel Residences
Nestled between the vibrant neighbourhoods of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, the coastal destination welcomes guests to embrace Queensland’s most iconic natural wonders with pristine sands and crystal blue waters from the hotel’s doorstep. From the vibrant energy of the Gold Coast’s premier entertainment and luxury retail precincts to The Langham’s celebrated dining scene and exclusive partnerships extending to the Great Barrier Reef, every moment is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the very best of the destination. Whether unwinding along the lagoon-style infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, feeling refreshed at the award-winning Chuan Spa, or simply stepping out to absolute beachfront, a new era of refined indulgence awaits.
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Hanson Bay, Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge, Beckons
Perched along Kangaroo Island’s limestone cliffs, Southern Ocean Lodge, Beckons offers a front-row view of Australia’s rugged southern coastline. Expansive ocean outlooks define each suite, where private terraces and contemporary interiors frame the ever-changing horizon. Days are shaped by guided experiences, from walks through Flinders Chase National Park to wildlife encounters at Seal Bay. Back at the lodge, regionally inspired dining and a curated wine selection highlight local flavours, while the spa's wilderness-facing deck invites quiet moments of restoration. Remote yet refined, it’s a stay that immerses you in the scale and beauty of the coast.
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Sydney, Australia
Crown Towers Sydney
Set above Barangaroo, Crown Towers Sydney offers an elevated vantage point over one of the world’s most iconic harbours. Floor to ceiling windows capture sweeping views where coastline, skyline, and water meet in constant motion. Mornings can begin with a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the harbour, or a stroll along nearby waterfront promenades that lead to the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. As part of an integrated resort, the hotel is home to a collection of award winning restaurants and a tranquil day spa, creating a true sense of retreat within the city. The experience balances vibrant urban energy with the natural beauty of Sydney’s coastal setting.
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Melbourne, Australia
W Melbourne
In Melbourne’s Central Business District, W Melbourne brings a bold, design-led energy to the city’s cultural core. Surrounded by laneways, nightlife, and street art, the hotel reflects its setting through striking interiors, vibrant colours, and contemporary details. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a polished, modern aesthetic, offering a comfortable base between outings. Days flow from gallery visits and market strolls to time spent at the indoor pool or FIT gym. As evening unfolds, dining at Lollo, Omakase at Warabi, and cocktails at Curious set the tone. It’s a stay that channels Melbourne’s creative spirit with a distinctly modern edge.
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Brisbane, Australia
The Alva Hotel, Vignette Collection
Positioned in the heart of Fortitude Valley, The Alva Hotel Brisbane, Vignette Collection offers front row access to Brisbane's most dynamic and culturally rich inner-city precincts. Architecturally striking and atmospherically refined, The Alva stands as a luminous urban landmark for those who seek more than a place to stay. Light-filled rooms frame expansive skyline views, while bold design and thoughtfully considered art evoke a sense of arrival that feels both grand and alive. By day, James Street's boutiques and galleries, thriving innovation hubs, and the riverside dining of Howard Smith Wharves, are moments from your door. As the evening unfolds, the energy transforms. The Alva becomes your launchpad to discover The Valley's most compelling nightlife, live venues, and experiences. Above it all, The Alva's Iris Rooftop Bar indulges you with 360-degree views, signature cocktails, and a vibrant Spanish-inspired menu. Meanwhile, Bisou Bisou delivers elevated modern French dining with effortless elegance. This a stay that doesn't just place you at the front row of Brisbane's creative energy—it immerses you in it.
Relax, Recline and Save
As a Platinum Card Member or Platinum Business Card Member, the world is your oyster with the International Airline Program†. Book through American Express Travel and enjoy access to savings on select international premium class cabins with participating airlines Plus, earn Membership Rewards® and airline miles as you typically would. Terms and Conditions apply.
