In a world where we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury accommodation, a beautiful hotel pool can often be the decider when choosing the perfect place to stay. And undoubtedly, it’s right here in Australia where you can find some of the most reservation-worthy hotel pools.
From the undeniably photogenic pool at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane to an infinity pool amongst the vineyards at Jackalope Hotel in the Morning Peninsula, there are many hotels around the country that are worth booking for the pool itself.
These are the hotel pools that are more than just an amenity, they’re a destination in their own right. Here’s our curated list of Australia’s best hotel pools to dive into.
Halcyon House – Cabarita Beach, NSW
A boutique gem, Halcyon House is home to a Mediterranean-inspired pool perfectly framed by blue and white stripe sun loungers, crips white umbrellas and soaring palm trees. Open exclusively for hotel guests, the beachfront pool is conveniently positioned next to the hotel’s hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy, which means just one thing — poolside cocktails. An Aussie icon? We think so.
The Calile Hotel – Brisbane, QLD
With its fringe of pistachio-and-white striped parasols, matching daybeds and perfectly positioned palm trees, it’s easy to see why the Palm Springs-inspired pool at The Calile Hotel in Brisbane is one of the most Instagrammed hotel pools in Australia. Measuring at 27-metres by 8-metres, The Calile hotel has become — literally and figuratively — one of the hottest places in town since opening in 2018. The real show-stopper? The hotel's name spelled out in glistening gold pool tiles.
The Surf Yamba – Yamba, NSW
Overlooking Yamba’s popular Main Beach, The Surf’s rooftop pool is as impressive as it sounds. With sweeping views from Iluka and Angourie, this hotel rooftop is complete with canary yellow and white striped sun loungers and a curved heated pool that boasts arguably the best views in town. Check in, throw the Turkish towel from your room over your shoulder and take the lift to the rooftop.
The Oaks Ranch – Mossy Point, NSW
With views of the Deua mountain ranges, towering gum trees, and the property’s very own golf course, the magnesium pool at The Oaks Ranch is like no other. Located on the NSW South Coast, The Oaks Ranch pool views at this Spanish Mission-style boutique hotel are only made better by the luxurious private cabanas and visits from the local ‘roos bouncing by. Idyllic.
Jackalope Hotel – Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Overlooking vineyards, the black infinity pool at Jackalope Hotel in Victoria’s picturesque Mornington Peninsula is true luxury.
A visit to the pool at Jackalope can also involve the heated plunge pool, all-day dining with sunbed service, wireless internet, and a poolside pavilion available for spa treatments or private dining. Pair your dip (the swimming kind) with wine from the on-site vineyard.
Qualia – Hamilton Island, QLD
When you think of luxury stays in Australia, it’s likely you envisage Qualia and its iconic infinity-edged pools. The famed Hamilton Island hotel is home to two infinity-edged pools, both with exceptional views of the Whitsundays. Synonymous with luxury and the tropics, the pools at Qualia are the definition of booking-worthy.
Basq House – Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW
Set in the heart of Byron Bay, Basq House and its impressive logo-embossed pool might be new, but it is certainly making a splash. Inspired by Moroccan riads, the centrally located pool deck at the boutique hotel features a temperature-controlled magnesium pool, a self-service bar and a selection of daybeds, loungers and cabanas — take your pick and enjoy the perfect pool day.
Ritz-Carlton – Melbourne, VIC
Perched on the 64th floor, the Ritz-Carlton’s indoor pool will impress even the most discerned traveller. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the pool is where you can enjoy unmatched views of the city’s dazzling skyline. As part of the hotel’s spa area, the pool is complemented with six treatment rooms, a spacious sauna and a steam room for the ultimate wellness experience.
Sun Ranch – Byron Bay, NSW
There’s an endless list of highlights at the recently opened Sun Ranch in the Byron Bay hinterland, but the pool is undoubtedly a list topper. The space dubbed “Pool Club” features the sprawling 25-metre pool that is carved from natural basalt stone and set on a hillside with sweeping views of its home — a lush 55-acre site in Coopers Shoot. Dreamy. The best part? You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Pool Club at Sun Ranch, all you need is a Pool Club day pass.
W Hotel – Sydney, NSW
When W Hotel Sydney opened at the end of 2023, its pool soon became one of the most impressive in the harbour city. The 30-metre heated infinity pool is home to arguably one of the city’s best views of Darling Harbour and features a giant glow-in-the-dark jellyfish motif on the bottom of the pool created from colourful glass mosaic tiles. Order a drink from the poolside bar to top off this memorable hotel pool experience.
