From the energy of its cities to its dramatic coastlines, wine regions and wide-open landscapes, Australia feels particularly compelling right now — and these additions to the SLH collection offer five very different ways to experience it. From Brisbane and Sydney to the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, these new stays bring you close to some of Australia’s most rewarding places, while offering plenty of reason to linger at the hotel itself too. Whether you’re planning a first visit or looking for a more unexpected side of the country, there’s never been a better excuse to go further south.
Spicers Balfour Brisbane
Centred around a classic Queenslander in New Farm, with the neighbouring Simla building – a 1920s brick apartment block – adding another layer of character, Spicers Balfour combines period details with a polished, contemporary edge. Rooms and suites feel intimate and residential, while the garden and rooftop bar make the hotel particularly easy to settle into. Outside, James Street, Fortitude Valley and the Brisbane River put some of the city’s best food, shopping and culture within easy reach.
Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Katoomba
Originally built as Sir Frederick Darley’s summer home in 1889, Ardour Lilianfels has recently had a fresh rethink by Australian design studio Luchetti Krelle. Guest rooms now combine expressive colour, bespoke textiles, marble-topped joinery and custom details inspired by eccentric English garden estates, while the views stretch across the Jamison Valley. There’s plenty to do without getting in the car: Echo Point and the Three Sisters are a short walk away, while back at the hotel there’s a choice of high tea, Darley’s fine dining, Southeast Asian flavours at Miss Lilian and the newly reopened Èliva spa.
Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim
At 1,100 metres above sea level in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is built from local stone and rich timber, with broad windows framing the ridgeline. The all-inclusive stay makes it particularly easy to spend a few days moving between guided hikes, mountain biking, 4WD excursions and stargazing without having to plan much beyond the next view. Suites have bluestone fireplaces, while the private lodges add outdoor spas; at The Peak, dinner showcases produce from the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt, with the option of eating beside the fire or outside overlooking the ranges.
Spicers Potts Point, Sydney
Spread across three adjoining terraces on Victoria Street, Spicers Potts Point retains the filigree, balconies and proportions of the neighbourhood while giving the interiors a more polished, residential feel. Australian artwork and modern designer furniture sit alongside sumptuous fabrics, with the Victoria Terrace Suites featuring private verandas overlooking the street. The location is a major part of the appeal: Kings Cross station is minutes away, Sydney Harbour is around 600 metres from the door, and the restaurants and boutiques of Potts Point are right outside.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral, Southern Highlands
A 1910 country estate set among 30 acres of gardens, Ardour Milton Park retains the grandeur of the Hordern family’s former home while a recent $10 million transformation gives it a more contemporary feel. Guest rooms pair rich materials with bespoke murals inspired by the gardens, while fireplaces and cosy sitting rooms make the house feel particularly welcoming. At Horderns, seasonal pan-European dishes are served overlooking the grounds, while the Polo Bar is the place for charcuterie and a drink. Beyond the house, tennis courts, an indoor pool and garden paths offer plenty to do without going far.
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