Dream list: The experts are obsessed with these lavish Australian hotels

Capella Sydney is officially the best deluxe accommodation in the country, as judged by industry professionals for the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence.

Recently named among the world's 100 most incredible hotels by Fodor's Finest, the heritage-listed sandstone establishment is a refurbishment of the city's former 1912 Department of Education building, offering old-world charm and history. The pillow-top beds are fitted with custom Italian linen. But the jewel on the Capella's crown is the Auriga Spa, offering an indoor heated pool adorned in white marble.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge in Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium is the country's best luxury accommodation. The five-star hotel supports conservation through breeding and education programs, and is run by a local family. Your overnight stay includes a wildlife experience with some of the world's most dangerous and endangered animals, including lions, tigers and giraffes.

Jamala tied for first place with Saffire Freycinet at Coles Bay in Tasmania, a lodge-style resort set against the stunning backdrop of Wineglass Bay.

The Tasman in Tasmania, which was named among the world's top 50 best hotels in September, took out the award for overall hotel of the year - accommodation division. You can't get a cocktail bar much classier than the onsite Mary Mary, which was named best hotel bar - accommodation division.

The NSW Tourism Awards deemed Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort in Orange to be the best 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation in NSW. The luxury escape packs retro-chic stylings with bold colours, sophisticated cocktail bars and plush salons.

Also in regional NSW, the best 5-star luxury accommodation is Mt Hay Retreat, a private and tranquil haven in Berry which won gold at the awards, and Kalinya Estate on a five-acre private property in Bargo which took silver.

The Victoria Tourism Awards named All Seasons Houseboats the best unique accommodation.

The 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation went to a very inner-city stay, the Crowne Plaza Melbourne.

At the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards, the best 5-star luxury accommodation went to The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa in Palm Cove, an adults-only retreat overlooking the Coral Sea.

Tourism isn't just about accommodation. Other notable awards in the NSW Tourism Awards went to Cupitt's Estate in Ulladulla in the wineries, distilleries and breweries section.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail won best tourist attraction and Sierra Escape in Mudgee nabbed the unique accommodation award.

Melbourne Zoo won the best major tourist attraction at the Victorian Tourism Awards and Animal Land children's farm won best tourist attraction.

The Truffle Farm Tasmania won the gong for best food tourism operator in the state at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards.