12 weird and wonderful places to stay around Australia

Add a little flair to your holiday by spending the night in living quarters that are all shades of bonkers.

Some of life’s best stories come from taking the road less travelled, breaking away from convention and staying in slightly-off-kilter accommodation. For all Australia has to offer, it should come as no surprise that there are a host of ways to rest your weary head that don’t entail a stock-standard hotel room.

Creative minds have honed in on the terrain and climate unique to Australia, developing accommodation that goes off script. Comfortably sleeping underground, in the snow or high above the trees is not only a possibility but a reality for the eager story-seeker and memory-maker.

Read on for some of the downright strangest places to stay around Australia.

1. Earthship Ironbank, SA

Arguably Australia’s only B&B with a built-in greenhouse, a stay at Earthship Ironbank in South Australia is a leap forward in climate research. The founders and owners of Earthship Ironbank are continuously testing the lodge’s impact on the environment, so for those wanting to be living in a cosy science experiment of sorts, this B&B is the cream of the crop.

The unique design is reminiscent of a building you’d see in a futuristic sci-fi movie, while the interior is flooded with natural light and warm tones. Pour a morning cup of tea and ponder over the greenhouse or lay in bed for a little too long and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows before hopping in the tub for a tranquil bubble bath. Pure bliss.

2. Wilderness Island, WA

It might not quite be the edge of the world, but a stay at Wilderness Island will be the closest thing to it.

From May to October every year, Wilderness Island in Western Australia is open for business, offering five secluded cabins as close to the ocean as humanly possible. It’s not uncommon to see hammocks and egg chairs on the porch of beachside homes, but the Wilderness Island retreats enter unusual territory by just how far removed the guests are from the rest of the world.

Aliens could visit Australia and those staying at the resort would be blissfully unaware going about their day doing not much at all.

3. A Tassie Church, Tas

This Kempton-based country home in Tasmania answers the age-old question: what would it be like to stay in a historic church?

With ceilings far higher than the average broom could reach, the barrel-shaped interior of this church-turned-home is utterly mesmerising. Stained glass windows maintain that spiritual element usually reserved for places of worship, yet the furnishing and décor offer a level of hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

A lush green garden can be found at the rear, ideal for a frolic or a round of bocce, while apple trees litter the lawn ready to be picked. In the morning, make the most of the barista-level coffee machine and at night, retire to the living room and warm your soul near the slow-combustion fireplace.

4. Pilliga Pottery, NSW

When we think of a regular farm stay, Pilliga Pottery in outback NSW’s Coonabarabran does not fit the brief. What can only be described as an intricate enclosed gazebo on stilts, Pilliga Pottery’s Old Schoolhouse is a traveller’s dream come true.

Spanning two stories, the Old Schoolhouse is a stone’s throw away from a trampoline and pool – two features rarely found at this type of accommodation. After ascending the stairs to this oasis in the sky, cook up a feast in the decked-out kitchen or watch from above as your companions play a game of Marco Polo.

Outside of the Old Schoolhouse, guests can attend pottery workshops, embark on a bushwalk, avidly stargaze in Warrumbungle National Park (the southern hemisphere’s first dark sky park) or feed some animals – a traditional farm stay staple.

5. Hotel No, Vic

There’s a laundry list of attributes that certify Hotel No as one of Melbourne’s kookiest public residences. After checking in, you’ll be taken to the rooftop and greeted by a cluster of retro airstream trailers, a sprawling red floor against a large mural of splattered shades of pink, a bird’s-eye view of Flinders Lane, and perhaps the strangest of all, a stocked mini-bar that’s free for guests.

Hotel No prides itself on its ‘no’ policy: no ordinary stay, no concierge, and no outdated appliances – the latter of which is emphasised by in-room photo printers to capture your stay. Throw in a rooftop spa bath plus a private deck, and Hotel No is the epitome of eccentricity.

6. Overnight Igloo Experience, Vic

Highly season-specific, these custom-built igloos on Mount Hotham come and go in a flash, adding to the unattainable allure some travellers strive to achieve.

The process of booking an igloo plays into the exclusivity of it all, as you first have to register for a waiting list before accessing the availability of the igloos, however, the team at Alpine Nature Experience always construct the igloos before they’re accessible to the public.

Once you’ve locked in a date, expect the snow adventure of a lifetime. A brisk 30-minute stroll through the snow leads guests to a roaring fireplace, followed by appetisers of cheese fondue and a delectable three-course meal.

Share your life’s story with fellow snow-bunnies over a glass of wine before retiring to your one-of-a-kind igloo, kitted out with a toasty double bed and faux-fur blankets, additional layers for extra warmth, and a solar battery for your charging needs.

7. Desert Cave Hotel, SA

After a fruitful day of opal hunting and touring cavernous mines in Coober Pedy, head underground for a deserved night’s rest at Desert Cave Hotel.

Best seen to be believed, this sprawling underground ecosystem feels almost otherworldly, as it operates like a regular hotel, with its premium onsite restaurant, cafe, bar, gaming room and shops, yet everything is situated far beneath the surface – it’s a wild experience.

Mood lighting lines the earthy walls throughout this hidden hotel and the bedrooms are fully furnished with the same luxuries found at any above-ground alternative. For travellers wanting to be closer to Earth’s core while also sleeping in hotel-standard linens, this should be high on the to-stay list.

8. The Shed, Kangaroo Valley, NSW

Tell people you’re staying in a shed while on holiday and they’re likely to baulk at you. Show people photos of your stay at The Shed in Kangaroo Valley and they’re likely to start planning their very own trip.

Everything about The Shed is immaculately executed. From the vintage doors that serve as the entrance to the patchwork corrugated iron walls, there isn’t a detail that’s gone unnoticed in this spacious three-bedroom ‘shed’.

The outdoor area would also make for a stunning backdrop if you were planning a surprise engagement party or wedding but hadn’t landed on a location yet.

While you’re in Kangaroo Valley, put some time aside and venture to the gushing waterfalls and sprawling wineries for a well-rounded weekend away.

9. The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, SA

When there’s an option to book a ‘room and cell’ at a hotel, the holiday is guaranteed to take a turn for the better.

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol is rife with character and has a history of housing prisoners since its construction back in the 19th century. This charming prison-turned-accommodation hasn’t seen a lawless citizen waltz through its doors in decades, yet the remnants of life before the renovation can be found throughout the entire property.

One glance at the architecture or the sturdy cell bars in select windows will offer further insight into this historic venue, which doubles as an events space as well as a resting place.

Time your stay correctly and you might catch some live music or one of the various exhibitions and workshops held behind (decorative) bars.

10. The Lily, WA

The Lily has been home to self-contained accommodation for years now, but there’s been a recent addition that takes the cake.

Adjacent to the iconic Dutch windmill lies a dormant 1944 Dakota plane that’s been converted into living quarters. Every aspect of the plane has been put to use in The Dakota. The cockpit now serves as a fully functioning bathroom, the body of the plane is now the living room and kitchen, and at the tail-end sits two single beds perched on an elevated landing.

Walk through the cargo doors and you’ll plant your feet firmly on an outdoor patio, where you can watch the windmill stand in solitude nearby. Most travellers have slept on a plane before, but not like this.

11. Bubbletent, NSW

From the depths below to soaring heights above, Bubbletent in Capertee Valley, halfway between Mudgee and Lithgow, will satiate view-deprived guests with its transparent design and enviable vantage point.

Three private bubbles dot the valley’s hills and cliffs, each offering different amenities and views to cater for all walks of life. Named after different star signs, anticipate an invigorating session in Leo’s wood-fired hot tub, superior views and a rest in Leo’s hammock, or, for romantic getaways, opt for the Virgo bubble and spend the weekend rocking back and forth on the ultra-cute love swing.

Pack hiking shoes and weather-appropriate gear, too, as Capertee Valley is destined to be explored.

12. The Carriage, WA

Sitting pretty on the outskirts of Mundaring, The Carriage is a delightful and unique alternative to a B&B. Once a functioning mode of transport from the early 1900s, this modernised slice of heaven has added all of the creature comforts while maintaining the original aesthetic of an actual train carriage.

Surrounded by 10 acres of thriving flora, The Carriage is ideal for getting away from the chaos and living off-grid with the perks of on-grid amenities – make the most of the Smart TV, dishwasher, wi-fi and BBQ area while enjoying the clean air and car-free sounds of nature.

Deceptively spacious, The Carriage also comes equipped with a cute two-seater dining table, a comfy three-seater couch and a homely cooking setup in the kitchen. Through the rear door awaits the master bedroom, complete with a super king-size bed and ensuite. Without looking at the exterior, you’ll forget you’re sleeping in a century-old piece of history.

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