Postcards from Australia

These are notes from our time in Australia, from the cities to the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Here is where we stayed and what we'd tell a friend.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

A great location, but very much a city Four Seasons.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

A standout

A standout for a Ritz-Carlton. The rooms are brand new, and because the hotel sits at the top of a high-rise, your views are from 70-odd floors above Melbourne.

The Louise, Barossa Valley

We didn't love The Louise. The vineyard setting is great and there's great wine all around, but manage your expectations for the hotel itself.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

Wild Atlas favorite

The best hotel we've ever stayed at. It's reminiscent of the movie The Menu, without the murder. The food is great, and you feel like you're at the ends of the earth.

Do the Signature Remarkable Hike, about 13 km along the cliffs from the Remarkable Rocks back to the lodge. They told us we did it in record time, but plan on three to four hours. It's remote enough that they send you out with food, a phone with GPS and safety gear.

W Brisbane

A nice, funky hotel in the middle of Brisbane. Expect to find out why some people call it the Las Vegas of Australia.

Lizard Island

Wild Atlas favorite

The reef right off the beach is incredible, though there's some obvious coral bleaching. The island feels deserted and the food is great. We dove the Cod Hole and it didn't disappoint, and you can see sharks close to the beach.

You need a private charter to get to the island, which isn't cheap, but you can see the reef and sea life from the plane on the way in.

For more on planning a trip, see our Australia guide, or tell us what you have in mind.