The most spectacular accommodation by the water in Sydney

Luxury 

Park Hyatt Sydney 

It’s hard to imagine a more prestigious address in Sydney – tucked beneath the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and directly opposite the Sydney Opera House. Park Hyatt Sydney has been an icon of the city for more than three decades, thanks to its luxurious suites overlooking the water, sparkling rooftop pool and celebrity chefs in the kitchen. If money is no object, the Sydney Suite is an exercise in over-the-top indulgence. 

Park Hyatt Sydney - Credit: David Mitchener

QT Bondi

QT Bondi brings the brand’s quirky-cool style to Bondi’s accommodation scene. The beach motif runs through all the chic rooms and suites, from porthole-shaped mirrors to pink flamingo lights and local artworks on display. Sydney’s most famous waves are just down the road – grab one of the hotel’s free surfboards and join the locals on the break. 

QT Bondi, Bondi - Credit: QT Sydney

Manly Pacific 

Formerly the Novotel Manly Pacific, this Manly beachside beauty underwent a top-to-toe $30 million renovation in 2023 and was reborn as the stylish Manly Pacific. Choose one of the ocean-facing Coastal Villas for sweeping views and a private balcony, or go all out with the enormous Infinity Residence, complete with a personal Beach Butler to help you throughout your stay. 

Manly Pacific, Manly - Credit: Trustee of the Manly Pacific Unit Trust

W Sydney 

Redefining the skyline of Darling Harbour, the $1 billion Ribbon building is home to apartments, an IMAX theatre, shops and the W Sydney. With 588 rooms and suites, it’s the largest W hotel in the world and its undulating glass facade makes for seriously spectacular views. If the view from your spacious bed isn’t enough, head up to the open-air infinity pool or 29/30 Rooftop Bar to admire the sparkling lights of Darling Harbour from high above. 

W Sydney, Darling Harbour

Jonah’s 

Perched on a cliff overlooking Whale Beach, each of the 11 luxurious rooms at Jonah’s has a breathtaking view of the rugged coastline. Watch the sun rise from your private, ocean-facing balcony or look for dolphins frolicking in the waves below. The swimming pool is Instagram-perfect and dining at the on-site, award-winning restaurant will deliciously round out any stay. Jonah’s has long been a favourite with celebrities, so keep an eye out for any visiting luminaries. 

Jonah's, Whale Beach

Boutique and unique 

Hotel Ravesis 

Ravesis is a Bondi legend, best known as a late-night bar and nightclub favoured by locals. But head upstairs and you’ll find 12 rooms and suites that will transport you to mid-century Miami, with their arched windows, chartreuse curtains and plush pink furnishings. It’s the only hotel on Bondi Beach with uninterrupted ocean views and many of the rooms have Juliet balconies or private terraces that let you feel the salt spray. 

Hotel Ravesis, Bondi - Credit: TravMedia

Lilypad Palm Beach 

At this Palm Beach accommodation, you’re not just waterfront, you’re on the water. The unique floating villa is found bobbing among the yachts on the calm bay of Pittwater. A cosy retreat for two, find yourselves surrounded by limewashed walls and terracotta accents – you'll feel like you’re the only two on the whole of the Northern Beaches. Swim off the deck, relax on the outdoor lounges, sip wine from the cellar, unwind in the infrared sauna or cruise around on your private boat. 

Lilypad, Palm Beach

Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel 

Home to one of the most famous pubs in Sydney (the Coogee Bay Hotel), the Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel is the perfect mix of party vibes and coastal relaxation. The four-star Boutique Rooms sit behind the pub while the retro-style Bay Rooms are right above the main bar. Whichever you choose, the views are epic, with some rooms taking in the bustling Coogee Beach and Wedding Cake Island beyond from huge windows and spacious balconies. 

Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel, Coogee - Credit: C.inc

Calabash Bay Lodge 

Set at the junction of three national parks (Marramarra, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Berowra Valley) and accessible only by private boat or seaplane, Calabash Bay Lodge on the Hawkesbury River is about as far away from it all as you can get while still being within an hour of central Sydney. Sleeping up to eight guests in elegant luxury, the lodge is spread over three levels with uninterrupted views of bush and water. Organise a private chef to cook dinner for you, or stock the pantry with your favourite foods and enjoy a weekend of complete seclusion. 

Calabash Bay Lodge, Hawkesbury - Credit: Carole Whiting/Wild Luxury

The Little Black Shack 

This charming eco retreat began life as a fisherman’s shack on the western shore of Pittwater when it was hand-built in the 1930s. Nowadays, the Mackerel Beach stay is still only accessible by water or foot. Weekends here are all about the simple pleasures: relaxing in the hammock or by the fireplace, snoozing on the window seat or swimming at the tiny private beach. The shack sleeps just two, with a king-sized bed and original sandstone bathroom, plus a gourmet kitchen, a kitchen garden filled with herbs and views from every corner. 

The Little Black Shack, Great Mackerel Beach - Credit: Indiana Kwong

Historic gems 

Pier One Sydney Harbour 

Set on a century-old wharf at Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour takes the meaning of waterfront to a new level. The hotel stretches out over the calm waters of the harbour just beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. No two rooms are the same and most have a view of the water. Splash out and stay in one of the superlative suites – the Water View Balcony Suites have a huge outdoor deck with comfy lounges, and the Admiral Suite has a bathtub with an unbeatable view. 

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Dawes Point - Credit: Dave Wheeler

Q Station 

For more than 150 years, the Quarantine Station at Manly’s North Head was the first stop for thousands of migrants arriving in Sydney. Today, it functions as a fascinating heritage hotel, with guests sleeping in the original, refurbished buildings. Take a history tour to learn more or go in search of spirits on a spooky ghost tour. 

Q Station, Manly

Steele Point Cottage 

This butter-yellow cottage has looked out over Sydney Harbour since the 1880s. Originally built as a gunner’s barracks, it has been carefully renovated to preserve its heritage charm (though with a few modern comforts). Plan a quiet weekend break for two, exploring the Hermitage Foreshore Track, taking a dip at Nielsen Park or spreading out on the lawn of Strickland Estate for a picnic. 

Steele Point Cottage, Sydney Harbour National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Simpson Cottage

In 1863, George Simpson was granted a parcel of land south of the Hacking River where he established the area’s first permanent settlement. His cottage was built with sandstone blocks hand quarried by convicts – you can still see the pick marks in the walls. Now part of the charming village of Bundeena, this tranquil retreat is surrounded by 1,500 square metres of lawns and gardens with a 180-degree water view over Simpsons Bay as well as private access to Bonnie Vale Beach. 

Simpson Cottage, Bundeena - Credit: The Curious Collection

Budget and family-friendly 

Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach 

Just 20 minutes south of the CBD, Brighton Beach is something of a hidden gem. This long arc of golden sand faces the calm waters of Botany Bay with a large, netted swimming area in the centre. The Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach sits in prime position at the northern end of the bay, with a raised walkway taking you across the road and straight to the sand. All of the 297 rooms have private balconies and most look straight out over the water. 

Ammos Restaurant at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, Brighton-Le-Sands

YHA Pittwater Eco 

You’ll forget everything you know about youth hostels at YHA Pittwater Eco. Hidden in the Ku-ring-gai National Park and overlooking the calm waters of Morning Bay, the property is only accessible by ferry. Choose between private, family or shared rooms and make use of the communal kitchen, living spaces and barbecues. You can explore the surrounding national park on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, practice yoga on the lawns, or join one of the weekly beach clean ups. 

YHA Pittwater Eco, Church Point - Credit: YHA NSW

Rydges Cronulla Beachside

Check in to the stylish Rydges Cronulla Beachside and be welcomed by a coastal, open lifestyle. Looking out over Cronulla’s world-class waves, the rooms are bright and breezy, making the most of the coastal views with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. There’s a sparkling swimming pool, a laid-back restaurant and bar, and free bikes for exploring the neighbourhood. 

Rydges Cronulla Beachside, Cronulla

Ingenia Holidays Nepean River 

The Nepean River forms the western boundary of Sydney with the foothills of the Blue Mountains on its bank. Ingenia Holidays backs right on to the water, making it the ideal location for fishing, kayaking, boating and swimming. Cabins sleep from two to 12 people, or you can set up your own caravan, motorhome or tent. Family-friendly features include a swimming pool, playground and jumping pillow, camp kitchen, barbecues and laundry. 

Ingenia Holidays Nepean River, Nepean - Credit: Ingenia Communities

Del Rio Riverside Resort 

Set on 450 acres on the edge of the Hawkesbury River, Del Rio Riverside Resort is a waterfront playground. As well as the endless entertainment offered by the river (think fishing, boating, waterskiing) there’s a pool, sports courts, putt putt golf, bushwalking trails, pedal carts and kids’ clubs during the holidays. Accommodation ranges from basic campsites to cabins, villas and holiday houses on the water. 

Del Rio Resort, Webbs Creek