The Best Alternative Lodgings in Australia

When's the last time you stayed in an underground hotel? Never? Well, while visiting Australia you'll get the opportunity by calling the Underground Motel in White Cliffs, NSW. Two of the hotel's rooms are above ground but all others are reached by traveling a maze of tunnels beneath the opal-mining town. The tunnels are well-lit and room. It's a very unique experience.

Strip away all the frills but leave the view and you have Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge where guests stay in beachfront cabins. There are dozens of surrounding activities and the accommodations are extremely reasonable.

Prairie Hotel in Flinders Ranges, SA is a stone-wall pub in the Outback. Great food, guest mingling and a fantastic bar await you.

One of the most unique spots to stay is Binna Burra Mounta Lodge and O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse in Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD. At an elevation of over 3,000 feet the area features rainforests, fresh air, hiking and nature. You'll love this experience.

Emma Gorge Resort at The Kimberley, WA is a small safari camp situated on a million-acre plot of nature. Guests stay in tents that feature wooden floors and electricity. Hikes, tours and river cruises are the order of the day.

The Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, QLD is an experience bordering on nature at its best. There's a ranger station nearby but everywhere else is nothing but wildlife and wild plants. If you love walks, safaris and outdoor activities this is the perfect lodging location.

Freycinet Lodge at Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, TAS offers cabins and fabulous walking trails. You can see the ocean nearby while dining in splendor.

Cradle Mountain Lodge at Cradle Mountain, TAS offers cabins as well. Drive or walk a few minutes and you'll reach the forests. Lakes, mountains, trees - what more could you ask for?