From a medieval cave to a World War II plane and a rooftop trailer park: The weird and wonderful off-the-beaten track accommodation across Australia

  • Off the beaten track travel destinations are growing in popularity the world over 
  • This trend is sparking a rise in the number of quirky, eccentrically themed hotels across Australia 
  • Here, FEMAIL has created a collection of unique must-stay accommodations available around the country
  • The list includes an African safari, a medieval themed cave, a luxe cruise liner and a refurbished WWII plane

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As exotic, remote destinations become more easily accessible, Australian tourists are beginning to hunt for something weird, wacky and wonderful to make their holiday a trip to remember.

A growing number of quirky hotels are answering the call, offering weird and wonderful experiences ranging from a night in an African Savannah inspired villa to a sojourn in 'Australia's weirdest bed and breakfast' and sleeping on the roof of a Melbourne car park in a vintage Airstream trailer.

With off the beaten track travel seemingly here to stay, FEMAIL created a list of the eight most unique accommodations across Australia.

Mira Mira Fantasy Retreat in Crossover, Victoria, was dubbed 'Australia's weirdest bed and breakfast' by celebrity garden guru Don Burke

Mira Mira Fantasy Retreat in Crossover, Victoria, was dubbed 'Australia's weirdest bed and breakfast' by celebrity garden guru Don Burke

1. Zoofari Lodge at Taronga Western Plains, Dubbo, New South Wales

A trip to the African Savannah usually involves an almost 24 hour one way trip for Australians, but thanks to Zoofari at Taronga Western Plains, animal enthusiasts can soak up the stunning surrounds of the Serengeti just five hours drive from Sydney's CBD.

Discreetly hidden from public areas, Zoofari comprises fifteen African-style tents adjacent to a restaurant, bar, library and salt water swimming pool.

Complete with king size beds and luxurious double baths, the private decks of the Animal View properties offer unrivalled scenes of giraffe, zebra, ostrich, buffalo and eland roaming the land.

Animal enthusiasts can soak up the stunning surrounds of the Serengeti just five hours drive from Sydney's CBD at Taronga Western Plains near the holiday town of Dubbo

Animal enthusiasts can soak up the stunning surrounds of the Serengeti just five hours drive from Sydney's CBD at Taronga Western Plains near the holiday town of Dubbo

The Zoofari experience offers unrivalled personal encounters with some of the world's most exotic and endangered species

The Zoofari experience offers unrivalled personal encounters with some of the world's most exotic and endangered species

Low season mid-week rates start at $339 per person for the Bushland Lodge and $379 for the Animal View accommodation.

The Zoofari experience includes two exclusive behind-the-scenes safari truck tours, providing a magical opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most endangered and exotic species.

And with much cultural, historical and water-based activities to enjoy in the neighbouring holiday town of Dubbo, a short stay at Zoofari could be the perfect start to a romantic break or fun-filled family getaway. 

A Bushland Lodge at the Western Plains; low season mid-week rates start at $339 per person

A Bushland Lodge at the Western Plains; low season mid-week rates start at $339 per person

2. Pumphouse Point, Tasmania

A former hydroelectric plant, this much loved industrial relic turned boutique accommodation has been attracting visitors to Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area since opening in January 2015.

A middle floor room in the Pumphouse building costs $495 per night, with 'just the right elevation to provide the unique feeling of floating on water'.

Very little change has been made to the exterior, with the buildings standing in their weathered glory as they have for over 70 years. The interior decor is a blend of simple excellence and comfort, with no apology for the buildings’ origins as a pumphouse.

Pumphouse Point was opened to visitors in 2015, while the opulent 'Retreat' section of the property was launched in November 2017

Pumphouse Point was opened to visitors in 2015, while the opulent 'Retreat' section of the property was launched in November 2017

Tasmania boasts some of the wildest, most rugged nature on earth; Pumphouse Point is the perfect base to explore the beauty of this wilderness, as well as being ideal for those in search of rejuvenation and some down time away from the rat race

Tasmania boasts some of the wildest, most rugged nature on earth; Pumphouse Point is the perfect base to explore the beauty of this wilderness, as well as being ideal for those in search of rejuvenation and some down time away from the rat race

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, the property gives you an authentic experience of nature at its' most wild, but the hotel said the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, explore, adventure and interact is what makes a stay at the Pumphouse so special.

The Retreat, a luxurious offshoot of Pumphouse, was opened in November 2017 and sits hidden on the lake's edge in a shroud of native bush. Guests can enjoy this additional opulence for $1,275 per night. 

Pumphouse Point was awarded Gold in the Unique Accommodation category in the Tasmanian Tourism Awards for 2016 and 2017.

An evening by the fire: Pumphouse Point is renowned for its excellent standard of hospitality, awarded Gold in the Unique Accommodation category at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards 2016 and 2017 consecutively

An evening by the fire: Pumphouse Point is renowned for its excellent standard of hospitality, awarded Gold in the Unique Accommodation category at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards 2016 and 2017 consecutively

The exterior of Pumphouse Point is weather beaten and has been purposely left in authentic fashion to pay homage to its origins as a hydroelectric generator

The exterior of Pumphouse Point is weather beaten and has been purposely left in authentic fashion to pay homage to its origins as a hydroelectric generator

3. The Dakota Plane at Lily Dutch Windmill, Stirling Range, WA

A cargo plane may not seem like the obvious choice of accommodation, but the Dakota in Stirling, WA, is no ordinary aircraft.

Made in Long Beach California in 1944, the Dakota started life as a Dutch military supply plane before being sold to KLM as a commercial airline and eventually refurbished by Dutch couple Pleun and Hennie Hitzert.

A stay on board the Dakota costs $249 a night for two people, with two single beds, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen and a covered outside seating area which provides 'spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Stirling Range'.

The Dakota is pictured at an airfield in Medan, Indonesia, in 1947 shortly after its' career as supply plane

The Dakota is pictured at an airfield in Medan, Indonesia, in 1947 shortly after its' career as supply plane

DIY job: The Dakota during its renovation at Stirling Range before it became the boutique accommodation it is today

DIY job: The Dakota during its renovation at Stirling Range before it became the boutique accommodation it is today

In her prime, the Dakota was a technological marvel and is still one of the most iconic and successful planes ever built. 

The aircraft was used by KLM until January 1974 when when she made an emergency belly landing in Broome, Western Australia, which is where the Dakota called home until arriving at the Hitzerts' in 2012.

With no social media platforms, this unique accommodation relies on word of mouth and TripAdvisor -  and it appears to be paying off, as the Dakota has a five star rating from guests on the travel advisory platform.

The property boasts its own airfield, making it 'the perfect base to explore the region with your aircraft' (if you're lucky enough to own one!). 

Guests can also purchase bags of Dutch spelt flour which are ground on site at the Lily windmill.

The Dakota was used as a cargo aircraft during WWII before being acquired by Dutch airline KLM where she worked as a commercial liner until 1974

The refurbished Dakota includes two single beds, air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchen and a covered outside seating area

4. Notel, Melbourne

Positioned on the roof of a nondescript car park, Notel prides itself on being 'like no hotel you've ever been to' thanks to the off-the-wall nature of its' rooms - six 31-foot Airstream trailers.

Like clandestine speakeasy's of the prohibition era, Notel is tucked away from view while sitting right in the thick of things, perched just above Melbourne's famous Flinders Lane.

With Airstreams starting at $395 a night, the venue take bookings up to six months in advance to accommodate the volume of interest. 

Business is sure to be booming for the alternative accommodation after Kourtney Kardashian and boyfriend Younes Bendjima took a trip to a vintage Airstream in Malibu, California for the mother-of-three's 39th birthday in April.

Overlooking Melbourne's world famous Flinders Lane, Notel prides itself on being 'like no hotel you've ever been to'

Overlooking Melbourne's world famous Flinders Lane, Notel prides itself on being 'like no hotel you've ever been to'

Each Notel Airstream is fitted with a decking area, a queen sized bed lined with organic linen and an iPad pro which also acts as a virtual concierge service.

An in-room mini bar is stocked with a complimentary selection of local craft beers, champagne and snacks, and staff are on hand to help you discover the best off-the-beaten-track experiences Melbourne has to offer.

Speaking to FEMAIL, owner of Notel James Fry said the venue is committed to offering something different to the usual hotel style.

‘Hotels all over the world are modelled on the same formula – lobby, check in desk, lift, hotel bar, concierge and so on.

A trailer park with a difference: The iconic rooftop layout of Notel is every Instagram enthusiasts dream

A trailer park with a difference: The iconic rooftop layout of Notel is every Instagram enthusiasts dream

‘Notel is a completely different experience, as soon as you start the booking process; the entry to the hotel is hidden like a bar during prohibition, we use cheeky language with our guests – it’s just different from start to finish.’

For travellers in search of something extra, Notel also boasts one deluxe room christened the 'airstream with benefits' providing guests with a private sapphire spa and a view of the Flinders thoroughfare.

Better move quickly though, as the deluxe trailer is almost fully booked out until November 2018.

Each of the six airstream trailers has an iPad pro which acts as a virtual concierge service; in keeping with the individual sense of Notel, guests can ask for recommendations on off-the-beaten track eateries and activities

Each of the six airstream trailers has an iPad pro which acts as a virtual concierge service; in keeping with the individual sense of Notel, guests can ask for recommendations on off-the-beaten track eateries and activities

5. The Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales

Located in Sydney's Chinatown district beside iconic Darling Harbour, the four-star Ultimo hotel offers experiences 'to make you feel aligned to your astrological sign'.

'All of our guests are asked their star sign on check in,' General Manager Scott Hartley said.

'They receive individual City guides, 'Do Not Disturb' signs and key cards based on their horoscope.'

A weekend stay at the Ultimo costs $179 per night for a two person queen size room, available directly from the hotel's website.

What's your sign? All guests at the Ultimo are asked their star sign on check in and receive individual City guides based on their horoscope

What's your sign? All guests at the Ultimo are asked their star sign on check in and receive individual City guides based on their horoscope

The Ultimo also offers three astrology packages at check in, including Natal Chart interpretation, a solar writing and a 'getting to know yourself' package all run by Australian astrologer Pia Lehmann.

If astrology isn't enough for you, the venue is also pet friendly - you can opt for one of the courtyard rooms which welcome pets 'from pups to pussycats'.

The Ultimo is ranked 46 of 188 hotels in Sydney by TripAdvisor, with guests rating its central location, facilitating staff and decor particularly well.

Guests can avail of a number of astrology packages from the Ultimo's resident astrologer, Pia Lehmann, including a Natal Chart interpretation and a solar writing experience

Guests can avail of a number of astrology packages from the Ultimo's resident astrologer, Pia Lehmann, including a Natal Chart interpretation and a solar writing experience

Earth, water, fire, air: The central Sydney hotel aims 'to make you feel aligned to your astrological sign'

Earth, water, fire, air: The central Sydney hotel aims 'to make you feel aligned to your astrological sign'

6. True North Adventure Cruise, Broome, Western Australia

Designed for the 'discerning traveller' in search of unusual, remote destinations, the True North cruise liner is purpose-built to go where other ships cannot.

Featuring the ultimate in comfort and style, True North's spacious cabins offer modern decor, en-suites and satellite telephones. Other features include a lavish sun deck, an internet cafe, indoor and outdoor bars and two plasma screen televisions.

Daily activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, natural history, culture and most itineraries also include a ship’s helicopter. 

The seven night Kimberley Snapshot tour is one of True North's most popular offerings, according to Brand Director Peter Trembath.

An 'Ocean Class' cabin on the Kimberley Snapshot costs $14,595 per person, inclusive of all meals and activities except alcohol and use of the ship's helicopter. A cabin in the 'Explorer Class' can cost up to $19,995 for seven nights.

True North cruises offer activities including diving, fishing, snorkelling, historical and cultural expeditions

True North cruises offer activities including diving, fishing, snorkelling, historical and cultural expeditions

Other itineraries in the True North series include the intriguing Abrolhos Islands, world-famous Ningaloo Reef, the dragons of Komodo, mysterious Bougainville, the unspoiled authenticity of Papua New Guinea beautiful Sydney Harbour and a seafood safari around the Eyre Peninsula.

Guest numbers are limited to 36 and the vessel has a revered reputation for on-board dining. 

According to Luxury Lodges of Australia, a True North cruise has long been regarded as one of Australia’s outstanding and most revered adventure tourism experiences.

Sir Peter Derham, former Chairman of See Australia, called the cruise 'the most fantastic trip I have ever experienced!'. 

The True North has a revered reputation for on-board dining; guests can pay up to $19,995 for a seven night all inclusive tour of the rugged Kimberley in Western Australia

The True North has a revered reputation for on-board dining; guests can pay up to $19,995 for a seven night all inclusive tour of the rugged Kimberley in Western Australia

Destinations on the adventure cruise include the Kimberley, the dragons of Komodo, untouched Papua New Guinea and mysterious Bougainville

Destinations on the adventure cruise include the Kimberley, the dragons of Komodo, untouched Papua New Guinea and mysterious Bougainville



7. Mira Mira Fantasy Mountain Retreat, Crossover, Victoria

Described as the ideal destination for travellers in search of something 'daring and different', the Mira Mira Retreat combines comfort and complete indulgence with fantasy escapism.

Surrounded by bush land just 90 minutes drive from bustling Melbourne, the property includes three self contained two-bedroom fantasy cottages where guests have the opportunity to 'Live in Art' in a tranquil, relaxed setting.

With a two-night weekend stay costing $500 per couple, guests can choose from the Cave, similar to a set from Lord of the Rings, the Japanese Zen Retreat or Tanglewood, an enchanted nature house inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

The self-contained Tanglewood lodge is inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi

The self-contained Tanglewood lodge is inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi

A fan favourite is the Japanese lodge, inspired by the design of a 17th century katsura palace in Kyoto

A fan favourite is the Japanese lodge, inspired by the design of a 17th century katsura palace in Kyoto

Guests are greeted by a massive silver sculpture of a dragon above the driveway on arrival.

Dubbed 'Australia's weirdest bed and breakfast' by celebrity garden guru Don Burke, Mira Mira has a five star rating from visitors on TripAdvisor who particularly praise the sumptuous breakfast and the alternative experience the accommodation offers.

A fan favourite is the Japanese lodge, inspired by the design of a 17th century katsura palace in Kyoto.

8. Bamurru Plains, Top End, Northern Territories

Located just three hours drive from Darwin, Bamurru Plains is a luxury wilderness experienced with conservation at its core.

The exclusive camp was built with minimal impact on the environment, with just ten bungalows and a main lodge constructed on the edge of the floodplains, using woodland for natural cover.

From May through October 2018, a night in a safari bungalow at the property costs $1,090 per person with a two-night minimum stay.

The package includes access to an eco-friendly ensuite, all meals and beverages from a select open bar and daily guided wilderness activities such as airboat safaris, crocodile spotting river cruises, open-top game drives, wildlife viewing and walking tours. 

Bamurru Plains offers a range of activity packages for guests, including crocodile spotting and airboat safaris 

Bamurru Plains offers a range of activity packages for guests, including crocodile spotting and airboat safaris 

Conservation is key: Bamurru Plains prides itself on commitment to nature and sustainability, with 100 per cent of bed linen provided by environmentally conscious brand EcoDownUnder and roughly 75 per cent of the camp's power being solar generated

Conservation is key: Bamurru Plains prides itself on commitment to nature and sustainability, with 100 per cent of bed linen provided by environmentally conscious brand EcoDownUnder and roughly 75 per cent of the camp's power being solar generated

Guests who don’t want to get too active can soak up the sights and sounds of the bush from the property's deck and swimming pool

Guests who don’t want to get too active can soak up the sights and sounds of the bush from the property's deck and swimming pool

Bamurru describes itself as 'an immersion into a documentary', with approximately 75 per cent of the camp's power being solar generated to allow guests to hear the sounds of the bush at night while keeping carbon footprint minimal.

Rooms have floor to ceiling mesh on three sides, exposing guests to the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. The screen walls allow the coastal breezes to naturally cool the interiors minimising the use of overhead fans. 

According to the Bamurru media team, products local to the Northern Territory are used whenever possible, all linen is supplied by EcoDownUnder using organic cotton with no chemicals and drinking water is filtered from bore water.   

Bamurru Plains is also home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the world.