Gang’s All Here: The Group Trips We’re Planning For Extreme Rancho Relaxo Mode
Holidaying with your very best besties is a special kind of joy—until some random guest (never your mate, obviously) steals your pool chair, nabs all your favourite pastries from the buffet and keeps you awake with their terrible music blasting from the balcony next door.
Luckily, Wotif’s new Hotel Etiquette Guide, which surveyed over 1,000 Aussie adults on the dos and don’ts of hotel stays, confirms most of us are actually pretty well-behaved, meaning group getaways have never looked more appealing.
And right now, you’re only a Wotif away from planning your next group getaway. With flexible booking options (including plenty of fully refundable hotels), Mates’ Rates on 100,000+ hotels and book-now-pay-later at select spots, Wotif makes organising your crew’s next trip easy and great value.
Where The Groupchat Is Landing:
- North Coast, NSW
- Byron Bay, NSW
- Gold Coast, Queensland
- Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Grampians, Victoria
- Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Margaret River, Western Australia
North Coast, NSW
Salt At South West Rocks
With a cracking location between the Macleay River and native bushland, Salt’s self-contained cabins feel like your own beach lodge. Float in the heated mineral pools, hop on the complimentary bikes for a fang around town, then stroll next door to the pub for dinner.
And with two pools to pick from, there’s no risk of a pool-chair feud, which is a win, considering Aussies say saving a lounger for more than 30 minutes is a big etiquette no-no.
The Family Tide
The Family Tide is your breezy Corlette HQ in Port Stephens for an unforgettable group escape. Large living areas, a well-equipped kitchen and a huge outdoor dining zone mean everyone can spread out without being on top of each other.
And unlike the Hotel Etiquette Guide (where 58% of Aussies say wandering around barefoot is unacceptable), here, shoes-off is entirely encouraged as you walk from pool to patio with your favourite people.
Sunset At The Moorings
Sunset at The Moorings is a newly renovated waterfront townhouse in Soldiers Point that sleeps up to eight and oozes coastal charm. With sleek mezzanine-level interiors, manicured gardens, a pool and direct beach access, it’s got everything you need for a next-level holiday.
Stroll to the marina for a bite, enjoy a paddleboard session with your own gear that comes with the house, then gather by the outside for sunset cocktails. Super family-friendly, it comes stocked with guitars, board games and books.
Byron Bay, NSW
Elements of Byron
Looking for the ultimate group holiday spot in Byron Bay? Elements is the place to stay. With luxe, modern apartments, fun, zippy buggies to deliver you from room to room, two pools (including an adults-only option that has a swim-up bar), an inviting fire pit for evening cocktails and an in-house restaurant, Azure Bar & Grill, you’ll be hard-pressed to actually leave.
But, if you can, the buzz of Byron awaits. Belongil Beach is literally on your doorstep, the North Byron Hotel is a short walk away for dinner, and you can catch the chic, vintage Byron Solar Train into town.
Homestead @ Byron
This one’s ideal for a big group getaway near Byron, but still tucked away out of the riff-raff. Say hello to a peaceful Ewingsdale country homestead set on 12 lush acres, with room for 12 guests and decked out in a stunning country aesthetic. With spacious, stylish bedrooms, multiple living zones, a fully-equipped kitchen, a huge deck and a sparkling pool made for group hangs, it’s got everything you need.
You’ll get the whole property to yourself, and it’s pet-friendly! Close enough to Byron’s town centre but far enough from the hustle and bustle, you really do get the best of both worlds.
Halcyon House
After a dreamy group vacay in a laid-back beach setting? Boutique stay, Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach, is calling your name. Think individually styled rooms and two-bedroom suites, a sparkling pool, a luxe spa, complimentary bikes and beach umbrellas, plus award-winning dining at Paper Daisy.
With the sand mere steps away and Byron and Tweed an easy drive away, you and your crew will be very stoked with your choice. Don’t want to leave? We don’t blame you! And yes, Aussies say robes and swimmers on balconies are entirely acceptable, which is lucky because it’s practically the uniform here.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Edges By St Bernard's Hotel
Edges By St Bernard's Hotel on Tamborine Mountain offers three spacious, self-contained lodges that are great for friend or family escapes. Each lodge sleeps up to six, making it great for a big group, or book a few for extra rooms to spread out.
Perched on the escarpment, you’ll enjoy sweeping Guanaba Valley views, cathedral-ceiling living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace. Wander next door for a casual pub feed at the iconic St Bernards Hotel, sip local drops at nearby cellar doors, then return to your deck to unwind under the stars.
The Langham, Gold Coast
Level up your next group getaway with a boujee hotel stay at The Langham, Gold Coast. Pop on your fluffy robe and kick back in a spacious suite, or, if you really want to make it a fancy slumber party vibe, book adjoining rooms for you and your mates. Pick between the lagoon-style beachfront pool with a swim-up bar and spa, or the twenty-metre indoor pool.
Lounge about in the spacious cabanas, book an indulgent treatment at Chuan Spa and enjoy a meal at the award-winning restaurant Akoya. Stroll straight onto Broadbeach, sip sunset cocktails at the lobby bar and just soak up five-star glamour with your besties by your side.
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is a stunning hotel made for group getaways, with loads of thoughtful family-friendly touches. Best known for its huge sandy lagoon pool (a kiddie favourite), the resort also features a jungle-surrounded adults-only pool for when you need a little downtime and a swim-up bar.
Families can bond over the pizza-making classes, while wellness fans can try floating Pilates or Aqua Sculpt, a restorative sound-bath experience on the saltwater lagoon. Plus, with a buffet this incredible, don’t feel too guilty if you stash a cheeky pastry for later. In fact, 59% of Aussies say it’s totally acceptable, according to Wotif’s Hotel Etiquette Guide.
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Ocean Views At Coolum Beach
Ocean views await at this charming hilltop retreat just minutes from Coolum Beach. Sleeping up to 11 and perched high above the coastline, this airy holiday home is a stylish base for a group trip.
Your four-legged friends are also welcome to run around the pet-friendly backyard while you soak up the sweeping ocean vistas or enjoy sundowner cocktails by the fire pit. Bring the crew, bring the dog and get ready to chill.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Ocean views, leafy surrounds and resort-style amenities make Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort a top pick for your next mate escape. Big rooms and family-friendly suites give everyone breathing room, while the pool and lush gardens set the ultimate tone for holiday fun.
Stroll to nearby Yaroomba Beach or hit the local towns for dinner. Just don’t try to sneak a late checkout without asking, because 80% of Aussies say that’s a huge holiday etiquette misstep.
Grampians, VIC
Mount William Station
Craving a boujie, nature-inspired location for your next group getaway? Mount William Station is a heritage-style homestead tucked in the heart of the Grampians National Park, Victoria. Surrounded by rugged bushland and jaw-dropping mountain ranges, this special spot is equal parts rustic glamour and country charm.
Tuck into tasty meals made by the personal chef, have deep-and-meaningfuls around the fire, hike through trails and then return to your gorge rooms. The Homestead sleeps up to 18 and the Shearers’ Quarters sleeps 17, with an outdoor pool and sauna, making it an unforgettable escape for nature lovers and memory-makers.
BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park
A return to old-school simplicity is the order of the day at BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park. This backyard-style, family-fun escape in the heart of the Grampians feels like a retro vacay with all the yesteryear charm.
There are loads of things to keep the little kids (and kids at heart) happy, from the jumping pillow and the pool to mini-golf and bush walks. Chill in the cabins or a roomy villa, gather around the barbie at dusk, toast marshmallows under the stars and make memories the old-school way.
And unlike hotels (where 55% of Aussies say music in common areas is faux pas), a barbecue sing-along here is basically mandatory.
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Highbury's Peaceful Retreat
Enjoy the peninsula's serenity at this gorgeous retreat on the Mornington Peninsula. The MVP of the property? The heated plunge pool—ideal for long, lazy dips no matter the weather. There’s also an in-ground trampoline to really expel that energy.
As for the home (which sleeps up to 19), it’s bright and beautifully appointed, with generous living spaces made for shared meals. Spend your days hopping between wineries, beaches and boutiques, then return to your private oasis for more group shenanigans.
Atlas Retreat By Property Mums
Got a larger group and want to dial up the wow factor? The Atlas Retreat is a show-stopping architectural gem on the Mornington Peninsula made for big crews who like to holiday in style. Sleeping up to 28, this elegant haven features five continent-themed bedrooms, a well-stocked library nook, an open fire and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Kids will lose their minds over the games room, heated mineral pool, spa and giant backyard, while the grown-ups can settle into lazy arvos and sunset drinks. Close to beaches and wineries, there’s something for everyone.
Great Ocean Road, VIC
Santorini Blue
Heated spa and ocean views? Say less! Santorini Blue sleeps up to 14 guests and features two roomy living areas, a modern kitchen and an inviting heated spa where you can float about and soak up the immaculate vibes.
Beach-hop around Blairgowrie or check out nearby wineries, then head back to the deck for sunset drinks and firepit hangs. Coastal-cool accomm never looked so good.
Oceanview Lorne Stay
Seaside vibes and group-friendly comfort abound at this Great Ocean Road escape—a two-storey townhouse with beautiful views across Louttit Bay and the eucalyptus-clad hills. Inside, there’s plenty of room for the whole gang to spread out with a spacious layout and huge balcony, plus all the creature comforts you need after salty swims. And with the beach and cute cafes just a short stroll away, this easy Lorne base is a guaranteed good time.
Margaret River, WA
Yallingup Lodge Spa Retreat
Seclusion and easy access to WA’s best surf mean you get the best of both worlds at this adults-only Yallingup Lodge Spa Retreat. This peaceful hideaway offers rustic-chic bungalows, tropical gardens, a tranquil pool and a steam room. Just don’t fake a “birthday” for freebies, as it's not worth it for the bad karmic juju, in our humble opinion. Too bad for the 22% of Aussies who admit they've done it.
Hit the ocean, linger over long lunches at nearby wineries or book an Ayurvedic treatment at the spa. However you spend your days, you’ll be on that chill West Coast train in no time.
RAC Margaret River Nature Park
A group glamping adventure will be a hoot at RAC Margaret River Nature Park, with well-appointed cabins and safari-style tents nestled among the bush. With communal kitchens, barbecue areas, fire pits, and bike hire, it’s made for big groups.
You’re also perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Margaret River, including its fab wineries and breweries and beautiful beaches. Outdoorsy fun, excellent facilities and prime location? It’s a slam dunk.
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Images: Supplied.