Surrounded by lush rainforest, Bedarra Island Resort has 12 villas, some with luxurious private plunge pools with views over the Coral Sea.

Head to Fortitude Valley and check in at neighbourhood cool kid, The Calile Hotel. A favourite of local design-lovers, the pool is all Palm Springs: palm trees, green-and-white striped umbrellas and daybeds for the best people-watching in Brisbane.

Looming large in the distance of this boutique property are the peaks of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, making for a magnificent location to take a dip and revealing the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed haven.

The ocean views and glamorous cabanas are misleading; this isn’t the Mediterranean. The boats guests can see from the InterContinental are bobbing in Double Bay and the wine the pool bar is serving is Australian. Still, we can pretend. Salut!

The interiors of the former Hideaway Motel halfway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast is a sight for sore eyes and the pool is no exception. Fashioned into the “it” boutique of the style set, this Palm Beach-styled outdoor pool is definitely a highlight of the property.

Named for (and influenced by) the abstract Australian artist Michael Johnson, Brisbane’s first Art Series Hotel doesn’t disappoint, especially when it comes to its pool. Designed by Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, the 50-metre lap pool is as fancy as it is functional – and that impressive backdrop doesn’t go unnoticed, either. Photo: Lucas Allen.

With one restaurant, two bars and a rooftop pool as impressive as this, you’ll have trouble finding excuses to leave this inner city hotel – even if it’s in the heart of Sydney’s up-and-coming dining district.

Scooping accolades and awards since its 2015 opening, COMO The Treasury has been a stunning addition to Perth’s Cathedral Avenue precinct. Its turquoise pool is located in a third-floor annex, enclosed on three sides by glass cantilevered windows.

No need to venture too far from your room to enjoy a cool down at this Gold Coast property. As the only five-star spot to be situated right on the edge of the sand, there’s more than one upside – there’s also a swim-up bar in this special corner of the Queensland coast.

A perennially starry sky twinkles above Langham’s heated 20-metre indoor swimming pool and the murals, columns and terracotta potted plants give the impression of a modern-day Roman bath.

The 63-metre pool at glitzy The Imperial has its own sandy beach, daybeds and shaded cabanas with curtains for privacy.

Nestled above some of Melbourne’s iconic laneways, the Adelphi’s pool deck is an urban sanctuary of sparkling water and sparkling wine. Enjoy an aperitif by the pool and watch the sun dip below the city skyline.

The various shades of blue and the sound of water lapping combine to gently lull guests into a state of deep relaxation at the Shangri-La. Explore that feeling further after a dip with a treatment at Chi, The Spa.

What five-star establishment would be complete without a tree-fringed outdoor pool? This hinterland hideaway is set among 18 hectares of subtropical forest and despite its proximity to Byron Bay proper, the lush vegetation makes it feel a million miles away.

Who better to design a pool than someone who has spent a large portion of his life in one? Michael Klim is responsible for The Watson’s 25-metre pool, which he wanted to be multi-functional – perfect for some quick laps before work but equally effective as a place to relax.

Located at, but not in, the Museum of Old and New Art, Mona Pavilions are a series of luxury “dens” on the River Derwent. The heated infinity pool is the perfect vantage point from which to view the rugged bushland surrounds – especially when the weather is wild.

Lap up the views of Melbourne’s skyline from the 25-metre indoor infinity pool on the rooftop of the Crown Metropol in Southbank before stopping by the hotel’s treatment space, where the rejuvenation (via indulgent anti-aging skin treatments) can continue.

The rooftop pool is the cherry on top at the Sofitel Darling Harbour - with an infinity edge, it appears to drop into the water below and gives guests panoramic city views.

Noosa certainly knows how to do laidback living and the pool at Sofitel is the perfect reflection of this: there’s even a whitewashed swim-up bar to pick up a cocktail before relaxing onto your sunlounger for the afternoon.

With sweeping views of Circular Quay, Park Hyatt’s rooftop pool is the ultimate escape from the city bustle. The heated outdoor pool overlooks the iconic Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, with a private sundeck, cabanas and a spa for guests.

The turquoise of this 35-metre infinity pool provides a stunning contrast to the red of the Kimberley and the deep blue of Lake Argyle. Swim, float or simply sit in the spa and watch the clouds scudding across the sky.

Atop the capital’s casino complex, this rooftop pool is practically begging for a long, lazy morning spent on one of the inviting lounge chairs.

Hidden atop a hill on the Central Coast, north of Sydney, Bells at Killcare is a sublime spot to soak up some vitamin D. The 20-metre-long outdoor pool backs onto the well-kept gardens of the sprawling property, making a dip here akin to bathing at a friend’s elegant country home.

A firm favourite for those looking to kick back in the tropics, the coastal location of this hotel means there’s plenty of competition in the pool stakes – but Oaks Resort wins out for holidaymakers hungry for seclusion.

Few hotels can create an atmosphere like qualia. Rooms with private infinity pools are perched high above the island offering some of the best vistas of the blue Whitsundays waters. It’s as close as you can get to swimming on a cloud.

Overlooking the charming harbour of Port Stephens, this boutique lodge feels as inviting as your own home. With such an intimate ambience at this property, it’s only right that the place to splash feels equally exclusive.

The pool at this Art Series hotel is one of Melbourne’s best city swimming spots. The glass-bottomed pool has views across South Yarra and drinks and snacks are available at the pool bar. It’s open to guests and day-swimmers alike.

Looking for luxury in the Top End? Check into the resort wing of the casino and take advantage of the Infinity swimming pool. It’s easy to find a place to call your own in the enormous pool or soak up the sun on the adjacent white-sand beach.

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