What do real guests say about staying at Hotel Australasia in Eden, New South Wales? We’ve aggregated and analysed hundreds of verified reviews from multiple platforms — including Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Agoda, Trip.com, and Hotels.com — to give you a clear picture of the post-restoration experience. Here is our evidence-based review of this historic 1904 boutique hotel, covering noise, comfort, food, staff, and value.
Last checked: 2026-07-02
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Hotel name: Hotel Australasia · Location: Eden, New South Wales, Australia · Type: Historic hotel · Guest recommendation rate: 94% (based on Facebook reviews)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-02.
Sources reviewed: neutral review platforms (TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Agoda, Trip.com), social media (Facebook community groups, Instagram), regional news outlets (ABC News Australia, About Regional), and tourism marketing sites (Southbound Escapes).
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification.
Snapshot of Hotel Australasia
- Built in 1904, fully restored and reopened late 2022 (TripAdvisor)
- Heritage-listed property on Eden’s main street, sold by Bega Valley Shire Council for restoration in March 2020 (ABC News)
- Eight individually decorated rooms, each sleeping two guests (Southbound Escapes)
- Booking.com overall rating: 9.0/10; Expedia cleanliness: 9.8/10; TripAdvisor: ~4.4/5 (Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Hotel Australasia |
| Location | 142–144 Imlay Street, Eden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Type | Historic boutique hotel |
| Year built | 1904 |
| Reopened after restoration | Late 2022 |
| Number of rooms | 8 (adults-only, 18+) |
| Booking.com rating | 9.0/10 |
| Expedia cleanliness score | 9.8/10 |
| Expedia staff & service score | 9.4/10 |
| TripAdvisor rating | ~4.3–4.4/5 |
| Guest recommendation rate (Facebook) | 94% (28 reviews) |
| Minimum stay | 1 night |
| Check-in / Check-out | From 14:00 / Until 10:00 |
Guest recommendation rate: 94% (Facebook reviews) — Number of Facebook reviews: 28
What is the history of Hotel Australasia?
Early history and construction
Hotel Australasia was built in 1904 on Imlay Street in Eden, New South Wales. It operated as a hotel for decades before falling into disrepair. ABC News reported in 2020 that the building had suffered structural issues and was closed for some time, with the Bega Valley Shire Council eventually taking ownership (ABC News).
Restoration and modern era
The council sold the property to developer Neil Rankin in March 2020, who embarked on an extensive restoration. The project, described by ABC News as aiming to return the hotel “back to its original” condition, involved stripping away later additions. The restored Hotel Australasia reopened in late 2022 (About Regional). A judicial case over claims of unfinished work against the owners was unresolved as of 2024 (About Regional).
The bottom line: The hotel’s 2022 reopening ended a multi-year restoration, but some construction-related disputes continued.
Hotel Australasia Reviews on TripAdvisor
Aggregated guest feedback from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and other platforms consistently points to several recurring themes. Below we break down the most frequently mentioned aspects, based on verified reviews spanning 2025 and 2026.
Soundproofing and room comfort
Multiple guests on TripAdvisor highlighted that rooms are “very sound proof,” with one reviewer noting that noise from the bar downstairs was not audible in guest rooms. Several Expedia reviewers also praised the bed comfort, with one stating it provided the “best night sleep” in two weeks of travelling (Expedia).
Staff friendliness and service
Staff are consistently described as “friendly, helpful, accommodating and attentive” on TripAdvisor, with some reviewers naming specific team members such as Tamrin and Tom. Booking.com’s aggregated staff score is 9.5/10 (Booking.com).
Parking and location
Reviewers on TripAdvisor cited “easy parking” as a positive. The hotel is centrally located on Imlay Street, described by Southbound Escapes as close to other restaurants, bars and shops (Southbound Escapes).
Cleanliness and style
Expedia gives Hotel Australasia a cleanliness score of 9.8/10. Guests describe the hotel as “very stylish & clean” and “beautiful unique boutique hotel” with “lots of character” (Expedia).
“Fantastic hotel, very stylish & clean.” — TripAdvisor guest review
Room size and value observations
While rooms are well-appointed, some Booking.com reviewers note that certain heritage rooms are relatively small, which can affect the perceived value for money (Booking.com).
The pattern: Soundproofing, bed comfort, and staff service are the most consistently praised elements. Room size is the main trade-off.
Hotel Australasia Restaurant
Menu highlights and dining experience
The hotel offers a bar and bistro-style restaurant onsite. Guest reviews on TripAdvisor particularly praise the pizza and local seafood such as flathead and oysters (TripAdvisor). One Booking.com reviewer described the food as “fabulous” (Booking.com).
However, the restaurant also receives some criticism. Booking.com reviews note that breakfast is “only continental” and that some guests found dinner and bar “not good.” A recurring complaint involves limited gluten-free options, with at least one verified Booking.com reviewer stating there was “not one gluten free option” available.
Multiple reviews on TripAdvisor describe the hotel bar as a social hub, with guests observing that “life seems to all happen at this hotel.” The presence of live music is also mentioned positively (TripAdvisor).
“Food was fabulous.” — Booking.com guest review
Is there free Wi-Fi at Hotel Australasia?
Yes — free Wi-Fi is listed among the hotel’s amenities by Southbound Escapes (Southbound Escapes). Guest reviews do not raise any significant concerns about Wi-Fi quality or availability, so connectivity appears to be functional and reliable.
Our pick: Who should stay at Hotel Australasia?
Our recommendation
Based on aggregated review data, Hotel Australasia is best suited for:
- Travelers interested in historic hotels — the 1904 building with period features like pressed metal ceilings and claw-foot bathtubs is a standout.
- Visitors to Eden, NSW — centrally located, easy parking, close to shops and dining.
- Guests seeking a stylish, clean boutique stay — the consistently high cleanliness and style ratings across platforms support this.
The adults-only policy (18+) makes it unsuitable for families with children.
Pros and cons
What guests liked
- Excellent soundproofing between rooms and from the bar
- Very comfortable beds — one guest called it the “best night sleep” in two weeks
- Friendly, helpful staff (Booking.com staff rating: 9.5/10)
- High cleanliness standards (Expedia: 9.8/10)
- Great location on Eden’s main street with easy parking
- Onsite bistro with praised pizza and local seafood
What guests noted as drawbacks
- Some heritage rooms are small for the price point
- Breakfast is continental only, with limited dietary options
- Limited gluten-free menu choices
- Adults-only policy restricts family bookings
- Some restaurant and bar experiences were rated negatively by a minority of guests
Location and getting there
Hotel Australasia is located at 142–144 Imlay Street, Eden, New South Wales 2551. Booking.com notes it is approximately 350 metres (1,150 feet) from the centre of Eden (Booking.com). The closest airport is Merimbula Airport, about 21 km away (roughly a 30-minute drive) (Southbound Escapes). Eden is approximately 3.5 hours’ drive from Canberra and about 6.2 hours’ drive from Sydney.
Timeline of Hotel Australasia
- 1904: Hotel Australasia built on Imlay Street, Eden.
- 2020 (March): Bega Valley Shire Council sells the property to developer Neil Rankin for restoration (ABC News).
- 2022 (late): Hotel reopens after restoration (About Regional).
- 2023–2024: Some TripAdvisor reviewers still describe property as “work in progress”; legal case over unfinished work emerges (About Regional).
FAQ
Is parking available at Hotel Australasia?
Yes. Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers mention “easy parking.” The hotel is located on Imlay Street in Eden with available off-street parking.
Are the rooms soundproof?
Yes. Several TripAdvisor reviewers specifically note that rooms are “very sound proof” and that noise from the downstairs bar is not audible in guest rooms.
Is the hotel clean and stylish?
Yes. Expedia reports a cleanliness score of 9.8/10. Guests consistently describe the hotel as “very stylish & clean” and a “beautiful unique boutique hotel.”
Are the staff friendly and helpful?
Yes. Booking.com’s aggregated staff score is 9.5/10. TripAdvisor reviewers frequently describe staff as “friendly, helpful, accommodating and attentive.”
Is there a balcony with ocean views?
Some rooms offer ocean or mountain views according to Southbound Escapes. Not all rooms have balconies; check the specific room description when booking.
What is the guest recommendation rate?
Based on Facebook reviews, the rate is 94% (28 reviews). On Booking.com, the overall rating is 9.0/10 from several hundred reviews.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is available but is described in Booking.com reviews as “continental only.” It is not included in all rates — check your booking terms.