Best Queensland Resorts

qualia, Great Barrier Reef | Best for: couples looking to relax and recharge

“There’s a good chance you’ve already heard about this ultra-luxe Hamilton Island resort, thanks to it being a favourite of celebrities like Oprah, Kylie Minogue and Julia Roberts. Nestled on a secluded peninsula in the Whitsundays, Qualia epitomises serene opulence, with its contemporary design that blends modern architecture with uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea. An adults-only haven, Qualia is especially great for couples looking for a quiet getaway that feels totally secluded. You can enjoy a treatment at Spa Qualia by day and a meal at the award-winning Long Pavilion or Pebble Beach restaurants by night.

There are 60 pavilions on offer, each featuring its own private deck, spacious living area, minibar stocked with artisanal treats, and a bathroom equipped with Aesop amenities. For a truly private stay, opt for a Windward Pavilion, which comes with its own plunge pool.”

Mt Mulligan Lodge, Northern Outback Queensland | Best for: an immersive eco-certified outback experience

“If you’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari, you’ll be pleased to know you can get a similar experience without having to travel halfway across the world — because at Mt Mulligan Lodge, you can relish the Queensland outback and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges from the comfort of your own private suite.

Located on a 28,000-hectare private outback property 160 km north-west of Cairns, this is an all-inclusive, secluded oasis where you can quite literally switch off (in fact, you have no choice, as there’s no mobile reception) and enjoy the serenity. Fill up your outdoor bath on the veranda and luxuriate in the feeling of your cortisol levels lowering as you take in the majesty of the natural environment.”

Orpheus Island Lodge, Great Barrier Reef | Best for: the ultimate all-inclusive luxury escape

“It almost sounds too good to be true — a private island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can get around by kayak, dinghy or even stand-up paddleboard. But that’s the power of Orpheus Island Lodge, which makes paradise feel very real. Located north-west of Townsville, Orpheus is an intimate resort (there can only ever be 28 guests on the island at any one time) that will make you feel totally at home.”

The beachfront villas offer ocean views and an open-plan design. You can enjoy alfresco evenings at Pavilion Bar, a divine spa treatment at Gwandalan, or perhaps have a quiet moment in the reading room — if for some reason you’re not in the mood to relax by the infinity pool. At Orpheus, it’s about the small, personal moments. You can even get a chef-prepared picnic to take on your explorations of the surrounding private beaches — luxury doesn’t get much better than that.