From tropical rainforest lodges to beachside highrise stays, the state is home to some of Australia’s most stunning hotels. And with a variety of glamping and upscale farm stays, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re looking for luxury beach resorts, a rainforest escape, or an ultra-modern Brisbane hotel, here are ten of the best hotels in queensland that have been stealing hearts.
1. Lizard Island Resort
Lizard Island Resort is one of Australia’s most unique and secluded luxury lodges. This 240km-long island, surrounded by 24 pearly white beaches and a topaz-hued lagoon, is a true tropical paradise and the ideal place for adventure seekers. It is a world away from other luxury resorts on the Great Barrier Reef and a true haven of seclusion, gratification and relaxation for its guests.
Set within over 1,000 hectares of land and marine national park, it’s surrounded by 24 powdery white sandy beaches, a topaz-hued beach lagoon and a coral reef that stretches kilometres offshore. The resort consists of 40 contemporary and spacious villas, all with ocean views, a private pool and high-end amenities.
Room facilities include air conditioning, direct dial telephone, internet access, mini bar, hair dryer, shower and bathrobes. Other features include an in-room safe, iron and ironing board, laundry service and evening turndown service.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on the island, including snorkeling, diving and fishing. Those who like to swim should take advantage of the infinity pool, while those seeking peace and tranquility will love the hot tub.
Staying on Lizard Island is a truly remarkable experience, from the moment you arrive. A light aircraft departs Cairns Airport for the one-hour flight to the resort, taking in the spectacular turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef and Cooktown.
Once on the island, you’ll be greeted with fresh cool towels and golf buggy transport to your luxuriously appointed villa or suite. Each room or villa has its own private terrace, offering a stunning view of the crystal clear sea and endless expanse of pristine sandy beaches.
You’ll also find a selection of superb restaurants on the island, including Salt Water restaurant and Driftwood bar and Wine Cellar. Both offer superb food and wine, along with a wide variety of cocktails and other drinks.
For those looking for a little extra pampered luxury, the hotel offers The House, a self-contained private home that is positioned on a private peninsula surrounded by the wonders of the outer Great Barrier Reef. This property is ideal for couples, families, au pairs or anyone looking for a touch of seclusion and privacy.
2. Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast
Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast is a luxury hotel that provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing vacation. It is located in the Main Beach area of the city and offers an outdoor pool as well as a business center. Moreover, this hotel is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy their time with family and friends.
The hotel has an impressive design and architecture, which is why it is considered as one of the best hotels in queensland. Its soaring windows and floor-to-ceiling skylights create an airy atmosphere inside the hotel. The lobby also has an artistic touch, and there are plenty of interesting items to look at during your stay.
Rooms are spacious and feature a balcony or terrace with views of the ocean, garden, or lagoon pools. They are also equipped with a refrigerator, a minibar, and a TV. Moreover, some rooms have a sofa that allows you to relax during your stay.
While staying at the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast, you should not forget to try some of the delicious food that the hotel has to offer. The hotel has a number of restaurants that serve both local and international cuisines.
You can have a meal at the Terraces restaurant, Oyster Bar and Grill, and The Deck that serves light meals and iced tea. You can also have a drink at the Oasis Pool Bar that features a swim-up counter.
If you want to take your fitness routine to the next level, then Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast is surrounded by a number of gyms and sports facilities. The onsite Golden Door Spa & Health Club offers a range of treatments to soothe your mind, body, and soul.
It is also possible to take a walk in the lush gardens of the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast and the surrounding areas. You can explore the McPherson Mountains, which is a national park that contains a number of trails and offers stunning views.
For a more relaxed time, you can visit the Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast and get a massage or a manicure. Its spa is free for all hotel guests and can help you to recover from your stressful day at work.
3. Qualia Hamilton Island
If you’re looking for a luxury resort to stay at while on your getaway in Australia, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better choice than Qualia Hamilton Island. This secluded beachfront resort sits on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island and is home to 60 high-end waterside pavilions that offer views over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Each of the suites is adorned with sleek wooden decor and boasts a private terrace. Some have private plunge pools and are surrounded by tropical bush. The resort also features two infinity pools and a gym.
On our visit, we stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a private plunge pool (Windward Pavilions only). This room had everything we needed and was clean and immaculate. It had a large bathroom with a freestanding bath and the view was beautiful!
Another thing that made our stay even more enjoyable was the staff! They were super friendly and helpful. They even threw in some extra chocolate and tea during the turn-down service!
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be glad to know that the hotel has two restaurants on site. They serve a variety of dishes, from sashimi to wagyu beef, and offer a 6-course New Year’s Eve tasting menu!
You can even opt for breakfast at the Long Pavilion restaurant, which serves hot a la carte dishes. You can also have your meals at the Pebble Beach restaurant, which serves a range of international cuisine and has a premium wine list.
It’s a perfect choice for couples who are looking to relax and unwind. There’s plenty of activities to keep you entertained, and the Great Barrier Reef is only a short boat ride away!
Guests have access to the Hamilton Island Golf Club, as well as Whitehaven Beach, which is one of the top 10 beaches in the world. You can also take advantage of the resort’s concierge service to arrange snorkelling and diving tours.
The resort’s day spa is another highlight, offering a variety of treatments to rejuvenate and soothe. They use Sodashi and Li’Tya products, and are designed to make you feel completely relaxed.
4. Mt Mulligan Lodge
The newest addition to the Northern Escape Collection, Mt Mulligan Lodge combines seclusion and sophistication, rugged outback landscapes and refined modern luxuries. Situated on a 28,000-hectare heritage site, the lodge offers boutique accommodation in the shadow of majestic Mount Mulligan, an 18km conglomerate and sandstone tabletop mountain that’s home to the Djungan people and whose Indigenous significance dates back 37,000 years.
The property’s central pavilion offers a relaxed place to eat and drink, while the infinity pool overlooks a shimmering weir and the surrounding lush eucalyptus woodlands. Four suites, crafted from chestnut-toned timber and earthy hues, feature alluring sleeping areas with deep rustic bathtubs that are set on generous verandahs.
Each room is a private sanctuary that’s framed by views of the sparkling weir and Mount Mulligan’s imposing ridges. They’re the perfect hideaway for a romantic getaway, couples or friends travelling together.
Spotted gum timber cladding and pitched roofs complement the raw external charm of these spacious suites, while dark green panelling gives a sense of affluence inside. Fine linen, sisal rugs and lavish leather furnishings reflect the hues of the Australian outback.
Guests can choose from three different room types: Outback Room, Outback Retreat and the entire Outback Pavilion. Each has a king-sized bed, a sofa, an outdoor bath and a private balcony with stunning views of the weir and mountains beyond.
With a focus on ongoing conservation, the lodge runs on solar power and 100% recycled water. It also donates $50 per guest to the Northern Escape Collection’s Reef Keeper Fund, aimed at protecting and preserving the Great Barrier Reef.
As with all the other properties in the collection, the lodge also embraces sustainable building methods and sources ingredients from local producers and farms. All rates include gourmet meals, daily activities and access to kayaks, paddle boards and fishing equipment.
Mt Mulligan Lodge is located on a secluded 28,000 hectare heritage site and working cattle station 160 km inland from Cairns, accessible by 35-minute scenic helicopter flight or a 2.5 to 3 hour 4WD adventure. It’s part of the Northern Escape Collection, which also includes Daintree Ecolodge and Orpheus Island Lodge.