Must-see hotels in Queensland

  • Lizard Island Resort

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This sumptuous, ultra-exclusive resort, fully and exquisitely refurbished in 2015, won't be within everyone's travel budget, but many consider it one of…

  • Orpheus Island Lodge

    Townsville & Mission Beach

    Orpheus Island Lodge is arguably the finest five-star resort in Queensland, rivalling the more famous Hayman Island for sheer tropical splendour. While…

  • Elysian Retreat

    The Whitsundays

    Ten light-filled, thatch-roofed villas at this intimate, solar-powered boutique resort, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, overlook a private stretch…

  • Svendsen's Beach

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    The three-night minimum stays are barely enough at this secluded eco-retreat on the 'other' side of Great Keppel. Run by knowledgeable, welcoming Lyndie…

  • Calile Hotel

    Fortitude Valley

    Worldly and sophisticated, the Calile turns many local rivals a shade of green. The statement-making, cabana-flanked pool is the stuff of fashion shoots,…

  • Byfield Mountain Retreat

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    High above the Capricorn hinterland is this remarkable four-bedroom house, constructed by the local couple that runs Nob Creek Pottery. Set on 27 hectares…

  • Anduramba Homestead

    Brisbane & Around

    Perched on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, this Federation-era homestead excels in authentic country hospitality. Hosts Sandra and Andrew have…

  • Kingfisher Bay Resort

    Fraser Island

    Set in delightful native gardens, this elegant eco-resort has hotel rooms with private balconies, and sophisticated two- and three-bedroom timber villas…

  • Adel’s Grove

    Gulf Savannah

    Adel’s Grove is an excellent miniresort 10km east of the park entrance. The fine location on the banks of Lawn Hill Creek features a shady riverside…

  • Emporium Hotel

    Brisbane

    From the lipstick-red glass-shard panels to the Japanese-inspired spa and spectacular rooftop infinity pool, Brisbane's most decadent boutique hotel roars…

  • Ridgemill Estate

    Brisbane & Around

    Slumber among the vines at one of Ridgemill Estate's eight contemporary cabins offering unobstructed vineyard and mountain views and compact timber decks…

  • Ovolo Inchcolm

    Brisbane

    Built in the 1920s as doctors' suites, the Inchcolm excels in contrasting heritage features with bold, modern touches, from colour-saturated wallpaper and…

  • Qualia

    Hamilton Island

    Hamilton's premier resort is serenity personified. Its 60 'pavilions' (timber-rich, luxuriously furnished villas) are divided into 'Leeward' (better for…

  • Sea Shanties

    Brisbane & Around

    Dotted with upcycled sculptures and tropical plants, this waterfront oasis offers seven gorgeous, self-contained cabins. Lime-washed timber floors and…

  • Platypus Bushcamp

    Whitsunday Coast

    Situated in gorgeous rainforest next to a platypus swimming hole, this bush retreat was hand-built 30 years ago by Wazza, the eccentric owner. Canvas-clad…

  • Cape York Camping

    Cape York Peninsula

    With a dazzling location on white-sand Punsand Bay and only 5km by rugged road from the Tip, this welcoming oasis is the place to be after the long drive…

  • Undara Experience Resort

    Gulf Savannah

    In rustic bushland just outside the national park, Undara Experience has a super range of accommodation, from a shady campground to nifty little swag…

  • Backpackers @ 1770

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    Actually in Agnes Water, this gregarious, great-value hostel is a model of the genre. Run by divemaster Oscar, it offers spotless dorms, three smart…

  • Stoney Creek Farmstay

    Whitsunday Coast

    Head 32km south of McKay to stay in an endearingly ramshackle cottage, a rustic livery stable or the charismatic Dead Horse Hostel, and forget all about…

  • Vacy Hall

    Brisbane & Around

    Uphill from the town centre, this magnificent, heritage-listed 1899 mansion with wrap-around verandah offers 12 period-style rooms with no shortage of…

  • Ecoridge Hideaway

    Brisbane & Around

    Ecoridge is an excellent alternative to the often unremarkable accommodation in Toowoomba. Around 15km from the city on a back road to Gatton, its three…

  • Red Earth Hotel

    Outback Queensland

    The boutique Red Earth is undoubtedly Mt Isa's top address (unless you want a pool), with period-style furniture, claw-foot baths and uniformed staff. It…

  • Green Island Resort

    Cairns

    Luxurious Green Island Resort maintains a sense of privacy and exclusivity despite having sections opened to the general public, including restaurants,…

  • Takarakka Bush Resort

    Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands

    Popular with families and bushwhackers due to its variety of accommodation – tent and caravan sites, safari tents ($125 to $165), cabins ($195) and…

  • Next

    Brisbane

    Above the Queen St Mall, Next delivers stylish, affordable accommodation. Rooms are generic though svelte and contemporary, with high-tech touchscreen and…

  • Diamondvale B&B Cottages

    Brisbane & Around

    In atmospheric bushland outside of Stanthorpe, Diamondvale offers four refreshed, self-contained cottages and a four-bedroom lodge. One-bedroom cottages…

  • Gilberton Outback Retreat

    Gulf Savannah

    Built from wood, stone and corrugated iron, overlooking a remote corner of the Gilbert River, this fabulous place combines a blissful sense of isolation…

  • Bailey

    Cairns

    Billed as the 'arty one' of Cairns' three Crystalbrook Collection five-star hotels, Bailey's green, eye-catching facade is already a cityscape icon,…

  • Glass House Mountains Ecolodge

    Sunshine Coast

    The sign at the entrance sums it up: 'Trespassers will be impressed'. Overseen by a keen environmentalist and close to Australia Zoo, this novel retreat…

  • Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

    The Daintree

    The sublime boutique 'banyans' (pole cabins; 10 with private spa) here sit in seclusion high in the rainforest canopy a few kilometres south of Daintree…

  • Silky Oaks Lodge

    The Daintree

    This eco-resort on the Mossman River woos honeymooners and stressed-out execs with amazing architecturally designed tree houses, riverside lodge suites,…

  • Eliot Falls Campground

    Cape York Peninsula

    This beautiful national park camping ground is among the most popular on the trip north to Cape York. It's a short walk to the excellent swimming spots of…

  • Debbie's Place

    Rainbow Beach

    Debbie's meticulously kept Queenslander is the standard bearer for Rainbow Beach holiday accommodation. The motel- and apartment-style rooms are fully…

  • Tropic Days

    Cairns

    Tucked behind the showgrounds (with a courtesy bus into town), this popular hostel has a tropical garden with hammocks, pool table, fresh linen and towels…

  • Cape Trib Beach House

    Cape Tribulation

    The Beach House is everything that's great about Cape Trib – a secluded patch of rainforest facing a pristine beach and a friendly vibe that welcomes…

  • Oceans

    Sunshine Coast

    Cascading water greets guests at this superlative five-star apartment resort, directly across from the beach and in the heart of Mooloolaba. Ocean views…

  • Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    A favourite with nature lovers of all stripes, these 10 self-contained lodges are hidden among thick rainforest; expect plenty of birds, sugar gliders and…

  • Heritage Lodge & Spa

    The Daintree

    The friendly, accommodating owners of this wonderful retreat will do their best to make sure you feel at home. Their cute but comfortable renovated cabins…

  • Salt Bush Retreat

    Outback Queensland

    The comfortable self-contained lodges here are excellent value – a step up from the town's motels – and the fabulous timber slab huts and homestead…

  • Reef House Resort & Spa

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Once the private residence of an army brigadier, Reef House is more intimate and understated than most of Palm Cove’s resorts. The whitewashed walls,…