12 places to stay with amazing bathtubs in Queensland

Bathtub views don't get more magnificent than peering out to towering Ngarrabullgan - a mountain ten times the size of Uluru. But a soak in your private outdoor tub will make its way onto your agenda every day at Mt Mulligan, a member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia where outback adventure meets life's finer things. 

Spend your days exploring the 28,000-hectare property - located around 150km from Cairns - on foot, kayak or ATV, then settle in for a sunset show, when the landscape glows red. It's a captivating sight from wherever you may be on the property - but we think it's even more special from the bathtub. 

2. Nightfall, Gold Coast

Nightfall is known as one of Queensland's most magical glamping experiences, and you'll see why before you even pull back the canvas and step inside. Completely immersed in the wild Gondwana Rainforest beside Lamington National Park, Nightfall spoils with little luxuries, including the twin vintage metal tubs inside your safari tent. Lay back and let time drift away - with the sounds of a crackling fire and sounds of the rainforest, you’ve never felt so connected to nature.

After spending your days swimming in Christmas Creek, taking a guided trek along the challenging Stinson wreck hike, wildlife spotting or just sitting still, you’ll walk away from your getaway with newfound respect for Mother Nature.

Nightfall’s ‘less is more’ approach ensures your stay leaves behind a light footprint. Solar panels power the camp, all cleaning products used are chemical-free and your king-sized bed is dressed with organic cotton and biodynamic Australian wool bedding. The fire-cooked organic meals made with produce from Nightfall’s own kitchen garden and wild harvested Australian bush tucker plants will send you home with a new appreciation of what ‘fresh’ food really means.

3. Emporium South Bank, Brisbane

Seeking city views while you soak? Head to Queensland's capital, Brisbane, where Emporium South Bank's glamorous fitout stretches into the bathroom. Located within the bustling cultural precinct, Emporium's city skyline and river views can be appreciated from the rooftop bar and infinity pool - but if you book an Exquisite, Emporium, Frangipani or Parklands Suite, you'll have the views all to yourself from your own bathtub. 

4. Glass on Glasshouse, Sunshine Coast

The ancient, towering peaks known as the Glass House Mountains are a favourite for local hikers and wildlife lovers. But why not take in views from a double spa bath instead?

Glass on Glasshouse is an adults-only retreat nestled into a 20-acre mango orchard in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Each of its self-contained luxury villas offer grand views of the iconic mountains from a large deck, floor to ceiling glass windows, and deep tub. 

You'll feel world's away from reality here, in the best possible way - but the hiking trails are nearby should you want a closer look. 

5. Mt Quincan Crater Retreat, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Stare out the window from your giant bathtub and soak in magnificent, misty rainforest and volcanic crater views as far as the eye can see. Here on the slopes of an extinct volcano at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat, the pull to explore will become impossible to ignore.

This secluded nature escape in the Atherton Tablelands, outside of Cairns, is something truly special. 

Wake up to a glorious morning sunrise then tuck into the daily delivery of country breakfast provisions sourced from the Tablelands area. Mt Quincan Crater Retreat has its own collection of walking tracks, so leave the car parked all weekend long and explore on foot. The Summit Circuit Walk’s 360 degree views will have you feeling on top of the world. Don’t forget to look up - you might just spot the rare Lumholtz tree climbing kangaroos.

6. Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Sunshine Coast

Guests are treated to head-to-toe relaxation at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, starting with a bathtub that’s both inside and outside.

Topping off their stand-alone luxury forest villas – which spread across 18 acres of natural forest in Maleny – is a bathroom with every little detail taken care of. There’s underfloor and mirror heating, floor-to-ceiling glass bifold windows that slide all the way back and open up into your own private garden, and, of course, the real reason you came: the cocoon bathtub. Capped off with a reading nook (and a perfectly-placed spot for your vino), you won’t have a care in the world.

If you’d prefer to soak your troubles away in a hot tub, request a Luxury Falls Villa or Spa Studio. The rustic cedar hot tub sitting on your private verandah boasts unbeatable views of the rainforest. No matter which room you choose, be sure to choose a treatment at the award-winning Spa Anise for total rejuvenation.

Dinner time here is an indulgent treat, too. The retreat’s chef hatted restaurant, The Tamarind, serves refined modern Asian cuisine that’s worth getting out of the bathtub for. And on your doorstep? The opportunity to adventure throughout the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

7. qualia, The Whitsundays

Like every other detail at this world-class luxury resort in The Whitsundays, the tub game at qualia is most certainly on par.

A stay in one of the Windward Pavilions is worth it alone for the uninterrupted views of the Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea when soaping up. But then again, the private sundeck and infinity-edge plunge pool are pretty big drawcards, too.

Pair your private soak sessions with professional pampering at qualia’s spa. The ‘Botanica’ couples bath indulgence treatment will take care of any lingering tension in your body. Then, end on an uplifting high by bathing in a tropical fresh flower bath infused with remineralising Himalayan bath salts.

For more ways to spend your time, check out this Hamilton Island guide.

8. JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Gold Coast

From the city to the Surfers Paradise coastline, you'll get the best of both worlds while submerged in the bathtub at JW Marriott - one of the newest luxury properties to land on the Gold Coast.

With 223 rooms and suites, this five-star beachside resort caters to travellers of all kinds - but it's definitely a getaway you can bring the kids along for. JW Marriott prides itself on a family-friendly approach to luxury, like its sprawling saltwater lagoon complete with children's ppol and a waterfall, snorkelling, sports court and the Family by JW program that includes cooking classes, scavenger hunts, fish feeding and more. 

Book a suite to score an oversized bathtub - there's plenty of room for the kids, too. 

9. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast

Overlooking the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park, this hand-crafted wooden tub offers bath time relaxation on a whole other level.

A signature feature of the Lost World Day Spa at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, the tub has become a sanctuary for couples and individuals in need of a serious pause from the pace of everyday life.

While you can opt to add the Vinotherapy Steam and Bath upgrade to any spa treatment on the menu (O’Reilly’s turn to the grapes they grow at their nearby vineyard for some of nature’s most powerful antioxidants), why not go all out with The Lost World Ritual - five glorious hours of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. We’re talking a steam room session, foot soak and full body exfoliation, moisturising body mask, full-body massage and customised facial.

O'Reilly's Valley View and Rainforest Villas boast spa-style bathtubs with amazing views among the bush. Perfect for those who want a private soak, any time of day. If you can find time between exploring the hiking trails, waterfalls and treetop walks in this spectacular slice of nature.

Craving more self-care? These are Queensland’s best day spas.

10. Silky Oaks Lodge, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Switch off and tune into greater purpose during your stay at Silky Oaks Lodge. 

Positioned strategically within the world’s oldest rainforest, the treehouse-style accommodation blends nature and luxury, built around an award-winning recipe of stunning rainforest views, the crystal-clear water of Mossman River, and the calls of native birds resonating through the trees.

Silky Oaks Lodge is home to forty private treehouses, each with their own open-air bathtub to take advantage of the scenery. Between soaks, settle in for a treatment at Healing Waters Spa, explore the river by kayak or snorkel, stretch in a yoga class, or feast your way through a fine-dining experience at onsite restaurant, Treehouse. 

11. Little Red Barn, Sunshine Coast 

When the pull for rural living becomes too strong to ignore, pack your bags and head 15 minutes out of Noosa Heads to Doonan’s Little Red Barn. The converted barn feels like a home away from home and is so cute and serene that you’ll be contemplating a permanent move by the time you’re supposed to leave.

Fitted out with quirky second-hand pieces sourced from the surrounding towns of Yandina, Pomona and Cooroy, there’s no shortage of warmth and character in this holiday home. While the concrete plunge pool is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny Sunshine Coast day, it’s the outdoor bathtub on the verandah that will call your name in the evening. As you slip into the black and white clawfoot bath with a floor-mounted tap, you’ll start wondering how you can add one of these into your own home.

While you’re in town, add these Noosa must-dos to your itinerary.

12. Julia Creek Caravan Park, Outback Queensland

Good things come to those who go off the beaten track. Take Julia Creek Caravan Park in the north-west of Outback Queensland, for example. With a humble offering of powered sites, unpowered sites and air-conditioned cabins, it's the park's welcoming atmosphere and artesian baths that keep campers returning to this hidden gem among Queensland's red dirt plains. 

Proving a little R&R doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, Julia Creek is the place to soak away a long day on the road or a rugged outback adventure. You can even add some bath salts, a grazing board or some bubbly to the experience.

Love the idea of a bathtub with an outback view? Check out Charlotte Plains and Saltbush Retreat, too. 

Looking for more ways to nourish body and soul?

• Check yourself into one of these Queensland yoga retreats
• Enrich your soul with these unmissable Queensland experiences
• These Indigenous-inspired health and wellness experiences in Queensland will have you walking on clouds.