New Queensland hotels and resorts to take that holiday at in 2025

News

By Danielle Reckless

When it comes to Queensland, there are some classics that can’t be beaten: the Great Barrier Reef, sparkling tropical islands, endless beaches, misty ancient rainforests and timeless culture. There’s a reason so many Queensland experiences have become iconic – but there’s always something new to discover, too.

If you’re looking for a reason to plan a Queensland holiday this year, we’ve got plenty - including these new and must-do Queensland experiences to try in 2025. And for somewhere to lay your head, these new Queensland hotels, resorts, lodges, motels and glamping destinations will add extra flair to the adventure of a lifetime. So much so, you’ll be asking “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”

From rainforest retreats and sleek city accommodation to big-name luxury hotel brands making their Aussie debut, discover the best new Queensland accommodation by region below.

Brisbane

Luxury hotel bathtub in front of a city view window — The Star Grand, Brisbane

The Star Grand at Queen's Wharf, Brisbane City

New Queensland hotels don’t get flashier than the arrival of The Star Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf, the capital city’s sparkling new $3.6 billion riverside entertainment precinct.

The precinct’s flagship hotel, The Star Grand, boasts 340 luxury rooms including four penthouses, along with three pools and beautiful guest spaces. You’ll have easy access to the sweeping city views, bar and restaurants at the Sky Deck, which soars 100-metres above Brisbane River, in addition to the smorgasbord of exquisite restaurants throughout the precinct including Sokyo’s cutting edge Japanese cuisine, Latin American meets Asian fusion at Azteca, and longtime favourite Fat Noodle.

Watch this space: Queen’s Wharf will also welcome 6-star Rosewood Hotel, the hotel’s first Australian property, as well as Dorsett Brisbane, as part of the multi-staged opening.

The Tamborine, Mount Tamborine

Perched above the escarpment of Tamborine Mountain, new luxury boutique hotel The Tamborine hits all the high notes. It’s the perfect base to explore one of South-East Queensland’s favourite weekend escape destinations – but you could equally spend your time snuggled up right here, where a touch of Cali-aesthetic meets Queensland charm and spectacular rainforest views.

Home to 23 king rooms that take advantage of mountain vistas, an inviting heated mineral pool and spa, local produce pantry and a very-tempting onsite bar, disconnecting for a few days has never been easier – just an hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

YHA Brisbane City

While not exactly new, this budget accommodation overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD has had a glow-up. Check out the new dedicated wellness space, as well as a quiet library reading room, yoga areas and a gym.

Gold Coast

TRYP by Wyndham, Southport

Hit the golden beaches of the Gold Coast while staying at the hottest new Queensland accommodation – TRYP by Wyndham. Located on Southport’s sparkling Broadwater, the very best of the coast’s dining and entertainment is at your doorstep, however those planning to embrace a slower escape can sink into a visit to the day spa and sauna, or soak up ocean views from the rooftop pool. With 225 stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments, TRYP is ideal for family holidays, extended stays and business travel.

Coming soon - Mondrian Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads

Travellers will be treated to five-star luxury and five-star views at Mondrian, the highly anticipated opening in the Gold Coast’s coolest and fastest-growing postcode. Steps from sand at Burleigh Heads, the LA brand’s first ever Australian property will welcome 208 studios, suites and residences, along with lifestyle amenities, a bar and an oceanfront restaurant.

Sunshine Coast

A woman and two children watch emus on the grass at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge — The Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Crocodile Cabins at Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Beerwah

Australia Zoo’s first ever accommodation, Crocodile Hunter Lodge, proved so popular the crew added a new offering in 2024. The two-storey, two-bedroom Crocodile Cabins are ideal for families seeking wildlife immersion: unwind in the private heated plunge pool or relax on the deck which overlooks a natural pond home to freshwater crocs and endangered Mary River turtles.

Take in the sights and sounds of the bush, spotting the lodge's resident kangaroos, emus and koalas, in between visits to the wildlife park (there’s a complimentary shuttle), onsite Warrior Restaurant and divine 25-metre infinity pool.

Elsie’s Cottage, Montville

Travellers seeking a unique stay in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will find their match at Elsie’s Cottage in Montville. Originally built in 1916, this country retreat opened to guests for the first time in 2024 after a loving restoration by Matthew and Sarah Clarke, descendants of 1800’s Sunshine Coast pioneers Joseph and Alice Dixon. The cottage is named after the Dixon’s granddaughter Elsie, who made this very cottage her family home after WWII. Family history is practically etched in the walls here.

Sleeping four people across two exquisite ensuite bedrooms, Elsie’s Cottage is a cosy escape with unbeatable Blackall Range views from all angles. Add charming antique touches and family heirlooms, a claw foot bathtub, and a gourmet kitchen perfect for whipping up meals to pair with wine by the fireplace.

Coming soon – Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

So close to the surf of Mooloolaba Beach you’ll hear the waves crashing, $250 million 4.5-star Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is slated to open spring 2025. Boasting 180 rooms, four restaurants, a rooftop pool bar with panoramic water views and event spaces, it’s set to make a big splash on the Sunshine Coast.

Coming soon – Sixty6 Acres Woombye

Looking for a farm stay experience where you can BYO van? Beloved luxury farm stay Sixty6 Acres Woombye is making it possible with a multi-million dollar makeover, transforming the destination to include a high-end caravan park with 93 powered sites, heated outdoor plunge pools, restaurant and bar. Of course, the original luxury cabins are still available if that’s more your style.

The Whitsundays

Hotel balcony overlooking beach and headland at The Sundays hotel on Hamilton Island — The Sundays, Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays. Photo by @thesundayshotel

The Sundays, Hamilton Island

Always dreamed of holidaying in The Whitsundays? You’ll have yet another reason to book that trip when luxury hotel The Sundays officially opens in April 2025.

Tucked into the northern end of Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island, the 59-room boutique hotel features an oceanfront swimming pool with private cabanas, a waterside bar, plus a highly-anticipated restaurant from award-winning Aussie chefs Josh and Julie Niland, who will bring a creative but relaxed approach to their signature seafood offering, perfectly suited to the barefoot island lifestyle.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Turtle Encounter Tour with a Park Ranger to see female turtles laying their eggs at night — Mon Repos, Bundaberg

Turtle Sands, Bundaberg

The annual turtle nesting and hatching season is one of the most fascinating natural encounters on the Southern Great Barrier Reef – and you can get a front row seat to witness it with a stay at Turtle Sands. Right beside Bundaberg’s globally significant Mon Repos beach, the new NRMA resort offers villa, glamping, caravan and campsites just steps from the sand. Whether you come to see the turtles or for year-round beach and Reef adventures, you’ll be in the heart of the action here.

Peppers, Gladstone

Gladstone scored its first five-star hotel with the 2024 opening of Peppers. The 32 apartment-style accommodation joins the 60-room Mantra Gladstone in a dual-branded hotel concept, complete with a heated outdoor swimming pool, pool deck bar, a cinema room, gym, two restaurants and a member’s lounge. A touch of luxury in beautiful Gladstone, it’s time to discover the best things to do in the region.

Queensland Country

Rustic cottage stands among rolling hills, with a firepit and two chairs outside cabin at The Firebreak — The Firebreak, Bunya Mountain, Queensland Country. Photo by @_thefirebreak

The Firebreak, Bunya Mountains

Standing some 900-metres above sea level in the Great Dividing Range, and home to ancient bunya pines, rainforested national park and rich First Nations history, Bunya Mountains begs to be explored by nature-lovers. And what better way to do it than in eco-conscious, totally off-the-grid accommodation?

Luxurious and secluded, The Firebreak is set on a family-run regenerative farm. And with just a couple of two-person cabins available, The Granary and The Quarters, your only other neighbours will be the farm animals. Slow down and sink into the simplicity of nature – best done from the outdoor bathtub.

Valhalla Glamping, Lockyer Valley

Or, get a taste of the country a touch closer to the city: Lockyer Valley is just west of Brisbane and Valhalla Glamping offers some seriously comfort touches while hiding away on a 1300-acre working cattle property. A place to unwind rather than dial-up adventure, pack the marshmallows (or wine) and get ready to spend your nights by the fire pit, under the stars.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Woman diving into the pool at Elandra Resort in Mission Beach — Elandra Resort, Mission Beach, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Photo by @elandraresort

The Elandra Resort, Mission Beach

The secret is out on Mission Beach, the laidback coastal gem south of Cairns which is surrounded by reef, islands, golden beaches and endless magical experiences. And while it’s not short on places to stay, The Elandra is already becoming known as one of the best new Queensland resorts.

The former Horizon Mission Beach has undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment from the award-winning Bedarra Island Resort team, and the result is a lavish, secluded hideaway among six hectares of private tropical rainforest. Barefoot luxury at its best,

The Elandra is adults-only, so a visit to the pool overlooking Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook Group islands is a truly peaceful affair. 20 boutique resort rooms have just become available to holidaymakers, while a further 12 two-level apartments, each with private plunge pools, are scheduled to open later in 2024. Between dips, enjoy exquisite dining, relax at the spa, or hire one of the resort's e-bikes to explore Mission Beach.

Need any more reasons to book that Queensland holiday? We’ve got 25.