News
By Jemma Fletcher
Now that Queensland is Good To Go, it’s time to head outside again and explore our beautiful backyard. Not only are most of our existing hotels, motels, holiday parks, campsites, resorts and retreats reopening to enjoy once again, but there have also been some exciting recent newcomers to our accommodation offerings.
In an era when nature-based getaways are in high demand, a new luxe glamping retreat has opened on the Sunshine Coast providing the ultimate revitalisation holiday break. Set on 17 hectares in Woombye, Starry Nights is about immersing in serenity and nature, while enjoying the retreat’s distinctive style and character.
Vast in size (75 square metres), the tents are designed to showcase the natural setting. Features include a king-size bed (with USB chargers), lounge area, kitchenette, a fireplace for cool winter nights, ensuite rain head shower and toilet, and a freestanding bathtub that makes the most of the views, while still ensuring complete privacy.
Looking for the perfect balance of comfort and enjoying the great outdoors? On the edge of the Scenic Rim, you'll find Keira Farm, a tranquil escape from city life. While its cottage accommodation is a popular choice, the farm has now introduced a glamping option.
The Lodge is the new 5m-wide bell tent with a queen bed, armchairs, floor cushions and a rug. It also comes with a private gas heated camp shower and toilet. Feel a part of the surrounding nature in luxury.
Opening on 15 September, Oaks Cairns Hotel is a new 4-star accommodation on the Cairns Esplanade, offering rooftop dining and a bar overlooking the Cairns Lagoon.
The team are offering an opening special of $139 a night including breakfast.
If you’re looking for a coastal escape on the Sunshine Coast that offers the perfect Instagram shots, put a pin on Loea Boutique Hotel opposite the tranquil Maroochy River. Inspired by warm breezy beach days, Loea has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful boutique retreat.
With 10 elegantly appointed rooms, Loea is both stylish and laid back - decorated in calming hues with subtle coastal touches. Facilities include a magnesium pool, tranquil garden, free bike hire and locally sourced food and drink from its vintage food truck.
Enjoy the gentle balance of relaxation and access to the Sunshine Coast's beautiful sights, restaurants and beaches. Bookings are now available.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park has announced the grand opening of the new O'Reilly's Campground (formally known as Green Mountains Campground) as part of an exciting eco-tourism project.
Opening on 2 September 2020, O’Reilly’s Campground will provide new camping sites and experiences for visitors, including 17 safari tents (sleeping up to 5 people with 2 tents being wheelchair accessible), 21 campervan sites (some powered), 24 campsites, a communal camp kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range, a fire-pit, new amenities block and a small meeting room known as ‘The Hub’.
Spicers Clovelly Estate in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has quietly revealed an elegant addition to its property. Montville House is a luxurious stand-alone guesthouse which incorporates the Clovelly Estate’s signature French provincial style.
Enveloped by 22 acres of landscaped grounds, Montville House offers six bedrooms, each with a marble-tiled en suite and its own distinctive character. Privately secluded from the rest of the property, it’s ideal for groups of 6 to 12 people who want to build connections and celebrate life in a verdant country paradise.
Photo by Paradise Cove Resort
Situated in Airlie Beach, Paradise Cove Resort is reopening its deluxe villas on 1 September, along with a brand-new glamping option.
Just metres from the beach, guests can camp in comfort with a king-size bed, private outdoor hot water shower and bathroom, furniture, towels and linen.
With plenty of free activities included as part of your stay, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and toasting marshmallows in the fire pit, it’s a relaxing Whitsundays getaway under the stars, with all the added luxuries.
Photo by Daintree Ecolodge
As Queensland emerges from lockdown, Daintree Ecolodge has unveiled newly refurbished Lagoon Bayans and Rainforest Bayans. After a soft opening in late June to welcome Queenslanders, and expanding to interstate guests from 10 July, the sustainably renovated bayans (treehouses) offer rejuvenating eco-luxury set within the awe-inspiring sanctuary of the Daintree Rainforest.
“At a time of enormous change in the world, Australians are very aware of the luxury of being naturally isolated, which is something we have long celebrated through our properties and experiences" said Hayley Morris, Executive Director Northern Escape Collection.
"While plans for our bayans were finalised well before Coronavirus, the refurbishments were designed with this in mind – offering a chance to be at one with nature, to reflect, recharge and reconnect.”
For a new luxury glamping experience in the heart of Outback Queensland, head to Mitchell Grass Retreat in Longreach.
With 15 luxury en-suite tents set against the expansive backdrop of the Mitchell Grass plains bushland, take in the stunning views from your canvas tent, complete with power and an outdoor deck.
During your stay, enjoy a walk through surrounding bushland, kayak the Thomson River and take some time out for yourself. Or, for those who want to explore Longreach and Outback Queensland, this is the perfect soul-soothing retreat to base yourself.
Photo by Ivory's Rock Conventions and Events
Just in time for the school holidays, Queensland’s newest campground in over 20 years is opening. Located off the main road between Ipswich and Boonah in Peak Crossing, Ivory’s Rock Caravan and Camping Grounds will open its doors on 27 June.
Along with caravans and camping sites, Ivory’s Rock also has air-conditioned twin bunkhouses and has plans for a ‘rent-a-tent’ service once COVID restrictions are further eased. This is an ideal base for drivers around the Ipswich and Scenic Rim regions and visitors can stay from Thursday to Sunday all year round.
Ivory’s Rock chairperson, Joy Winnel, is happy to be hosting campers: “With wallabies hopping about and koalas to spot, our campgrounds are surrounded by native bushland, yet campers cans still enjoy creature comforts such as powered sites, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and even a number of bathrooms”.
As the 600 hectare property backs onto Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate (Mt Flinders) and the Ipswich-Boonah Trail, walking trails around Ivory’s Rock will be opened to the public for the first time from July. Guests can explore the natural bushland and take in the views with a walk to Ivory’s Rock itself. Guided bushwalks will also be available to campers, caravanners and day-trippers.
Feature photo by Loea Boutique via Facebook