List
By Isabella Quaid
When you're looking for luxury escapes in Queensland, choosing the accommodation is about more than finding a bed to rest your head. It’s a place to experience the best of where you’re visiting with not only an extra dose of comfort and class, but local produce and unique Queensland touches.
Whether you want to hike through a 100-million-year-old rainforest, snorkel the world’s largest coral reef or go off the grid, we’ve uncovered the best luxury hotels in Queensland you need to save for your next getaway.
Beechmont Estate, Gold Coast
Located on a private polo and Wagyu property, and nestled beside the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Eastate (formerly Hazlewood Estate) is unlike anywhere else.
Despite its luxe surrounds, you'll feel at home in the retreat’s farm-style cabins, luxury pavilions and lounging in front of the Club House’s large stone fireplace. There’s also a plethora of activities to cater to foodies, pleasure-seekers and adventurers alike – horse trail rides with gorge or ocean views, Binna Burra bush walks, organic spa treatments, market garden tours, and wine and cheese tasting.
Must-do moment: Grab a glass of sommelier-selected vino and stroll the estate taking in the polo field, local wildlife (spot koalas and wallabies) and rolling green hills.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
The moment you step inside this urban resort, you’ll have to pinch yourself as a reminder that you’re in Brisbane.
Based in Fortitude Valley, The Calile Hotel has quickly become one of the most fashionable spots in the city - but this place is more than a luxury resort. It’s a destination home to famed Greek restaurant Hellenika as well as the bustling Ada Lane precinct with its mix of restaurants and boutiques on the ground floor.
Must-do moment: Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at KAILO Wellness Medispace and feel a sense of relaxation wash right over you.
W Brisbane, Brisbane
There are many things that bring the wow factor to the W Brisbane.
For one, it was the first five-star hotel to open in the city in 20 years. It’s also designed to model the Brisbane River and pay homage to the local Indigenous culture. It's also dog-friendly. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t.
With panoramic views from South Bank to Mount Coot-tha, the W is home to bars, restaurants (like Three Blue Ducks) and over 300 rooms, all with a guaranteed view.
Must-do moment: The W is famous for its “Whenever, Whatever” policy which allows guests to simply make a call during their stay and ask for anything (that’s legal).
Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane
Bold design meets riverside luxury at Crystalbrook Vincent, located in the heart of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, smack-bang under the Story Bridge.
Carved into the cliff face, this hotel is filled with artworks by Vincent Fantauzzo, sustainable amenities and is single-use-plastic free, with 166 chic rooms and suites, along with great dining options.
Must-do moment: Sink into the rooftop infinity pool and look out over the river's edge - then grab a drink from rooftop bar Fiume.
Hotel X, Brisbane
One of the River City's newest hotels, boutique Hotel X brings five-star flair to Fortitude Valley - down to amenities designed by Karl Lagerfield. Sparkling city views from your room and designer furniture will make it hard to pull yourself away, but if you do, the hotel is home to some of the city's best dining and a rooftop bar - bring your appetite for France's finest at Bisou Bisou. There's no denying this is a destination hotel for a luxury escape in Brisbane.
Must-do moment: Head for Iris - the rooftop bar - and watch the pink sunset envelop the city over Mediterranean bites and cocktails.
Spicers Peak Lodge, Southern Queensland Country
With the title of Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, Spicers Peak Lodge is figuratively and literally the height of luxury escapes, sitting stylishly in the hills of the Scenic Rim.
Although you’re only 90 minutes from Brisbane, get ready to feel delightedly isolated from the hustle of city life thanks to 10,000 acres of wilderness. We’re talking untouched rainforest and a Heritage-listed national park kind of wilderness.
Here, you can spend your days indulging in a massage at Spa Anise or dining at the two Chef's Hat-awarded Peak restaurant.
Must-do moment: Take advantage of the walking trails, mountain bike adventures, and discovery tours at your fingertips.
Daintree Ecolodge, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
When real life has you itching to run away into the rainforest, point your GPS towards Daintree EcoLodge and Spa, where impeccable design has created the treehouse of your childhood dreams.
Tucked within the 100-million-year-old Daintree rainforest, this luxury hotel combines nature and culture in the most blissful of settings. With 15 deluxe bayans and a wellness spa that uses Aboriginal healing methods, this place is unique in its own right, and the perfect way to experience the Daintree in luxury.
Must-do moment: Feast on a six-course degustation dinner under a canopy of ancient vines on your own private pontoon.
New on Mission Beach is The Elandra Resort, an adults-only, laidback coastal gem south of Cairns. 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.
Must-do moment: Visit the pool overlooking Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook Group islands for a truly peaceful affair.
Bedarra Island Resort, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Bedarra is an all-inclusive island resort off the coast of Mission Beach home to only nine luxury villas, hiding among 45 hectares of rainforest.
Famed for its seclusion (with a maximum of 18 guests at any time), it’s a place where you’re more likely to run into a fish instead of another human being as you gallivant around the island.
Must-do moment: Have a private picnic on nearby deserted islands or scuba dive the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
If you're looking for somewhere to kick off a luxury holiday to Cairns, that somewhere is Riley; a five-star hotel perched pretty on the Cairns Esplanade waterfront with a massive lagoon-style pool at its heart.
Minimising its footprint is a core focus for Riley, with room keys made from recycled wood, cardboard water cartons over plastic bottles, and refillable bathroom amenities.
Sitting nearby are Flynn and Bailey, two other luxurious Crytalbrook Collection hotels - each bringing their own personality and flair to the city of Cairns.
Must-do moment: Catch the sunset and drink in sweeping views of the esplanade at Rocco atop of the tower building, which is also Cairns’ only rooftop bar.
Lizard Island, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
You might not have heard of it, but put this one on your Queensland luxury resorts radar: Lizard Island - one of National Geographic‘s Unique Lodges of the World.
As Australia’s northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef – accessed exclusively by private charter from Cairns – you’ve got one of the seven natural wonders of the world right at your doorstep.
Must-do moment: Take your pick from the island’s 24 powdery-white beaches, grab some snorkel gear, and get exploring.
If you think camping and luxury don’t belong in the same boat, then you're in for a treat discovering one of Queensland's best glamping experiences.
Stone bathtubs, fully-catered organic cuisine, and private rainforest views are just some of the perks you’ll find at Nightfall Camp. Set in the ancient Gondwana Rainforests in the Gold Coast Hinterland, this intimate glamping experience has completely redefined the term luxury through their hand-built, architect-inspired safari tents.
Must-do moment: Take a deep breath and soak in your private bath with uninterrupted views of Lamington National Park.
Offering the perfect combination of boutique design and luxury, The Darling at The Star in Broadbeach features 56 well-appointed suites.
Complemented by The Star Gold Coast’s signature restaurants and bars, world-class gaming, state-of-the-art theatre and exciting nightlife, The Darling provides a convenient piece of luxury in the heart of Broadbeach - including a rooftop pool with views out toward the ocean.
Must-do moment: Take in the magic of the sweeping Gold Coast skyline and indulge in a signature cocktail on the terrace in Nineteen at The Star’s lounge bar.
If you're looking to splash out on a luxury Gold Coast getaway, Surfers Paradise newcomer JW Marriott might just be the place for you - especially if you're coming with the family.
This Queensland luxury hotel - and an Australian first - has been stealing hearts since it opened in December 2020. Luxury accommodation, huge outdoor resort pool and fitness centre are just the beginning. Here, it's all about the experiences you can enjoy together, from sushi making to guided kayak tours or family yoga by the pool.
Must-do moment: Grab a seat at Misono's Izakaya bar.
Mount Mulligan Lodge, Outback Queensland
Located on a private 28,000-hectare heritage site in the shadow of Mount Mulligan, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers boutique accommodation for guests to experience the spirit of the Queensland outback in style
Catering for just 16 guests with three different room types, there’s a beautifully designed main pavilion for meals, a pool and sunset bar. Each guest room is also assigned its own electric buggy to explore the sprawling property.
Must do moment: The activities at Mt Mulligan Lodge have been designed to make the most of the rugged outback territory. Take a guided tour of the goldfields, or a scenic helicopter flight.
It’s not often you’d expect to find a five-star luxury hut in the middle of an 88,000-acre working cattle station, but that’s exactly what you’ll stumble upon at Gilberton Outback Retreat (around a 10-hour drive from Townsville or Cairns).
Proving the outback can offer all the creature comforts, the exclusive abode is the epitome of rustic-luxe, handmade with local granite and sandstone, with mozzie nets draping a king four-poster bed and a freestanding semi-outdoor bathtub with panoramic views over the Gilbert River.
Must-do moment: Put your adventure boots on and explore granite cathedrals and natural springs, or go back in time to the gold rush days panning for nuggets. Before nightfall, get the bathtub prepped for the best sunset of your life.
Bringing together luxury and farm life, a stay at Lanarium Retreat allows you to strip life back to basics and live off-grid on this 7200 acre cropping and cattle farm.
The digs are described as a recrafted luxury industrial farmhouse, accommodating up to seven guests over three bedrooms. With an open plan lounge, dining, full kitchen, porch out front, and an outdoor fire pit, you get the best of both worlds balancing nature and style.
Must-do moment: Take your all-inclusive gourmet sunset hamper and experience the colours that only a western sunset can give.
Orpheus Island Lodge, Townsville
Upon helicopter arrival to Orpheus Island from Townsville or Cairns, you’ll be met with 11km of turquoise coastline dotted with 14 luxury rooms fringed by lush national park on one side and coral reefs on the other.
Must-do moment: Everything. For specifics, here are 7 reasons why you need to holiday on Orpheus Island.
Here's more great accommodation in Townsville and Magnetic Island.
Sitting on The Strand’s waterfront is Ardo, Townsville's first five-star luxury hotel. Featuring 132 rooms, two restaurants, day spa, and rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views out to Magnetic Island, all the city’s main attractions and best restaurants are at your fingertips here.
But if you’ve got serious cash to splash, Pelorus Private Island is the ultimate indulgent escape. Accessible only by helicopter or private yacht, the island – a sparkling jewel in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef – is all yours.
Surrounded by 400 hectares of pristine habitat and coral gardens, Pelorus boasts a naturally isolated single, sprawling residence featuring four luxurious suites – it’s everything you need, and worlds more.
qualia, Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays. Photo by @adrianazaknic
qualia. the word itself has become synonymous with Australian luxury, bagging more awards than you can count on both hands and toes.
So why is it that holiday-goers the world over can’t get enough of it? Well, there’s the jaw-dropping Whitsundays location on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, private pavilions with some serious bathtub game, and signature experiences like hot stone massages using 300-million-year-old stones. Add a golf club on its very own island, and you’ve got a sure-fire recipe for luxury.
Must-do moment: Plunge into the climate-controlled infinity pool before choppering over the Great Barrier Reef.
Reefsuites, The Whitsundays
For a front row seat to the dazzling underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, Reefsuites by Cruise Whitsundays gives a whole new meaning to ‘a room with a view’.
At Australia's first underwater accommodation on the reef, here you can wake up in your king bed to see the local marine life going about another day on the world-heritage listed reef they call home, thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Must-do moment: Watch a stunning sunset with a drink in hand before enjoying a starlit long-table dinner on the pontoon’s upper deck.
The Whitsundays is a luxury travellers paradise: check out this guide for more places to stay, eat and explore if you're feeling a little indulgent.
Looking for more luxury resorts and hotels in Queensland? Find out more about the best luxury islands in Queensland.