List
By Danielle Reckless
Craving a little quality time with your love, free of distraction? Escape the everyday routine and embark on one of these romantic getaways in Queensland.
From the outback to the city, the rainforest to the reef, these dreamy couples holidays will deepen your connection to each other, and the world around you.
Think the Australian outback is all tin sheds and swags? Think again. Make your way to Cunnamulla, where Charlotte Plains Farm Stay is within arm’s reach and provides a true bucket list-worthy experience. The family-owned and operated property is no longer just a sheep station, but now a regional getaway complete with campsites and shearer’s quarters accommodation.
After a day exploring the historic farm, dial up the romance and pour yourself a bath in the outdoor porcelain tub, soaking in the artesian hot water plucked straight from the earth. There's no better place to enjoy the outback's rugged natural beauty.
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Tucked away in the back streets of Brisbane’s trendy New Farm, a rendezvous to Spicers Balfour Hotel is the perfect mix of classic romance and inner-city flair.
Housed in a beautifully restored Queenslander, the plush interiors create a sultry vibe that’ll make you want to hole up and stay put. That, and the large bathtubs in the suites of the Silma wing.
But the temptation of the rooftop bar will be difficult to ignore. Succumb to a cocktail and toast to the setting sun as it dips behind the Story Bridge. Next, retreat to The Balfour Kitchen for a playful Vietnamese fusion menu created from sustainably sourced seafood, ethically farmed meats and local vegetables.
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The private infinity pool overlooking the ocean is just scratching the surface on things to fall in love with at this Great Barrier Reef resort.
Sitting off the coast of Mission Beach, south of Cairns, Bedarra Island is the epitome of tropical seclusion. There’s only a handful of guest villas scattered throughout 45 hectares of rainforest (and a maximum of 18 guests at the resort at any time). Solar-powered generators, filtered springwater fresh off the land, and other nature-friendly initiatives make for a luxury experience with minimal impact on the earth and Great Barrier Reef, but a guaranteed impact on you.
When you finally decide to take a break from nestling into your outdoor day bed overlooking the turquoise waters of the reef, make full use of the all-inclusive activities at your disposal.
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When it comes to romance, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has it in spades.
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat offers eight secluded villas, dotted across two hectares of rainforest in the Blackall Range in Montville.
Each pavilion is your own private pocket of perfection. Revel in a deep double spa bath, saltwater rock pool, warm log fire, soft bathrobes and slippers, a movie library, and a breakfast hamper of local artisan ingredients supplied on arrival (plus fresh croissants delivered each morning).
The piece de resistance is definitely the private pool villa, but nomatter where you stay, sign up for a couples massage.
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Big open skies, prehistoric granite boulders and rolling hills will set the scene this romantic getaway - but it's the attention to detail by Alure Stanthorpe that’ll really put you at peace. Soak under the Milky Way in your own heated outdoor spa, cuddle up in front of a crackling fire, and sink into in-villa massages.
While you can’t go wrong with the luxury villas, we suggest booking into a lavish glamping tent. Alure provides an authentic, ecologically sustainable bush experience, but don’t worry, you won’t find any drop toilets or roughing it here. Just all the creature comforts, with the added bonus of a four-poster bed complete with chandelier.
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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Photo by @daintreewildernesslodge
Just over an hour’s drive from Cairns, hide out in one of the oldest living rainforests in the world.
A luxe retreat for couples who want to slow down and rejuvenate, escape to a cabin in the heart of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest at Daintree Wilderness Lodge.
Each of the seven eco-accredited, hand-built cabins features a queen bed, ensuite, air conditioning and balcony among the trees to bring you as close to nature - and each other - as possible. Cycad, the restaurant right here in the rainforest, is an experience in its own right, serving up locally sourced produce.
This is the place to unwind in nature, take a wildlife photography workshop, or get your hands dirty and participate in one of the Lodge's reforestation projects.
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Let the rainforest be your soundtrack at Silky Oaks Lodge – one of the most award-winning romantic getaways in Queensland, that just so happens to be nestled into the World Heritage Wet Tropics.
Silky Oaks seamlessly weaves nature and luxury together for a retreat that feels good inside and out. Soak it all in from the balcony hammock in one of forty private treehouses nestled into the lush rainforest, and let the afternoon breeze drift you into calm.
Fine dining fuels your days as you dip your toes into a range of unique experiences among rainforest wonder, from kayaking or snorkelling in Mossman River, to Indigenous guided walks and trips further afield to Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef.
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If your idea of romance is becoming one with nature, you can't get much closer than in Mackay, where you can make new friends during the day and return to wildlife surrounding five-star luxury digs, The Feathered Nest.
Each room actually features its very own black cockatoo aviary. Conserving this handsome species for future generations to experience is something the owners are passionate about sharing with their guests. But aside from this unique opportunity to bond with nature, The Feathered Nest still sparkles with romance.
Nestled in peaceful bush-country, each bedroom retreat is also kitted out with an eco-smart fireplace and heated infinity-edge plunge pool. From your two-person spa with views overlooking the gardens, you’re likely to spot more furry and feathered fauna grazing around their natural habitat.
Throw in a massage or two on your private deck and gourmet food packs (or ready meals at your doorstep), and that’s your couples escape sorted.
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Romantic hideaways are taken to the next level at the Mt Quincan Crater Retreat. Not only is it an exclusive couples-only sanctuary, but its luxurious tree houses have been strategically tucked away in the Atherton Tablelands on the rainforest slopes of an extinct volcano.
Book into one of the Canopy Tree Houses and let the mist of the hinterland fuse with the mist from your private spa. Afterwards, envelop yourself in a fluffy robe and lounge about the deck. Keep an eye out for rare Lumholtz tree climbing kangaroos who like to pop in to say hello, or watch a movie by the crackling fireplace.
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When dreaming of the most luxurious romantic getaways in Queensland, it’s hard not to immediately picture qualia in The Whitsundays. This is the world's best resort, after all.
From the second you touch down on Hamilton Island your every whim and wish will be catered to. That’s more time focusing on each other rather than having to sort out transport and activities - the concierge team and your VIP chauffeur will take care of that.
All you’ve really got to do is decide is which luxury accommodation you’d like to call home. Our advice? The one-bedroom Windward Pavillion with private sundeck and infinity-edge plunge pool. Its ocean-facing bathroom’s views will make you feel as thought you’re melting into the Coral Sea.
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Immerse yourself in the heart of Dinosaur Country – in absolute comfort – at Rangelands Outback Camp. A working cattle property on the outskirts of Winton, fill your days with outback adventures before retreating to your luxurious tent – one of only six tents onsite, home to a maximum 12 guests at any time. Atop a mesa, you’ll really feel like you have the vast landscape all to yourself – look out and consider a time in history where this land was a huge ocean, and giant dinosaurs roamed. It’s best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly at sunset, of course.
The experience at Rangelands Outback Camp goes beyond the king bed, shower with outback views, and gourmet, chef-prepared meals. Here, it’s the bespoke activities for guests that puts the icing on top of your outback escape; from rugged 4WD tours to helicopter pub crawls and digging for opals.
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It’s undeniable: Noosa can do no wrong when it comes to a relaxing getaway. While most couples are quick to set themselves up beachside, turn your attention away from the salty seas to a spot less-travelled.
Eumarella Shores Noosa Lake Retreat feels completely unique from the bustle of Hastings Street. Set in 50 acres of unspoilt native conservation reserve on the banks of Lake Webya, it’s like a scene straight out of The Notebook, right down to the complimentary two-person canoe.
Set your sights on a Deluxe Cottage, specially designed to let sparks fly with a double spa bath on your glass-enclosed veranda, private lakeside timber deck, and a cosy log fire.
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If blissing out by the beach is your idea of a romantic getaway in Queensland, book into Broadbeach’s newest hotel, Dorsett.
Part of The Star Gold Coast’s sparkling precinct, you’ll have more than golden sands at your fingertips, being just moments from vibrant dining, entertainment and shopping.
Style, sophistication and that iconic Gold Coast flair combine at Dorsett, and you’ll be in holiday mode from the moment you step into this oasis, whether you’re headed for cocktails in a private cabana at Isoletto Pool Club or a soul-soothing couple’s spa treatment.
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The Mouses House is visual proof that fairytales do exist.
Although you’re only one hour from the Gold Coast, crossing the boardwalk into your private rainforest chalet feels otherworldly. Nestled between cascading mountain streams and towering brush box trees, they’re even each named after a Disney character.
All chalets have their own two-person spa bath and wood fire. But have you ever enjoyed a hot tub three storeys high in the rainforest canopy? If not, book yourself and your lover into the luxurious ‘Belle’ chalet.
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Truly secluded from the rest of the world, Lizard Island is home to the northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. If you like a lot of peace and quiet while exploring one of the world’s true natural wonders, this is just the place.
There are endless reasons to make Lizard Island Resort your next romantic getaway in Queensland: soak up the sun on 24 private beaches, snorkel and scuba dive the Reef, and hike among some of the most magnificent coastal beauty on earth.
And that’s before you discover the endless luxury of the resort too. A total reset for mind, body and soul, you’ll be nourished from head to toe with beachside degustations, massages, yoga classes and more – where days spent with your toes in the sand end with a sunset toast from your own private plunge pool.
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For more couples holiday ideas, head here.