15 of the most romantic getaways in Queensland

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. 

What to do while you're here:

• Create a DIY picnic from the famous Cunnamulla Bakery. 
• Escape the heat with a romantic kayak along the Warrego River
• End your day around the glowing campfire and watching the sun set over Outback Queensland. S'mores are a must.

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Window-shop and feast your way along James Street.
• Bond over belly laughs at a live comedy show at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Pick up cheese, olives and crackers from New Farm Deli and picnic under the mighty jacarandas of New Farm Park.
• Get adventurous with these Brisbane activities you never knew existed.

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Active couples can rent kayaks, SUP and snorkels to explore the coastline, or sign up for scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Traditional romantics should book a candlelit dinner on a secluded beach or a gourmet picnic on one of the nearby deserted islands, courtesy of your own private dinghy.

4. Hide away in the hinterland at Narrows Escape, Sunshine Coast

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. 

What to do while you're here:

• Pick up a BBQ hamper and pop next door to Kondalilla National Park for a picnic (BBQ facilities are onsite). Work off your feast with a walk along the Falls Circuit before rounding off with a dip in the rock pool.
• Stroll hand-in-hand exploring Montville’s village strip and art gallery trail.

5. Soak up country vistas at Alure Stanthorpe, Queensland Country

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Taste your way through the wineries and cellar doors just a stone's throw away from your accommodation.
• Immerse yourself in nature's most awe-inspiring landscapes at Girraween National Park.

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. 

What to do while you're here:

• Explore the region with this local's guide.
• Heal with an Indigenous spa treatment.
• Feast your way along the Daintree food trail.

7. Indulge in nature's finest at Silky Oaks Lodge, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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.

What to do while you’re here:

• Learn ancient wisdoms on a Dreamtime tour of Mossman Gorge
• Sign up for a serene treatment at Silky Oaks’ Healing Waters Spa
• Explore the wild side of the Reef on a small boat tour from Cape Tribulation

8. Find love with new friends at The Feathered Nest, Mackay

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Organise a picnic hamper of fresh local produce and set yourselves up by the rock pools and waterfalls of Finch Hatton Gorge.
• Wake up just before the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise with the famous ‘roos of Cape Hillsborough.
• Smell the roses on a stroll of Mackay’s Botanic Gardens, stopping for a long, lazy lunch at the cafe overlooking the lagoons.

9. Live among the trees at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Surprise your special someone with fresh roses, chilled sparkling, candles, and heart-shaped chocolates when you add a romantic package to your stay.
• Grab a picnic hamper and wander down to the shady fig trees of Leslie Creek, watching for platypus and water dragons.
  
• Watch the sun rise over the rolling hills from a hot air balloon.
• Spend a day hopping between wild waterfalls and swimming holes.

10. Experience world-class luxury at qualia, The Whitsundays

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. 

What to do while you're here:

• Be forever moved by a scenic flight over Heart Reef.
• Indulge in a couples’ sweet chocolate spice massage or vinothérapie body scrub.
• Swim alongside turtles and explore vibrant fringing reefs on a snorkel tour
• Take advantage of the Hobie catamarans at your disposal and explore the nearby islands.
• Marvel at the white silica sand and piercing blue waters of the best beach in Australia.

11. Camp in style at Rangelands Outback Camp, Outback Queensland

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.

What to do while you’re here:

• Delve into some of Australia’s earliest history along the Dinosaur Trail
• Time your visit for Winton’s annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

12. Lap up the serenity at Eumarella Shores Noosa Lake Retreat, Sunshine Coast

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Visit the Noosa Farmers Markets on Sunday morning and pick up some local treats before exploring the beach pockets of Noosa National Park.
• Stroll the boutique shopping and dining scene on Hastings Street, stopping for gelato at Massimo’s.
  
• Dine your way through town with this Noosa couples guide.
  

13. Indulge by the beach at Dorsett, Gold Coast

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.

What to do while you’re here:

• Sample the best flavours and fine-dining on the Gold Coast
• Get out of your comfort zone and tackle one of these adventurous activities
• Take in the views from Burleigh Head National Park

14. Retreat to the rainforest at The Mouses House, Gold Coast

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.

What to do while you're here:

• Add in-chalet Swedish massages, fresh flowers, food hampers, and wine to your stay.
• Order a picnic basket and find your special spot along one of the many spectacular trails through Springbrook National Park.
• When the sun goes down, watch the rainforest come alive with glow worms and luminescent funghi at the Natural Bridge circuit.

15. Play among the reef at Lizard Island Resort, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

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.

What to do while you’re here:

• Hike to the top of Cook’s Look for the best views on the island
• Take a tour of the research station run by the Australian Museum, which conducts important coral reef management projects throughout the year
• Hit the water on your own private dinghy to explore one of the island’s secluded beaches

For more couples holiday ideas, head here.