Escape to these dreamy adults-only stays in Queensland

Hitting the ‘relax’ button when holidaying with kids can be easier said than done. Whether you’re looking to escape the brood (temporarily, of course), are after a solo sojourn or you’re seeking a romantic paradise where only fine food and stellar views jostle for your attention, this list of Queensland’s top adults-only accommodation – from private islands to wallet-friendly glamping – will have you promptly planning your next grown-up getaway.

Rangelands Outback Camp | Winton

This remote adults-only glamping experience is perfect for adventurous couples and groups wanting to switch off, reconnect and get acquainted with Queensland’s spectacular outback. The camp’s six solar-powered tents are set on a working cattle property 15 minutes from the town of Winton in Central West Queensland. While it’s off the grid, you won’t go without life’s luxuries like air-conditioning, king beds, gourmet meals and (importantly) fine wines. Planning your outback adventure is easy – fly direct to Longreach from Brisbane, then it’s another short flight or 170-km drive to Winton Airport where the friendly Rangelands Outback Camp team will pick you up.

The Beach Club | Hamilton Island

This luxury adults-only resort is perched on Hamilton Island’s Catseye Beach, with stunning views and direct access to dip your toes in the turquoise-hued Coral Sea. Fly direct to Hamilton Island Airport, then slip into holiday mode where the days begin with complimentary breakfast, before the sparkling infinity pool lures you in. Beach Club guests enjoy a VIP point-to-point chauffer service around Hamilton Island, and use of the exclusive lounge, facilities and water-sports equipment for a burst of adventure. Dial up the romance with a secluded beachfront dining experience at the Beach Club’s own private restaurant.

Bedarra Island Resort | Great Barrier Reef

A quick helicopter ride or boat trip 10-kilometres off Mission Beach (midway between Cairns and Townsville) will land you on the sparkling shores of the family-owned Bedarra Island Resort in the Great Barrier Reef – a place where you can turn off the phone, kick off the shoes and go slow. The resort’s 12 sophisticated villas are dotted along the pristine sandy coastline, surrounded by a gently swaying rainforest. The curated stays here are all-inclusive, with unique dining experiences like candlelit dinners on the beach and romantic picnics at nearby deserted islands on the menu.

Maleny Lodge | Sunshine Coast

Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland just 30kms from Caloundra, Maleny Lodge is a stylish country retreat that proudly sits somewhere between a boutique hotel and luxurious holiday home. It’s grown-ups only here, with accommodation options for couples and small groups – or the entire lodge can be booked for up to 14 guests. Each room is styled with vintage furnishings and modern touches, ensuring comfortable nights and uninterrupted sleep-ins. There’s a country-style kitchen, log fire, heated magnesium pool and a sunny outdoor terrace, so you’ll never want to leave. But if you do, the artisan shops and cafes of the charming Maleny are a short waltz away.

Elysian Island Retreat | Whitsundays

As the first fully solar-powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef, a child-free getaway to the eco-friendly Elysian Island Retreat means you can bliss out in luxury and keep your environmental footprint light. The 10 freestanding oceanfront villas are blanketed by tranquil national park, with guests treated to chef-prepared gourmet meals, pre-dinner canapes served nightly by the firepit, personalised spa treatments, a magnesium infinity pool and five-star service from the small, hands-on team. This soul-soothing island paradise is just a quick helicopter transfer away from either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.

qualia | Hamilton Island

The world-renowned qualia is the ultimate oasis, with its famed private pavilions and exclusive Beach House offering unrivalled levels of luxury. Located just minutes from Hamilton Island’s airport, the five-star resort welcomes adult guests over 16 years old, and is a stand-out destination for couples seeking privacy and seclusion in sophisticated surrounds. Enjoy pampering spa sessions, gentle moments soaking in plunge pools, and the finest of dining experiences at Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion restaurants, where fresh local produce and mesmerising views of the Whitsundays share the spotlight.

Mt Quincan Crater Retreat | Atherton Tablelands

Set on the slopes of an extinct volcano overlooking the stunning Atherton Tablelands, Mt Quincan Crater Retreat is specifically designed as a couple’s escape. Its six luxury treehouses are equipped with plush king beds, spa baths, wood fires and fridges full of country-style provisions. Quiet evenings are spent on your private deck feasting on seafood platters while the captivating crater serves up mind-blowing views. It’s just a one-hour drive from Cairns, and quaint towns like Yungaburra, Peeramon and Malanda are nearby if you’re up for exploring.

The Pavilions | Intercontinental Hayman Island

A true adults-only haven, this exclusive series of standalone two-person Pavilions are set on a private beach on Hayman Island, a 10-minute walk from its main resort. Soak up sensational views of Hayman Bay from the comfort of your deluxe villa, experience an iconic island sunset from your plunge pool, and dip peacefully (minus the minors) in the adults-only beach. Stays include an exclusive 24/7 concierge service, plus access to all Hayman Island resort facilities, restaurants, bars and activities. 

Wilson Island Resort | Gladstone Region

Bound by the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the eco-friendly Wilson Island Resort features nine oceanfront Reef Safari Tents (complete with king beds and private decks) set amid ancient Pisonia forest. Sitting 80km northeast off the coast of Gladstone, this tiny piece of paradise is only accessed via boat from Heron Island, and the days are spent swaying in hammocks, snorkelling and turtle-spotting. The island getaway is all-inclusive with meals, drinks and snacks provided, with a private chef curating daily menus that spotlight native produce.

Turtle Cove Beach Resort | Port Douglas

A truly private escape for couples and groups, Turtle Cove Beach Resort is Australia’s only LGBTQIA+ exclusive resort, nestled along a secluded Daintree Rainforest-fringed strip of beach between Port Douglas and Palm Cove (a 40-minute drive from Cairns). A range of comfortable rooms for varying budgets are on offer, while an on-site restaurant and bar serves meals and sips all day. The resort is well known for its colourful calendar of events, so take note of what’s on when planning your trip – and be sure to weave in some reef time.

Alure | Stanthorpe

If food and wine is the way to your heart, savour memorable moments in the stunning Stanthorpe, a jewel in the crown of Queensland’s Granite Belt. Rolling green farmlands and granite boulders surround Alure – a sophisticated, self-contained bed-and-breakfast getaway with luxury glamping and freestanding villas, just three hours’ drive from Brisbane. The best part? An outstanding trail of vineyards and cellar doors are right on your doorstep. Tip: peel yourself away from the comfort of your crackling fireplace and book in a date night at Essen restaurant.

Shantara Resort | Port Douglas

While there are accommodation options aplenty in Port Douglas – Shantara Resort is a popular hideaway for couples, offering privacy and secluded stays for adults over the age of 16. Well-appointed rooms at varying budgets provide the perfect base for your Port Douglas adventures, whether you’re sipping lattes on Macrossan Street, enjoying child-free strolls along Four Mile Beach or gearing up to discover what lies beneath on the Great Barrier Reef.

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat | Montville

Immerse in the romance of the rainforest at Narrows Escape in the charming township of Montville, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane on the edge of Kondalilla National Park. Hike to flowing waterfalls, make memories in Montville, or stay put in the boutique villas where the order of the day includes champagne in the spa bath and in-room fine dining while gazing across the soaring rainforest canopy. Perfection.