7 unexpected Queensland escapes for couples who have been everywhere

From a fairy-tale Spanish castle in the rainforest to a heart shaped reef in the Whitsundays, Queensland has always been a place for lovers.

You might think you’ve seen all the romantic hotspots in Queensland but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find some of our most incredible destinations are the ones you don’t know about yet.

Ride horses along a tropical beach or sip champagne under an outback sunset—we’ve pulled together a list of seven unique romantic holidays in Queensland that will delight and surprise even the most well-travelled couples.

Winton | Outback

What makes it romantic: It’s the dinosaur footsteps below and the twinkling Milky Way above that make Winton a couple’s escape millions of years in the making. There’s a poetry to the billabongs, ‘jump-ups’ and spectacular sunsets out here—it’s even where Banjo Patterson wrote ‘Waltzing Matilda’.

Where to stay: Base yourself at Rangelands Outback Camp, where you’ll find six glamping tents located on a working cattle farm. Take a shower with a panoramic view of the outback or enjoy meals prepared by a gourmet chef—just make sure to stay long enough to explore the region.

What to do: Follow the footsteps of prehistoric giants on the Australian Dinosaur Trail. Discover footprints that inspired the stampede scene in ‘Jurassic Park’, meet Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus, or see the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Get behind the wheel and 4WD the trail yourself, or relax and get Red Dirt Adventures to do the driving.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland | Sunshine Coast

What makes it romantic: You know it for its 100-kilometres of golden coastline, but the Sunshine Coast has a secret—its hinterland. Amongst the farmland and rainforest, you’ll find pristine waterfalls, panoramic vistas and quaint towns brimming with boutiques, cafes and art galleries.

Where to stay: Enjoy slow mornings and lazy days at Maleny Lodge, a 125-year old heritage house, or cuddle up in front of the fireplace at Narrows Escape Retreat—rated the Most Romantic Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Awards in 2021.

What to do: Hike the sub-tropical rainforests of Kondalilla National Park and encounter a towering 90-metre waterfall and hidden rockpool on the Kondalilla Falls Circuit. Sample a Hinterland Pale Ale or Maleny Lager at Brouhaha Brewery before an afternoon wandering the Hinterland Art Trail.

Atherton Tablelands | Tropical North Queensland

What makes it romantic: It’s Tropical North Queensland, but not as you know it—the Atherton Tablelands swap the Great Barrier Reef for endless rolling green hills, fresh mountain air, cascading waterfalls and farm-to-fork produce.

Where to stay: Escape to the luxury treehouses perched on the edge of a volcanic crater at Mount Quincan Crater Retreat. Relax in the double spa, snuggle up around the wood fire (winter nights can be cold up here in the Tablelands!), and embrace the tranquillity of this part of the world.

What to do: Wander through Kuranda’s quirky markets, browse local art and craft in Yungaburra, or indulge in the cheeses of Malanda, the dairy capital of the North. Visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation, try native plum gin at the Mt Uncle Distillery, or enjoy Devonshire Tea at the Falls Teahouse, located near Millaa Millaa Falls—one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls.

Whitsundays Bareboating | Whitsundays

What makes it romantic: 74 tropical islands bejewelled with palm trees, hoop pines and white silica sands make the sun-bathed Whitsundays one of Queensland’s most romantic places. It’s also where you’ll find Heart Reef, a coral reef formed in the shape of a love heart.

Where to stay: Already ‘done’ Hamilton Island? Why not go bareboating and skipper your own private yacht? It’s like hiring a motorhome, only on water. You don’t have to be a billionaire either—the Whitsundays are one of the only places where you can hire a luxury yacht without a license.

What to do: Discover the turquoise waters and white sands of Whitehaven Beach, snorkel Butterfly Bay off Hook Island (named after the blue Ulysses butterflies), or take in a dip in the freshwater rock pool and waterfall at Nara Inlet.

Wet Tropics | Tropical North Queensland

What makes it romantic: Fall in love all over again in the Wet Tropics, an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage listed area that’s home to one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforests—50 million years older than the Amazon.

Where to stay: Hugging the Mossman River and surrounded by tropical rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge is the ultimate luxury hideaway. Relax in your own outdoor spa, drift off in a hammock, or treat yourself at the Healing Waters Spa—inspired by the Kuku Yalanji Indigenous people and their belief in the life-giving force of the Mossman River.

What to do: Join an Indigenous guide for a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through Mossman Gorge, where crystal waters swirl around granite boulders. Or head to Cape Tribulation—where the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef meet—and ride horses along the beach.

Wilson Island | Southern Great Barrier Reef

What makes it romantic: It might have Wilson in the name, but you’ll be a ‘Cast Away’ of a different kind on Wilson Island. Lovebirds flock to this jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef for its unmatched seclusion, picture-perfect azure waters and abundant marine life.

Where to stay: The island is home to Wilson Island Resort, where you will find nine luxuriously equipped reef safari eco tents set amongst ancient Pisonia Forest. With a maximum capacity of 18 guests, the only thing you’ll hear on Wilson Island is the soundtrack of the ocean.

What to do: As little as you want! With no phone reception or Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the day-to-day. In between life on ‘island time’, snorkel the coral cay and encounter eagle rays and sea turtles, or walk hand-in-hand through the island’s lush interior.

Bedarra Island | Tropical North Queensland

What makes it romantic: Close your eyes and imagine dinner by candlelight on a secluded beach with your special someone. Welcome to Bedarra Island, a tropical haven of palm-lined, white sandy beaches surrounded by fringing reef just off the Cassowary Coast.

Where to stay: Arrive by helicopter on Bedarra Island Resort and sink into your own private plunge pool or take a motorised dinghy to a deserted island for a picnic with a chef prepared hamper. Looking for barefoot luxury at a more accessible budget? Check in to East Bedarra Island Resort, relax by the natural saltwater pool or put your towel down along one of two palm-fringed beaches.

What to do: Whichever resort you choose, you won’t run out of things to do—spend your days kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkelling this slice of heaven in the tropics. Or relish life in the slow lane where the only thing you have to keep track of is your next cocktail.

Looking for more romantic holiday ideas? Check our these Great Barrier Reef getaways for couples.