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The Best Beachfront Resorts in Queensland
Written by Georgia Pearce
Everyone deserves a beachfront escape in sunny Queensland. From private estates to private islands, this is the round up of the best beachfront resorts.
Queensland is known as a coastal oasis, home to some of the best beaches in the world and a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Great Barrier Reef and sub-tropical Daintree Rainforest. The selection of beachfront resorts in the Sunshine State is up there with some of the best in Australia, ranging from high-end apartment-style living on the Gold Coast to overwater bungalows and entirely private islands.
Take your pick of the best beachfront resorts in Queensland from the list and don’t forget to pack your SPF 50+.
The best luxury beachfront resorts in Queensland
The Langham Gold Coast
The Langham Group’s first beachfront hotel, The Langham Gold Coast is set in a glittering high rise between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. While direct beach access and a lagoon-style pool are a highlight, the true draw is the hotel’s six restaurants and bars: feast on fine Cantonese cuisine at T’Ang Court, savour premium regional produce at Akoya or indulge in The Langham’s iconic afternoon tea at Palm Court. Unwind at blissful Chuan Spa, where treatments draw on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and organic skincare products crafted in the Blue Mountains.
QT Gold Coast
Effortlessly glamorous and brimming with high-concept dining venues, QT Gold Coast doubles down with easy access to Surfers Paradise Beach and one of the city’s coolest pools. Just ten minutes away from Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise’s bustling shopping and entertainment district, the hotel offers the perfect retreat after days spent soaking up sun, surf and sand. Savour a new take on the classic high tea at Fix Cafe, enjoy casual cocktails and Baja California-inspired bites at Stingray – boasting over 50 tequilas – or book a table at the izakaya-meets-fine-dining Yamagen for an evening to remember.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Surrounded by lush rainforest and positioned just moments from Four Mile Beach, this Far North Queensland resort offers unrivalled access to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the extraordinary Daintree Rainforest. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas boasts sprawling gardens, two shimmering saltwater pools and a fantastic 18-hole golf course, plus a wealth of light-filled, modern rooms designed to showcase Queensland’s spectacular natural beauty.
The best beachfront resorts in Queensland for families
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
A saltwater lagoon overlooking the Sunshine Coast’s Maroochy River, a blissful two-minute stroll to Mudjimba Beach and a daily buffet breakfast are all on the menu for Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. Experience the laidback lifestyle the Sunshine State is famous for by exploring nearby Mooloolaba, with its trendy cafes, boutique stores and picture-perfect beaches, or head in the opposite direction towards Noosa, where the coastal lifestyle blends perfectly with country charm. Return to the beachfront resort and enjoy an evening glass of beer or wine at Sola Bar, before retreating to refurbished rooms overlooking the tropical gardens. For the ultimate romantic escape upgrade to an overwater bungalow, perched over the peaceful lagoon.
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove is a favourite for a reason. Its white weatherboard exterior and charming window shutters surround a central lagoon-style pool, lined with the sand of a makeshift beach, tropical palm trees and inviting sunbeds. At the heart of the pool is the hotel’s swim-up bar, On the Rocks, serving refreshing mojitos and margaritas. Palm Cove is a cherished vacation destination, located between Queensland’s Cairns and Port Douglas, and provides a welcoming and laidback atmosphere just metres from the beach. Il Forni Pizzeria serves as an alfresco Little Italy just down the road, while the resort’s La Mesa is a brilliant double act: a buffet breakfast cafe by day and a zesty Mexican restaurant by night.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Located on the golden shores of Mirage Beach, just moments from Sea World Marine Park, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast is a firm family favourite. The sprawling six-hectare resort is the perfect base to explore the best of the Gold Coast, from thrilling theme parks and world-class shopping to pristine beaches and lush hinterland. Families will love the multi-bedroom pool villas, complete with fully equipped kitchens and dining areas for fuss-free holidaying. Relax by the resort’s sparkling lagoon pool or enjoy a range of water sports, including paddle boarding and snorkelling, at the lifeguard-patrolled beach. If retail therapy is in order, the Marina Mirage shopping precinct is easily accessed via sky bridge.
The best adults-only beachfront resorts in Queensland
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Experience the beauty of Tropical North Queensland in absolute style with a stay at Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Framed by swaying palms, this adults-only retreat overlooks picture-perfect Four Mile Beach, with spacious modern suites offering breathtaking ocean views and indulgent amenities. Spend your days lazing by the oasis-style pool or savouring charcuterie and craft beer at Hi Tide, the resort’s laidback restaurant, located directly on the Esplanade. On days of exploration, a two-minute walk will bring you to the centre of Port Douglas where relaxed cafes, upscale restaurants and exclusive boutiques await. For an unforgettable day trip, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef are both within easy reach.
The Reef House Adults Retreat
It’s the little luxuries that set The Reef House Adults Retreat apart. The royal treatment begins from the moment you set foot in this award-winning resort, with aromatic oil burners and a bottle of sparkling wine in-room on arrival to help you unwind. Marvel at breathtaking views of the Coral Sea from your private patio or make use of the exclusive butler service at the tranquillity pool. The hotel offers complimentary activities to suit any traveller, from aqua aerobics, beachfront yoga and Sleep Easy sessions to mixology classes, cultural talks and daily poolside sorbet. Come sunset, guests are invited to join the hotel’s general manager at The Brigadier’s Bar for tropical punch and canapes, a tradition originating in the 1970s; alternatively, indulge in a four-course degustation at Reef House Restaurant, nestled under gently swaying Melaleuca trees.
The best beachfront apartment resorts in Queensland
Oceans Mooloolaba Beach
Live like a local in the seaside village of Mooloolaba at Oceans Mooloolaba Beach. With two- to four-bedroom apartments available, this laidback sanctuary is ideal for larger families or groups of friends. Enjoy all the comforts of home – each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room – paired with the indulgent amenities of a five-star resort: stunning ocean views, an outdoor swimming pool and movie theatrette to name a few. Just steps from the property, the village’s charming cafes, first-class restaurants, local art galleries and boutique stores await but don’t miss a meal at one of Mooloolaba’s two chef-hatted establishments, Spice Bar and Bella Venezia.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Pure relaxation awaits at Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore, surrounded by coconut palms and endless turquoise waters. With fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and separate lounge areas, the resort’s self-contained apartments are ideal for longer stays – couples can cosy up in one-bedroom apartments, while families will love the privacy of three- or four-bedroom options. Three swimming pools offer plenty of opportunity for sunbathing, while expansive Alamanda Spa fosters rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul. Discover the nearby Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest before returning to the resort for a gourmet feast at Nu Nu, where seasonal local produce takes centre stage.
The Point Coolum Beach
Ocean views don’t get much better than at The Point Coolum Beach, but it’s not the only reason this retreat makes the list of Queensland’s best beachfront escapes. Located a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and a 40-minute drive from Noosa, this stay offers the luxury of elevated apartment living and uninterrupted water panoramas. After days exploring the pristine beaches and ultra-cool cafes of Coolum, retreat to your private balcony or terrace, cook dinner in your fully equipped kitchen or take a dip in the onsite heated swimming pools. Come sunrise, venture beyond this home-away-from-home to find yourself beneath the shade of Yaroomba Coolum Foreshore Reserve.
Trinity Beach Palace
Welcome to Trinity Beach Palace, one of Queensland’s best beachfront resorts for groups of friends escaping everyday life, and larger families seeking a secluded retreat. Only a 25-minute drive from Cairns, this private estate is designed to fit up to 10 people. The open-air lounge and dining area are the perfect place to hang out, while the five separate suites offer luxurious privacy. Steps away from Trinity Beach you have access to a selection of excellent bars and restaurants, including the Trinity Beach Tavern for a hearty meal and L’Unico Trattoria Italiano restaurant. Spend a day hiking the Kuranda State Forest or enjoy a day on the water to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Ramada Resort Golden Beach
If self-contained luxury apartments, kid-friendly pools and ocean views sound like your cup of tea, then Ramada Resort Golden Beach is your ultimate Queensland beachfront escape. Set on the Sunshine Coast’s Golden Beach Esplanade and easily within walking distance of trendy cafes like Little Sister Eatery and Chill Gelato Bar, it couldn’t be better placed for family-friendly fun in the sun. Splash around under the rock-façade waterslide in the heated kid’s lagoon pool, or teach the little ones how to swing the racket on the tennis court, before cooking up a storm at the barbecue area near the games room.
The best beachfront island resorts in Queensland
Orpheus Island Lodge
Nestled along the coastline of a secluded private island you’ll find Orpheus Island Lodge – an all-inclusive slice of Queensland paradise. This ultra-luxurious retreat is set within the waters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Great Barrier Reef, granting only 28 people (at any one time) unparalleled access to the world wonder. This peaceful hideaway is home to a therapeutic spa and the alfresco Pavilion restaurant and bar, covered by more than 1000 hectares of national park foliage. The location alone is enough to make you weak at the knees, while the all-inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner and free-flow drinks will leave you in awe. On top of the dining, guests also have daily unlimited access to resort activities, including catamarans, kayaks, paddleboards and special reef day trips.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is the epitome of island paradise. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Great Barrier Reef, this exclusive retreat offers an unforgettable island escape with world-class dining, five-star facilities, immersive experiences and a dreamy day spa. Arrive in style with Hayman’s Luxury Launch, a VIP catamaran transfer complete with sparkling wine and snacks. On arrival, laze by the resort’s sprawling swimming pool – one of Australia’s largest – in stylish open-air cabanas or explore the surrounding reef on a snorkelling or diving adventure. Hayman Spa & Salon offers bespoke treatments to help you unwind, while four diverse restaurants will keep you satisfied with gourmet, produce-driven fare – whether you fancy Mediterranean, Pan-Asian or modern Australian. Mesmerising sunsets overlooking the ocean are the cherry on top of this ultra-lux island experience.
Green Island Resort
An eco-retreat awaits on the tiny slice of paradise that is Green Island Resort, a unique and secluded island escape off the Tropical North Queensland coastline. Life here is laidback and all about nature. Spend your days diving the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, exploring vibrant coral reefs from the island’s shores, the long pier, or onboard a full-day cruise. The resort is serious about eco-tourism and has some of Australia’s most innovative practices. When you’re not soaking up the sunshine, treat yourself to a romantic fine dining experience or casual beach picnic in the sand.
Looking for more inspiration? Hit the road with the Best Queensland Road Trips.
Feature Image: Green Island Resort, Queensland. Source: Supplied.
