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+.
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.
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.
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.
Palm Bay Resort
Hotels in the Whitsundays often top the lists of Queensland’s best beachfront resorts and Palm Bay Resort is no exception. This adults-only resort showcases what island living is all about: private beachfront bures and bungalows perched on the powder-soft sand, overlooking the crystal Coral Sea. Seafood and sub-tropical luxury go hand in hand here, with Curlews Restaurant serving decadent scallops cured in pina colada dressing, local tiger prawns, and garlic, chilli and basil-infused mussels beneath the swaying palm trees. The resort offers complimentary snorkelling and kayaking around the island.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for more Queensland travel inspiration? Hit the road with the Best Queensland Road Trips.
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Feature Image: Green Island Resort, Queensland. Source: Supplied.
