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The Sunshine State is calling, with sensational stays dotted up and down the iconic coastline. From stylish city hotels to sprawling Queensland resorts, getting away has never felt this luxurious, with unparalleled access to awe-inspiring accommodation, decadent dining and some of the state’s best natural wonders.
Read on for our top picks of the best hotels across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays and Townsville. Or if the beach is calling your name, check out Queensland’s top beachfront escapes.
The best hotels in Brisbane
The Star Grand Brisbane
One of Brisbane’s glitziest new hotel launches, The Star Grand Brisbane joins the Star complexes in Sydney and the Gold Coast as a one-stop hotel, leisure and entertainment destination. Million-dollar skyline views, a showstopping casino, myriad restaurants and bars and a spa and sauna to follow: this is the high life indeed.
Need a little more space? Check out The Star Grand Brisbane’s one- and two-bedroom apartments, The Star Residences.
The Inchcolm by Ode
Award-winning style and convenient CBD indulgence are the cornerstones of a stay at The Inchcolm by Ode, a luxurious launchpad in the centre of Brisbane. A Neo-Georgian exterior gives way to an elegant interior, with herringbone oak timber, wrap-around windows and granite fireplaces that whisper heritage charm. Dine at the glamorous The Inchcolm Bar, or set out to explore the surrounding area, soaking up the sunset over Victoria Bridge and feasting at South Bank’s restaurants.
The Calile
Listed in the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels, in the top spot for Australia, The Calile is a masterclass in relaxed barefoot luxury. With a design inspired by the stylings of Miami, Palm Springs and 1960s Australia, the pastel-coloured rooms are centered around a show-stopper of a pool, complete with sage green umbrellas and cabanas, that regularly peppers Instagram feeds. Four of Brisbane’s best restaurants and bars – Hellenika, Lobby Bar, Sushi Room and SK Steak and Oyster – complete the offering, all in the heart of the leafy James Street precinct.
W Brisbane
The epitome of urban luxury awaits at W Brisbane, found in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Perfectly positioned to offer stunning views over the Brisbane River, this stylish retreat is all about big ideas and little details: savour innovative Australian cuisine at The Lex and enjoy a nightcap at the Living Room Bar; beat Brisbane’s heat with a dip in the sparkling pool with a cocktail from WET Deck waiting for you poolside, or retreat to the AWAY Spa for a rejuvenating treatment.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
This award-winning boutique hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the city’s South Bank, invites you to drink in Brisbane skyline views from a palm-fringed rooftop infinity pool. Sip on cocktails at the all-season Terrace Rooftop Bar, devour aperitivo and primi at the hatted FIRMA Italian, and indulge in high tea at the French-inspired Belle Époque: between exploring everything on your doorstep, of course.
The best hotels on the Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast
QT’s signature quirky style brings an added element of fun to the Surfers Paradise beachfront. Expect beach-inspired rooms with a dash of colourful QT personality, an uber-stylish, cabana-lined pool, a day spa and dining that takes you on a culinary journey to Japan and beyond.
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Formerly known as Palazzo Versace, Imperial Hotel Gold Coast remains as glamorous as ever, with a prime position in the heart of the Gold Coast. The five-star palatial oasis features an opulent Italian exterior, leading through to a grand lobby and rooms complete with two-person spa baths. Soak up the sunshine at Water Salon, the spectacular central lagoon lined with private cabanas, or spend an afternoon indulging in high tea at Le Jardin.
The Langham
The Langham and indulgence go hand-in-hand – nowhere is this clearer than at its five-star Gold Coast outpost, the first beachfront luxury hotel to hit the coast for more than 30 years. With six restaurants and bars, two glittering resort-style pools, a signature spa and jewel-like architecture that stands proudly on the skyline, it offers an idyllic escape from the everyday. For true luxury, look to its sky-high residences, complete with fully equipped kitchens and generous living spaces.
The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
Minutes from bustling Broadbeach, The Darling offers all-suite glamour within The Star Gold Coast’s five-star fun-parlour, home to nine restaurants, five bars, a vibrant entertainment precinct and world-class casino. Elevated luxuries are the name of the game in your contemporary suite, with freestanding bathtubs, luxe toiletries, Bose sound systems and fully automated lighting and curtains. Work your way through the drinking and dining options on-site, and admire panoramic Gold Coast views from the Technogym fitness centre at Azure Spa & Fitness, before cooling off in the sun-drenched outdoor pool.
The Star Residences at The Star Gold Coast
Discover a new home-away-from-home in the heart of Broadbeach at Star Residences, part of Queensland’s premier entertainment destination, The Star Gold Coast. Luxury furnishings, large living spaces and spectacular views all come standard in these one and two-bedroom apartments, along with five-star facilities: think a resort-style pool, tranquil spa, and a collection of top-notch restaurants and entertainment venues.
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Embrace playtime in paradise with a stay at The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast, yet another feather in the cap of the five-star entertainment precinct, The Star. Sitting just moments from pristine beaches, buzzy restaurants and vibrant nightlife, this five-star hotel puts you in the heart of Broadbeach’s action, offering the chance to catch waves, shop up a storm and explore the wider region, including the famous theme parks. Upon your return, kick back poolside with a cocktail, unwind at the spa or simply relax in your modern room with views over the coast or hinterland.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
Hidden among 4.2 hectares of tropical gardens in waterside Sanctuary Cove, a 30-minute drive from the centre of the Gold Coast, this five-star retreat is a peaceful haven within easy reach of all the action –should you seek it. Laze by the sprawling one-acre lagoon pool, sipping on cocktails from Lagoon Beach Club, or enjoy the theatre of wood-fire cuisine at signature restaurant, The Fireplace. The resort is famed for its golf, and is home to three critically acclaimed courses: The Palms, Links Hope Island and The Pines.
The best hotels in the Sunshine Coast
Essence Peregian Beach
Coastal design meets high-end resort living at this collection of hotel suites and holiday homes, located just 15 minutes from Noosa’s Hastings Street. Bring the family along for a stay in an ultra-spacious two-bedroom suite, while also enjoying access to two heated magnesium pools and an exclusive bar. Set against the backdrop of Noosa’s UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve and a short walk from Peregian Beach, this is laidback living at its best.
The best hotels in Port Douglas
mist at Cape Tribulation
Discover the meeting place of two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – at the boutique mist at Cape Tribulation. Sleep in a luxe self-contained pavilion, surrounded by lush greenery, reconnect with nature among the canopy and creeks of the world’s oldest rainforest, or sink into a double hammock to enjoy a soundtrack of native birds. Snorkel through the underwater rainbow of the Great Barrier Reef, before returning to enjoy the fresh food of nearby eateries like Turtle Rock Cafe.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Tropical paradise awaits at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, with an expansive flame-lit lagoon pool, lush gardens and spacious apartments that boast a kitchen, generous living spaces and laundry facilities. Spend your days making a splash at Four Mile Beach, hiking through Mossman Gorge, or exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonders, before returning to enjoy all-day dining at Aluco and a wellness treatment at Vie Spa.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman
Nestled on the banks of the Mossman River within the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Stay in a luxurious retreat or suite, each with bathtubs and outdoor living spaces, and spend each day learning about the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or simply working your way through the Treehouse Restaurant’s modern Australian menu, which celebrates ingredients from the kitchen garden and local producers.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Perched on the edge of the famous Four Mile Beach, within the tropical surrounds of Far North Queensland, this five-star resort is the perfect base to explore Port Douglas and two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. When not out soaking up the region’s beauty, cool off in the sparkling saltwater pools, explore 147 hectares of gorgeous gardens onsite or indulge in local flavours at the hatted Harrisons Restaurant.
The best hotels in Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn
Expect laidback luxury beside the 4,800sqm saltwater Cairns Lagoon at Crystalbrook Flynn, a five-star designer retreat featuring two glass swimming pools and stunning Coral Sea views. Enjoy the little details of your unique art-filled room, before popping out to explore the iconic Esplanade via bicycle. When you return, choose between the gastropub-style fare of Boardwalk Social, seafood and pastas at Flynn’s Italian or a wee dram at Whiskey and Wine.
Shangri-La The Marina
Another gem on the shore of Cairns Lagoon is the five-star Shangri-La The Marina. Embrace true tropical vibes from the balcony of your sea-view room, lounge by the glittering pool, cooling cocktail in hand, or work your way through the two-tiered seafood platter at The Backyard restaurant. Venture further afield to explore the magic of Tropical North Queensland and the world-famous natural playground – The Great Barrier Reef.
Lizard Island Resort
As the only luxury resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island Resort offers a five-star experience like no other. Sitting on the edge of a national park, surrounded by private beaches, it’s a masterclass in private island escapism, with all-inclusive dining, nature-inspired villas and suites and a bounty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the reef, land or in the tranquil Essentia Spa. When it comes to Queensland resorts, you can’t get much better.
The Reef House
Adults-only tropical bliss awaits at The Reef House, an award-winning boutique sanctuary where the Daintree Rainforest and the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef meet. This treasure has been charming guests for almost 50 years, in its current capacity with 28 signature inclusions like unlimited bicycle hire and cocktail classes. Come sunset, join fellow guests for a sundowner and canapés at Brigadier’s Bar and Lounge, before dining under the stars at The Reef House Restaurant.
The best hotels in the Whitsundays
InterContinental Hayman Island
Queensland resorts don’t get much more iconic than InterContinental Hayman Island, a jewel in the Whitsundays’ crown. Offering direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, there’s play-time aplenty with opportunities for snorkelling, diving, private boat charters and so much more. On land, dip into one of Australia’s largest swimming pools, unwind at the tranquil Elemis-backed spa, or discover seafood buffets and Pan-Asian flavours at the four distinct dining venues.
Yangaro
Live out your Tropical North Queensland dreams in an architecturally designed villa overlooking Funnel Bay. Moments from the Bay’s pristine stretch of sand, and 10 minutes from famous Airlie Beach, Yangaro’s eight luxury villas have everything you and your guests need, including fully equipped kitchens, expansive living and dining areas, private pools and large gardens. When it comes to unwinding, the onsite Clubhouse fulfils every wish, with a day spa, fitness centre, steam room and plunge pool.
Beach Club Hamilton Island
Adults-only bliss is calling at Beach Club, a boutique bolthole sitting on the edge of Hamilton Island’s popular Catseye Beach. While away days swimming in the oceanfront infinity swimming pool, swinging in a beachside hammock and sipping on cocktails. As the sun sets, dine on Modern Australian fare at the Beach Club restaurant, before returning to your airy room, complete with king bed, freestanding tub and private terrace.
Reef View Hotel
This Hamilton Island gem, overlooking Catseye Beach, offers a prime position on the island for beachside fun. Relax and unwind at the spa, sauna or 35-metre pool, or simply soak up the palm-fringed beauty of the island from your private balcony. Spend your days exploring all that this spectacular patch of paradise has to offer, including world-class water activities, before returning for a waterside meal at Pool Terrace restaurant.
The best of the rest in Tropical North Queensland
Ardo Townsville
As Townsville’s first five-star hotel, Ardo Townsville is pioneering a new era of opulence in North Queensland. This oceanfront haven features a rooftop infinity pool (complete with Coral Sea views), a holistic day spa and sophisticated rooms and suites, along with three stunning dining options: Japanese-inspired Terasu, steak and seafood-led Marmor and buzzy cocktail spot, Ardo Rooftop.
The Elandra Resort Mission Beach
This adults-only, boutique hideaway sits on a clifftop between sun-kissed sands and six hectares of private rainforest in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, just two hours from Cairns. Days are spent exploring secret waterholes, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or lazing on the shaded pool deck, before dining on freshly caught seafood and sipping on spritzes at the al fresco restaurant.
Orpheus Island Lodge
Embrace private island luxury at Orpheus Island Lodge, a jewel set among the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. With 11 kilometres of turquoise coastline and 1,000 hectares of National Park to explore by foot, paddleboard or kayak, it’s a nature lover’s playground, shared with just 28 guests. Want for nothing with attentive service, making the most of the Pavilion Bar, infinity pool and Gwandalan Spa.
Mt Mulligan Lodge
All-inclusive luxury is taken up a notch at Mt Mulligan Lodge, set on a sprawling 28,000-hectare working cattle station in North Queensland’s outback. In the shadow of Ngarrabullgan (Mount Mulligan), this unique lodging accommodates just 28 guests, promising highly personalised service, locally sourced, outback-inspired dining and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like stargazing, private guided tours and ATV adventures.
