The best luxury resorts and hotels in Queensland

LIST

By Morgan Reardon

Luxury in Queensland looks a little different. Here, barefoot glamour replaces formality, infinity pools spill into the reef, and five-star hotels come with a side of adventure. Think private island hideaways, boutique city stays, and outback retreats where the sunsets steal the show.

Whether you’re chasing poolside cocktails, rainforest seclusion or ocean views worth waking early for, these are the best luxury resorts in Queensland.

Why you need to book a luxury stay in Queensland

Because this is where indulgence meets adventure. Queensland’s luxury hotels and resorts aren’t just about plush pillows and world-class dining (though you’ll find plenty of both). They’re your front-row seat to reef snorkelling, rainforest walks, island-hopping, and outback star-gazing – with all the comfort you could want waiting at the end of the day. From the Whitsundays to the Gold Coast, Cairns to the red-dirt outback, a Queensland luxury stay means you don’t just check in… you check out of the everyday.

Luxury hotels and resorts in Brisbane

Crystalbrook Vincent

Art is everywhere at Crystalbrook Vincent, from the walls dripping with Vincent Fantauzzo originals to the sweeping views of the Story Bridge. Perched at Howard Smith Wharves and carved into the cliff face, it’s eco-conscious luxury with a lively edge. Think rooftop pool dips by day and cocktail clinks by night.

Must-do moment: Watch the city lights flicker on with a drink in hand at Fiume rooftop bar.

The Calile

Step into The Calile and you’ll feel like you’ve landed in Palm Springs via Fortitude Valley. Breezy balconies and poolside cabanas set the scene for slow, sun-soaked days. Boutique shopping and next-level dining (Hello Hellenika) are right on your doorstep, so you’ll never feel the need to leave.

Must-do moment: Recharge at KAILO Wellness Medispa, then float back to the pool in your robe.

W Brisbane

There are many things that bring the wow factor to the W Brisbane. For one, it was the first five-star hotel to open in the city in 20 years. It’s also designed to model the Brisbane River and pay homage to the local Indigenous culture. It's also dog-friendly. With panoramic views from South Bank to Mount Coot-tha, the W is home to bars, restaurants and over 300 sprawling suites, all with a guaranteed view.

Must-do moment: The W is famous for its “Whenever, Whatever” policy which allows guests to simply make a call during their stay and ask for anything (that’s legal).

Hotel X

Boutique Hotel X brings five-star flair to Fortitude Valley - down to amenities designed by Karl Lagerfield. Sparkling city views from your room and designer furniture will make it hard to pull yourself away, but if you do, the hotel is home to some of the city's best dining and a rooftop bar - bring your appetite for France's finest at Bisou Bisou. There's no denying this is a destination hotel for a luxury escape in Brisbane.

Must-do moment: Head for Iris - the rooftop bar - and watch the pink sunset envelop the city over Mediterranean bites and cocktails.

Luxury hotels and resorts on the Gold Coast

Mondrian Gold Coast

Burleigh’s beachfront just levelled up with the opening of Mondrian, the Gold Coast’s newest five-star stay. With 208 rooms ranging from sleek studios to sprawling Beach Houses and the show-stopping Sky House, it’s a luxe blend of coastal cool and contemporary elegance. From sunlit Italian dining at LiTO to oceanfront cocktails at Haven, plus a next-level spa experience at CIEL, this is beachside glamour done right.

Must-do moment: Claim a cabana at Haven’s pool club, sip champagne, and soak up uninterrupted Burleigh ocean views.

Beechmont Estate

On a private polo and Wagyu property beside World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels like a secret countryside escape. Farmhouse-style cabins and luxe pavilions wrap you in comfort, while the Club House fireplace is made for long, wine-fuelled nights. From horse rides with mountain views to market garden tours and spa sessions, there’s an adventure for every mood.

Must-do moment: Glass in hand, wander the grounds at sunset and keep an eye out for koalas, wallabies, and polo ponies.

The Darling

Boutique design meets five-star glamour at The Darling, perched inside The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach. With just 56 suites, it’s indulgence with an exclusive feel – think personalised service, rooftop poolside lazing, and a room you’ll never want to leave. Step outside and you’ve got world-class dining, theatre, nightlife, and a casino all under the same roof.

Must-do moment: Sip a signature cocktail at Nineteen at The Star’s terrace while the skyline and ocean stretch out before you.

Nightfall

Glamping doesn’t get more glamorous than Nightfall, tucked deep in the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Architect-designed safari tents come with fireplaces, luxe free-standing baths, and private views of the rainforest. Every detail is handcrafted, every meal organic and locally inspired – it’s eco-luxury at its dreamiest.

Must-do moment: Book a dreamy massage by the creek, with nothing but the sounds of Lamington National Park serenading you into a zen-like state.

JW Marriott Resort

This Surfers Paradise stunner has redefined family-friendly luxury. Think sprawling lagoon-style pool with waterfalls, a kids’ club that actually excites parents too, and experiences you can share together – from sushi-making classes to guided kayak tours. Rooms and suites bring the glam, but it’s the resort’s spirit of play that makes it unforgettable.

Must-do moment: Nab a seat at Misono’s lively Izakaya bar and watch the chefs’ knife skills steal the show.

Luxury hotels and resorts in Queensland Country

Spicers Peak Lodge

With the title of Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, Spicers Peak Lodge is figuratively and literally the height of luxury escapes. Although you’re only 90 minutes from Brisbane, you'll feel words away on this 10,000 acre property with just a handful of rooms. Spend your days indulging in a massage at Spa Anise or dining at the two Chef's Hat-awarded The Peak restaurant.

Must-do moment: Take advantage of the walking trails, mountain bike adventures, and discovery tours at your fingertips.

Barrel View Luxury Cabins

Sleep inside Australia’s first luxury wine barrel while gazing out over the rolling hills of Queensland’s Granite Belt. Perched high above Ballandean with 180-degree views across Girraween and Sundown National Parks, these architecturally designed cabins are all about relaxation and a deep connection to nature. Think king-sized beds, fluffy robes, private decks for sunset gazing, and a complimentary bottle of Vista Barile wine to toast your stay.

Must-do moment: Sip your wine on the deck as the sky ignites at sunset, then head out to explore the Strangebird Wine Trail by day.

Luxury hotels and resorts in The Whitsundays

qualia

When it comes to Australian luxury, qualia is the name on everyone’s lips. Perched on Hamilton Island, this award-winning hideaway pairs next-level views of the Great Barrier Reef with pavilions made for long bubble baths and blissful seclusion. Add in hot stone massages with 300-million-year-old stones and a round at the island’s private golf club, and you’ll see why it’s a bucket-list favourite.

Must-do moment: Slide into the infinity pool, cocktail in hand, before taking a chopper ride over the reef. Here's how to spend 48 blissful hours there.

Reefsuites

Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites puts you front and centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls mean you’ll wake up eye-to-eye with parrotfish and manta rays, all from the comfort of your king bed. Topside, the pontoon is just as magical, with sunsets, stars, and long-table dinners under the open sky.

Must-do moment: Toast the day with a drink as the sun sinks, then dine under a canopy of stars before retreating to your underwater sanctuary.

The Sundays

Check into Hamilton Island’s newest luxury digs, The Sundays. Set amongst the palms at the northern end of Catseye Beach, its calming interiors and breezy balcony rooms are designed for slowing down and soaking up those iconic Whitsundays views. The jewel in its crown is the Catseye Pool Club, where acclaimed chefs Josh and Julie Niland serve up dishes that celebrate fresh Australian produce. Guests also enjoy complimentary water sports - SUPs, kayaks and catamarans - for the ultimate island playground.

Must-do moment: Spend the afternoon drifting between poolside cocktails in a cabana, a dip in the ocean, and a sunset paddle out on a kayak.

Luxury hotels and resorts in Townsville

Orpheus Island Lodge

Couple enjoying the private Dining with the Tides experience — Orpheus Island Lodge, Orpheus Island, Townsville

Hop off a helicopter from Townsville or Cairns and you’ll land on 11km of turquoise coastline, with just 14 luxury rooms tucked between lush national park and vibrant coral reefs. It’s the kind of escape where the only decision you’ll need to make is which beach to lounge on first.

Must-do moment: Everything. For specifics, here are 7 reasons why you need to holiday on Orpheus Island.

Ardo Hotel

Sitting pretty right on The Strand’s waterfront, Ardo is Townsville’s first five-star hotel and she's absolutely beautiful. With 132 rooms, two restaurants, a day spa, and a vibing rooftop pool and bar overlooking Magnetic Island, it’s your base for city vibes with luxe comfort.

Must-do moment: Sip a sunset cocktail on the rooftop while watching the island glow.

Pelorus Private Island

For the ultimate “pinch me” escape, Pelorus Private Island is pure indulgence. Accessible only by helicopter or private yacht, this 400-hectare paradise is yours alone, complete with a single sprawling residence and four stunning suites surrounded by pristine reefs and native habitat.

Must-do moment: Explore your private slice of the Great Barrier Reef, then toast the day with champagne as the sun dips over the coral gardens.

Luxury hotels and resorts in and around Cairns

Daintree Eco Lodge

When real life has you itching to run away into the rainforest, point your GPS towards Daintree EcoLodge and Spa, where impeccable design has created the treehouse of your childhood dreams. Tucked within the 100-million-year-old Daintree rainforest, there's 15 deluxe bayans and a wellness spa that uses Aboriginal healing methods.

Must-do moment: Feast on a six-course degustation dinner under a canopy of ancient vines on your own private pontoon.

The Elandra Resort

Mission Beach just got a luxe upgrade. The adults-only Elandra Resort is a laidback coastal hideaway, surrounded by six hectares of tropical rainforest. Barefoot luxury, serene vibes, and tropical escape all in one.

Must-do moment: Take a dip in the pool and soak in views of Dunk, Bedarra, and Hinchinbrook islands.

Bedarra Island Resort

Secluded, serene, and seriously special, Bedarra is an all-inclusive island escape with just nine villas tucked into 45 hectares of rainforest. With only 18 guests max, you’re more likely to bump into a fish than another human while exploring the island.

Must-do moment: Pack a private picnic for a deserted island adventure or dive straight into the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Crystalbrook Riley Cairns

If you're looking for somewhere to kick off a luxury holiday to Cairns, that somewhere is Riley; a five-star hotel perched on the Cairns Esplanade with a massive lagoon-style pool at its heart. Minimising its footprint is a core focus for Riley, with room keys made from recycled wood, cardboard water cartons over plastic bottles, and refillable bathroom amenities.

Must-do moment: Catch the sunset and drink in sweeping views of the esplanade at Rocco atop of the tower building, which is also Cairns’ only rooftop bar.

Lizard Island

You might not have heard of it, but put this one on your Queensland luxury resorts radar: Lizard Island - one of National Geographic‘s Unique Lodges of the World. As Australia’s northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef – accessed exclusively by private charter from Cairns – you’ve got one of the seven natural wonders of the world right at your doorstep.

Must-do moment: Take your pick from the island’s 24 powdery-white beaches, grab some snorkel gear, and get exploring.

Luxury hotels and resorts in Outback Queensland

Mount Mulligan Lodge

Set on a private 28,000-hectare heritage site in the shadow of Mount Mulligan, this boutique accommodation lets guests to experience the spirit of the Queensland outback in style Catering for just 16 guests with three different room types, there’s a beautifully designed main pavilion for meals, a pool and sunset bar. Each guest room is also assigned its own electric buggy to explore the sprawling property.

Must do moment: The activities at Mt Mulligan Lodge have been designed to make the most of the rugged outback territory. Take a guided tour of the goldfields, or a scenic helicopter flight.

Gilberton Outback Retreat

It’s not often you’d expect to find a five-star luxury hut in the middle of an 88,000-acre working cattle station, but that’s exactly what you’ll stumble upon at Gilberton Outback Retreat (around a 10-hour drive from Townsville or Cairns).

Proving the outback can offer all the creature comforts, the exclusive abode is all local granite and sandstone, with four-poster king beds and a freestanding semi-outdoor bathtub with panoramic views over the Gilbert River.

Must-do moment: Put your adventure boots on and explore granite cathedrals and natural springs. Before nightfall, get the bathtub prepped for the best sunset of your life.

Lanarium Retreat

Escape off-grid to this 7,200-acre cropping and cattle farm. Stay in a stylish industrial farmhouse for up to seven guests, with an open-plan lounge, full kitchen, porch, and outdoor fire pit—perfect for relaxing in nature without giving up comfort.

Must-do moment: Take your all-inclusive gourmet sunset hamper and experience the colours that only a western sunset can give.

Stay longer: What else you’ll love nearby

Couple enjoying the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Coral Sea — Ardo Hotel, Townsville

Luxury doesn’t have to end with checkout. Stretch your Queensland trip further with these unforgettable extras:

Add a trip over the reef from Cairns or The Whitsundays.
Explore Queensland from above on a luxury helicopter ride.
Bliss out at Queensland's best spas.

Final word: Queensland luxury, wrapped up

From city skylines to reef-fringed islands and the wild outback, Queensland’s best luxury hotels and resorts combine adventure and indulgence in one unforgettable package. Wherever you check in, you’ll check out refreshed, recharged, and a little bit spoiled. The only question left? Which luxury escape will you choose first.