Swap the cold for sunshine at these chic Queensland resorts

Best resorts in Queensland

Silky Oaks Lodge

#2 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: Epicurean explorers with a love for the outdoors

Awaken your senses with the lush tropics of the Daintree at Silky Oaks Lodge. This contemporary and refined eco-lodge is nestled within 32-hectares of rainforest on Kuku Yalanji Country, just an hour’s drive from Cairns. Choose from one of the 40 treehouses or riverside rooms, with indoor-outdoor lounging spaces sets guests among the trees. Savour bold, local flavours at the dramatic Treehouse Restaurant and bar overlooking the Mossman River before unwinding peacefully on a hammock or freestanding stone bathtub, located on your private deck.

Read our full review here

Address: 423 Finlayvale Rd, Finlayvale QLD 4873

Lizard Island

#3 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: Laid back, secluded luxury

Lizard Island is arguably Australia’s best-positioned island resort, ringed by the reef and fringed by 24 sandy beaches. Guests snorkel among reef fish and over a giant-clam garden within wading distance of 40 white weatherboard rooms and suites, rebuilt twice after cyclones ripped through a few years ago. The restaurant Salt Water offers custom daily menus that make the most of the local fresh catch, accompanied by panoramic views of Anchor Bay. Enjoy this stay for its mix of carefree charm with unmatched natural beauty.

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Address: Great Barrier Reef. PMB 40, QLD 4871

qualia

#5 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: A slice of quiet luxury

qualia is one of Australia’s most luxurious resorts, and is a favourite for big-name stars seeking a slice of secluded luxury, including Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue, to name a few. On Hamilton Island, qualia’s 60 pavilions are teamed with fine dining, five-star service and the World Heritage wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Some pavilions have pools; all have sundecks and are positioned in bushland to capture incredible views of the Whitsundays.

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Address: 20 Whitsunday Blvd, Whitsundays QLD 4802

Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

#7 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: A tropical reprieve

Hayman Island recently celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025, and has been a hero feature in the Australian coastal luxury scene. More than 180 rooms and suites are on offer, each with an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, beach or lagoon, depending on your room. Embark on a culinary journey at Amici, Bam Bam or Pacific, or enjoy tropical cocktails and classic poolside snacks at Aqua for some sun-drenched poolside bliss.

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Address: Hayman Island Whitsunday Islands, Hayman Island QLD 4802

Langham Gold Coast

#8 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: A family-friendly escape

At The Langham Gold Coast, there’s no need to choose between beach-side bliss and poolside pampering. One of the newest additions to the Gold Coast hotel scene, The Langham offers 17 room types, from superior rooms to expansive suites. Centrally located, the resort provides a full roster of activities both on-site and along the shoreline. Indulge in fine dining at T’ang Court, whose revered sister restaurant in Hong Kong has held three Michelin stars since 2016. For a more casual option, Akoya offers all-day dining, from generous buffet breakfasts to à la carte dinners.

Read our full review here

Address: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Mt Mulligan Lodge

#5 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: City dwellers with a Western soul

While the rest of these resorts boast tropical havens for poolside loungers, those more spiritually inclined toward rugged mountain regions and a Western affair will find Mt Mulligan Lodge calling. This eco-certified luxury lodge accommodates just 28 guests across 14 spacious suites, with indulgent comforts including a king-sized bed, expansive bathrooms, and verandahs complete with daybeds and an iron bathtub. Each guest also has access to their own gold EV golf cart for dashing around the property. Whether you’re enjoying the comfort of your suite or dining from the all-inclusive menu, the lodge offers panoramic vistas of Mount Mulligan for a truly immersive experience.

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Address: Mount Mulligan Rd, Mount Mulligan QLD 4871

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

#10 on Gourmet Traveller’s list of best resorts in Australia.

Ideal for: A fun, tropical-style getaway for couples or families

Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is a five-star tropical escape offering a relaxed and luxurious base from which to explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the ocean or mountains, while the lagoon pool provides the perfect setting to unwind before a family-friendly visit to nearby Sea World. Travelling solo or with a partner? Indulge in one of six treatment rooms, including a signature couple’s room complete with an ensuite stone bath and twin showers.

Read our full review here

Address: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

More recommended resorts in Queensland

The Sundays

Ideal for: Casual, boutique luxury

A recent arrival on the Hamilton Island accommodation scene, The Sundays is a luxury boutique hotel offering the ultimate in tropical seclusion. Calming interiors and sweeping views from each room set the tone for a restorative stay, with larger, interconnected suites available for families needing extra space to roam. After a day of pure relaxation, enjoy a family-friendly seafood diner at the Catseye Pool Club from culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, capturing the local flavours of the east coast.

Address: 10 Palm Terrace Way, Whitsundays QLD 4802

Mondrian Gold Coast

Ideal for: Boutique luxury

Queensland’s visitor accommodation has levelled up in luxury, with the calibre of the next tranche of five-star properties setting a new standard – particularly the arrival of the Mondrian Gold Coast in Burleigh Heads. Following in the footsteps of Cannes, Ibiza, Mexico City and Seoul, the Gold Coast now plays host to Australia’s first Mondrian. Expect high-octane glamour at this striking two-tower hotel, featuring 208 guest rooms, a day spa, two restaurants, and two bars.

Address: 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220