The Best Luxury Getaways in Queensland

When considering where to stay in Queensland but want something a little more VIP and a lot more luxury, these getaways are just the thing. Queensland's quiet luxury escape holiday destinations are aplenty, you just need to know where to look. 

But firstly, what is Queensland known for? Queensland is very well known for its gorgeous white-sandy beaches and tropical islands but that’s not all! There are over 200 national parks (yes, 200!) covering more than 6.5 hectares, as well as picturesque rainforests, lush bushlands, rivers, streams and more. And let’s not forget the wildlife! The list is impressive, ranging from kangaroos to humpback whales.

This amazing part of Australia really has it all when it comes to location, what’s on offer and luxury. Let’s have some fun and look at the best luxury getaways in Queensland and what kind of luxury activities you can do.

Table of Contents

1. Silky Oaks Lodge
2. Mt Mulligan Lodge
3. Orpheus Island Lodge
4. Luxury Activities
    

Silky Oaks Lodge

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A Riverhouse Suite at Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman. Image Credit: Silky Oaks Lodge

The ultimate luxury eco lodge with full-service spa and free breakfast, Silky Oaks Lodge is situated on the beautiful Mossman River, just downstream from the Mossman Gorge, 30 minutes inland from Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland. Silky Oaks Lodge is a true VIP luxury getaway and one of the best boutique hotels in Queensland. This tranquil escape, with views of the aforementioned Mossman River, or the rainforest is provided by 40 luxurious treehouses decorated with modern furnishings and made of local wood.

Each of the treehouses offer iPod docking stations and minibars. All the rooms open to balconies, have a nightly turndown service and the beds feature premium bedding. There is an outdoor pool as well.

The tranquil sights and sounds of the rainforest are welcomed into the outdoor restaurant and bar, providing an exceptional setting for casual gourmet dining. Asian influences can be seen in the contemporary Australian style of the menus, which are meant to be light and refreshing to go with the tropical climate.

The Healing Waters Spa is a serene haven that provides relief from the hustle and bustle of daily life and is surrounded by the lush rainforest landscapes. You are invited to indulge in the surroundings' untamed beauty, connect with your breath, and spend time in nature as part of the luxurious and therapeutic therapies for body, mind, and soul on offer. When you leave the spa, you'll feel renewed and lighter in spirit, ready to take in the rainforest's natural splendour.
 

Mt Mulligan Lodge

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Infinity pool at Mount Mulligan Lodge. Image Credit: Mount Mulligan Lodge

One of the newest all-inclusive luxury resorts in Queensland, Mt Mulligan Lodge is a fabulous country retreat. This opulent outback resort offers boutique lodging beneath the spectacular Mount Mulligan on a remote, totally private 28,000-hectare heritage reserve. If you choose the helicopter transfer for this luxurious getaway, you will really feel like a VIP.

From Cairns, Mt Mulligan Lodge is reachable either a 2.5-hour 4WD excursion or a 35-minute helicopter journey.

Mt Mulligan Lodge provides relaxed comfort in the harsh outback setting of Queensland, against the backdrop of its magnificent 18-kilometer-long sandstone namesake. 16 guests are invited to a working cattle ranch to experience the outback's essence through a stunning terrain rich in indigenous significance stretching back 37,000 years. The vast property still carries remnants of Australia's pastoral history as well as the ancient gold and coal rushes. A variety of experiences have been created to take full use of the beautiful surroundings and their rich history.

These include guided tours of the Tyrconnell Gold Mine, historical coal mine exploration, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) excursions, picnic baskets prepared by a chef, barramundi fishing, scenic helicopter flights, nature walks with a guide, and the opportunity to observe the activities of a working cattle station.

A variety of fresh, locally sourced, seasonal foods that are caught, cultivated, and prepared locally are included on the light, modern, and frequently changing menu at Mt Mulligan Lodge. A sampling plate of kangaroo tataki, miso cream, tea-soaked egg, and wasabi granola is offered on the menu, along with hefty main dishes such grass-fed Bushy Creek beef, roasted peppers, manzanilla olive, lemon myrtle, and smoked chimichurri.

The cellar, which features classic and boutique wines from Australia's renowned wine regions, has been designed to promote harmony between cuisine, climate, and environment.

All in all, Mount Mulligan Lodge truly offers one of the best luxury getaways in Queensland.

Orpheus Island Lodge

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Infinity pool at Orpheus Island Lodge. Image Credit: Elise Hassey Photography

Not that we've left the best for last, but this island retreat might rank among the best resorts in Queensland! The Great Barrier Reef is home to the all-inclusive, opulent island resort known as Orpheus, which can house up to 28 guests.

From Townsville, a 30-minute helicopter ride will get you to this luxury island resort.

Orpheus Island Lodge is the epitome of a quiet, untouched tropical haven. The suites, and villas spreads across 11 kilometres of beautiful azure coastline. The island itself is bordered by pristine fringing reef that you can visit by simply leaving your room, which spans more than 1,000 hectares of national park. 

Never before has luxury been so cosy. Each room celebrates nature out of a dedication to sustainability. The upscale, all-inclusive Queensland hotel has 14 modern suites, all of which have stunning sea views.

Every stay at Orpheus includes three gourmet meals daily made by chef Paul Wilson and his staff, a range of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as soft drinks, plus a daily curated Orpheus experience.

The lodge features the main pavilion bar and alfresco-style dining area, Gwandalan Day Spa, a restaurant, reading room, and an alluring 25m x 13m infinity pool.

There is unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddleboards, kayaks and catamarans. As well as unlimited use of fishing and snorkelling gear. You’ll also find an all-inclusive mini bar in your room!

Luxury Activities

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Scenic helicopter flight landing at Vlasoff Sand Cay in Queensland. Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

A trip to Queensland wouldn’t be complete without adding on a few activities, here are a few suggestions to get you started. 

• Daintree Dreaming Aboriginal Art & Culture: This small-group, all-day tour highlights regional culture and the Daintree Rainforest's beautiful surroundings. Visit the Janbal Gallery for an Aboriginal Art Class. Enjoy lunch at the Mossman Gorge Centre and see a traditional Smoking Ceremony. There’s also a guided scenic walk through the rainforest at Mossman Gorge.
   
• Vlasoff Sand Cay Scenic Helicopter Flight: As your private charter helicopter takes off from Cairns, take in the breath-taking aerial views of the tropical rainforest-covered coastline and the azure waters of the Coral Sea before making an exhilarating landing on idyllic Vlasoff Cay, a gem in the centre of Australia's Great Barrier Reef that is listed as a World Heritage Site. The experience is 40 minutes flying time (20-minute reef scenic flight each way) and two hours at Vlasoff Cay.

   

A destination that isn’t too far from our New Zealand shores, Queensland offers such diversity of landscapes, and luxury escape options and activities, that we’re sure you could just keep on going back!

Ready to experience luxury in Queensland? Check our Queensland Holiday offers or find your nearest Travel Advisor here to start planning your luxury Queensland getaway. 

Or if you're looking for some luxurious stays closer to home, read our blog on the best VIP Luxury Retreats in New Zealand.