Turquoise water that seems to glisten at every angle. Sprawling white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Bucket list experiences like snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or traversing the Daintree Rainforest. Some of the most luxurious resorts you’ll ever have the pleasure of staying at. These are just some of the highlights that await you in Australia’s Sunshine State — because Queensland is unmatched in its ability to bring us closer to nature while still providing the opportunity to enjoy a true luxury holiday.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing eco-lodge retreat in the outback, a private island stay or a five-star resort moment, there’s a Queensland resort perfectly tailored to your ideal itinerary. Over the past few years, the state has seen a huge resurgence in resort offerings, with a wide variety to choose from across different regions of Queensland. From the mountain ranges of the outback to the sandy bays of Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays, this is a destination that never disappoints.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best Queensland resorts to escape to in 2025. They’ll allow you to recharge, relax, and leave feeling like you’ve had exactly the holiday you needed.
2025’S TOP QUEENSLAND RESORTS
- Qualia, Hamilton Island (here’s why)
- Mt Mulligan Lodge, Booking.com (here’s why)
- Orpheus Island Lodge, Luxury Escapes (here’s why)
The best Queensland resorts in 2025
01
Qualia
Best for: couples looking to relax and recharge
There’s a good chance you’ve already heard about this ultra-luxe Hamilton Island resort, thanks to it being a favourite of celebrities like Oprah, Kylie Minogue and Julia Roberts. Nestled on a secluded peninsula in the Whitsundays, Qualia epitomises serene opulence, with its contemporary design that blends modern architecture with uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea. An adults-only haven, Qualia is especially great for couples looking for a quiet getaway that feels totally secluded. You can enjoy a treatment at Spa Qualia by day and a meal at the award-winning Long Pavilion or Pebble Beach restaurants by night.
There are 60 pavilions on offer, each featuring its own private deck, spacious living area, minibar stocked with artisanal treats, and a bathroom equipped with Aesop amenities. For a truly private stay, opt for a Windward Pavilion, which comes with its own plunge pool.
Key features:
- Private pavilion rooms
- Onsite luxury Spa Qualia
- Award-winning onsite restaurants
- Local activities and experiences available such as helicopter tours, private yacht charters and bushwalking tours
02
Mt Mulligan Lodge
Best for: an immersive eco-certified outback experience
If you’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari, you’ll be pleased to know you can get a similar experience without having to travel halfway across the world — because at Mt Mulligan Lodge, you can relish the Queensland outback and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges from the comfort of your own private suite.
Located on a 28,000-hectare private outback property 160 km north-west of Cairns, this is an all-inclusive, secluded oasis where you can quite literally switch off (in fact, you have no choice, as there’s no mobile reception) and enjoy the serenity. Fill up your outdoor bath on the veranda and luxuriate in the feeling of your cortisol levels lowering as you take in the majesty of the natural environment.
Key features:
- Infinity pool
- Sunset bar
- Personal EV buggy for travelling around the resort
- Activities and day trips like guided tours of the goldfields, gourmet picnic hampers, wildlife spotting, stargazing and Barramundi fishing
Also available at:
03
Orpheus Island Lodge
Best for: the ultimate all-inclusive luxury escape
It almost sounds too good to be true — a private island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can get around by kayak, dinghy or even stand-up paddleboard. But that’s the power of Orpheus Island Lodge, which makes paradise feel very real. Located north-west of Townsville, Orpheus is an intimate resort (there can only ever be 28 guests on the island at any one time) that will make you feel totally at home.
The beachfront villas offer ocean views and an open-plan design. You can enjoy alfresco evenings at Pavilion Bar, a divine spa treatment at Gwandalan, or perhaps have a quiet moment in the reading room — if for some reason you’re not in the mood to relax by the infinity pool. At Orpheus, it’s about the small, personal moments. You can even get a chef-prepared picnic to take on your explorations of the surrounding private beaches — luxury doesn’t get much better than that.
Key features:
- Gwandalan Spa
- Private beaches
- Infinity pool
- Pavilion bar
- Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and dinghies
Also available at:
04
Intercontinental Hayman Island
Best for: a five-star experience with your girlfriends
Located on the stunning shores of the Whitsundays, the InterContinental Hayman Island is the jewel of Hayman Bay. You’re spoiled for choice from the moment you arrive, with two pools and four different onsite restaurants — not to mention a plethora of activities and experiences to choose from, including the luxurious Hayman Spa.
There are also various room options, allowing you to personalise your experience according to the group you’re travelling with. If you’re going with friends, opt for one of the Beachfront Pool Villas, which come with their own heated plunge pool, freestanding bath and private beach access.
Key features:
- Hayman Spa
- Four onsite restaurants and a café
- Two pools
- Yoga and meditation classes
- Fitness centre
- A range of experiences and activities including helicopter and guided tours
- Indoor golf simulator
Also available at:
05
The Sundays
Best for: family trips that become cherished memories
A new boutique option that only opened in 2024, The Sundays has quickly become one of the most popular resorts for families seeking a Queensland holiday. From the same team behind Qualia, this is a family destination that doesn’t skimp on luxury details or experiences. Here, the notion of the ‘Sunday scaries’ doesn’t exist — because the feeling of the weekend lingers well beyond Sunday evening. With each room offering stunning views, a pool fringed with private cabanas, and an onsite restaurant — Catseye Pool Club, by Josh and Julie Niland — this resort re-imagines family-friendly luxury.
Every element has been thoughtfully considered to make it the ultimate Whitsundays getaway for those with kids. From complimentary ice creams by the pool each day to interconnecting rooms for extra space, and a kids’ club that will keep the little ones happily occupied while the adults relax or explore.
Key features:
- Kids’ club
- Onsite restaurant by award-winning duo Julie & Josh Niland
- Complimentary gourmet daily breakfast
- Exclusive complimentary experiences like sunrise yoga and kids moonlight movies
Also available at:
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