Orpheus Island Lodge, Palm Island: Nestled in the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island Lodge is a secluded island hideaway accommodating just 28 guests. This palatial resort is a divers dream and eager explorers can take to the reef to check out more than 1100 different fish species or you can pack a picnic, charter a motorised dingy and tuck in to some gourmet bites cove-side. For those in need of some R&R, you can even get a unique Indigenous-inspired treatment at the in-resort Gwandalan Day Spa. A small catch for this piece of paradise is that the only way of getting to Orpheus Island Lodge is via a 30-minute helicopter journey from Townsville, or a 1.5-hour private helicopter charter from Cairns. As Arnie said, “get to the choppa!”. Book your stay in here.
Image credit: Reefsuites
Reefsuites, Whitsundays: Ever wished you were in The Little Mermaid, living life under the sea? That’s exactly what you can do at Reefsuites, an undersea accommodation in the Whitsundays where you can spend the night sleeping amongst the colourful aquatic garden that is the Great Barrier Reef. Anchored offshore at Hardy Reef (just a short boat ride from Airlie Beach), this out-of-this-world accommodation destination boasts rooms with glass-walled ensuites and floor-to-ceiling views of the reef. Want to get even closer? You can take a privately guided snorkelling tour, where you’ll be able to dive or swim through the natural wonderland that is the Great Barrier Reef and spot fish, turtles and maybe a reef shark or two. Bookings can be made here. You’ll be singing ‘Under the Sea’ like Sebastian in no time!
Image credit: qualia
qualia, Hamilton Island: Nestled in the northern most tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is famous for its world-class luxury offering. The lavish resort is said to have hosted guests like Oprah, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gordon Ramsay, Cate Blanchett and Miranda Kerr. With rooms featuring awe-inspiring ocean views of the Coral Sea and amenities like private salt-water plunge pools, sun decks and ample entertaining areas, you won’t be shortchanged in luxury at qualia. The exclusive Beach House lodging even has its own 12-metre infinity pool and private guest house. To book a truly memorable holiday experience or learn more, head here. This is livin’, Barry.
Image credit: Mt Mulligan Lodge
Mt Mulligan Lodge, Mount Mulligan: Both intimate and opulent, Mt Mulligan Lodge is a luxury outback lodge situated on a secluded, entirely private 28,000-hectare heritage site in the shadow of the majestic Mount Mulligan. When we say intimate, we aren’t kidding. The lodge accommodates just 20 guests at a time in spacious guest retreats that offer a luxurious and charming take on pastoral living. Take a relaxing bath on your private deck, explore the property on your personal electric buggy and lap up uninterrupted views of the Northern Queensland outback. To secure a booking, we suggest planning ahead (seriously, way ahead) and hopping over here.
Image credit: Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island Resort, Whitsundays: One of the Whitsundays most beloved island resorts – Daydream Island – has re-opened its doors following a $140 million makeover – and boy, did they spend that money wisely. This tranquil island resort offers a range of refurbished rooms with spectacular views overlooking the cerulean waters of the Whitsundays, the pool and lush garden landscapes. The main affair of this dynamite location – The Living Reef, of course! This coral lagoon (which holds more than 1.5 million litres of water) wraps its way around 200 m of resort and is home to more than 100 species of marine fish, 80 species of coral and other creatures like starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs. If crustaceans aren’t your thing, we’ve heard the swim-up bar is open for cocktails. Tommy Bahama shirt at the ready? Pop over here to make a booking.
Image one credit: Orpheus Island Lodge
