A traditional log-cabin guesthouse that has now transformed into a contemporary wilderness retreat, the O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park is the perfect choice for lovers of the great outdoors. Set in a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ancient forest and glistening creeks, spend your days exploring over 700 miles of walking trails, 500 waterfalls and 250 species of wildlife, before returning to your villa to witness outstanding sunsets. For an extra special stay, opt for a Valley View villa, located high on the mountain with spectacular views out to the McPherson Range.
The sophisticated Palazzo Versace combines the timeless elegance of fashion and beauty with the luxury of travel. Enjoy the distinct style of Gianni Versace as you enter the world's first fashion-branded hotel, an exclusive waterfront retreat with contemporary facilities that include three gourmet restaurants and two bars, the indulgent Aurora Spa Retreat and the unique Water Salon.
Overlooking the picturesque Nerang River, the Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is just minutes from famed Surfers Paradise Beach and the heart of the shopping district. With the region well-known for its long, sandy beaches, elaborate theme parks, gourmet restaurants and world-class shopping, the hotel is an ideal base to discover the popular Gold Coast. After a day spent exploring, head back to the hotel and cool off in the outdoor pool, or relax in the comfort of your contemporary room.
Vibrant and playful, with a colourful retro design, the QT Gold Coast offers a characterful base to explore Australia’s sun and surf playground. The hip bar, Stingray Lounge, is big on the Gold Coast’s social scene, industrial chic with splashes of pop art, providing a stylish space for cocktails, sharing boards and late-night resident DJ sessions. For breakfast and dinner, Bazaar has a marketplace approach, with around-the-world street food stalls and live cooking stations, while Yamagen specialises in creative sushi. Fixx Café serves up lighter bites and afternoon-tea-style sweet treats. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and two tennis courts. Little freebies – such as home-made lemonade from a stand in the lobby and use of cute retro bikes to explore the area – are a nice touch. Cool rooms have vintage designer furnishings, mod cons like iPock docks, and private balconies with ocean or mountain and river views.
Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, this rustic-luxe retreat is a hidden gem, set on a 12,000-acre former cattle station out in the Australian bush. A stay here is high-end yet homely, with a cosy library, open fires and just 29 rooms. The excellent gourmet restaurant, Homage, has a 'paddock to plate’ philosophy, with the daily menu of hand-selected local produce including vegetables from the homestead’s market garden. Leisure facilities include a lagoon-style pool, spa, games room and tennis court, while activities in the local area range from mountain biking to hot-air balloon rides. Dotted throughout the grounds, charming colonial country cottages have been beautifully restored and turned into light and elegant rooms and suites, all with open fireplaces. Recently refurbished Valley View Rooms have sweeping views from the private terrace, while Luxury Suites occupy their own cottage and have a separate lounge.
This beautiful 100-year-old Queenslander home has been sensitively converted into a sleek boutique hotel. Spicers Balfour is located in New Farm; one of Brisbane’s hippest inner-city suburbs that’s a five-minute drive from the city centre. Luxurious rooms have an elegant vintage edge with designer furniture, large TVs, Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi and modern bathrooms with rainfall showers. Suites are housed in a neighbouring 1940s Art Deco building. The Balfour Kitchen is a popular neighbourhood restaurant, with a modern Australian menu that can be served either inside, out on the classic wraparound terrace, or in the small courtyard shaded by Frangipani trees. In keeping with the relaxed and intimate approach, there’s also an honesty bar on the rooftop with stunning views of the Story Bridge and city skyline.
The Sebel has a great location in the heart of Brisbane, within walking distance of the Queen Street Mall and South Bank. Its spacious rooms are ideal for families and longer stays. Studio Rooms are open-plan, while One-bedroom apartments have a separate lounge with sofa bed; furnished kitchenette and washer/dryer; and a private balcony overlooking the city. The Croft House Town Kitchen & Bar serves seasonal Australian cuisine and, in the evenings, turns into a bistro-style restaurant that focuses on sharing platters and craft beers. Other facilities include a deck with heated pool, a sauna and a gym.
Located above Central Station in the heart of Brisbane, experience an enchanting arrival as you enter via the alluring lobby of the Sofitel Brisbane Central, before dining at one of the gourmet restaurants, indulging in the outdoor heated pool or relaxing at the spa*. Other facilities include the SoFit Gym and a coffee and cocktail lounge.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast
Spicers Hidden Vale
Spicers Balfour Hotel
The Sebel Brisbane
Sofitel Brisbane Central
