Discovering Queensland, Australia’s Effortless Blend of Coast and Canopy

If you’re looking for sun-drenched coastlines, tropical rainforests, and laidback vibes, then visit Queensland, Australia. Here, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations, including rainforest retreats, luxury suites, and hinterland stays.

Tropical Forest Hideaway

Perched beside the Mossman River in the Daintree rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge has treehouse-style suites that are cocooned by towering ferns and ancient fig trees. Dining menus and spa rituals lean on local botanicals such as wild lime, wattleseed, and eucalyptus. You might kayak the river one morning, hike under emerald canopies the next, or spend a lazy afternoon reading on an outdoor deck, listening to the sound of cicadas and gushing water.

From Reef to Retreat

Queensland’s most famous natural wonder—the Great Barrier Reef—reveals another kind of intimacy. Imagine chartering a boat to a private sand cay for picnics. A little further off, coral gardens shimmer with marine life.

Further north, Lizard Island assures seclusion. You can snorkel in some of the reef’s most colourful pockets, lounge by the pool, or dine on freshly caught seafood under starlight.

The Whitsundays: Islands of Ease

If you believe true luxury lies in space and silence, the Whitsundays are Queensland’s crown jewel. One of the most romantic ways to see the islands is by helicopter. The “Journey to the Heart” flight glides over the reef’s famous heart-shaped coral formation, while also revealing hidden lagoons and beaches.

But you don’t need to stay airborne to feel on top of the world. On Hamilton Island, luxury resort Qualia has glass-walled pavilions overlooking the Coral Sea. Mornings begin with yoga on the terrace, followed by a sail across the Whitsundays’ aquamarine waters. For something more daring, ReefSleep and ReefSuites offer a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef in a floating suite.

City Cool and Vineyard Calm

With its creamy stone colonnades, sun-drenched balconies, and palm-lined pool deck, The Calile Hotel in Brisbane is equal parts city and resort. Everything here feels intentional, from the Mediterranean inspired dining to the soft terracotta tones that catch the late-afternoon light.

An hour’s drive from the city, you’ll find a gentler tempo at Sanctuary by Sirromet, nestled in the hills of Mount Cotton. Here, days are shaped by vineyard walks, private tastings, and easy conversations over glasses of local Shiraz.

The Gold Coast’s Softer Side

Beyond the famous golden beaches, The Gold Coast also hides moments of unexpected calm. At dawn, a hot air balloon ride lifts travellers above the hinterland as the landscape glows in pink and gold, followed by a champagne breakfast among the vines.

In the ranges beyond, Binna Burra Lodge welcomes guests to Lamington National Park, where timber lodges and heritage trails lead through subtropical rainforests. For those craving a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, Beechmont Estate hits the sweet spot—its cottages overlook rolling green hills, with farm-to-table dining celebrating local produce.

Back by the sea, the Langham Gold Coast features a new wave of coastal glamour. Think ocean-front suites, world-class dining, and wellness experiences that draw inspiration from the sea. Across Queensland, luxury can be found in immersive experiences. Maybe it’s a walk along a quiet beach, a vineyard stroll at sunset, or breakfast inside the rainforest—this Australian island paradise is redefining what modern indulgence looks like. Stay tuned for an exclusive insider view on Robb Report India and queensland.com.