From rooftop pools to rainforest retreats, inner-city style and getaways near the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy our selection of the best new and reimagined Queensland stays.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
10 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba; (07) 5239 2900
THE LOCATION Mooloolaba and its sparkling beach are 15‑20 minutes’ drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.
THE PLACE The Sunshine Coast’s first full-service hotel in four decades is a $250 million new build a block back from the sand. Room decor is neutral other than the fun rug under the bed – because ocean views off expansive balconies are dazzling enough. But the social spaces shine, too: the rooftop pool and bar-restaurant, Sully’s, are right out of Miami. Or is it Mykonos? Chef Marky Godbeer’s take on a Bunnings sausage sanga – albeit a smoked Wagyu beef snag – reminds you it’s neither. You’re in Queensland mate, and loving it.
THE EXPERIENCE It’s all about the ocean: being in it or looking at it. The water is a short walk away and at Sully’s, the terrace overlooking the ocean is the place to be. The lobby is excellent for coffee and cake, but there’s a coffee machine in the room, so with a sunrise ocean view if you’re lucky, there’s no reason to rush out of your PJs. The AvaniSpa is a treat, and Mooloolaba’s restaurants and cafes are close by.
DON’T MISS Saltwater Eco Tours Bush Tucker Cruise features drinks, delicious morsels and Indigenous yarns while cruising the Mooloolaba canals.
FROM $319 a night. Julietta Jameson
Luxury Queenslander
- Pet-friendly
THE LOCATION New Farm is a historic, inner-Brisbane, riverside neighbourhood known for its cafes, restaurants and boutique stores. Two of the city’s best entertainment precincts – James Street in Fortitude Valley, and Howard Smith Wharves on the Brisbane River – are close by.
THE PLACE A two-storey, inner-city, heritage Queenslander had a full-scale renovation to create a modern and arty space large enough for 10 guests. Its graceful old bones remain: lacework balcony, vaulted ceilings and endless bookshelves of classic novels. Combined with the artwork, which features everything from modern interpretations of the Pink Panther to Bart Simpson, and furnishings such as handcrafted marble kitchen islands and globe chandeliers, this place is suitable for everyone from 18 to 81.
THE EXPERIENCE How to choose between the indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces? Outside features a covered alfresco deck with lounges, built-in barbecue and bar fridges. The open-plan kitchen comes with a marble waterfall island, gas cooktop, double ovens, premium appliances and a butler’s pantry. The answer is, of course, give yourself plenty of time to use both. There’s also a pool and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Brisbane’s CBD, ideal for sundowners.
DON’T MISS Brisbane’s Riverwalk connects New Farm to the city on a suspended pathway above the river. Walk or ride it, stopping at Howard Smith Wharves for its bustling bars and restaurants.
FROM $1250 a night; three-night minimum stay. Craig Tansley
Elysium Resort Noosa
14-16 Hastings St, Noosa Heads; (07) 5449 4888
- EV charging
- Wheelchair-accessible
THE LOCATION Bang on Hastings St, an easy 30-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, and directly across the road from Main Beach, you best beware: the strip’s high-end shops can do serious damage to your credit card.
THE PLACE Noosa’s biggest hotel has undergone a $30 million upgrade to become the Elysium (a “paradise of eternal happiness” in Greek mythology). Melbourne studio Mitchell & Eades has stuck to a coastal palette of soft blue-greys, white and hits of coral, and while the building’s 1980s bones are still evident, the resort vibe is strong, right down to the cabanas in the renovated pool area (rest assured, the swim-up bar remains).
THE EXPERIENCE The sixth-floor suites are supremely comfortable; with a Spotify playlist synced through the Bluetooth speaker and a (Riedel) glass of Yarra Yering pinot noir in hand, there seems no reason to budge from the chaise-longue. Bespoke cabinetry, double wardrobes, a bedroom with Princess-and-the-Pea-height bedding, plus a glam bathroom speak to a generosity of design that’s less common than you’d hope. Meanwhile, Cibaria restaurant is a game-changer: its open kitchen pumping out exemplary seafood platters, slow-fermented pizzas and charcoal-grilled dry-aged steaks.
DON’T MISS The coastal trail through Noosa National Park is a spectacular walk (though often busy with surfers and joggers).
FROM $700 a night. Trudi Jenkins
Nala Resort
Clump Point Rd, Mission Beach; (07) 4068 7534
THE LOCATION Built between a World Heritage-listed rainforest and the Coral Sea in the laid-back village of Mission Beach, Nala Resort is a two-hour drive from Cairns Airport.
THE PLACE If it’s privacy you’re after, Nala delivers. There are only 17 villas and suites with a maximum of 34 guests and they’re set amid a dense tropical garden, right beside a secluded bay, overlooking islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Should you choose to encounter others, head to the pool shaded by palm trees, and the open-air restaurant and bar which looks directly to the ocean. Three room types all feature natural textures in a neutral brown and cream colour palette, with large sliding doors opening onto private terraces or courtyards.
THE EXPERIENCE The resort is located right between one of the world’s oldest rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. You’re as likely to see cassowaries wandering by as humpback whales breaching. With no one under 18 allowed, emphasis is on relaxation and wellness (massages can be ordered in your villa). Laid-back luxury is the mantra; dine barefoot on a daily-changing dinner menu built around local produce and guests’ preferences, and take Molly, the resort owners’ dog, with you to the beach down a trail under coconut trees.
DON’T MISS The Family Group of Islands includes Dunk Island, which you can visit on day tours.
FROM $520 a night. Craig Tansley
Seven Hills Estate
315 Grigor Rd, Conondale; 0418 785 723
- Pet-friendly
- Wheelchair-accessible
THE LOCATION Seven Hills Estate is in the foothills of Conondale National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, less than two hours north of Brisbane and an hour south-west of Sunshine Coast Airport.
THE PLACE James and Michelle Burnett bought a farm for their cattle, then realised the 170-hectare regenerative property and its mix of open pasture, forest and rolling hills was worth sharing with people as well as livestock. Three cabins – two sleeping four, one sleeping two – are situated privately around the hills, but there is a “gathering place” next to the dam with a pizza oven. The cabins are fresh and tidy, with kitchens and barbecues, and two have fireplaces. A basket bearing produce from the garden and freshly baked bread on arrival is a lovely touch.
THE EXPERIENCE With Conondale National Park, Kenilworth (home to a legendary doughnut and a great pub) and Maleny all close by, there is plenty to do and see. But don’t feel as if you need to leave. The jetty over the dam is a great place for wine and cheese, or to launch yourself from. Small dogs only are welcomed by prior arrangement; one cabin is accessible.
DON’T MISS The Burnetts have a herd of sheep. Seek them out to see the two adorable Maremmas who look after them – a pair of farm dogs that love a pat.
FROM $395 a night; two-night minimum stay. Julius Dennis
Esprit Rainbow Bay
227 Boundary St, Coolangatta; (07) 5690 2750
THE LOCATION Ten minutes from Gold Coast Airport, Esprit Rainbow Bay sits a block back from the water in the heart of Coolangatta, a stone’s throw from Point Danger.
THE PLACE This combined apartment and rental stay complex is immaculate, with light-filled, airy rooms featuring a clean and bright palette. Head to the rooftop to enjoy the 25-metre infinity pool or a shaded retreat in a private cabana, or make use of one of the BBQ stations and outdoor dining areas overlooking Rainbow Bay.
THE EXPERIENCE Made for residents as much as travellers, Esprit offers every modern option for a therapeutic escape, from an infrared sauna to a steam room, not to mention an invigorating ice bath for those interested in contrast therapy. Or step outside and find a sense of calm in nature, even on the edge of the balcony from May through September, which is prime seating during whale-watching season. And honestly, checking out the wall of waves streaming into the beaches at nearby Snapper Rocks, D-Bah and Kirra makes you wonder whether we got it wrong in naming a certain city 45 minutes north of here Surfers Paradise.
DON’T MISS You just have to get in the ocean here – those are the rules – if for nothing else than to see if some of the glory rubs off. You see, these briny beaches were the training ground for international pro surfers Joel “Parko” Parkinson and Dean “Dingo” Morrison, not to mention the great Mick Fanning, who lives here still.
FROM $470 a night; two-night minimum stay. Konrad Marshall
* Writers stayed as guests of the properties.
Get more short-break inspiration from Good Weekend’s 2026 52 Weekends Away round-up:
- From Perth to Fremantle to Busselton, three of the best WA boltholes
- 17 stays redefining the weekend away in Victoria – including adults-only experiences
- Short on time? 4 itineraries that turn a long weekend into an epic escape
- Your weekend starts now: 15 new and reimagined NSW getaways
- Sleep on water and wake to wilderness at this new Tasmanian getaway
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Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
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