The best short break stays in Queensland

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Quick break in Queensland? Drop anchor in Airlie Beach, find luxury in the outback and nightfall in a national park.

Freedom Shores, Airlie Beach

At Freedom Shores, located in a lush tropical valley at the edge of Airlie Beach, a nautical theme plays out across the property, with island chic interiors and expansive water views out to the Whitsundays.

 

Its boat cabins are a collection of one-room bungalows gathered together at the resort’s ‘land marina’ and fashioned like boats complete with a ‘deck’ from which to take in the surroundings; the Denver is an actual historic boat reconditioned into a bright and comfortable queen room.

Freedom Shores, Airlie Beach
Freedom Shores, Airlie Beach.

Nightfall Camp, Lamington

The Queensland weather lends itself to camping or, in the case of Nightfall Camp, glamping with a rustic chic vibe.

 

Located within Lamington National Park, its custom-designed safari tents feature organic linens, rain-head showers, tin soaking tubs, fireplaces and endless pristine bushland to look out to.

 

Dinners are communal and organic, and activities on offer range from bushwalking to birdwatching to yoga classes to creek-side massages.

Nightfall Camp, Lamington
Nightfall Camp, Lamington. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

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Mt Mulligan Lodge

With the soaring Mt Mulligan as a backdrop, this luxury outback lodge sits lightly on a 28,000-hectare working cattle station some 160 kilometres from Cairns.

Inside Mount Mulligan lodge.
Inside Mount Mulligan lodge.

With room for just 16 guests at a time (including children; it is proudly family friendly), accommodations range from rooms and suites to expansive pavilions.

The soaring Mt Mulligan is the backdrop to Mount Mulligan Lodge.
The soaring Mt Mulligan is the backdrop to Mount Mulligan Lodge.

Once in residence, everything is taken care of so all you have to do is choose from a roster of activities including everything from barramundi fishing to cattle mustering.

Sanctuary at Sirromet, Mt Cotton

Situated within the grounds of Sirromet Winery in Mt Cotton, 45 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, Sanctuary at Sirromet is made up of a collection of stylish tented pavilions looking out over the 226-hectare property, including a spacious family pavilion.

Sirromet Sanctuary
Situated within the grounds of Sirromet Winery in Mt Cotton. (Image: Andrew Thurtell/Thurtell Photography)

While in residence you can make the most of the two on-site restaurants and the cellar door, as well as the extensive grounds, which feature bushwalking tracks and a Supa Golf course.

Inside Sanctuary at Sirromet
Inside Sanctuary at Sirromet. (Image: Andrew Thurtell/Thurtell Photography)

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Adina Apartment Hotel, Brisbane

Originally opened in 1922 as the Queensland Government Savings Bank, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has made maximum use of its original Art Deco features of the banking chamber such as columns, carved wood panelling, ornate ceilings and endless marble to create a sophisticated hotel that offers all the features of an apartment.

Gilberton Outback Retreat

Sitting within a seventh generation working cattle station in goldfields country, the Gilberton Outback Retreat is fashioned from local stone and timber and finished with luxury inclusions like a pillow-topped king bed and soaking tub with views of the seemingly endless outback landscape. There’s no phones, television or internet so the escape from modern society here is complete.

The Gilberton Outback Retreat.
The Gilberton Outback Retreat.

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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

    This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

    Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

    Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

    aerial view of bribie island
    Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

    In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

    Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

    table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
    Refuel at Park & Cove.

    Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

    Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

    After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg. If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

    baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
    Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

    Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

    Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

    Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art, which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

    Rockhampton Museum of Art
    Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

    Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

    Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay. Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

    woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
    Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

    Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying. Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, before heading north to Townsville.

    Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

    aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
    Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

    Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

    After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

    Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

    Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove, where the pool has its very own beach.

    two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
    Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

    Day 8: To Port Douglas

    No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

    Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar, widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

    aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
    Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

     Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.