The Most Romantic Getaways in Queensland

Searching for a romantic getaway in Queensland? Look no further... 

Palazzo Versace

Main Beach

Yes, it’s over the top. No, it’s not for everyone. But – wow – Palazzo Versace is a lot of fun. After you’ve checked in, sink into a hot-pink lounge at Le Jardin bar for a complimentary glass of Ruinart Champagne to set the scene for the decadence ahead. Yes, you could just grab a sun lounger by the 63-metre pool but why not book an all-day cabana and have lunch delivered to you? Yes, you could just have a bath in your room but why not order a Bath Bliss, which may involve bubbles (of the foamy and Champagne kind) and a whole lot of candles. The rooms are opulent, the spa offers tranquil respite and, if you want to take a little of the Palazzo home with you, the boutique has everything from handbags to homewares. If all else fails, take a seat in the fabulous foyer and settle in for some of the best people-watching around.

Dining

One-hatted Vanitas is the hotel’s fine-diner, while the more casual Vie Bar + Restaurant overlooks the Gold Coast Broadwater. Or head to Ten Japanese Restaurant or Social Eating House + Bar in nearby Broadbeach.

You’ll love this…

The Lagoon Suite offers a separate sitting area and a view of the hotel’s centrepiece, the pool.

By Kirsten Galliott

The Shed

Eumundi

Situated on 20 picturesque hectares in the hinterland
of Noosa, this Airbnb property – a two-bedroom open-plan family holiday house – works just as well
as the perfect hideaway for a couple. When the days are warm, relax in a hammock by the pool, where an ever- present sea breeze delivers the heady scent of jasmine and gardenia. As the nights turn cool, cosy up near the outdoor replace or sink into one of the comfy oversize sofas with a good book. Rolling grassy hills as far as the eye can see are yours alone to explore – almost. There’s an abundance of wildlife in the surroundings, including wallabies, turtles and green tree frogs. Pack a picnic, head off on foot and find a shady spot for a lazy lunch with a view of the coastline – just be sure to pick up supplies as you come through nearby Eumundi, because once you arrive you won’t want to leave.

Dining

There’s a well- equipped kitchen and pantry staples; outside you’ll find a wood-fired pizza oven. Open a bottle of red, pick herbs from the kitchen garden, whip up pizzas then head out to the alfresco dining area overlooking the dam.

You’ll love this...

Resident ponies Red and Herbie
and the Santa Gertrudis cows are all very friendly.

By Morag Kobez

SEE ALSO: 10 Most Romantic Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Spicers Peak Lodge

Maryvale

If a grand yet homey lodge on a lofty plateau encircled by mountains and shrouded in mist doesn’t set the scene for romance, check your pulse. Then check out the alpine- style suites at Spicers Peak Lodge, because they should do it. Warm, dark timber, two-person spa baths and wood res burning in bluestone hearths are all
the reason you need to hole up and shut out the world
– but not for too long. When you’re ready to emerge from the snug confines of your room, the World Heritage- listed forests of the Scenic Rim provide more molten moments in this ancient volcanic caldera. Walk or ride the 3000-hectare property’s meandering trails in tandem, crossing paths only with Highland cows and native wildlife; watch the sun settle down for the night from the upstairs balcony, warmed by a woollen throw and a single-malt whisky; or soak in the outdoor hot tub as you gaze, charmed, at the night sky.

Dining

Eat in at the two- hatted Peak Restaurant
– or take away. The kitchen will prepare a gourmet picnic (with cheese, fruit, housemade fig “salami”
and fizz) then drop it off at the property’s picturesque lake or lookouts.


You’ll love this...

The plush king-size beds come with marshmallow-soft mattress toppers that draw you in like quicksand.

By Vanessa Frey

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Port Douglas

The approach says it all: a palm-lined driveway, emerald swathes of golf course on either side of the road and, as you pull up, a soaring lobby atrium. The Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas is all about making an impression – the property recently underwent a $43 million face lift. Outside, the coral-pink exterior has been lightened; now it’s shell- like, the colour of a French manicure. In the rooms, black-and-white photography, crisp white walls, tonal furnishings and dark-wood accents ensure a re ned coastal feel, while full marble bathrooms add the luxe factor. Many of the 295 suites overlook the property’s crown jewel: two hectares of saltwater lagoon pools. This isn’t small-scale seclusion but the resort-style glamour and five-star service has a seductive sway. Stroll along the beach at dawn, bliss out in a lagoon-side cabana or enjoy cocktails in the swank Daintree Lounge Bar.

Dining

Head to Harrisons, in the resort, for dinner and drinks.

You’ll love this...

Splurge on
a room with private lagoon access so you can swim straight off your balcony.

By Jo McKay

Nightfall Wilderness Camp

Lamington National Park

For those who like rustic minus full immersion in nature, Nightfall Wilderness Camp in Lamington National Park – about two hours’ drive inland from the beaches of the Gold Coast – walks the line well. This is glamping for people who place an emphasis on the first two letters of the word; an idyllic camp with just three luxury tents surrounded by dense rainforest. Timber floors, organic linen, even a replace... there’s no skimping on the creature comforts here. And while there’s no limit to restorative bushwalks and wildlife-spotting, guests who like their downtime to be more, well, down can sign up for a relaxing massage beside owing creek waters to while away an afternoon. Or three.

Dining

There are some limited self-catering facilities – mostly reserved for weekdays – but you’d be mad not to take a seat by the camp fire and enjoy the organic offerings that are created using a wood-fired oven. There’s an open bar
in the guest lounge, which is also at the ready for coffee.

You’ll love this...

Have that dinner to go: ask for a private table to be set up so that you can eat with your partner under a canopy of trees and a glittering sky.

Qualia

Hamilton Island

Romance is o the Richter scale at Qualia with its sensual island surrounds of tropical foliage, white silica sand and crystalline water. Though the exclusive resort can accommodate 60 couples, with so many intimate spots, you’ll feel like the only two people here – or at least the only two who matter. Staff can drop you o 
at a secluded beach with snorkelling gear and a picnic, organise a scenic flight that traces the coral contours of the Whitsundays’ Heart Reef or host a Champagne-and- oyster private tasting experience. There’s also plenty of privacy in your Windward Pavilion, its interconnected spaces stretching from the freestanding tub in the stone ensuite to the private plunge pool on the sundeck. Outdoors, you can lie on your double day bed while the sun kisses your skin and the tropical breeze whispers sweet nothings in your ear.

Dining

Fresh seafood is a specialty here but just try
to resist the more-ish beer-battered chips with truffle and parmesan at Qualia’s casual Pebble Beach eatery (accompanied, of course, by Charles Heidsieck bubbles).

You’ll love this...

The Sweet Moments couple’s bath soak and aromatherapy massage comes with a chocolate platter and (more) Champagne.

By Vanessa Frey 

Silky Oaks Lodge

Mossman

A world away from the hubbub of daily life, Silky Oaks Lodge is nestled in the rainforest that lines the Mossman River. Here, 40 tree houses, each decked out in warm timber panelling and botanic prints, perch on a hillside. Like any barefoot-luxury offering, it’s the small details that make the biggest impact: a welcome cocktail at check-in, tea lights flickering in the bedroom on arrival, fragrant Appelles amenities for soaking in the bathroom’s spa tub. And given that wi-fi and TV have been eschewed for views of broad ferns, soaring trunks and creeping vines, couples would be forgiven for never leaving the room. But it would be a shame to miss out on swimming in the heated pool or cool, rushing river, or kayaking, hiking or snorkelling. Whatever you do, sleep with the blinds raised. There’s nothing quite
like waking next to your loved one as the dappled light of dawn pierces the greenery.

Dining

Candlelit dining on the lodge’s balcony is as romantic as it gets. Local barramundi is the top pick on all menus in the region.


You’ll love this...

Staff will pack a picnic (with wine) so you can escape together on one of the lodge’s exclusive walking trails.

By Jo McKay

SEE ALSO: The Most Romantic Getaways in New South Wales