Luxury Great Barrier Reef & Hinterland

Get your bearings in the lively city of Brisbane, one of Australia’s largest and home to a dazzling array of stylish bars and restaurants, many with al-fresco terraces right on the banks of the Brisbane River. When not eating and drinking there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore, or you could head down to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to make friends with the locals (of the fluffy variety) – you can cuddle koalas and hand-feed kangaroos here.

Accommodation at 5* Emporium Hotel South Bank

Head south to Maryvale and enjoy the relaxing surroundings of Spicers Peak Lodge, which offers gorgeous views of Queensland’s Scenic Rim from its mountaintop position. Here you can choose to be as active as you like – dine in style at the lodge’s top-notch restaurant, pamper yourself in the spa, go for a dip in the pool or head out on a bush walk or mountain bike ride among the eucalyptus trees.

Accommodation at 5* Spicers Peak Lodge

Head on to the Hinterland in south east Queensland, a peaceful mountain area covered in forest and national parks with a wide range of plants and animals too. Staying at the Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa, you’ll have plenty of time to indulge in the spa or chill out in the pool. If you fancy getting out and about there are plenty of walking trails to choose from, or choose to take a drive through the nearby Glass House Mountains National Park, home to some striking ancient monoliths.

Accommodation at 5* Spicers Tamarind

Head north as you fly on to the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island, nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, crystal clear blue seas and white sandy beaches are the order of the day. Take a stroll along the sands or simply find a palm tree to chill under with a book and a glass of something cool. When all that sun-seeking gets too much, there are plenty of activities to entertain too – choose from quad biking, go karting, fishing and golf, as well as a range of walking trails.

Accommodation at 5* Qualia 

Continue on to the secluded Lizard Island, fringed with soft white beaches and surrounded by warm, clear seas. Explore the colourful corals in a glass-bottomed boat or grab a snorkel, which along with motorised dinghies, tennis, paddle skis and picnic hampers, are included at your resort. So what better excuse to head to a remote sand bar and chill out with a picnic lunch? Alternatively you could set sail on a romantic sunset cruise or treat yourself to a pamper session in the spa.

Accommodation at 4* Lizard Island Resort

It’s easy to see why Palm Cove holds the title of Queensland’s friendliest beach. This lazy stretch of tree-lined sand and sea is home to a small population of locals with perennial smiles. Located 16 miles north of Cairns, this resort village dishes up golf, horse riding and spa treatments with an air of casual chic. The Cove’s finest offerings are its quiet book-reading beaches, lush rainforest and resting reef. While you’re here, why not explore the Daintree Rainforest and take a trip on the Skyrail to the forest village of Kuranda.

Accommodation at 5* Peppers Beach Club & Spa