Perched on a secluded limestone cliff overlooking Hanson Bay, this world-class wellness spa sanctuary is in easy reach of the main attractions on Kangaroo Island - one of the best places to see some of Australia’s diverse wildlife. Extend the serenity of the lodge outdoors with nature walks (even among sea lions), spotting koalas and echidnas in Flinders Chase National Park, or appreciating the fine art of local island artists. Dine at the lodge on a daily changing ‘produce to plate’ menu that features the finest of the island’s local specialities.

Nestled among the sand dunes with direct access straight onto the white sands of peaceful locals’ favourite, Peregian Beach, are the self-contained Retreat Beach Houses. Ideal for active visitors, there’s plenty to do in the resort – a lagoon-style swimming pool, tennis courts, bike hire, a barbecue and entertainment area, and a daily open fire pit in the winter months. You can avoid roads by walking along the beach to shops and restaurants, although you can drive to Noosa National Park, Lake Weyba or Fraser Island.

This intimate adults-only tropical beachfront hotel is the only one in Port Douglas to give you beach and ocean views. Sip a cocktail on your own private balcony, or sink into the tiered heated pools and Magna-heated natural mineral Jacuzzi spa. Choose to fine dine at the hotel restaurant or self-cater in your own little kitchenette. Port Douglas is gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, with their myriad aquatic and land-based activities – oh, and hot-air ballooning. 

Nestling among eucalyptus forest on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, this luxury eco resort includes rainforest, mangroves, private-access beaches and a coconut plantation.  Stay in luxurious bungalows with views of the sparkling Coral Sea or tropical forest and wake to the sound of laughing kookaburras. Thala Beach gets you back in touch with the natural world.  Stargaze, walk among birds and butterflies and learn about bush tucker and the didgeridoo from the local Kuku Yalangi people.

Beach Club is the ultimate couple’s hideaway – a peaceful adults-only boutique resort on the Coral Sea’s Catseye Beach. With its infinity pool, luxury Spa Wumurdaylin and secluded beachside dining, Beach Club is an intimate paradise on Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island’s aquatic activities – sailing, Great Barrier Reef tours, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling and swimming - are all bookable from the resort. If you prefer a round of golf, the 18-hole championship course is on its own island with stunning views. 

World Heritage Site Fraser Island is a unique natural treasure, and the perfectly located Kingfisher Bay Resort helps you make the most of it.  Stay in eco-friendly family rooms, loft villas or forest lodges and take time out to luxuriate in the day spa. Choose guided walks to spot indigenous wildlife (including the iconic dingo), canoe paddles, 4WD tours, whale watching and even a Segway adventure. Bush tucker features strongly here: in the Rangers’ ‘Talk and Taste’, and on the Seabelle restaurant’s fine dining menu.    

Step out of your luxurious suite and tiptoe between the coconut palms straight onto the soft, private golden sands of Palm Cove, where you can combine sleepy tropical hamlet relaxation with reef and rainforest bucket-list adventuring. Spend a day in the Alamanda spa, and book a crocodile adventure, scenic helicopter tour, white-water rafting or a Tjapukai indigenous dinner with a firelit ceremonial dance and Dreamtime stories.

The spectacular Great Ocean Road one of the world’s great drives, and Port Fairy a beautiful bluestone town with many fine examples of traditional 1800s architecture. It’s here you’ll find friendly Oscar’s Waterfront Boutique Hotel overlooking the river, a short walk from the town centre and Griffith’s Island Lighthouse. Each of the comfortable 21 rooms is individually decorated in quirky vintage style, and you’ll be served a generous breakfast featuring homemade rye bread, on the verandah.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a luxurious base from which to explore the winelands, artistic communities and accessible natural landscapes of the Margaret River region. Its contemporary bungalow villas offer beach access via boardwalks through immaculately landscaped grounds and incredible dining, recreation facilities and a day spa mean there’s plenty to help you unwind. Explore the town of Margaret River – it’s full of cafés and gourmet eateries, intriguing artisan shops and galleries, with a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings. For swimming or beachcombing, head for the crystal-clear lagoons of Yallingup, and don’t miss the Underwater Observatory at Busselton.

Perfect for romantic couples in the adults-only sanctuary (there’s a separate Water Playground for families), the Cable Beach Club Resort’s Sunset Bar is the place in Broome to sit beneath the frangipanes and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. The hotel is on iconic Cable Beach for that bucket-list camel ride along the shoreline.  The resort organises art and artefact tours, cooking classes, those camel rides - even helicopter tours. It’s just 8 km from the centre of Broome, with its pearl diving history and crocodile park.