2 Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

A handful of simple but comfortable, solar-powered cabins sit among rambutan, mangosteen, and breadfruit trees on this 40-hectare exotic fruit farm. Each cabin has an en suite bathroom, insect screens, and a veranda with rain forest and mountain views. Three are air-conditioned—though as cooling breezes blow off Mount Sorrow, you may not need it. In the central farmhouse are a guest lounge, kitchen, and laundry. There is also a communal kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven for guests' use and a shed full of free coconuts (if you can crack them). Commune with fellow guests around the nightly campfire, and wake to a chorus of birdsong.

The elegant solar-powered tree houses at this impeccably run boutique retreat invite relaxation and romance. All come with king-size, Balinese-style beds swathed in white mosquito-netting, under-floor lighting, fridges, and sea-breezy balconies overlooking the rain forest and out to the Coral Sea. There are no TVs or karaoke nights here; just a cacophony of birdcalls and several quiet walking trails, rain-forest waterholes, and unspoiled beaches to explore. Mingle with fellow guests around the infinity-edge pool and at low-key evenings around the Lodge's Python Bar, crafted from rosewood mahogany. Continental breakfasts include tropical fruit salad, cereals, organic yogurt, and warm croissants with homemade jams, but after that you're on your own foodwise, though there are several restaurants and cafés in the vicinity (bringing a vehicle, or at least provisions, is a must). Your host can arrange tours, reef trips, jungle surfing, horse-riding, rain forest walks, and restaurant bookings.  For best results, book your stay directly through the property's website.