9 Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

This unpretentious, eco-friendly resort epitomizes laid-back luxury, with sleekly appointed beachfront rooms, suites, and villas; romantic alfresco dining; boutique wines; and numerous outdoor activities included in the rate. Beachfront rooms come with sleek modern furnishings and private patios, air-conditioning, and plenty of creature comforts, including well-stocked minibars, coffeemakers, iPod docks, and flat-screen LED TVs. The property has a maximum of 28 guests, so no one competes for watercraft at the beaches or sun lounges around the infinity pool. Rates, discounted for longer stays, include all meals, select Australian wines, beers and soft drinks, unlimited use of dinghies, nonmotorized watercraft, light fishing tackle and snorkeling gear, and one nature-based island activity a day.

Fine landscaping, pools, barbecues, and sunny areas for relaxation enhance this classy colonial-style vacation complex fronting a palm-shaded white-sand beach. The resort's vast apartment-style suites have large verandas, comfortable lounging and dining areas, large flat-screen TVs, and up to four capacious bedrooms. There are also full kitchens and laundry facilities. The spa's open-air and indoor pavilions offer several soothing treatments. Nu Nu Restaurant serves fine modern international cuisine, excellent wines, and tropical cocktails.

Billing itself as "the ultimate in barefoot luxury," the laid-back, exclusive, child-free Bedarra Island Resort hosts no more than 20 guests in modern, eco-friendly accommodations, spoiling them with fine food and service, and upscale amenities. All 10 villas have large private balconies, comfy king beds, ceiling fans, minibars, espresso machines, and LED TVs; some have outdoor showers, daybeds, and plunge pools. Guests congregate in the open-sided restaurant for tropical buffet breakfasts, varied lunch offerings, and multicourse dinners that showcase seafood and regional produce. All meals and drinks are included in the rate. Nature-based activities and use of water-sports equipment are complimentary.

Beloved by honeymooners, divers, and well-heeled travelers, this outer Great Barrier Reef resort ticks all the high-end tropical-island vacation boxes: luxurious beachfront accommodation, fine food and wine, and world-class diving and fishing. The beachside rooms, suites, and sumptuous villas have sail-shaded, furnished decks and views of the turquoise bay. Simple but comfortable rooms reflect the beachy environs with restful oceanic blue, sand, and white color palettes, polished wood floors and blinds, tropical ceiling fans (as well as air-conditioning), and private, furnished verandas. A freshwater swimming pool, day spa, a compact gym, a small boutique, and a guest library and lounge are just some of the facilities that await guests.

Catering to a privileged few, Hamilton Island's most exclusive resort has a tranquil and decadent ambience, private beach, infinity-edge pools, and a complex of luxe, well-appointed freestanding pavilions. The pavilions, handcrafted from Australian timbers, stone, and glass, harmonize beautifully with the tropical surroundings and have expansive, flow-through lounge areas with designer furnishings and high-end entertainment systems opening onto large private decks. Activities include guided walks, kayaking and snorkeling tours, diving, fishing, sailing, scenic flights, golfing, and catered, crewed cruises. Dozens of resort facilities and services are included in the price—breakfasts, room and concierge service, nonalcoholic drinks, the use of water-sports equipment, wireless Internet, 24-hour chauffeur service, and buggies to get to the resort complex.

This beautiful, retreat-like resort and Advanced Ecotourism–certified hotel in the heart of the rain forest has luxe tree houses and suites clustered around an expansive open-sided lodge, day spa, and lagoon pool. All accommodations have recently been upgraded, and have minibars, aromatherapy-oil burners, and balconies. Tree houses and suites come with polished timber floors, large hot tubs, rain-forest showers, and bigger balconies with hammocks and daybeds. The Lodge's open-sided Tree House bar and restaurant serves gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Full breakfasts and a raft of activities (river snorkeling, bicycles, tennis, and, in season, guided walks and morning yoga) are included in the price. The tour desk can arrange excursions by horseback, helicopter, or hot-air balloon, as well as cruises, Indigenous-guided rain-forest walks, and adventure activities.

These well-appointed luxe apartments and penthouses perched above Port Douglas's main strip have state-of-the-art furnishings and appliances, freestanding spa baths, and large entertaining spaces including big, furnished balconies or decks, some with outdoor barbecues and plunge pools. For couples and small groups, the three-bedroom set-ups can be reconfigured as one- or two-bedroom accommodations. In-house massages and tours are easily arranged and there are catering options—from having your fridge stocked on arrival to arranging a special dinner (and, if you like, a chef to cook it). There's a helpful reception and tour desk, undercover parking, and a 20-meter (66-foot) lap pool in the compact but landscaped grounds. Cafés, bars, boutiques, and the beach are a mere stroll away.

The upscale amenities and no-kids policy mean this hotel swarms with couples, who can cool off in the infinity-edge pool, enjoy meals poolside, or admire the Catseye Beach and Coral Sea views from their private balconies or courtyards. Rooms, which all have ocean vistas, are adorned with chic modern furnishings and high-end entertainment systems. Public areas are spacious and stylishly appointed. Nightly rates include the use of the 24-hour buggy chauffeur service (including free airport and marina transfers); a small library stocked with magazines, books, and games; all non-motorized watercraft; and sports-fitness facilities nearby. The staff is friendly, but don't expect them to go that extra mile.  Ask for a higher room to get a Coral Sea view.

This centrally located small resort, once a private residence, feels positively quaint, and that's a good thing when you're looking for a low-key escape in this resort area. Gigantic rooms have expansive terraces or private patios (some with large spa tubs), large flat-screen LCD TVs, and minibars; some have separate lounge rooms and small kitchenettes. The well-regarded on-site restaurant predates the hotel and serves modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences and big buffet breakfasts. Light lunches are served alfresco, poolside. There's a tranquil guest lounge, and Brigadier's Bar, operated on an honor system (you sign for the drinks you pour yourself). There's also a lovely beach just across the street, but if the ocean doesn't call you or it's stinger season, there are two pools—one with a jacuzzi, the other with a waterfall and an outdoor spa.