22 Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

This beachfront property just south of Palm Cove has its priorities right: Kewarra's sensitively designed bungalows and restored pioneer's cottage overlook rain forests teeming with wildlife, free-form pools, or a private white-sand beach. The eco-friendly lodgings bring comfort with their silky wood floors, custom furnishings, high-tech appointments, and simply furnished balconies or terraces. There's a glorious restaurant, bar, and airy lobby; a beach shack; and a lovely day spa, and there are various on-site activities such as guided morning nature walks, sunrise yoga, and tai chi sessions. Browse the boutiques, book a spa treatment, take a dip, go sea kayaking, or do some serious lounging. If you must venture off-site, the helpful concierge and Adventure Desk can arrange customized excursions and transfers via car or helicopter to Cairns, Palm Cove, and the airport. The resort also offers good-value multiday packages, some including dinners with wine, spa treatments, and reef, rain-forest, and tablelands tours.

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 24 guests in modern, eco-friendly accommodations, spoiling them with fine food and service, and upscale amenities. 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 at a round table in the bar for cocktails at 6 pm before enjoying a multicourse dinner that showcases seafood and regional produce. All meals and drinks are included in the rate, and nature-based activities and use of water-sports equipment are complimentary.

This eco-friendly boutique retreat on the southern point of Long Island is nestled in a private cove between ocean and rain forest, and its large windows and private balconies with uninterrupted water views maximize on the setting. The 10 villas feature cathedral ceilings, neutral and calm decor, and luxurious finishes. If the stunning natural environment, surrounded by trails and beautiful flora and fauna don't entice you to relax, the hammocks, custom spa treatments, mineral pool, and private chef surely will. Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and yoga are all included in your stay, and you can book romantic dinners, tours to Whitehaven Beach, Jet Ski adventures, and scenic helicopter flights. 

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.

The huge lagoon-style pool—complete with swim-up bar—is the star of the show at this stylishly refurbished resort. But it also gets points for its location; close enough to the Esplanade to be convenient but far enough away to feel removed. The pool has day beds and cabanas to aid with relaxation, and a sandy beach where kids can play. It also has a great open-air restaurant, MOKU Bar & Grill, and a terrace bar.  

Catering to a privileged few, Hamilton Island's most exclusive resort has a tranquil and decadent ambiance, 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 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 Treehouse Restaurant, which overlooks the Mossman River, 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.

Set on 145 acres with private beach access, coconut groves, and forest, this eco-certified nature lodge is about low-key luxury. Guesthouses, linked by meandering, stone-lined paths, are comfy, eco-designed refuges with polished-wood floors and forest or ocean views. Open-sided, canopy-level Osprey's Restaurant, bar, lounge, and reading room have stupendous vistas of the Coral Sea and rain-forest-clad mountains. Sunset cocktails and buffet breakfasts here are accompanied by colorful parrots in the canopy and a cacophony of birdcalls. There are two natural swimming pools (one split-level, with waterfalls and grottoes), bush-walking trails, a serene wellness center, and areas for secluded sunbathing. Eco-friendly activities include wildlife, bird-watching, coconut plantation walks, cultural performances, and turtle-spotting from sea kayaks.

The sociable public areas at this family-friendly complex include a lovely lagoon pool, a guest laundry, and the terrific Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant & Bar. The main complex offers simple but spacious double, family, and studio rooms, some with balconies. The second-floor rooms are quieter, if you don't mind lugging your bags upstairs. Across the road are two- and three-bedroom apartments that are slightly more modern and larger and have their own, more private pool, internal laundries, and fully equipped kitchens.

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 nonmotorized 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.

Perched on the Port of Airlie Marina with enviable views of the boats bobbing in the bay, The Boathouse Apartments boasts generously sized two- and three-bedroom apartments, ideal for those looking for self-contained accommodations. It has ample amenities on-site, from a resort-style pool and Jacuzzi playground to a deck and tennis court.

At this 30-acre boutique eco-resort in the ancient Daintree rain forest, elevated boardwalks protect the fragile environs and link the day spa, heated pool, restaurant/bar, and 15 freestanding tree houses or "bayans." All are air-conditioned and equipped with ceiling fans, and king-size canopy beds. Every bayan has a balcony with mosquito screens. Julaymba Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serves modern Australian food incorporating local seafood and fresh seasonal produce. There's an adjoining bar/lounge, a small gallery-gift shop, and a large outdoor dining deck. Activities here include yoga, guided rain-forest walks, relaxing treatments in the day spa, longer excursions with Indigenous-owned Walkabout Cultural Adventures, and Daintree River wildlife-spotting cruises. 

The only resort on the island, Fitzroy Island Resort has a range of accommodation options, including studios, two-bedroom suites, bungalows, beach cabins, and a four-bedroom penthouse apartment ideal for families and groups. There's also a pool with a swim-up bar, a kids' playroom, air hockey, and a general store. Dine alfresco at the à la carte Zephyr Restaurant, or soak up the beach vibes at the more casual Foxy's Bar and Cafe. 

The well-appointed studio rooms and apartments at Pullman’s gorgeous Palm Cove property have private balcony or terrace areas, high-definition flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds with memory-foam pillows. Those who have business to do will appreciate the in-room work desk, ergonomic rolling chair, and free Wi-Fi access. The resort has a state-of-the-art business lounge, a well-equipped gym, and day spa, and there's a golf course and the beach nearby. You can rent bicycles from reception for A$20 for two hours. 

This beachfront property houses travelers at alluringly reasonable rates. Relax in simple but stylishly furnished bures (tropical-style bungalows), A-frame bungalows, villas, and suites, all with balconies and hammocks or daybeds, strung along a palm-fringed, white-sand shore and scattered around the tropical grounds. While there, you'll have free rein of the resort, including its dining room, lounge, media room, day spa, tennis courts, saltwater pool, and kayaks. Wallabies, goannas, brush turkeys, and big-eyed curlews wander freely about the grounds, and kookaburras cackle from the trees. If you're keen to explore neighboring islands, beaches, and the reef, scenic flights, day cruises, and diving can be arranged through the resort.

Spacious, self-contained, and with a relaxed island vibe, these steep-roofed, freestanding bungalows are great for families and self-sufficient travelers. Each Polynesian-style hut has a private furnished balcony with a hammock, cool tile or polished-wood floors, a basic kitchenette with cutlery and bar fridge, a king-size bed and divan, air-conditioning, and ceiling fans.

The expansive one- to three-bedroom apartments at this high-end hillside resort are tailored for comfort, with spa baths the size of small cars, designer decor and appliances, high-end entertainment systems, free Wi-Fi, and big, furnished balconies with great views of the bay and yacht club. The resort is a steep trek (or about a A$12 taxi ride) from Airlie's main strip (or before 11 pm take the resort shuttle, but it only runs every two hours). In-house dining at Tides restaurant is sophisticated, if pricey, offering breakfast, pool-side lunch, and Modern Australian dinners. On-site facilities include a licensed bar, a wet-edge pool, a well-equipped gym, and an endota spa that offers detox, destress, and anti-aging treatments using organic Australian ingredients. Reef trips and water sports are at your doorstep, but there's plenty of incentive to stay put.

Its beachfront location, excellent on-site dining, and tropical suites make this laid-back resort popular with city dwellers seeking upscale relaxation. With three magnificent lagoon pools and a day spa, it's not hard to find a spot to relax. The open-air lobby opens onto compact but well-landscaped grounds and the largest of the Club's three pools, with a soothing waterfall nearby. All rooms and suites have contemporary furnishings, flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, minibars and/or fridges, and large balconies or courtyards; spa rooms have balcony two-person spa baths, and deluxe rooms have rooftop Jacuzzis. You can rent a quad bike, chill out with a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or receive a treatment at the Day Spa, which does everything from detoxifying body treatments to Vichy showers and massage.

Located a stone's throw from the ferry terminal at Nelly Bay, this hotel has stylishly designed studio rooms, apartments, and penthouse suites, with high-end entertainment systems, luxe amenities, and balconies overlooking the port, the large pool, or the island's private marina. Apartments and penthouses also have full kitchen and laundry facilities. There are two lagoon pools, a restaurant serving Mod Oz fare, and a full-service day spa. Nearby are shops, eateries, water-sports outlets, a marina-front boardwalk, and a supermarket. It's a 20-minute walk (or bus ride) to Alma Beach.

Centered on a complex of interconnecting saltwater lagoon pools, the Sheraton Grand Mirage is a good choice for families. Its refurbished guest rooms and suites are light, modern, and beachy, with sleek wood furnishings and appointments, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docking stations. The landscaped grounds front a white-sand beach, and there are lots of on-site dining and drinking options. It's a big resort, with all the pluses and minuses size can offer, but thanks to the clever configuration of the pools, you can almost always find a lounge chair.