Luxury places to rest your head

From the moment you lay your eyes on Lizard Island after your flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, you know your time here is going to be special. The aquamarine reef sprawls below you hugging the group of islands contrasting with the deep blue ocean and white sand. As you prepare to land, see how many of the 24 private beaches you can spot – you can commandeer your own motorised dinghy to explore them at your own leisure later (deluxe picnic hamper in tow of course).

But first, it’s time to check in and check out this little heaven on earth. The resort offers a range of luxury rooms up to the epitome of elegance, The Villa; featuring panoramic ocean views complete with an 8m private plunge pool. If you ever feel like leaving your room, take advantage of the stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaks, head out to world-class reefs on a dive expedition, or up the relaxation mode at Essentia Day Spa. Wind down for sunset at Salt Water Restaurant with an exquisite ever-changing menu focussing on quality local produce. This is your one-way ticket to feeling like royalty.

Venture through World Heritage Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands and into a 20,000-year-old landscape carved out by an ancient volcano. Your four-hour scenic 4WD journey concludes at MacEacherns Camp set on the 70,000 acre Kinrara Station. Here you are welcomed onto country by the local Gugu Badhun peoples before being introduced to the luxury camping facilities that will be your base for the next five days. The Gugu Badhun are the people of the ‘Valley of the Lagoons’ and your private camp oasis overlooks one of these breathtaking water sources overflowing with rich plant and animal species.

This fully hosted expedition takes you into a world unlike any other and is the perfect experience for nature lovers who still enjoy their creature comforts. Opt for a helicopter tour over the volcano crater, mountain biking through the bush, birdwatching, swimming and fishing, or simply choose to stretch out in a hammock with your favourite book. Your hosts will craft your days to your taste for an escape into real Australia that is both extraordinary and rejuvenating.

Kinrara Expeditions is operational between April to September to ensure your ultimate comfort with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain.

In the back-country 150kms north-west of Cairns, rugged outback meets luxury at all-inclusive Mount Mulligan Lodge. An 18km escarpment dominates the landscape with the lodge perfectly positioned to enjoy views over their weir towards the sandstone range. Set on a 28,000-hectare cattle station, the property is rich in history and features the remains of the Mount Mulligan township, coal mine and Tyrconnel gold mine which can be explored by foot or ATV.

Corrugated iron outdoor baths, spotted gum timber cladding, natural textures and earth-toned finishings pay homage to the surrounding landscape and pastoral heritage of the property. Each room is provided with a personal electric buggy for guests to zip between their room, Main Pavilion and Sunset Bar. The weir provides a spectacular vista towards the towering range of Mount Mulligan where guests can choose to paddleboard, kayak or fish for a prized barramundi.

One could call Crystalbrook masters in luxury. Indulge with a clean conscious at Cairns’ first five-star hotel in over 20 years at Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort. From the paperless check-in, recycled wooden room key and absence of plastic drinking bottles and straws at the resort’s three on-site restaurants, the subtle touch points of sustainability woven through the property is refreshing.

Spend your days lounging in a cabana by the pool sipping on a signature cocktail and book in for some me-time at Eléme Day Spa where the therapists will personalise your experience to suit your desires. Wind down the day overlooking the ocean at Rocco, Cairns’ only rooftop bar.

You might laugh at first when you hear that some properties in Tropical North Queensland come complete with a fireplace, but a trip to the Atherton Tablelands during winter will have you reassessing. Located in the cool highlands of Cairns, Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is a romantic and haven set within the lush tropical rainforest. Your log treehouse blends in with the environment each featuring a private balcony and spa bath with stunning rainforest or mountain views, and, of course, a wood-burning fireplace.

Set on 93 hectares, you can explore 9km of walking trails on the property, home to over 160 bird species including the cassowary, platypus, wallabies and the most primitive and smallest species of kangaroo, the musky rat-kangaroo. While you might never want to leave, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the Atherton Tablelands, located only 15 minutes from popular swimming hole Lake Eacham or 20 minutes from the charming country town of Yungaburra.