From the Great Barrier Reef to the ancient rainforests of the Daintree, Tropical Queensland showcases some of Australia's most remarkable natural wonders in a single unforgettable destination.
Tropical Queensland is one of Australia's most extraordinary regions, where the world's largest coral reef system meets ancient rainforest landscapes that predate the Amazon. Stretching along the country's north-eastern coastline, it offers a rare combination of natural wonders, tropical islands and outdoor experiences found nowhere else in Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef remains the region's defining attraction, with vibrant coral gardens, secluded cays and remarkable marine life drawing visitors from around the world. Offshore islands provide idyllic escapes, whilst sailing, snorkelling and diving reveal one of the planet's most celebrated natural environments.
On land, the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands showcase a very different side of the region. Luxury lodges, island resorts and elegant retreats provide exceptional bases from which to explore landscapes where rainforest, reef and tropical coastline come together in spectacular fashion.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, a luxurious five-star retreat overlooking the iconic Marlin Marina, offers an exquisite gateway to Tropical North Queensland's vibrant wonders, blending warm Australian hospitality with contemporary elegance. The 255 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, each featuring private balconies or terraces with captivating views of tropical gardens, Trinity Bay, or the bustling Marlin Marina, are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, laptop safes, minibars, and plush bathrobes and slippers. Designed with modern sophistication, these spacious accommodations provide a refined sanctuary, harmonising the serene beauty of Cairns' waterfront with premium amenities, ensuring a restful and indulgent stay for couples, families, or adventurers exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. The Backyard, a vibrant waterside venue, showcases Far North Queensland's personality with innovative cocktails and creative dishes crafted from local ingredients, served in a relaxed setting with uninterrupted marina, waterfront, and mountain views. Guests can choose from bar, deck, or garden seating, soaking in the tropical ambiance year-round. Three exceptional onsite restaurants and bars elevate dining with fresh, regional flavours, while a state-of-the-art gym, refreshing outdoor pool, and attentive tour desk arranging reef and rainforest adventures enhance the experience, all underpinned by the Shangri-La Cares commitment to guest safety and wellbeing. Located a three-minute walk from the Great Barrier Reef Departure Terminal and Pier Shopping Centre, just 10 minutes' drive from Cairns Airport, with secure undercover parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a complimentary shoeshine service, Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns delivers a seamless fusion of opulent luxury and the captivating allure of Tropical North Queensland's coastal and natural treasures.
From £110 per night
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore, an exquisite tropical haven, offers unrivalled direct beach access along the palm-fringed shores of Palm Cove. This luxurious retreat blends elegant tropical interiors with modern comforts, creating a serene coastal escape. The spacious accommodations, including one, two, and three-bedroom suites and a lavish four-bedroom apartment, all exceeding 85 square metres, are fully self-contained with full kitchens featuring dishwashers and microwaves, laundry amenities, and inviting living areas with Smart TVs and streaming access. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to wide balconies showcasing breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, lush tropical gardens, or resort pools, inviting refreshing sea breezes. Guests can unwind at the indulgent day spa, relax by one of three shimmering swimming pools—fully renovated and operational as of August 2024—or enjoy a soothing hot tub experience. The resort's beachfront BBQ facilities and serene setting enhance leisurely moments, while the tour desk arranges seamless adventures to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, ensuring a rich exploration of the region's natural wonders. Located just 30 minutes from Cairns International Airport and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and an hour from the Daintree Rainforest, with complimentary onsite parking, Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore delivers a seamless fusion of sophisticated luxury and the tranquil allure of Australia's tropical coastline.
From £155 per night
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa, a luxurious five-star retreat on Palm Cove's pristine beachfront, offers a family-friendly tropical haven. Just 25 minutes from Cairns, the fully furnished studios and apartments exude contemporary elegance with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and spa-inspired bathrooms featuring indulgent spa baths. Many units boast private balconies, terraces, luxurious swim-out access, or private plunge pools, offering serene views of the Coral Sea or lush resort gardens. Each space blends modern sophistication with the tranquil allure of Tropical North Queensland, ensuring a refined sanctuary for couples, families, or solo travellers seeking relaxation or adventure. The Temple of Taste restaurant serves exquisite modern Australian cuisine in a stylish setting, showcasing fresh, local ingredients, while the Lagoon Bar, enveloped by shimmering water features and pools, offers an extensive selection of refreshing beverages, perfect for unwinding in the tropical ambiance. The Vie Spa, with outdoor verandas opening to a man-made rainforest, provides a curated range of health and beauty treatments, complemented by a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, rooftop terrace, fitness centre, concierge, and room service, all enhancing the indulgent experience. Located a short stroll from Mediterranean dining gems like Vivo Palm Cove, Portofino, and Neptune's on the Cove, and near the Village Gallery, the resort is ideally positioned for exploring the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, with the tour desk arranging seamless adventures. Just 17 km from Cairns Airport with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa delivers a harmonious fusion of sophisticated luxury and the vibrant coastal allure of Palm Cove's natural wonders.
From £115 per night
Crystalbrook Flynn, a vibrant five-star retreat in Cairns' lively heart, exudes a social, dynamic charm with a touch of showmanship. Just steps from the Esplanade boardwalk, it offers an engaging escape with a focus on #responsibleluxury. The stylish rooms and suites, some with balconies boasting sea or city views, feature air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, Apple iPad control centres with Staycast by Google for streaming, complimentary movies, Nespresso machines with recyclable pods, and minibars, ensuring refined comfort. The hotel's sustainability ethos shines through, eliminating plastic straws, bottles, and key cards, using large-pump amenity bottles to save over 250,000 plastic bottles annually, and partnering with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, TerraCycle, OzHarvest, and Containers for Change. Dining is a celebration of Cairns' ever-changing natural surrounds, with Flynn's Italian offering hearty Italian spreads, Whiskey and Wine presenting divine high tea towers, and Boardwalk Social serving a smorgasbord of tasty treats, all complemented by an impressive selection of local and imported wines and creative cocktails. The exquisite glass swimming pools facing the Esplanade, paired with a fitness centre and 24-hour front desk, create a lively yet luxurious ambiance, often enlivened by DJs and expertly crafted martinis. Located 1.1 km from Cairns Station, near Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Regional Gallery, and The Cairns Civic Theater, with Cairns Airport 7 km away, Crystalbrook Flynn delivers a seamless fusion of modern indulgence, sustainable elegance, and the vibrant allure of Cairns' cultural and coastal treasures.
From £95 per night
Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a luxurious family-owned eco-retreat on a 58-hectare coastal headland, offers a serene escape 15 minutes south of Port Douglas, blending seamlessly with Tropical North Queensland's pristine wilderness. The 83 eco-designed timber bungalows, elevated on stilts and nestled within the lush forest canopy, feature air-conditioned comfort, private balconies with stunning ocean, mountain, or forest views, bathtubs, refrigerators, minibars, and plush furnishings. Each bungalow is thoughtfully concealed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, offering a refined sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of native birds and wildlife, perfect for couples, families, or eco-conscious travellers seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Osprey's Restaurant, perched among treetops with panoramic Coral Sea vistas, serves modern Australian cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients, complemented by warm, attentive service. Guests can dine amidst vibrant birdlife, savouring dishes that celebrate the region's bounty. The reserve's amenities include natural swimming pools formed by granite boulders and waterfalls, an organic coconut plantation, and complimentary guided nature tours, such as the Coconut Odyssey, stargazing at the outdoor observatory, wildlife walks, and birdwatching adventures led by onsite rangers, immersing guests in the rich biodiversity of the rainforest and coastal habitats. Located a 10-minute drive from Port Douglas and 45 minutes from Cairns City Centre via the scenic Captain Cook Highway, with free parking, Thala Beach Nature Reserve offers direct access to secluded beaches and coves via rainforest paths, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. This eco-friendly sanctuary delivers an exquisite fusion of luxurious indulgence and the captivating allure of Queensland's natural and cultural treasures.
From £195 per night
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, a luxurious five-star retreat nestled by Trinity Inlet and the Cruise Liner Terminal in Cairns, offers an unrivalled gateway to Tropical North Queensland's natural wonders. The 128 beautifully appointed rooms, ranging from Superior and Deluxe rooms to Junior, Exclusive, and Presidential Suites, feature air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TVs, tea-and-coffee makers, and spacious bathrooms with indulgent spa baths and premium C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Each room opens to a private garden balcony with captivating views of the city against a mountain backdrop or shimmering water vistas, blending contemporary elegance with serene sophistication. The suites elevate the experience with expansive layouts, ensuring a refined sanctuary for couples, families, or discerning travellers seeking an unforgettable escape. The award-winning Tamarind Restaurant showcases Thai-inspired fusion cuisine, crafted with fresh local ingredients, while Flinders Bar & Grill offers light meals in a relaxed setting, complemented by four vibrant bars featuring live music. Guests can unwind by the rooftop swimming pool, spa pool, or sauna, maintain their routine in the well-equipped gym, or explore curated adventures through the tour desk, arranging diving, snorkelling, or day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Atherton Tablelands. The boutique casino and expansive conference spaces add versatility for leisure or business. Located just 250 metres from Cairns Esplanade, a five-minute walk from the Reef Fleet Terminal, five minutes from Cairns Convention Centre, and 15 minutes' drive from Cairns Airport, with complimentary parking, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino delivers a seamless fusion of opulent luxury and the vibrant allure of Cairns' tropical and cultural treasures.
From £95 per night