Top 10 Queensland Beach Resorts Overview

Welcome to the Sunshine State – and we’re not talking Florida. No, our search for sun, surf and golden rays has taken us far from mainland America and straight into the beloved Australian region that has also earned an affectionate nickname as the Sunshine State. While we’d prefer to skip the “which beach destination is better” debate for today, we’d be fools if we said we couldn’t see the allure behind Queensland’s white sand beaches and impossibly blue Pacific Ocean waters. Fortunately, we’ve been charged with a much more enticing task: finding the very best of this Australian state’s beach accommodations. From exclusive resorts perched on Whitsunday Island sands to luxury retreats overlooking the expansive Noosa hinterland, you’ll find it all on our Top 10 Queensland Beach Resorts list!

1

Hayman - Hayman, Great Barrier Reef

Located on the exclusive Whitsunday Islands, Hayman promises endless luxury and romance on your Gold Coast vacation. This Australian icon has long been the destination of choice for honeymooners looking to begin wedded bliss in an idyllic land of azure waters and white sand beaches, but Hayman also caters to discerning travelers in search of life’s finer things. After all, what better place to indulge your material side than at a Queensland beach resort crafted from nothing but the best architecture, design and worldly pleasures? Hayman’s seductive guestrooms and suites are a reflection of their pristine Queensland surroundings. Retreat rooms feature native marble floors, outdoor rainwater showers and sunken baths that embrace the island’s natural form. And each of Hayman’s stunning penthouse suites is beautifully appointed with its own theme, from the 19th-century furnishings of the French Penthouse to the raw silk wall coverings of the Oriental Suite.

Highlights

Catch a glimpse of another island inhabitant – Australia’s endangered Proserpine Rock Wallabies.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Hayman Kids Club features fun-filled activities for all ages, including snorkeling, speedboat rides and etiquette classes.

Fun facts

Hayman is one of Australia’s most awarded resorts and has been featured in both the Australian Tourism Awards and National Travel Industry Awards halls of fame.

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2

Circle on Cavill - Burleigh Heads

We have two words for you: Surfers Paradise. Circle on Cavill’s twin towers overlook this famous stretch of Australian beach, where waves rise and swell and the world’s most skilled surfers seek their bliss. Breaking points may have negative connotations back at the office, but here on the Gold Coast these two words are sweet music to a surf enthusiast’s ears. And not one, but four spectacular point breaks – Palm Beach, Main Beach, Narrowneck and Mermaid Beach – can be sought out and surfed to your heart’s content during your stay in this Australian paradise. This Queensland beach resort is big on style, but surprisingly small on pretense. Designer boutiques and gourmet eateries grace Circle on Cavill’s ground level, while inside the apartments a combination of neutral colors and understated décor blends for a minimalist feel with a decidedly dramatic flair. Floor-to-ceiling windows boast shimmering views of land and sea, letting Queensland’s coastal beauty come shining through during your stay.

Related Onsite Offerings

Circle on Cavill’s retail precinct offers restaurants, designer shops, cafes and boutiques.

Fun facts

The open air piazza at Circle on Cavill frequently plays host to picnics, gatherings, art shows, street theatre, live music and sporting events.

Highlights

Polished stone and stainless steel lend a modern, yet stylish flair to Circle on Cavill’s luxury apartments.

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3

Q1 Resort & Spa - Surfers Paradise

They call it the Q1 Spa, but we call it heaven-sent bliss on your Queensland beach vacation. This Australian spa is noticeably absent of traditional spa treatments, but in their place you’ll find an exotic menu of rituals, ceremonies and transformative experiences at the hands of Q1 Spa’s gifted staff. Like the rejuvenating sea salt scrubs that gently exfoliate to restore your youthful glow. The indulgent crushed pearl extracts that make you shimmer like the azure ocean waters. And the pampering dual treatments –a Q1 Spa specialty – that let you share the bliss with a loved one by your side. We could go on all day about the life-altering pampering we experienced at this Gold Coast spa, but we really ought to pay Q1 Resort’s exquisite accommodations their dues. You won’t find anything beneath the exacting standards of a luxury suite at this Queensland beach resort, and each has been indulgently outfitted with glass-enclosed balconies and en-suite spa baths. And you can expect a spectacular view – or two – from the world’s tallest residential tower!

Fun facts

Absynthe Restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Meyjitte Boughenout, earned two Michelin Stars for his work as executive chef at Belgium’s Restaurant Scholteshos.

Related activities

Yachting, diving, snorkeling, golf and tennis.

Highlights

The QDeck is Australia’s only beachside observation deck. This stunning Queensland eatery offers surreal views of the Gold Coast and expertly-mixed QBar cocktails.

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4

The Mantra Phoenician - Broadbeach

From lagoon-like indoor pools to tropical gardens, the Mantra Phoenician offers a feeling of paradise both inside and out. And while some might say that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, this Queensland beach resort would never settle for such simple-minded standards! Your Gold Coast vacation really kicks off when you set out to explore your surroundings, which count the Oasis Shopping Centre and Pacific Fair among their distinguished ranks. Even if you came for the beaches, you’ll find it hard not to get hooked on the Gold Coast’s indulgent lifestyle! Australia’s beaches are equally enticing, whether you use them to challenge the sun-kissed locals to a sunbathing contest or as your departure point for Gold Coast adventures like parasailing, jet skiing and snorkeling. And if a slower pace is more your style, a horse-drawn carriage ride offers the perfect moment to steal a kiss under the starlit Queensland sky.

Related activities

Yachting, diving, golf and tennis.

Highlights

The Mantra Phoenician is also perfect for Gold Coast family vacations. Australian theme parks like Dreamworld, Movieworld and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are all just minutes away!

Fun facts

All dressed up with no place to go? Dozens of night clubs and upscale eateries line the streets that surround the Mantra Phoenician.

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5

Artique Resort - Surfers Paradise

Nothing puts us in the vacation mindset like a great view and fortunately, our No. 5 pick offers you your choice of vantage points! You could slip on your bikini and step into Artique Resort’s spa pool that overlooks the glittering Gold Coast cityscape. From there you could easily make your way to the shimmering outdoor pool and enjoy the Pacific Ocean reflections it holds. And for a truly spectacular view, simply step back a few paces from the entrance and behold Artique Resort in all its sleek blue, silver and fountain-strewn glory! With Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach and Surfers Paradise at your doorstep, making the most of Australia’s famed sand and surf is as easy as stepping outside. And if sand in your swimsuit doesn’t strike your fancy, you could practice your putt in Artique Resort’s virtual golf simulator, tee off in real time on a Gold Coast golf course or test your luck on slots and more at nearby Jupiters Casino.

Fun facts

Looking for entertainment when the sun goes down? Jupiters Casino offers a full calendar of Las Vegas-style shows and other entertainment.

Highlights

Artique Resort’s apartments are beautifully appointed with gourmet kitchens, contemporary décor and fine linens in rich chocolate and orange hues.

Related Onsite Offerings

Underground parking, gardens, tour desk and virtual golf simulator.

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6

Mantra Bel Air - Broadbeach

Our No. 6 spot is home to a range of amenities so fantastic it took three towers to contain them! Like its sister resort, Mantra Bel Air is perfect for Queensland family beach vacations. There’s a sparkling outdoor pool that’s perfect for sunbathing and a wading pool for those who aren’t ready to backstroke with the big kids just yet. And did we mention the fantastic stretch of Currumbin Beach sand outside, with surf that’s gentle enough for kids just learning to swim and tide pools that are certainly worth exploring? But those with a passion for shoes, purses and all things fashion will think they’ve died and gone to retail heaven when they step out of the Mantra Bel Air and into Pacific Fair. This famous shopping haven is home to hundreds of designer shops, boutiques and other setups that will soon have you cruising the Gold Coast streets in true Aussie fashion.

Highlights

Mantra Bel Air’s spacious apartments feature queen beds for parents and twin beds for the kids.

Fun facts

Mantra Bel Air even boasts an indoor pool for those rare days when the Australian sun isn’t shining at full blaze.

Related Onsite Offerings

Multiple BBQs, a gym, sauna and spa.

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7

Crown Towers - Melbourne, Minnesota

Don’t get us wrong – Crown Towers has its share of Gold Coast luxury accommodations fully prepared to put you and the family up in a manner fit for kings. But when your kids – and quite possibly your husband – lay eyes on this Queensland beach resort’s fanciful poolscape, your dreams of crowns and scepters will be quickly replaced with eye patches and choruses of “arghh!” Someone behind Crown Towers must have had quite the imagination, because in place of the traditional resort pool sits a lagoon-like oasis brimming with buccaneer-themed fun. While your kids will spend hours battling on an authentic pirate ship replica and a stretch of sandy beach that rivals that of the Gold Coast, moms can rest easy – nobody will be asked to walk the plank on your Queensland family vacation!

Related Onsite Offerings

Sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool.

Highlights

Visiting Australia’s theme parks and other kid-friendly attractions is as easy as stopping by the tour desk at Crown Towers. You can even reserve your tickets right at the resort!

Fun facts

Your kids might beg you to plummet thirty meters on the back of a giant spinning surfboard and we suggest taking them up their offer. It’s all part of the Surfrider attraction at Wet’n’Wild Water World – Australia’s largest water theme park!

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8

Freshwater Point Resort - Broadbeach

Talk about a luxury hotel in a scenic river bank location – Freshwater Point Resort pairs its fishing jetty and spectacular poolscapes with sleek spaces that surround you in comfort and style from check-in to departure. Wake to a foamy latte or cappuccino at the poolside café, but make it snappy – you’ve got a busy day ahead of you on your Australia business vacation! The commute to work is as simple as strolling through the resort’s sleek lobby and into the Gold Coast Convention Centre across the street. And at the end of each productive day, melting away stress is as easy as a few minutes in Freshwater Point’s onsite spa, sauna or steam room. You may spend your days with your sleeves rolled up and the money rolling in, but the views offered by your Freshwater Point Resort apartment are a constant reminder that you’re in one of the world’s most beloved vacation destinations. Make sure to leave time for a leisurely Gold Coast beach stroll during your stay!

Fun facts

Freshwater Point Resort also offers extended stays and fully-furnished apartment rentals at weekly rates.

Entrance fees

Glass, metal and splashes of red meld for a lounge-like feel in Freshwater Point Resort’s stylish lobby.

Related Onsite Offerings

Gym, sauna, pools, meeting rooms and conference and business facilities.

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9

Belle Maison Resort - Broadbeach

You could slip on a wetsuit, grab a board and paddle out from the safety of the beach and into the endless Pacific Ocean waters. You’re far more likely to end up with a mouthful of sand and a spectacular board rash than you are to ride the surf back to the sand – but it’s an option. Or, you could take a tip (or two) from the pros on a fun-filled three-, five- or seven-day surfing adventure. The Australian Surfer International Surfing School is the king of all things surf, and you won’t find a more fitting guru to introduce you to this beloved Australian tradition than one of its expert instructors. Chances are you’re already having a pretty stellar Gold Coast surfing vacation. But Belle Maison Resort takes your Queensland adventure above and beyond with a stunning selection of two-bedroom luxury suites.

Fun facts

With spectacular surf adventures to North Stradbroke Island, Ride on Tours is a surfer’s paradise in its own right.

Related Onsite Offerings

Tennis courts, heated pool and spas, guest lounge, gym and sauna.

Highlights

These spacious Gold Coast accommodations feature full kitchens, private balconies and access to the resort’s heated outdoor swimming pool – not to mention spectacular views of Broadbeach scenery!

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10

The Lookout Resort - Noosa Heads

We really shouldn’t have been surprised – they do call it The Lookout Resort, after all. But when you’re met with stylish décor, manicured grounds and stunning views from check-in to departure, it’s hard not to get swept away! Light, airy apartments at this Australian beach resort are home to polished tile floors and luxurious modern baths. And the views differ from room to room, but whether you gaze out upon sandy expanses or turn your eyes to the lush tropical foliage, you’re guaranteed a spectacular vantage point at The Lookout Resort. We’re not sure if it was the symphony of tropical palms tapping at our window or the sweet sounds of tropical birdsong, but our Lookout Resort apartment felt more like an island hideaway than a luxury suite steps from Hastings Street’s fine dining and Noosa Beach’s sand and surf. Then again, it could have been the sweet-smelling sea breezes that accompanied the most spectacular Gold Coast sunsets!

Related activities

Golf, whale encounter cruises, swimming, camel treks, surfing, kayaking, SCUBA diving, kite boarding, bushwalking and fishing.

Getting there

The Lookout Resort is located 20 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport and 1.5 hrs from the Brisbane International Airport.

Fun facts

Noosa has been a popular destination since surfers first arrived in the 1960s on pilgrimage to Noosas Main Beach, Alexandria Bay and Sunshine Beach.

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