Top 10 All-inclusives in Queensland, Australia

May 1, 2023 Elouise Mccaul

Some of Queensland’s most remarkable sights require you to leave terra firma. Off its coast sits the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef. Snorkel and scuba among 1500 resident fish species, or sail through the Whitsundays’ white-sand atolls. Back on dry land, you’ll find tropical escapes in the Daintree Rainforest to the north, rugged outback to the west and alfresco dining on the Gold Coast in the south. South East Queensland boasts mountain views, vineyards and ‘river city’ Brisbane.
Things to do in Queensland

1. Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

20-22 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2308 reviews

Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

Ideally positioned within a short stroll of the township of Port Douglas, Peppers Beach Club offers couples and families perfectly situated resort accommodation. Spoil yourself during your next holiday to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest by staying in one of the beautifully appointed One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites or our spacious Penthouse. Lush gardens surround your accommodation, providing a tranquil ambiance throughout the resort grounds. For a touch of added luxury, some of the room types offer a swim-up pool deck, providing direct access to the tropical lagoon pool, bordered with swaying palm trees. Amenities are inclusive of complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, stylish kitchen with all of the latest amenities, along with a spacious balcony to relax and enjoy the tropical vibe. Daily housekeeping allows you to completely unwind, leaving all the day-to-day cares to us. Leisure is at the heart of what we offer at Peppers Beach Club, with a large lagoon pool to cool off in, with some of the rooms featuring private decks where you can lounge on the pool edge with drink in hand while soaking in the Tropical North Queensland sunshine. When fitness is essential to your stay, our onsite gymnasium provides a place to keep fit, and we also offer bicycle hire for you to explore the local attractions at your own pace. For all of your activities and excursions, visit the Tour Desk located within the resort to discuss your plans for your time with us. Whether you’re planning to discover the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rain Forest or hop onboard the Kuranda Skyrail, there are a myriad of experiences to be had. Experience hot ballooning, a helicopter or seaplane ride, try skydiving, snorkelling or diving; or simply throw down a towel on Four Mile Beach and watch the waves lap the shore. Koko Poolside Bar & Kitchen is the perfect spot for lounging. Fresh seafood that’s easy to eat and share, classic cocktails to enjoy in beautiful settings. Comfort food with a luxury twist. Important information: In accordance with recent Government directives in response to slowing the spread of COVID-19, Hotel facilities may experience temporary closures or changes to operating times and/or services provided. Please contact our reception for further details. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding during this time.

Nice hotel but probably not worth the $$$

Reviewed By 6toris

Lovely room, nice pool area although the way it’s set out with the lounges, if you’re in the pool you feel a bit like you are in a fishbowl. Atmosphere could be improved with some music rather than silence. Our room had a kitchen which was great but didn’t have basic condiments and cooking necessities which was disappointing. Restaurant needs a wider selection of food to cater for different guests. Overall nice stay, but not sure if ultimately worth the $$$

2. Thala Beach Nature Reserve

5078 Captain Cook Hwy, Oak Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1783 reviews

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a family owned 58 hectare nature and wildlife reserve 15 minutes south of Port Douglas. Get there from Cairns via a spectacular 45 minute drive along Captain Cook Highway. Elevated on stilts, 83 eco designed timber bungalows are discretely concealed within the forest canopy, blending in with the natural environment and feature ocean, mountain or forest views. Panoramic views are enjoyed from open-sided Osprey's Restaurant across the forest canopy and beyond to the Coral Sea. Guests and visitors dine amongst birds in the surrounding treetops, whilst enjoying modern Australian cuisine with friendly and attentive service. Granite boulders, waterfalls and overhanging trees create natural swimming pools blending discretely within the environment. Paths wind through rainforests and woodlands, connecting with secluded coves and beaches, passing through habitats for endemic birds, wildlife and flora. Guests enjoy complimentary guided nature tours by onsite rangers including tree planting, stargazing at an outdoor observatory, beach discovery, wildlife walks and bird-watching tours. A completely organic 650 tree coconut plantation is home to a unique coconut odyssey tour highlighting the extraordinary qualities of the 'tree of life'.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Stunning !

Reviewed By FellowTraveler787507

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is the absolute benchmark for a special getaway to remember. Thala sits on a quiet peninsula overlooking the Coral Sea atop the stunning Oak Beach. It is full of beautiful native flora and fauna and is quite simply an environmental paradise. We relaxed from the minute we arrived and were greeted by very friendly staff, then settled into our lovely cabin with its views of that stunning sea. Heaven. Thala's irresistible billabong pool with its beautiful surrounds and unique and clever layout made us feel like we always had our privacy, even while others were swimming there. The owners of this lovely place really did their homework. Ospreys Restaurant, beautiful food for breakfast and dinner and wow, what stunning views! We never wanted to leave before the sunset.. Also, highly recommend an afternoon visit to the bar (it too with lovely views). You will love the "Thala Collins" cocktail! We were sad to leave this special place and its fabulous staff who went out of their way to make our week so enjoyable and special, it's beautiful Oak Beach and its resident Goannas, birds, Papuan frogmouth and its glorious butterflies. Complete relaxation, complete enjoyment, a holiday we will never forget. Thank you Thala Beach Nature Reserve. My husband and I can't wait to return.

3. Hilton Cairns

34 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Excellent
44%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3026 reviews

Hilton Cairns

Located in the heart of the city, the Hilton Cairns hotel is the perfect base for exploring the diverse wonders of this truly unique region, famous as the meeting place of two natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforest. Our modern and inviting Cairns hotel rooms and suites are luxurious oases of comfort and convenience, offering pristine bathrooms and spacious balconies with views of Trinity Inlet or Cairns Esplanade and the unique cityscape and blue-green mountain ranges beyond. The large lagoon style pool has ample deck chairs and umbrellas, soft seating spaces and a Pool Bar with cold beverages and light bites and snacks.. Enjoy relaxed, al fresco dining at the award-winning Mondo on the waterfront, or discover modern, refined dining in Signature Restaurant. Experience modern, tropical, paradise today!

Probably more expensive than needed.

Reviewed By cameron h

My husband and I stayed here for a few nights. We got a Waterview Delux king. The view was lovely, and the balcony, though small was well laid out with chairs to sit in. The bed was comfy and the room had an expresso pod machine. There was plenty of storage. It is located on the Trinity inlet,close enough to the city to enjoy yourselves but not close enough to get the noise from crowds. The downsides The bathtub/shower combination was tiny and un-useable as a bathtub. The bathroom light switch was outside the bathroom, next to the front door rather than the bathroom door making it annoying to use in the middle of the night. The soundproofing was inadequate, with plenty of outside noise making it into the room. I have only stayed in a Hilton once before and feel the price I paid may have been paying for the hotels name rather than the room. Whilst there is a nice indoor garden in the centre of the hotel, it is unusable and I am unhappy to pay the same price I did at this stay in the future.

4. Sofitel Brisbane Central

249 Turbot St, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 Australia
Excellent
51%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 4973 reviews

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Located within walking distance of the city centre, acclaimed Eagle Street Pier, South Bank Parklands and the Convention Centre, Sofitel Brisbane Central also offers direct access to Central Station with easy transportation to the airport and Gold Coast. Its facilities include 416 elegant rooms, an award-winning dining outlet serving indulgent a la carte meals for breakfast, lunch & dinner and 24-hour in-room dining. Sofitel Brisbane Central is the largest meeting facility in Brisbane with 13 conference rooms accommodating up to 1,100 people. Indulge in Stephanie's Spa, the finest luxury spa in Brisbane and one of the incredible services our Brisbane hotel offers. Every room in our Brisbane hotel blends contemporary design with French elegance, and includes stunning views of either the mountain ranges or the CBD. Our Brisbane accommodation is home to the largest 5-star meeting and event spaces in Brisbane. With a vibrant cultural scene and an exciting range of restaurants, bars and cafés, Brisbane is the place to be. Sofitel Brisbane Central offers access to the best of Brisbane's dining, shopping and cultural experiences - and its public transport options.

Not 5 Star

Reviewed By DrGreyhound

3 night weekend stay in spacious room overlooking ANZAC square. Furniture and general amenity appeared somewhat dated. Bed ok (wished for a firmer pillow) and shower fair. Little things annoyed over stay. Thought them odd but couldn’t muster energy to complain: bedside clock incorrect by 5 hours, no bathrobe supplied (changed behind towel poolside), and a small unexplained charge occurred after departure (reception said “account email will be sent, sir” yet never arrived to clarify). Irritated & amused by Jacuzzi with Stop button clearly shown yet I and many other guests could not seem to find the GO for bubbles .. instructions?! Looking from room window above daily everyone was frustratingly using it as a warm outdoor bath after leaving the cooler lap pool. Next time in Brisbane will look at Fortitude Valley modern options.

5. Lizard Island Resort

Pmb 40, Cook Shire, Lizard Island, Queensland 4871 Australia
Excellent
82%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 790 reviews

Lizard Island Resort

Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. With 40 luxurious suites, it is the most northern resort in tropical North Queensland and is located directly on the Great Barrier Reef. The Resort is part of a preserved National Park covering 1,013 hectares, Lizard Island Resort is accessible by private air charter from Cairns Airport that services direct flights to and from most major Australian airports. The island experience is like no other place on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy secluded picnics with your own private dinghy on one of the many beaches, dive the famous Cod Hole, learn to snorkel or take in one of the numerous natural bird, wildlife, turtle or historical guided tours - there is so much on offer. Lizard Island is also famous for its game fishing and ,exciting light tackle sport fishing and has several vessels for private fishing excursions. At the end of a busy day, try a sunset beach degustation dinner on a private beach, relax in the soothing Essentia Day Spa or simply unwind in the the beautiful Salt Water restaurant and bar - Lizard is like nowhere else located right on the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island Pavilion - not worth the big bucks

Reviewed By JMeisterJams

On arrival at Cairns airport despite being advised of our arrival flight, no-one was waiting to transfer us to East Air terminal and we had to utilise the lovely Cairns Airport volunteers to track down our ride. Once he was located we were transferred to the East Air terminal and the flight to the Island was both scenic and smooth, if a bit squishy for tall people. A simple commentary of the reefs we were flying over would have been appreciated. Our check-in was seamless over a glass of champagne and we were then shown to our room for 4 nights, The Pavilion. There was a welcome note and champagne from GM Leon, although we did not see nor hear from him during our 4 night stay. The room was well appointed with designer decor, mini bar and luxurious bathroom and spectacular views over Anchor Bay. An outdoor dining table with seating for six (although we were to learn later, neither guests nor dining was allowed at this table!) overlooking the ocean. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served in Salt Water and were very good considering location and ingredients available , without being great. We did a Yoga session which was great and booked a dinghy with a picnic lunch and went for a fabulously simple and spectacular snorkel at nearby Watsons. We also paid an additional $500 for a snorkelling tour to MacGillivray (Banks) Reef which was great, but honestly Watsons was just as good. The Spa was excellent although the massage tables were weirdly narrow. Overall the experience, staff and location were excellent. However, was it worth the $5000 per night for The Pavilion? Frankly no. For well over twice the price of a standard room, it provided nothing additional in terms of service. We were disappointed to learn that for the four nights we were there, the two beachside dining tables were unavailable every night (evidently we should have known to book these in advance!) and whilst we were able to have canapés in The Pavilion, we were unable to have a single meal there (not even a bowl of muesli!) Totally wasted this space and for four nights, an unbelievable rip-off. COVID and staffing issues simply can’t be an excuse when you’re charging this much. A staff member mentioned they didn’t “have a licence” to deliver food to rooms and I have no idea what this meant, but clearly it didn’t apply to canapés!

6. Heron Island

Via Gladstone, Heron Island, Queensland 4680 Australia 011 61 1800 875 343
Excellent
43%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2282 reviews

Heron Island

Heron Island is a true coral cay situated on the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Here you swim off the beach to an endless garden of coral. Activities include guided island and reef walks, semi-submersible I Spy, bird watching and beach picnics, plus a Reef Ranger program. Heron Island is famous around the world for its scuba diving and snorkeling with the mega marine life that make their home on Heron Reef.

Still a natural paradise; shame about the resort!

Reviewed By Warrick C

My partner and I stayed at Heron Island for 4 nights at the beginning of May. This was my 4th visit to the island, unable to resist the lure of the spectacular coral cay setting and all its abundant marine and bird life. Nothing has changed in this respect, although there are some signs of a small amount of bleaching of the coral on the reef. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Heron Island Resort! All the accommodation and guest facilities (restaurant, bar, spa, pool) are old and tired, badly in need of a major refresh and modernisation. While our room was clean and tidy inside, the lounge and chairs were worn and grubby from many years of use. The outside was in a terrible state, with all the gutters being so full of vegetation and leaf litter that they were sagging and in same places broken. This was a very common sight around the resort! Added to that, the resort-wide WiFi was not working, and none of the staff seemed to know how and when it would be fixed. Likewise, the espresso coffee machines in the bar and restaurant were both broken, so it was impossible to get a decent coffee for the entire duration of our stay. The resort pool was also a big turn off, with its interior walls dirty and stained. The shop was also very poorly stocked and run down. Despite these deficiencies in the resort facilities, the staff - all of whom were from other countries - were generally very friendly, helpful and happy in their work. Those who worked in the restaurant, led the island and reef tours, and gave educational talks were particularly so. Here, Natalie, who took us on the walking tour of the island, gave numerous lectures on the marine life and coral of the Great Barrier Reef, and ran an excellent trivia night, deserves a special mention for her infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge. Finally, while the restaurant falls far short of providing a 'fine dining' experience, the quality and variety of the food was reasonably good and there was plenty of it. In summary, if you want to experience the amazing natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with its rich and diverse marine and bird life, then Heron Island is still an excellent option. However, you will pay 'resort' prices (i.e. many hundreds of dollars per night) for accommodation and facilities that are now well below the standard of a modern resort. As such, this will most likely be my last visit to this beautiful place.

7. Turtle Beach Resort

2346 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland 4218 Australia
Excellent
39%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1415 reviews

Turtle Beach Resort

Turtle Beach Resort provides premier family accommodation set in a sub-tropical oasis just 300 meters to the beach. Truly a relaxing holiday home, the resort offers spacious one, two and three bedroom fully self contained apartments in a 3 storey walk up complex (please note we do not have lifts on site). Facilities include flat screen televisions and complimentary Foxtel channels. All apartments have balconies and terraces that overlook tropical greenery and manicured gardens. Take advantage of the extensive recreational facilities including 4 separate swimming areas with a mix of lagoon and lap swimming pools, waterslide, spa's, adults only pool and spa, Putt'n Around* our 15 hole themed putt-putt course, children's playground, 2 saunas, floodlit tennis court*, fitness room, games room*, 8 BBQ areas and FREE WiFi access. For those who prefer a slower pace, soak up the relaxed poolside atmosphere or send the kids to the cinema theatrette. Enjoy a woodfired pizza at our onsite restaurant 'The Deck' or pick up supplies at our onsite convenience store 'Fresh' which features a wide range of grocery items. Turtle Beach Resort has designed a holiday program especially for the kids, packed with lots of fun activities to compliment our facilities. Club Turtle* is for kids aged four to twelve inclusive where they can choose to sit in and watch or join in the pre-arranged activities including creative art and craft sessions, big screen Wii interactive games, an Xbox only designated room for the game players, as well as party theme nights with Disco and Movies screenings. Our Exciting water playground 'Splash Zone" features 4 water slides, 2 toddler slides, dumping bucket, water cannons and lots more. Book for your family and friends. They will love you for it!

Don’t stay here if you have asthma or respiratory issues or value your heath. MOULDY

Reviewed By 198mrss

Pros- kids club, wood fire pizza, location Cons- mouldy musty room, no lifts have to drag suitcases up for 2nd and 3rd floor rooms, thin blanket, uncomfortable bed, stained carpet, stains on lounge, kitchen and bathrooms dirty, cockroaches everywhere, broken shower cubical, only get 2 rolls of toilet paper, tiny dishwashing liquid, no maid service or fresh towels, unless you stay for 9 nights. Sliding door locked broken. Carpark only designed for tiny cars, make you drive, enter and exit on the opposite side of the road to normal car parks. Will never stay here again. Over $1K for a week and we’ve had to seek medical help and buy supplies to treat our respiratory systems.

8. Bedarra Island Resort

Mission Beach Rd, Bedarra Island, Queensland 4870 Australia
Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 409 reviews

Bedarra Island Resort

Nestled amongst a backdrop of secluded hidden bays, majestic granite boulders, white sandy beaches, and towering coconut Bedarra Island is the ultimate definition of barefoot luxury. With just seven private villas, each with uninterrupted ocean views, this all inclusive sustainable island resort will ensure you find yourself in a sanctuary of complete solace and seclusion as you explore the tropical rainforest, beautiful beaches and fringing reefs. Our Executive Chef prepares gourmet meals daily and local produce and tropical fruits are a feature of our ever changing menu. The open terrace restaurant, bar and lounge are the heart and soul of Bedarra, where guests converge over a delicious and ever-changing menu, or to indulge at the legendary open bar. An exquisite menu is matched only by the sublime beauty of deserted beaches fringed by lush rainforest. Find your own table for two on the pool deck or terrace for an intimate dining experience or join the Long Table for a dinner party style congregation with your fellow guests and resort host.Although our ethos remains centred on relaxation, we do offer a number of less sedentary activities including kayaking, stand up paddle boards, snorkelling, fishing, tennis and self-guided interactive walks through the verdant rainforest. For the more adventurous and at an additional fee we can arrange deep sea fishing, scuba-diving, and scenic helicopter flights. We pride ourselves on offering each guest a unique experience. Whether it be a candlelit dinner for two on our private deck under the starry night, packing a gourmet hamper in your own dinghy for a romantic picnic on one of the nearby deserted islands, or booking the entire resort with a group of friends or family for a bespoke tropical island experience you will remember forever. Bedarra is situated seven kilometres off the coast of Mission Beach, Tropical North Queensland (approximately 140km south of Cairns). Scenic 35 minute heli-transfers are available from Cairns airport directly to our beachside heli-pad. Alternatively road transfers from Cairns take approximately two hours connecting with twice daily water taxi transfers from Mission Beach to Bedarra.

Fantastic holiday destination

Reviewed By jordanm905

We had an excellent stay at Bedarra for our honeymoon. We stayed for 10 nights in the pavilion and nautilus villas. The whole experience is great, starting with the excellent helicopter transfer from Cairns airport. Accommodation is lovely, especially the pavillion villa which has an amazing view South over one of the bays and is very private. Food and drinks are great, they serve 3 large meals a day with a good variety and quality. Lunch is two-course and dinner is three-courses every day. The meals are pretty rich so you will probably put on some weight. Bedarra is an 'all-included' resort so you can drink whatever you want, whenever you want. There is a small premium wine list with some additional wines, but all the included standard wines were great quality. They have a cocktail hour prior to dinner every night, where each front of house staff member makes a different drink each night, or you can order whatever else you want. There is also an included minibar in the room. The service here is excellent. The manager Geoffrey has been here for a long time and works very hard to make every guest feel special and looked after. The front of house staff were excellent; thank you Bindi, Jess, Danni and Joel for looking after us so well. Special mention to Cody who was an absolute legend with the boating and fishing. We have previously stayed at Lizard Island which was a very comparable experience, however I felt the staff at Bedarra were significantly better and more personal which makes a difference. The activities are all pretty fun and mostly based around the water. There's a couple of beaches to swim at, pool, paddle boarding and kayaking etc. They have a couple of small dinghies you can take out to the other family islands or do a bit of fishing. There's also the option of a half or full day drop off at one of the other islands with a picnic which was very nice. We did a reef snorkelling trip from mission beach with another company and the Bedarra guys will drop you over there - if I did this again I would consider the small group or private charter as the boat was pretty big and a slow trip out. Cons - difficult to find any with Bedarra. It's worth keeping in mind that you are in FNQ and at the mercy of the elements. We had great weather during our stay however they had had solid rain for a week or two prior to our arrival, which does limit the available activities quite a bit. We had a fishing charter lined up but had to cancel due to wind that morning, which wasn't at all Bedarra's fault and they did offer to re-book it for us. There are a lot of mosquitoes but the resort provides plenty of insect repellant to use. We went mid-May and the water was still warm with no stingers. Overall we had a great stay and would like to return in the future. It's very much a relaxing beach destination and I think most couples would probably have an ideal stay of 5-7 nights unless you're keen to just chill out for a while like we were.

9. Eden Health Retreat

1815 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Queensland 4223 Australia
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 149 reviews

Eden Health Retreat

A true health retreat where our guests have time and space to repair, restore and reconnect with themselves in comfort and tranquility. Voted Australia's Best Wellness Retreat at the 2019 World Spa Awards.

Second Time in 6 months

Reviewed By tonidB3402UB

My solo trip in January was so amazing and unforgettable I had to bring husband back in June. From the awe inspiring scenery to the soul-lifting staff, Eden is a dream come true. The investment you make in yourself by staying here keeps on giving, long after leaving. Accomodation is 5 star and superb. Food is beyond anything you could imagine as it is designed and created daily by a team of chefs utilising organic produce…and they cater to any dietary preferences. The land around you cleanses your soul and leaves you wanting more and more. The staff…wow…they truely do make Eden feel like your second home.

10. Living Valley Health Retreat

15 Sheppersons Lane, Kin Kin, Queensland 4571 Australia
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Living Valley Health Retreat

Living Valley is a not-for-profit, holistic health retreat that's unparalleled in Australia for its commitment to professional care and individual solutions for people with a range of health concerns. Our programs have evolved for more than 31 years, backed by world's best clinical practice and the highest quality products and supplements, provided in a beautiful natural environment on the Sunshine Coast that is the ideal place to rebalance and restore your health.

wonderful 3 week stay

Reviewed By Monsmiley

I just returned from a 3 week stay and it was just amazing! I have been to other health retreats and this was the best by far. Your journey is tailored just for you an no one else, The staff will look after you from the moment you walk in. The grounds are just beautiful and the food is just amazing! If you choose to juice fast then thats great as well. The treatments are all fantastic as well, not to mention the very friendly and caring staff. I will be returning in the future. My room was close to all amenities as I have been recovering from an illness. There are rooms on the other hill that are a little further away but they are good for those wanting to loose those extra kilos. If you are wanting 5* luxury rooms then youre looking at the wrong place, its the service and the people and the treatments that make this place 5*.

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