When the mind drifts to palm trees, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Northern Queensland might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, this region is quite possibly Australia's closest and most accessible paradise.
Northern Queensland has justly gained its fame for its impressive natural beauty and affordable access from all capital cities in Australia. With no official boundary to separate it from the rest of Queensland state, the unofficial southern border runs south of the Mackay region to the northern edge of the Far North Queensland region. At the heart of this beautiful area is Cairns, a vibrant tropical community, and to the west the outback towns of Australia's Gulf Country.
This region is a true adventurer's paradise, with awe-inspiring experiences waiting to be discovered. From the world-famous Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests rich in heritage, and even the discovery of secret freshwater swimming spots, this holiday destination always leaves a glowing impression.
Locay has handpicked some of the most impressive accommodation concepts, placing you right at the heart of it all.
Each small town, village, and locality offers a distinctive experience and unravels cherished local treasures.
Join us as we dive deeper into the best tropical neighbourhoods radiating warmth in Northern Queensland, creating the perfect setting for your next local vacation.
Whether you are rubbing shoulders with celebrities or satisfying your foodie cravings, Palm Cove is undoubtedly a local paradise that captivates the essence of a memorable get-away. While Palm Cove is often known for its glamorous beach resort atmosphere, locals will gladly reveal that at its heart, it is a tranquil coastal village offering genuine resort-style accommodation and innovative dining options.
Just a quick 25-minute transfer north of Cairns Airport, Palm Cove offers a relaxed seaside village experience. Take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined beach, where you'll find charming cafes, restaurants, and shops with breathtaking views of the bright blue waters and Double Island. Palm Cove is renowned for its creative and award-winning dining establishments, drawing food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. With its delectable fresh seafood and quality produce, this town has quickly become a haven for culinary aficionados.
Located on the picturesque beach of Palm Cove's southern end, the upscale 5-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a contemporary style resort offering a range of spacious accommodation options.
Accommodations range from Studio Spa Rooms, One, Two and Three-Bedroom Apartments, Plunge Pool Apartments, and Penthouse Apartments. Each are tastefully decorated with bright whites and contemporary tropical touches, and is surrounded by three stunning swimming pools and two relaxing spas.
Guests can indulge in delightful dining experiences at the resorts tropical terrace restaurant, Temple of Tastes, or enjoy refreshing sundowner cocktails at the poolside Lagoon Bar.
One of the most unique experiences for guests of The Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is to escape to the resorts private beach and indulge in a seafood picnic curated by the resorts Executive Chef. This bespoke-style picnic hamper is sure to make your seaside dining experience unforgettable. A relaxed approach to dining as you lounge on luxe blankets and cushions, complete with a fully set-up table, cutlery, and décor. No need to lift a finger; the Pullman will take care of everything for you.
If you've ever visited Palm Cove, chances are you've laid eyes on what could easily be the most stunning tropical setting in the region. This renowned resort is hailed as one of the most iconic establishments, often described as a grand blend of plantation and beach chic. It exudes exclusivity and is flawlessly nestled within the charming seaside community of Palm Cove.
With a range of accommodation options, including guest rooms, suites, and penthouses, each meticulously designed space offers modern amenities such as well-equipped kitchens, private terraces, and inviting balconies.
Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove features not just one, but two lavish pools, including the serene serenity pool with its rainforest rock pool and fountain designed for ultimate tranquility. Savour delectable drinks and snacks without ever leaving the water at the renowned swim-up bar. After basking in the sun's warmth, guests can pamper themselves with a therapeutic treatment at the resort's acclaimed day spa or reserve the rooftop for a barbecue with a breathtaking panorama. Due to its popularity, advance bookings are highly recommended for both experiences.
For a memorable dining experience, allow Guest Services to arrange your evening reservation at Lime & Pepper Restaurant. This quality resort eatery offers an extensive menu of sumptuous dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the reef and tropics.
Port Douglas is situated just 1 hour north of Cairns.
This vibrant Northern Queensland community hub is widely renowned for its breathtaking Four Mile Beach, pristine waters, and access to the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
The town itself is home to thriving cafes, resort style shopping, and art galleries, making it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the local culture of Northern Queensland. Macrossan Street, the bustling heart of Port Douglas, offers a lively atmosphere and draws not only tourists but also locals who flock here to satisfy their thirst come sundown. This is especially true for those who have arrived from Far North Queensland localities and taken the rugged trip along some of Australia's most famed 4WD tracks.
Crystalbrook Super Yacht Marina in Port Douglas offers the gateway to the region's most premium diving and overnight reef experiences. With exceptional reef visibility and unmatched reach north of Cairns, these world famous adventures will take any reef enthusiast to new depths.
The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is situated directly on Four Mile Beach.
Offering a range of accommodations, including penthouse apartments, studio spa rooms, three-bedroom villas, and plunge pool apartments, this resort is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. For those looking for a truly indulgent experience, the resorts swim out apartments are our top pick. These luxurious rooms offer a private terrace that leads straight into the lagoon pool, allowing guests to take a dip whenever they desire.
The resort's most popular attraction is undoubtedly the pool bar, which is open daily from 12pm. Here, guests can sip on refreshing cocktails while soaking up the sun and enjoying the serenity around them. The Vie Spa is an idyllic haven that invites guests to take a well-deserved moment to relax and rejuvenate.
Niramaya Villas and Spa is a luxurious tropical oasis offering self-contained accommodation featuring one, two, three, four, and five-bedroom villas located in the beautiful coastal town of Port Douglas. Upon arrival, guests are met with hectares of lush tropical gardens and water features that are architecturally designed for all the senses. The private gardens of the villas provide an incredibly private, peaceful, and tranquil atmosphere where guests can unwind in the serene surroundings.
A range of activities and amenities are available to all guests during their stay. The infinity edge pool is a feature, along with the hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and gym facilities. The day spa is the ideal place for guests to relax and be pampered, while the cabanas offer the perfect place to escape and read a book. The tennis court is popular with sports enthusiasts, and bike hire is available for those who want to explore the local area.
Beyond the luxurious accommodation, Niramaya Villas and Spa is also located in a prime position for guests to explore the surrounding area with ease. With both Mirage Country Club Golf Course and Palmer Golf Course located nearby, avid golfers can fulfil their passion with ease.
With Cairns International Airport only 50 minutes away, getting to Niramaya Villas and Spa is a breeze, with shuttle buses or private transfers available for your convenience.
Crystalbrook Riley Resort is set at the northern end of Cairns's iconic waterfront esplanade, just a short walk from some of the city's most popular shopping centres, bars, and restaurants. In addition, the Great Barrier Reef Departure Terminal is only a 10-minute walk away, and Cairns Airport just a 15 minute drive.
Most of the contemporary rooms and suites come with spacious balconies that provide views of the city, the coastline, or both. Our top tip is that the family rooms have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it the perfect resort for families or groups of friends.
If in-house dining is on your mind, there are a few options for you to try: Paper Crane restaurant and bar offers an Asian fusion-style menu; Greenfields keeps it fresh and healthy; or you can reach new heights at Rocco, Cairns highest rooftop bar, which sits 42 metres above sea level, giving you a panoramic view of the city.
The resort has plenty to offer guests who want to relax and unwind, thanks to its expansive lagoon pool and a private man-made beach. Guests can also lounge poolside on sun loungers while enjoying a refreshing beverage from the poolside bar. The resort also boasts Eléme Day Spa, where guests can indulge in a range of treatments to rejuvenate their body and mind. And for fitness enthusiasts, you can maintain your workout routine at the 24-hour fitness centre.
Locals refer to this hotel as ’the natural life of the party’.
Located in the heart of Cairns, Crystalbrook Flynn Resort is a vibrant and energetic place that gives you the best of both urban and sea views. With eight unique styles of rooms available, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing their preferred accommodation.
The scope of facilities is impressive, including two glass swimming pools that offer the perfect place to relax and soak up the tropical sun, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre, and Day Spa, which provides the ultimate in relaxation with a range of detox treatments to choose from.
Beyond the accommodation, the Flynn is also home to three floors of restaurants and bars, each offering a unique culinary experience. For entertainment, the Boardwalk Social is a great place to gather with friends and family. This is home to live music, local and touring DJs, and broadcasts live sports events. The atmosphere is second to none and is always buzzing with a sense of excitement and fun. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks are all available here, making it the perfect place to both start and finish your day.
Additionally, the resort has scooters available that allow guests to easily move around the esplanade area. This is a great way to explore the nearby shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the amazing natural scenery. Self-parking is also available for those guests who prefer to drive.
The Crystalbrook Bailey Resort provides guests with an urban style accommodation concept that perfectly aligns with the city's colourful vibe, right in the heart of Cairns. Each of the spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment style rooms have been designed with a contemporary touch, adding a perfect blend of comfort and style to your stay.
One of the most unique features of this resort is its commitment to showcasing art in all its forms, with each of the 12 floors dedicated to a different artist.
The resort offers dog-friendly rooms with access to a courtyard or balcony, making it the perfect destination for pet owners.
Guests can take a dip in one of the resort's two swimming pools, work out at the 24-hour fitness centre, or indulge in some culinary delights at the sustainable wine bar, Arte, which serves a range of boutique bio-dynamic Australian wines and international wines and a deli-style menu.
The resort's location is hard to beat, with its close proximity to all attractions such as the Aquarium, Cairns Museum, and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
Something to note: the resort is cash-free, so you'll want to have your credit card ready.
Want to go off the grid? We’ve got the perfect hotel concept for you.
Alkira Resort House, located in Cape Tribulation, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. This unique hotel concept is entirely off-grid and carbon neutral, featuring innovative sustainable design elements that make it one-of-a-kind. Designed by award-winning architect Charles Wright, this off-grid hotel concept is a unique and sustainable experience for guests seeking solace and privacy. The property has its own private ocean beach along the Great Barrier Reef, where guests can enjoy views of the surroundings and experience the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest and mountains.
The six massive cantilevered wings of the property emerge from the lake floating, while the open design allows for a range of features, from living and entertaining to recreation, with each of the six bedrooms offering privacy and seclusion to guests with uninterrupted views of the lake and rainforest.
Full of aesthetic beauty and innovation, Alkira Resort House reflects the original owner's passion for stamp collections through its unique shapes and designs. The pool and surrounding roofline are inspired by the head silhouette on the "One Pound Jimmy" postage stamp issued in the 1950s, while the perforation lines between postage stamps are reflected on the resort's concrete facade and porthole windows. Every inch of Alkira Resort House exudes a bright and sunny ambiance, in keeping with the resort's meaning in Aboriginal: "Alkira means bright and sunny".
How to get there - 40 kms north of Port Douglas and under 3 hours from Cairns.
The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia's most remarkable natural treasures, renowned for its breathtaking rainforest landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity. This ancient forest is believed to be over 100 million years old, making it one of the world's most ancient habitats, and hosts an incredible array of wildlife, from colourful butterflies and striking birds to rare marsupials and reptiles.
It is this stunning unity of natural wonders in one place that see's Silky Oaks Lodge a nature lover's paradise. Set deep in the heart of Northern Queensland's Daintree Rainforest, this is a private, quiet resort that will allow you to be immersed in luxury and tranquility among the lush foliage and soothing sounds of the Mossman River.
With 40 treehouse-style, spacious suites, this is the ultimate destination to unwind. Among our Locay favourites are the Treehouse Retreat and the Billabong Suite room categories each boasting various features such as an outdoor bath and shower and private deck. For those travelling with friends or family, the Daintree Pavilion is one of the most impressive spaces hosting up to 4 guests. Boasting two separate bedroom wings, lucky guests will also have private access to their own deck with tub, entertaining lounge and premium stocked bar and open-air atrium with tiered pool and plunge spa. This and more is enveloped with stunning wrap-around rainforest views.
Enhance your stay with a range of special experiences, including guided rainforest walks, safaris, cultural talks by the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people, Aboriginal art workshops, morning yoga, gourmet dining, and refreshing dips in natural swimming holes and waterfalls. Not only is this a luxurious retreat, but it also focuses on environmentally sustainable practices to minimise its impact on the surroundings.
Embark on unforgettable adventures to the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge, which can all be arranged by the local team of guest service staff on site 24 hours or in advance by booking with Locay.
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