Tropical weather, never-ending beaches and a sun that never stops shining – there’s a reason they call it the Sunshine State, and south-east Queensland is an easy pick for a coastal escape.

If you’re craving a getaway, check out our list of some of the region’s most delightful stays from Noosa to the Gold Coast, plus a couple of spots from our Northern Rivers neighbours.

1. Miss Midgley’s, New Farm

Eclectic and charmingly stylish, Miss Midgley’s boutique hotel in New Farm has lived a lot of lives. It’s been a premier’s home, a school, an orphanage, a hospital – now it’s one of the prettiest places to stay in Brisbane.

Named after the teacher who turned the home into a private school in 1905, Miss Midgley’s honours the building’s 160-year history and legacy throughout its storytelling and classic design. With a material palette inspired by the Brisbane stone used to construct the building, tones of pink, mauve and terracotta emanate warmth and welcome while the site’s natural privacy and tranquility offer an escape just minutes from the busyness of James Street and the city.

With five self-contained apartments named for the original floor plans – Drawing Room, Assembly Hall, Principal’s Office – guests can book single apartments or the entire Miss Midgley’s property. The sparkling green pool, lush tropical garden and sun deck are shared among guests, and the ground-floor apartments are dog-friendly so the whole family can enjoy the stay together.

Off-the-grid luxury at Domic Noosa. Photo: Facebook

2. Domic Noosa

Off-grid hideaway meets luxury design with Domic Noosa, an architecturally innovative retreat tucked between Sunshine Beach’s dunes and the national park.

The six-bedroom residence’s design resembles sculptural shell-like domes, while the native vegetation on its roofline allows the hotel to blend into its natural surroundings.

Sustainability is integral to the Domic experience – powered by a solar and battery system, the building has rainwater harvesting and natural insulation through hempcrete construction for a low-impact stay without compromising on comfort. Inside, natural light allows a curated collection of Indigenous and European artwork to take precedence.

There are six guest suites and a 25-metre ocean-view infinity pool, private spa with sauna, steam room, ice bath, cinema, gym and dedicated spaces for dining, entertaining and relaxing. Optional services include chef-prepared dining experiences, private boat cruises and in-house wellness rituals, with each stay fully tailored through a dedicated concierge.

A little bit of delightful retro at The Cheshire Cat Motel. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

3. The Cheshire Cat Motel, Palm Beach

Cute, quirky and seamlessly private – the Cheshire Cat Motel on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach is a contactless boutique stay that honours its retro roots by transporting guests to another time.

Built in the 1960s, The Cheshire Cat retains elements of a bygone era through its neon signs, nostalgic design and vintage textiles – without compromising on today’s creature comforts.

An easy 200-metre stroll from the shores of Palm Beach and featuring contactless check-in (there’s no reception on-site), The Cat aims to serve as your luxuriously secluded home away from home. Take your pick from the six queen rooms and one two-bedroom apartment, before checking out the terracotta-edged oasis of The Cat’s pool deck and courtyard terrace – the communal areas where inhabitants of The Cat can come together.

4. The Tamborine Boutique Hotel, Tamborine Mountain

Perched high on Tamborine Mountain is a reimagined destination where laidback Australian luxury meets the Scenic Rim’s World Heritage-listed national parks.

The Tamborine Boutique Hotel offers a true retreat where guests can slow down, reconnect and immerse themselves in the region’s rainforest landscapes, culture and community. Originally a Hacienda-style motel built in the 1980s, the property has 23 rooms with sweeping escarpment and valley views, with details of elegance and comfort, from king beds and luxe linens to Leif amenities and robes.

With a focus on genuine hospitality, The Tamborine staff act as hosts and local guides, while services like daily complimentary breakfasts with locally sourced produce, heated mineral pool and spa, yoga space and nearby rainforest trails bring everything you need for a restful getaway right to your door.

As evening falls, guests can gather around fire pits while the mountain settles into a chorus of night sounds for an experience that highlights The Tamborine’s connection to place.

Luxury and calm at The Bower. Photo: Destination NSW/Jessie Prince

5. The Bower, Byron Bay

Inspired by Byron Bay’s laidback barefoot ambience and the effortless elegance of New York, The Bower offers leading luxury accomodation in the relaxed, palm-filled backdrop of the Northern Rivers.

With a unique range of room types decorated in The Bower’s eclectic style, no two stays are the quite the same here – from the classic country feel of the 100-year-old Bower Cottage to the moody indulgence of the Deluxe King apartment.

To ensure optimum serenity during your stay, The Bower also has a range of complimentary services, including Lekker bicycles for exploring Byron Bay, rainy day games and beach umbrellas, plus special offers such as gourmet hampers, luxury airport transfers and romantic getaway experiences.

During your stay, check out the award-winning magnesium pool – cool in the summer and heated in the winter – for a naturally stress-relieving swim, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, zen-like rain shower and luxurious double day beds. The Garden Bar is also conveniently located nearby, serving up an array of Curatif cocktails, bar snacks and other refreshers.

6. Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach

Situated on the gorgeous Cabarita Beach, Halcyon House is where quintessential memories of Australian summers are made.

Originally a surfing motel, it was bought by sisters Siobhan and Elisha Bickle with one goal in mind – creating a beachside refuge that evokes dreams of the summers gone by.

Today, Halcyon House has all the essentials for the ideal getaway, from a curated program of wellness and spa treatments to its award-winning, hatted restaurant Paper Daisy (recently awarded best cocktail list in Australia, if you needed any more reason to visit). Featuring Mediterranean-inspired colours and design, Halcyon House brings a slice of Europe a little closer to home while retaining Australia’s carefree demeanour.

7. Mysa Motel, Palm Beach

Putting a modern twist on a vintage property, Mysa Motel covers 800 square metres of Palm Beach’s prime real estate within walking distance of the suburb’s bustling restaurant scene and shoreline.

Swedish for “cosy”, Mysa delivers on its name with seven unique bedrooms, each designed around its own colour palette and named accordingly. Each stay features a stylish ensuite, private courtyard, a complimentary Mysa welcome pack on arrival and, of course, access to the Splash Club where guests can find the magnesium pool, pink sun loungers and the iconic neon sign.

Formerly the Palm Trees Motel, Mysa was reimagined in 2020 with a strong focus on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials, solar power and thoughtful low-impact design throughout.

Due to its iconic aesthetic and sought-after location, Mysa Motel also offers exclusive booking of the whole site, contactless check-in and a sweet elopement package for those looking for a romantic escape.

8. Bask & Stow, Byron Bay

Secluded, luxurious and exuding an aura of calm, Bask & Stow in Byron Bay is where pristine elegance meets relaxed coastal living.

Tucked away along Marvell Lane, the boutique stay is just three doors from the iconic Top Shop Cafe and within easy walking distance of Clarkes Beach and the restaurants in town.

From the privacy of the Sea Suite to the three-bedroom House, all six of Bask & Stow’s stays feature lots of natural light, private decks and minimalist spaces designed by award-winning architect Harley Graham. Most of the suites also offer direct access to Bask & Stow’s lush gardens and plunge pool for optimal rejuvenation.

It’s all about coastal luxe at Loea in Maroochydoore. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

9. Loea, Maroochydore

Maroochydore’s Loea is a top choice for luxury accommodation on the Sunshine Coast. The boutique hotel sleeps up to 23 guests in 10 coastal-luxe inspired rooms.

Across king, twin and deluxe king rooms, all stays include access to Loea’s magnesium pool and walled garden, alongside the usual comforts – ensuite, smart TV, fridge, air-conditioning, parking and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Each room is kept to perfection with daily housekeeping services.

For group accommodation, corporate events or weddings, Loea allows exclusive hire of its facilities. Additionally, the boutique hotel provides complimentary bike hire for you to explore Maroochydore and its many stunning beaches.

Value, location and luxury at Heal House in New Farm. Photo: Facebook

10. Heal House, New Farm

Heal House offers a unique stay in a traditional Brisbane Queenslander. The luxury accommodation was recently named TripAdvisor’s No.1 best value bed and breakfast in Brisbane, in addition to receiving the travel guide platform’s Certificate of Excellence.

Centrally located, Heal House is close to many of Brisbane’s popular arts, dining, and park precincts. The boutique guesthouse offers a choice of four ensuite rooms including the Master, Executive and Veranda suites, as well as the ground-floor Garden apartment. Each room allows overnight accommodation for up to two adults, and with rooms always in high demand, this is one you’ll want to book in advance.

Republished from The Weekend Edition