Bedarra

Flee from the mainland to an utterly isolated and private island resort, fringed by coral reefs and shrouded by jungle, and an undeniable air of magic. The journey to this remote part of the world sets the tone for your stay and entails a private charter from either Cairns or Weipa.

Five carefully handcrafted huts are fronted by the beach, with kitchenettes, thatched roofs, driftwood furnishings, and airy open-plan designs. Arched doorways, bare stone or teak floors and gaping windows create a soothing sense of coolness, while earthy tones and textured fabrics add warming pops of colour. Private decks jut out over tropical foliage, while boardwalks lead to open showers, with huddles of palm trees serving as a backdrop.

After the sun has dipped behind the ocean, a heavenly feast of freshly caught seafood and produce from the resort’s orchard is served in the main dining room, under the light of flickering candles. Breakfast is a spread of fruit and homemade muesli, with eggs from the free-roaming chickens on the island, and lunch might even feature your own catch from the surrounding waters.

Adventure is a promise at this dreamy destination, with jet-skiing, beachcombing, snorkelling, spearfishing and boat excursions, being some popular picks on the menu of experiences. With a whole island at your doorstep, you’re encouraged to take your time to explore the beaches, venture into the jungle, or set off in a helicopter to hover over hidden waterfalls, before concluding with champagne atop a sand dune.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway, this remote luxury lodge, set within an expansive outback heritage property in Far North Queensland, is sure to do the trick. This site, which is currently a working cattle station, is home to the old Mount Mulligan township, coal and gold mines, as well as a cemetery.

The lodge sits in the shadows of the imposing Mount Mulligan, bounded by a dramatic landscape and enclosed with eucalyptus woodlands. Eight guest rooms, including three suites, can house up to 16 guests, and come with assigned private electric buggies for easy access around the property. Interiors are filled with natural furnishings, such as spotted gum timber cladding, while earthy colour schemes create soothing spaces. Timber-framed glass doors open up onto private decks, deep outdoor baths and utterly spectacular vistas.

The main lodge is where dining takes place, and chefs make use of local produce to create innovative dishes that can be enjoyed outside. In-room dining is also available, and if you plan on heading off on a midday adventure, a gourmet picnic hamper can be made up. Some of the activities and excursions on offer are tours of the mine and the township, cattle mustering at the nearby station and paddle boarding or kayaking on the river. Guests with little inclination to venture into the dusty outback can grab a spot by the infinity pool, with a glass of award-winning Australian wine in hand.

Set beside a palm-fringed beach, this boutique property offers guests the best of peaceful beach house life in a stunning tropical setting. The hotel’s colonial style with South Pacific decor reflects its history and makes the most of its plantation-style ambience.

There are 67 rooms offering a choice of ocean, tropical garden or pool views. Some boast kitchen facilities, spacious outdoor entertainment areas or balconies.

Enjoy a light meal out at the pool, or take a table beneath the Melaleuca trees and palms at Reef House Restaurant and enjoy the ocean views as you dine on dishes created using the finest fresh produce from around North Queensland. At twilight enjoy a glass of tropical punch and selection of canapés at Brigadier’s Bar and Lounge. The elegant space is given a colonial feel with a collection of original artefacts displayed on the walls.

When not out lazing on the sun-drenched beach, you can make use of the exclusive day spa which boasts five treatment rooms, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and outdoor heated spa.