6 of the best retreats in Tropical North Queensland

Set on the beachfront in one of northern Queensland’s most iconic towns, The Reef House Adults Retreat is one of the must visit spa retreats in Queensland.

Keep it natural: Who needs a meditation app when you have the ocean? Watching the ever-changing colours and the never-ending flow of the water to and from the shore is a sure-fire stress reliever. Grab one of the Reef House’s fishing rods and spend a relaxing morning on the jetty – you may even catch your own dinner.

Treat yourself: Book yourself in for the 5-night Revitalisation Escape to really reset and unwind. It includes daily breakfast overlooking the Coral Sea, spa treatments, daily yoga and wellness classes, gourmet meals and more. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for one of the best spa retreats in QLD for a longer, restorative escape.

One more thing: The resort’s beach butler service turns a day lazing by the pool into a luxury escape, delivering cool towels and icy sorbet to your sun lounger.

The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is right next door but guests at Silky Oaks Lodge don’t have to go that far for a natural high, with the lodge’s rooms tucked into the verdant treescape. If you’re searching for a rainforest retreat in North Queensland, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting.

Keep it natural: Start the day with a swim in the clear and croc-free river that runs through the property. A natural current pushes you across the width of the river, a sensation that will get you giggling gleefully.

Treat yourself: Silky Oaks wouldn’t be a luxury spa retreat without a few special treatments. Head to the Healing Water Spa for the Good Vibrations facial which includes a tension-lifting shoulder massage and sound therapy to clear your chakra points.

One more thing: Tropical flavours are on the menu at the beautiful Treehouse Restaurant, with ingredients from tamarind to finger lime grown in the on-site kitchen garden.

At the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef, it's all about exploring the rich marine life of one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Keep it natural: Lizard Island is home to some of the best reefs to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, with many of the island’s most beautiful snorkelling spots just metres from shore. Grab a snorkel and dive in to marvel at giant clams and eye-catching corals, swim among shoals of brightly-coloured fusiliers, or float above turtles as they graze on abundant sea grass beds.

Treat yourself: Give your feet a treat with Essential Day Spa’s Wellness Foot Therapy, in which your feet are exfoliated, nourished and massaged to ease the built-up strain.

One more thing: On Lizard Island every season is different, so join the in-house naturalists on one of their regular walks showcasing what the island’s flora and fauna are doing that month.

Amidst the canopies of the rainforest lies a luxury wellness escape perfect for anyone looking to relax, unwind and completely disconnect. This is the kind of rainforest retreat in North Queensland where the natural world isn’t just a backdrop to your stay – it’s part of the experience.

Keep it natural: The beauty of Daintree Ecolodge in North Queensland is that nature is at your doorstep. Go for one of the many jungle walks that leave right from the retreat and be sure to visit the onsite sacred waterfall.

Treat yourself: Discover the healing powers of the local Kuku Yalanji people with the deeply therapeutic Dreamtime treatment at the onsite spa. Using native ingredients and traditional healing techniques, this all encompassing experience will have you glowing from head to toe.

One more thing: If you’re planning a day trip (which we recommend!) order yourself a pre-made gourmet picnic hamper filled with local produce for a unique and memorable lunch option.

When you think of North Queensland retreats, you might think rainforest and reef but Mt Mulligan Lodge will have you heading straight for the outback once you see what’s on offer.

Keep it natural: As an all-inclusive resort, activities such as ATV tours, paddle boarding and barramundi fishing are all part of your experience. If you can bear it, be sure to wake up early one morning to watch the sunrise over the Hodgkin’s Valley (and yes, there is a place to grab a coffee).

Treat yourself: Take advantage of the clear skies with Mt Mulligan’s signature experience, Dining Under The Stars. Perched on the edge of the river, you’ll indulge in a 7-course, gourmet feast and be treated to a natural light show.

One more thing: To this day, the property is a working cattle station and offers tours of their 28,000-hectares of land.

On a private headland, just outside of Port Douglas, Thala Beach might be famous for its palm tree lined driveway but there’s more to this eco-lodge than just an insta-worthy photo.

Keep it natural: The reserve is set on a 145-acre peninsula home to numerous different environments, from beaches to mangroves to rainforest. Take a guided tour through the coconut plantation to discover the plant’s many health benefits, from helping to reduce body fat and lower cholesterol to supporting the immune system.

Treat yourself: Refresh yourself from top to toe with a Spiritual Journeys’ at their private Thala Beach Rainforest Yoga Retreat. Over an entire weekend dedicated to wellbeing you can enjoy daily yoga and meditation, an art class, health seminars and your eco-bungalow surrounded by native forest. It’s a beautiful option for those seeking weekend spa retreats in Queensland with a strong focus on nature and holistic wellbeing.

One more thing: The unpolluted skies make this a great place for stargazing, so seize the opportunity to learn more about the stars and planets at the resort’s outdoor observatory.