Escape winter at one of these stunning resorts in Queensland

FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast: Even the smallest rooms at this sprawling hotel have the option of two queen-sized beds, making it ideal for young families. But it is the location that we're totally in love with. Located right on the long, skinny Surfers Paradise beach, it's a one-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to Sea World. Not to mention Marina Mirage, with a range of family-friendly eateries and retail outlets, which is just across the road. Rooms from $300 per night; marriott.com

FOR COUPLES

Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns: For a very long period of time, chic digs were hard to come by in Cairns. But then came Crystalbrook Collection with not one but three sophisticated options: Bailey, Flynn and Riley. It's hard to pick a favourite among the three siblings, each of them in the heart of the city and only a few minutes' walk to the coast. But if we had to make a choice, it would be Riley, simply for its stunning pool which screams holiday and where you can while away entire afternoons, with a glass of the signature Marrakech Mule in hand. Just don't forget to book a table at Rocco, the city's highest rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can feast on Middle Easter fare with a side of sea views. Rooms from $275 per night; crystalbrookcollection.com/riley

FOR LUXURY

Orpheus Island: There's only one way to get to this island lodge on the Great Barrier Reef - an utterly scenic 30-minute chopper ride from Townsville. And that's just the beginning of your over-the-top luxe break, dotted with experiences such as Dining with the Tides, as part of which you can enjoy a gourmet dinner for two specially set up on the lodge's jetty. There's a gorgeous spa called Gwandalan (meaning "peaceful rest") on site, too, with a range of indulgent face and body rituals. But perhaps the biggest luxury at this 14-room retreat is enjoying 11 kilometres of turquoise coastline with just 27 other guests (many of whom you'll never see). Rooms from $1925 per night; orpheus.com.au

FOR FOODIES

Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas: Want to explore Noosa's happening food and wine scene without drifting too far from the coast? You can't look past this Peppers property, only a short drive from the gourmet heart of the region, Hastings Street. Opt for one of the spacious Studio Rooms, but if you want to unleash your inner Heston Blumenthal, upgrade to a three-bedroom apartment or - better still - one of the villas, which come with fully equipped kitchens. Rooms from $314 per night; peppers.com.au/noosa

FOR OLDER FAMILIES

Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island: Yes, it's home to one of Australia's most luxurious lodges, Qualia. But a holiday on the famed Hamilton Island need not necessarily break the bank. Rooms at the Reef View Hotel start at $396 per night and - at 65 square metres and featuring two queen-sized beds - they have families written all over them. Want more room? Check out the even larger Reef Family Room, which can accommodate up to six guests, and includes airport transfers as well as use of catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. Rooms from $396 per night; hamiltonisland.com.au

FOR ADVENTURE

Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'gari: Fraser Island is not only the largest sand island in the world (it stretches 123 kilometres along the southern coast of Queensland), it's also an extraordinary juncture where endless white beaches meet dense lush rainforests. And when you check into the Kingfisher Bay Resort, all the spoils of K'gari - from swimming, snorkelling and whale-watching cruises to rainforest and coastal hikes - are at your doorstep. Accommodation ranges from standard rooms with private balconies to villas and even holiday houses fit for groups. Rooms from $199 per night; kingfisherbay.com

Queensland is not the only place in Australia where you can experience a warm, sunny break in the middle of winter. Known for its rugged national parks, the Northern Territory offers some excellent hideaways, too, with two digs on top of our list this season. Located in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Cooinda Lodge - about three hours' drive east of Darwin - has just launched five Yellow Water Villas, with king-sized beds, spacious ensuites and a bathtub on your own private verandah. There's a new way to explore the colourful wildlife of NT's Mary River floodplain, too. Luxury lodge Bamurru Plains is well known for its safari-style tents with mesh walls that afford stellar views of the surrounding landscape without compromising privacy. But the lodge has just dialled up the indulgence factor, with the new resort-within-a-resort concept called Jabiru Retreat. Featuring two safari-style bungalows connected via a raised walkway and featuring a private plunge pool, it's perfect for families and groups of friends. kakadutourism.com; bamurruplains.com

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