Are you itching for some vacay time to relax and unwind? Well, there’s no better time than now to start planning that wellness trip to scratch that itch. So, to help you out we highlight the best wellness weekend getaways Queensland has to offer.
Whether you’re travelling solo, in a couple, with a group of friends or with your kids on that family holidays Queensland adventure, these destinations offer a truly amazing and relaxing wellness holiday experience for all.
Here are some of the most amazing wellness weekend getaways Queensland offers.
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5 Amazing Wellness Weekend Getaways Queensland Offers:
1. Snorkel Getaway: Tangalooma, Moreton Island
Located on the shores of Moreton Island, Tangalooma is a stunning destination renowned for its natural beauty and attractions.
An ideal spot for an active wellness retreat, visitors can enjoy its numerous ocean and land-based activities on offer including feeding the wild Moreton Island dolphins, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and ATVs.
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Although there is the option to visit on an operator organised day tour or a self-trip, the best way to really experience Moreton Island is to stay a few nights.
This is especially so if you want to relax and enjoy the facilities of Tangalooma Island Resort as they’ve currently suspended casual visitor pass bookings until further notice.
Tangalooma Island Accommodation
What is great about this Queensland destination is the variety of Tangalooma Island accommodation available. Staying at the Tangalooma Island Resort, there are various beachfront hotel rooms, units, villas and apartments available.
Priced from $159 to $479 per night these properties can cater from 3 to 12 people and are all beautifully set amongst manicured gardens and Moreton Island National Park.
For those visitors who want to splurge a little more for million-dollar island views, there are a number of exclusive Moreton Island houses available to rent also.
Tangalooma Wellness Activities
As mentioned the island offers a variety of active wellness activities to get you outdoors and soaking up the sun, sea and sand.
Being an island and surrounded by gorgeous turquoise coloured waters, of course, our recommended wellness activities are stand-up paddleboarding, getting up and close with the wild Moreton Island dolphins, kayaking and snorkelling and scuba diving the magnificent Moreton Island shipwreck.
For a bit of thrill-seeking, you can also try sandtogganing and exploring the island on a bike, ATV or beach Segway.
How To Get To Tangalooma Island?
The one thing we love about Moreton Island is its close proximity to mainland Queensland. Located only 75-minutes away from Brisbane via the Moreton Island cruise, it’s hard to believe this unspoiled tropical paradise is so close and easy to get to.
That’s why many families, couples, backpackers and tourists visit the island to enjoy its natural surroundings and to get some R&R time away from the city.
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Priced $80 per adult and $45 per child (3-14 years), there are four cruise services departing to/from Moreton Island each day, adding to its ease to get to. Shuttle transfers (bookings essential) are also available from Brisbane CBD hotels to help with getting to/from the Brisbane departure wharf.
There’s also on-site secure parking offered for $15 per vehicle each day or $60 for the week.
| Most Suited To | Families, couples plus solo group travellers |
| Budget | $$$ – Accommodation from $159-479 per night |
| Wellness Category | Active Wellness |
| Best Wellness Activities | Snorkelling, Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Dolphin Feeding |
| When to go? | December to May |
2. Hiking Getaway: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast
There’s nothing like a hike through the rainforest to zen-out, self reflect and rejuvenate. It’s found to be therapeutic and offer many health benefits such as reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and boosts your immune system.
So, if a walk in the rainforest is just what the doctor ordered, then one amazing place for this is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Situated in Lamington National Park, this Gold Coast Hinterland retreat is the perfect spot for a wellbeing break amongst the trees and to get up close with Australia’s wildlife.
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For nearly 100 years they’ve helped travellers to escape, recharge and connect with nature and is one of the best-rated gold coast hinterland accommodation properties in the region.
The resort has 48 cosy villas (starting from $157 per night), all self-contained and boasting breathtaking views of the Gold Coast Mountains.
Things To Do At O’Riley’s Rainforest Retreat
Obviously, hiking through the rainforest is top of the list as O’Riley’s is the perfect gateway to exploring the Lamington National Park walks and trails, spanning 160kms and leading to over 500 waterfalls near the gold coast.
There’s a bunch of ways to explore O’Riley’s rainforest walks. This includes guided and unguided treks but one of my favourites is via a Segway.
This tour will have you riding over creek crossings, zooming to see a plummeting waterfall and taking in the views of the Lost World Valley and the Great Dividing Range.
Another one of the top Gold Coast Hinterland attractions to do is the O’Rileys TreeTop Walk. As the first one built in Australia it features over 180m of walkways suspended high above the rainforest floor.
It’ll have you crossing nine suspension bridges, climbing tree ladders to observation decks, spotting over 150 subtropical birds and learning about the local flora and fauna.
For a truly magical experience, you must jump on a Gold Coast glow worm tour. Departing O’Riley’s on a 4WD bus, it’ll take you through the rainforest to the glow worm caves.
And, the moment you enter you’ll be in awe as millions of glow worms illuminates the cliff faces to resemble a sky full of twinkling stars.
Then after all that exploring why not get pampered at the luxurious Lost World Spa with their facials, massages, hot stone therapies, spa and steam room and private infinity pool overlooking the Gold Coast Mountains and Valley.
How To Get To O’Riley’s Rainforest Retreat?
Located only 90 minutes (75km) drive from Coolangatta Airport, O’Riley’s is accessible via a car rental or airport transfers (bookings essential).
If travelling from Brisbane it’s a two-hour drive (113km) winding through the hinterlands and parking is available free on-site.
| Most Suited To | Couples, families and solo travellers |
| Budget | $$ – Villas from $157 per night |
| Wellness Category | Active Wellness and Relaxation |
| Best Wellness Activities | Hiking, Nature Tours and Spa Treatments |
| When to go? | April to early June and August to early November |
3. Yoga Getaway: qualia, Hamilton Island
Now, this is one place for a wellness weekend, well let’s say a ‘long’ wellness weekend. A six-star resort, qualia oozes luxury doing everything it can to help guests unwind, relax and rejuvenate.
At qualia guest wellness and relaxation is their core focus, even describing themselves as “the sensory experience of absolute relaxation”.
A way they achieve this is by offering a range of wellbeing enhancing services and amenities such as yoga, meditation, naturopathy seminars, personalised workouts, a tranquil library and spa treatments.
Plus, with its million dollar views of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best Whitsundays luxury resorts available.
And, best of all, their 60 private pavilions perfectly face the Whitsundays and is surrounded by lush tropical bushland to help you zen-out.
Priced from $1,250 per night (twin share), guests can enjoy a range of amazing inclusions.
This includes 24-hour island chauffeur service, use of golf buggy for the entire stay, use of non-motorised watercraft, a la carte breakfast daily, all non-alcoholic beverages at the resort and a fully stocked personal bar, refreshed daily (Beach House guests only). Single rates also available.
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Hamilton Island Wellness Activities
Staying at qualia Hamilton Island you’re perfectly placed to try yoga and meditation. As relaxation is their game, it’s my top wellness activity to do here.
Plus, the resort offers free daily Hamilton Island yoga group sessions and private yoga therapy to guests.
Being located in the Great Barrier Reef, it’s hard to find another place just as magical and peaceful to salute the sun.
Complimenting this, qualia offers free weekly wellness/ naturopathy seminars where topics as healthy living, nutrition, detoxing, mindfulness and iridology are discussed over a healthy breakfast.
How To Get To Hamilton Island?
Daily flights to Hamilton Island are available with Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns airports.
Also, passenger ferries frequently cruise to the island from Shute Harbour taking around 30-60mins.
| Most Suited To | Couples and Solo Travellers |
| Budget | $$$$$ – Pavillons from $1,250 per night |
| Wellness Category | Relaxation |
| Best Wellness Activities | Yoga and Natural Therapies |
| When to go? | April to June |
4. Creative Getaway: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Sunshine Coast
Did you know cooking has many mental health benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression? So, it might be a good time to head into the kitchen.
A unique destination to test your culinary skills and boost your wellness at the same time is Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
This luxurious rainforest fringed retreat serves up an Asian inspired oasis that will have you relaxing and indulging in no time.
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Wellness Cooking at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
It’s also home to the award-winning Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School, which specialises in modern Asian cuisine. Here you can learn the tricks to the trade at their group cooking classes and Thai cooking class.
They cost $165 per person and run from 11-3pm weekly with guests receiving lunch, a glass of wine, an apron to take home and a recipe book with all the dishes made.
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Bookings are essential as classes sell out quickly, making Tamarind one of the best cooking classes Sunshine Coast has to offer.
Once finished in the kitchen why not check-in to one of their stunning villas featuring spacious rooms, a fireplace, private deck with double day bed, outdoor cedar hot tub and plush robes.
Prices start from $499 per night with special packages available such as Hens Wellness Day Experience, Babymoon Getaways plus Cook and Stay Packages.
How To Get To Spicers Tamarind Retreat?
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is only a 40-minute drive from Sunshine Coast airport with transfers available to book or a 90-minute drive from Brisbane.
| Most Suited To | Couples and Solo Travellers |
| Budget | $$$ – Villas from $499 per night |
| Wellness Type | Creative |
| Best Wellness Activities | Cooking Classes and Spa Treatments |
| When to go? | All year round |
5. Spa Getaway: Daintree EcoLodge and Spa, Cairns
Want to stay in a private bayan (treehouse) tucked away in the world’s oldest rainforest? Well, now you in Cairns!
At the Daintree EcoLodge and Spa, they offer a wellness experience like no other as it harnesses authentic indigenous experiences.
Combining nature, nurture and culture this Daintree rainforest retreat offers quality accommodation, a relaxing bar/lounge area, a stunning outdoor pool, a world-class spa and its own private valley including a magical waterfall.
Regarded as the “most pampering EcoLodge in the world”, there are 15 stunning treehouses available, all set at different levels of rainforest (from floor to canopy) and is directly adjacent to the majestic Daintree River.
So, you’ll be able to wake to the sweet smells, sounds and lush colours of the tropical north right from your Daintree rainforest accommodation.
Priced from $345 per night (twin-share) the treehouses are newly renovated (except the Lagoon Bayan rooms as yet) and feature spacious rooms, bathrobes, slippers, air-conditioning and a screened balcony with a daybed to take in the uninterrupted views. In addition, you receive free cook to order breakfast daily.
Healing Spa Wellness at Daintree Spa
When visiting, you must get pampered at the Daintree Spa as they create a special healing environment.
Embracing ancient indigenous medicines and wisdom in their treatments, the spa uses pure waters from their onsite waterfall. This unique site has been visited for thousands of years by the local Aboriginal tribe, Kuku Yalanju women for its healing and spiritual powers.
This practice complements the Daintree Spa’s soothing massages, body wraps, facials and spa soaks all using sustainable wild-harvest and organic products. Massages are also available in-room.
And, why not finish off your day with a private rainforest dinner experience featuring fresh seasonal ingredients served over five courses and paired with wines.
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How To Get To Daintree EcoLodge and Spa?
Daintree EcoLodge and Spa is a 90-minute drive from Cairns and it’s found to be one of the most beautiful drives in Australia.
As it’s in a remote Daintree rainforest location the lodge recommends self-driving and parking is free on-site. Hire cars can be picked up in Cairns or at the airport otherwise, a transfer can be arranged upon request.
| Most Suited To | Couples and Solo Travellers |
| Budget | $$$ – Bayans from $345 per night |
| Wellness Category | Relaxation |
| Best Wellness Activities | Spa Treatments |
| When to go? | May to September |
Have you been to any of these wellness destinations in Queensland? Please share your favourite place to find some zen?
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