1. Pitch Perfect on Magnetic Island
Replacing the roar of the wild with glorious grunts of koalas mating, Magnetic Glamping’s “Luxury Safari Lodges” are pitch perfect for nature lovers who don’t want to skimp on creature comforts.Ideally located a stone’s throw from Magnetic Island’s ferry terminal, the first-of-its-kind resort on “Maggie” (as locals call the only Great Barrier Reef island with its own postcode, a 20-minute ferry ride off Townsville) rolled up its doors to eight spacious, air-conditioned glamping tents in November 2023.
“We’ve travelled the world over to find the perfect mix of nature-meets-luxury, and the type of safari lodges we’ve built have nailed just that,” says Magnetic Glamping owner Barbara Wilkinson, who instantly fell in love with Maggie three decades ago on a trip around Australia.
The experience prompted the Victorian real estate agent, who splits her time between Phillip Island and Maggie, to swiftly purchase an 8,610 square metre parcel of land that backs onto national park. Precisely where Magnetic Glamping now sits with a deliberately eco-friendly footprint. “We have our sights set on Eco Tourism certification and are working towards all power on site being solar,” Barbara said, adding all outdoor lighting is “muted solar” so as not to interfere with nocturnal wildlife. Not least being a group of wallabies-turned-lawnmowers.
“We planted a large lawn area for yoga and relaxation and thought it would need to be mowed fortnightly. We were wrong, every night wallabies come down from the forest and do the mowing for us.”
Meanwhile, each morning resident kookaburras are on hand for wake-up calls. That is, if guests feel the urge to rise from plush, five-star beds (think, Beautyrest Signature IV ensembles, as used in Pullman hotels worldwide) in tents fitted with everything including the kitchen sink (plus fridge, microwave, crockery, cutlery, and access to an outdoor BBQ), unlimited wifi, but no TV.
“Everything’s laid on, but for guests who don’t feel like cooking, we have some outrageously amazing restaurants nearby, and chefs who will deliver door-to-door.”
Did you know? Over two-thirds of Magnetic Island is designated national park, bursting with Zen activities and adventures to please every traveller, from water sports to wildlife encounters (Maggie is home to the largest colony of wild koalas in North Queensland), walking trails, and 23 beaches.
Find out more: https://magneticglamping.com.au/
2. Robinson Crusoe; Welcome to your new digs at Pelorus Island
Taking off-grid luxury to new levels, Pelorus Private Island – the latest jewel in the Northern Escape Collection crown, owned by the Morris Group – promises well-heeled, eco-conscious travellers “an utterly secluded and indulgent hideaway” on the Great Barrier Reef.Accessed via a 30-minute helicopter ride (or 4.5-hour private yacht charter) from Townsville, Pelorus Island forms part of the ‘Great Palm’ archipelago, and spans 400 hectares of pristine wilderness and fringing reefs, teeming with turtles and reef fish (perfect for off-the-beach snorkelling).
“Pelorus Private Island is a rare offering on the Great Barrier Reef, where guests can enjoy unparalleled levels of privacy and personalised service, in a location that seamlessly combines nature with luxury,” says Morris Group executive chairman, Chris Morris, of the only private island retreat in the region.
At AUD$20K per night (with a three-night minimum stay), the experience features a single, sprawling residence with four king suites, infinity pool, and all-inclusive activities from diving to snorkelling, guided jet ski/sea bob tours, reef fishing, boat charters, and access to the Museum of Underwater Art, and more.
As Chris Morris explains: “The intimate dwelling is best shared with family and friends looking for a truly memorable getaway on the reef together. The secluded and highly private nature of the residence will attract a calibre of premium travellers not often seen in this part of the world.”
Opened in November 2023, Pelorus Private Island’s residence also features communal lounges and dining areas with a fully stocked bar and open kitchen for guests to be entertained by private chef [Grant Logan], and butler service, with the opportunity to also access “Jurassic-esque wilderness” of neighbouring Hinchinbrook Island.
Best of all, the residence is fully solar powered (by solar panels and batteries), with natural materials and ventilation systems purposely incorporated into the hideaway’s timeless design to minimise environmental impact; and $100 per guest stay donated to projects aimed at protecting and preserving the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem.
Find out more: https://pelorusprivateisland.au/
3. Cheers to Townsville’s first luxe hotel rooftop pool and bar
Back on the mainland, the Morris Group celebrated a festive double-header with the opening of Townsville’s first luxury hotel, Ardo (on 11 December 2023), rubbing shoulders on the breakwater with The Ville Resort and Casino.Ardo and The Ville CEO, Michael Jones, says the new 132-room property, blessed with Townsville’s first rooftop pool deck and bar, redefines the region’s hotel landscape, also rolling out the red carpet to three drool-worthy restaurants and a day spa.
“Ardo is unlike anything Townsville has ever seen,” he said, describing the $88 million resort as “the perfect getaway for couples, families and friends”. “There truly is something for everyone.”
Find out more: https://ardohotel.au/
4. Mission Possible at the new Elandra
Nestled between two World Heritage-listed wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics, The Elandra Mission Beach – halfway between Townsville and Cairns – has re-emerged (December 2023) following a multi-million facelift by new owners, Sam and Kerri-Ann Charlton, aka the celebrated couple behind Bedarra Island Resort.Hidden among six hectares of pristine tropical rainforest, the boutique resort epitomises “barefoot luxury”, complete with pool deck, bar and dining overlooking the Coral Sea, all-weather premier tennis court, and wellness spa.
It doubles as the perfect launchpad or post-holiday destination for Bedarra Island Resort.
Find out more: https://theelandra.com.au/
5. Nurse your way into an art deco getaway at Babinda
Heading north from Mission Beach, the rainforest township of Babinda, famous for Babinda Boulders (a series of idyllic swimming holes, where the water is cool and refreshing year-round), is home to a “new” Art Deco tourism landmark, The Babinda Quarters.Unveiled in December 2023, on the back of a three-year renovation project, the heritage icon and former nurses’ home has been given a new lease of life as a boutique 15-room guesthouse.
Guests who moonlight as musicians are encouraged to pack their instruments to accompany the Berstein baby grand piano that takes pride of place in the property’s main lounge.
Find out more: https://www.babindaquarters.com/
6. Ahoy! Explore the Whitsundays by boat
And finally, there’s a new way to discover Australia’s #1 sailing mecca and Great Barrier Reef playground, The Whitsundays.Hop aboard M.V. Whitsunday Explorer, Explore Group’s purpose-built 45m premium small ship introducing overnight “resort cruise” experiences providing the best of both worlds. Spacious, ensuite cabins with sea views aboard a vessel “with the agility to navigate islands, reefs and shallow bays”.
Launched in October 2023, M.V. Whitsunday Explorer also features a 138m2 roof deck, airconditioned lounge/dining deck and easy access rear swim platform.
Find out more: https://www.exploregroup.com.au/whitsundays-small-ship-cruises/
* Tourism and Events Queensland
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