HOW much do you know about Queensland's islands and what they offer? If the answer is very little, read on.
There are six amazing island resorts off the Queensland coast.
Bedarra Island: An elegant refuge10km from Mission Beach, it has only 10 guest villas nestled into thick rainforest for just 20 privileged guests. It is eco-luxury at its smartest. The island uses solar power, smart design to allow for breezeways rather than air conditioners, and water from a natural spring.
Haggerstone Island: 600km north of Cairns, this island is Australia's answer to a Swiss Family Robinson. It is life pared back: no phones, no schedules, no stress ... just two modern-day Robinsons and a maximum of 12 guests. All meals are prepared from fresh produce either grown on the island or caught at sea. Guests can join the daily forage for lobster, coral trout and mud crabs.
Lizard Island: 240km off the coast of Cairns, this is one of three true coral cay resorts in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is known for luxurious suites surrounded by a colourful underwater world that fans out from its powdery white beaches. With only 40 suites and villas, that's almost one beach per couple.
Makepeace Island: 10km from Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, the heart-shaped world in the middle of the Noosa River is a luxury escape filled with equal parts seclusion and cosmopolitan chic. Owned by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey, the island offers the privacy and luxury you might expect from an island refuge, but is topped with the kind of comfort that comes with a holiday at a (billionaire) friend's home.
Orpheus Island: 80km north of Townsville, it is a haven for snorkellers and divers who loathe crowds. The dive sites are home to more than 1100 of the 1500 species of fish on the reef, 340 of the 359 varieties of hard corals, and some of the region's largest collections of soft corals. Guests can learn more about the reef by touring the island's marine research station, operated by James Cook University.
qualia on Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays: If luxury was served on a silver platter, qualia would be the main course, laid out on a bed of world-class experiences and garnished with jaw-dropping views of the Whitsunday Islands. The world's best is at its doorstep with the soft silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef easily accessible via helicopter, yacht or sea plane. The secluded yet central location means guests can relax in the privacy of their own villa on a breathtaking promontory or opt to explore the island's restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops.
