Rainforest, Red Centre, and sparkling seaside cities - think of Australia and you're likely to focus on its mainland attractions. But dotted around its coastline is a wealth of opulent outposts where you can enjoy tranquility with all the trimmings.
Here are our favorite island stays:
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island: Lord Howe Island is a speck 700km off the coast of New South Wales, and Capella Lodge, a smaller speck still on its southern tip. Views over the rugged mountains, reef and turquoise lagoon dominate this sophisticated beach house of bleached wood and glass. Whether you're floating in the plunge pool, or lazing on your private deck, it's all about the great outdoors here.
Lizard Island by Voyages, Great Barrier Reef: At the reef's northernmost tip, Lizard Island couldn't be more remote. Wild scrub and rocky mountain ranges dominate an interior hemmed from an azure sea by 24 ivory-white beaches. The resort itself is a nexus of 40 private villas, rooms and suites, with spectacular diving, fishing and snorkeling on the doorstep. Perfect for adventurous ocean goers or romance-struck couples.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island: A series of boardwalks treads lightly over the dunes, connecting a low-slung wing of luxe suites with a space-age spa and capacious circular lounge. Solitude, serenity and privacy are what guests are paying for - staying here you get the feeling there's no one else within miles (and there probably isn't). The design is all about the Southern Ocean views, the setting - wildly rugged, unspoilt.
Qualia, Great Barrier Reef: Perched on tropical Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Qualia is one of Queensland's most serene escapes. The idyllic resort has 60 sleekly decked pavilions, some with private plunge pools, all with sea views. You're given a golf buggy to get around its 30 acres of immaculate grounds - although with two pools, a gym and a spa on your doorstep, you won't want to go far.
Wilson Island by Voyages, Great Barrier Reef: Off the coast of Queensland, possibly the most romantic campsite on Earth, Wilson Island is the place to enjoy cool, castaway camping on a capsule cay. Boutique in scale, but big on luxuries, the resort's six shore-side tents each manage to accommodate a sumptuously linened king-size bed, timber furniture, and a wooden deck with a hammock for two.
