One of the best things about Australia is our endless stretches of sun-kissed coastline, stretching from the tropical tip of Cape York to the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road and the coral wonders of the Ningaloo Reef. And scattered along the way are some of the world’s dreamiest beach stays that deserve a spot on every summer (and winter) bucket list. If you’re craving island time or plotting your next summer escape, you’ve come to the right spot. Travel + Leisure has crowned the ten best beach and island hotels in Australia for 2024, and they’ll have you counting down the days till summer.
In 2025, Travel + Leisure readers crowned JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa as Australia’s number one beach hotel. First shortlisted by the publication’s editors, the final decision came down to thousands of reader votes – and it’s easy to see why. This luxurious 28-storey hotel might be located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, but it radiates private tropical resort energy. Think a private marina, a serene spa sanctuary, floating pilates classes, seasonal cooking classes and tours through its lush, sustainable garden.
While the JW Marriott is just a five-minute walk from Surfers Paradise Beach, all guests get exclusive access to a dreamy saltwater lagoon, which features soft white sand, bright blue waters with tropical fish (yep, you can snorkel here), a streaming waterfall, Jacuzzis and plush poolside cabanas. Add in private balconies overlooking either the Pacific Ocean or tranquil Gold Coast hinterland, plus one of the country’s best buffet breakfasts, and you’ve got yourself a slice of paradise.
If you’re looking to max out your annual leave, why not turn your GC getaway into a back-to-back beach escape with a stay at The Langham Gold Coast – voted Australia’s second-best beach hotel for 2025. Its three crystalline towers shine like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. Inside, this five-star resort delivers an equally high-carat experience, complete with a bougie health club and day spa, two waterfront swimming pools, six exceptional dining venues and panoramic ocean views.
Queensland absolutely dominated the top ten best beach and island hotels list, with the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas ranking third, Bedarra Island Resort in fourth, InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef in sixth, Qualia on Hamilton Island in eighth and Orpheus Island Lodge in tenth. As for the remaining three? Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island came in fifth, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island landed seventh, and Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef made a splash in ninth. So, where to first?
These are the 10 best beach and island hotels in Australia for 2025
- JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, QLD
- The Langham Gold Coast, QLD
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, QLD
- Bedarra Island Resort, QLD
- Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW
- InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef, QLD
- Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA
- Qualia, Hamilton Island, QLD
- Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA
- Orpheus Island Lodge, QLD