How to Find Luxury Hotels in Queensland, Australia

One of the best-known states in Australia, Queensland is known for having an unusually high number of World Heritage sites. The most famous of these sites, the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the biggest attractions in all of Australia, if not the world. Queensland also is home to the famed Daintree Rain Forest. Due to its latitude, the state is a great destination October through May.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport
• Computer

Get to Know Queensland

1. See nature up close at the world famous Australia Zoo. Known for its abundance of koalas and crocodiles, the zoo is a must-see for travelers to Queensland. It is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m except Christmas.

2. Rent a car to tour the countryside. While staying in a major city can be fun, you won't really get the full Australian experience unless you step outside urban life. Renting a car is a great way to see as much of Australia as possible at your own pace. Since you design your own itinerary, the possibilities are endless.

3. Scuba dive or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. It's the site divers and snorkelers dream about. Here's your chance to see some of the most incredible sea life on the planet.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Queensland

4. Luxury accommodations are everywhere in ritzy Port Douglas, which is known for its incredible white sand beaches and crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. To book accommodations, contact Tourism Queensland at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). The best accommodations in this peaceful village will set you back $300 to $350 a night. Indulge yourself.

5. Stay in a secluded villa right off the Great Barrier Reef. The most prestigious accommodations only offer 20 rooms or less, giving you the ultimate private vacation. For around $300 per night, you can expect a plush room with a breathtaking view, but don't look too hard for the television or phone--most hotels in this class don't offer either.

6. How many times in your life will you get to say you stayed in a bona fide rain forest? Here's your chance. You can interact directly with wildlife at one of the upscale hotels in the Daintree National Rain Forest. Accommodations in a spectacular tree house with an extensive array of amenities cost around $500 per night.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• If you're traveling June through September, bring warmer clothes and an umbrella for those unexpected, frequent showers.