Spicers Balfour Hotel

Its location on the banks of the Brisbane River and great array of facilities make the W Hotel a wonderful option for those exploring the vibrant city of Brisbane.

The hotel, as with all W hotels, is undeniably cool. Bold colours and quirky touches characterise the public spaces and rooms, of which there are 312, which range from the Wonderful, Spectacular and Marvellous rooms through to the WOW and Extreme WOW suites. All offer views of the river.

Dining at the W is a real treat. The Three Ducks restaurant is a beautifully designed space with earthy tones, natural materials and smooth lines that mimic the curvature of the river. Here guests can enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked in the wood fired oven and charcoal pit. There is a covered balcony for year-round al-fresco dining. The Living Room Bar is the perfect place for a cocktail before dinner or heading out to experience the city.

There is also a rooftop swimming pool, gym and spa with salt inhalation chambers, aromatherapy steam baths and vitality pool.

Elegant, charming and luxurious, this boutique hotel is the ideal place to call home while visiting Brisbane. Close to the busy heart of the city, the heritage-listed property, which dates back to the 1880s, offers extreme privacy for those wishing to escape the rush.

The 50 impeccably designed rooms and suites are all about comfort and convenience. Muted colours, eclectic design notes and textures combine in each of the rooms in the art-deco hotel. Retreat to the comfort of a quiet suite, or drink in expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Inchcolm Loft – whichever room option you choose, the attention to detail and service will make it a memorable stay.

Thomson’s Reserve Restaurant offers guests meals a la carte, or tasting menus paired with wines. Soak up the historic atmosphere of the hotel as you enjoy a quiet dinner for two, or feast with friends.  Then, round off the day with drinks at the sophisticated Socialites Bar, which brings to mind the Roaring Twenties.

This family-friendly hotel is close to Noosa Beach and Noosa National Park. The 176 studios, suites and villas offer guests a luxurious home away from home, with views out over the ocean, inviting pool or village. Both the rooms and public spaces are bright, elegantly designed and filled with natural light. Some rooms include their own spa tubs.

Dine at Noosa Beach House where chef Peter Kuruvita and his team present coastal dishes in a chic setting. Tuck into fresh seafood and Mexican inspired snacks at Noosa Beach House Bar, or take a dip in the lagoon-style pool and enjoy a drink at the swim up bar. Then end the day with a nighcap at the Riviera Bar and Lounge with its views out over the Noosa River.

Take advantage of the spa and health club when you aren’t out exploring or soaking up the sun on the beach.

Set on the shores of Laguna Bay, with its sparkling waters and powder-soft sand, is Netanya Noosa. The resort is ideally located for you to enjoy the beach as well as the walking and running tracks that take you out into the beautiful surroundings.

The resort is made up of a number of apartments, most of which look out over Noosa’s main beach. Bright and spacious, they fit in perfectly with the colourful surroundings.

The beach is right on your doorstep and there are plenty of beachside mountain walks as well where you can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and rainforest. There are lots of restaurants nearby, but if you need a quick snack or to stock up on goodies before you head out, then the on-site Providore on Hastings has a selection of sandwiches, salads and cakes.