3 Best Hotels in Gold Coast Hinterland, The Gold Coast

At the doorstep of Lamington National Park, this historic, eco-certified property has reemerged from the ravages of the 2019 wildfires, and remains a bird-watcher's paradise, with sweeping views across Heritage-listed rain forest and more than 160 km (99 miles) of walking trails. The original 1933 lodge is no longer, but the luxury Sky Lodge suites and apartments—featuring spa baths, fireplaces, LCD TVs, fully self-contained kitchen and laundry facilities, and accommodations for up to 10 people—still make a great option for groups and families. There are also ready-made six-person "Safari Tents" and powered and unpowered campsites. Check online for the best deals, including Kids Stay Free specials during school holidays.

One thousand meters (3,280 feet) above sea level and immersed in the subtropical rain forests of World Heritage–listed Lamington National Park, the eco-certified O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat boasts a range of accommodation options, from simple garden- and mountain-view rooms, to one- and two-bedroom canopy suites, and luxury, multiroom mountain villas (complete with balcony Jacuzzis). Daily activities include wildlife presentations, bird-watching walks, Segway tours, and the famous after-dark glowworm walk. Packages are available, which include breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, and a free wine tasting at the property's nearby vineyard.

Set on 12 acres of privately owned rain forest, this secluded, couples-only resort comprises 10 spacious tree houses with timber floors, French doors opening onto verandas, fireplaces, hot tubs, and open-plan interiors furnished with Asian antiques. Undercover walkways link each house with the main lodge: a stunning building with 16-foot-high glass walls affording rain-forest views. You can while away the hours in the library, enjoy a massage or facial under the trees, or hike through the surrounding forest trails, where you might even be lucky enough to spot wallabies and koalas.