Queensland's Best Accommodation

Noosa Heads

On my recent travels, I went back to Noosa Heads.  This is my favourite beach resort in Queensland, if not Australia (with Mooloolaba second and Manly in Sydney third.)

There are great restaurants on Hastings Street, including some overlooking the beach.  (Bistro C is my favourite.)  The beach is not too large, the water is warm, and the waves are perfect.  In the afternoon, we boat or paddle on the Noosa River, or walk in Noosa National Park.

Whatever you do, look first at accommodation on Hastings Street.  Otherwise, you may be too far from the beach and restaurants.  (Take care - the new Outrigger is on Little Hastings Street, which is not Hastings Street.)   I recommend speaking with an independent agent, such as Richardson & Wrench on Hastings Street.  They have a bunch of places on their books, and only deal with quality properties.

My favourite is an apartment on Lagana on Hastings (same complex as Sebel Noosa), overlooking the river.  See below.  I have stayed twice, and each time has been a perfect vacation.  Recently, they have upgraded the TVs, so that there are now two flat screens (living room and bedroom), plus free wireless Internet.  And a heated pool and a spa.

Broadbeach

I have wanted to stay at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast for some time, and now I have a booking at the brand new, soon to be opened Peppers Broadbeach in The Oracle.  Five star accommodation at Broadbeach -- about time!

Mooloolaba Beachfront Accommodation

I recently travelled around South East Queensland, and on my trip I stayed at Oceans Mooloolaba.  This is a private apartment complex, located on Mooloolaba Esplanade.  All apartments have ocean views.  There are two bedroom and three bedroom apartments.  It is a luxury building, and all apartments have lavish furniture.  There is a beautiful pool, gym and wireless internet.  A short walk to the surfing beach, and all the best places to eat are just downstairs.  It is the only five star resort in this area.  I strongly recommend Oceans Mooloolaba.

Queensland Accommodation Websites

Websites for accommodation in Queensland:

• Noosa - apartments with wireless internet
• Quay West Brisbane
• Noosa Pad
• My favourite Noosa apartment, with river views
  
• Brisbane Downtown
• Mooloolaba
• Oceans Mooloolaba
• Sirocco Mooloolaba
• Western Brisbane (including Toowong)

I like vacationing on Hastings Street, in Noosa:
For accommodation on Hastings Street, look at these websites:

• Laguana on Hastings
  
• Hastings Street Noosa
• Accommodation with Free Wireless Internet
• Standby Specials
• Sebel Noosa

Noosa Heads

I visited Noosa Heads this weekend.  I recommend the Sebel Noosa Resort (also known as Laguna on Hastings).  It is located in the centre of Hastings Street.  It is a short walk across the road to the beach.

The resort has two pools, in central courtyards.

Although it is close to all the action, inside the resort is tranquil and private.

The resort has one and two bedroom apartments, all fully airconditioned.  Each apartment has a kitchen, living room, laundry and balcony, as well as one or two separate bedrooms.

You can see a range of apartments at the RW website.

Take care when booking -- each apartment is slightly different.  Some have a courtyard view, some have a pool view, some have a Hastings Street view, some have a river view and some have no view.  Also, there is a big difference between the ground floor and the top floor -- there are three levels of apartments, with elevators. 

If you book via the RW website, you can pre-book the exact apartment that you want.  You are guaranteed that apartment.

My favourite is a top floor river view.

If this is not available, you can book directly with the hotel.

Sebel Pool

Sunshine Coast Accommodation

Check out these places to stay on the Sunshine Coast

• Oceans Mooloolaba
• Mooloolaba
• Noosa Heads
• Hastings Street, Noosa  (alternative site for high quality Hasting Street accommodation)
  
• Alexandra Headland
• Sunshine Beach
• Caloundra
• Kings Beach
• Hinterland
• Montville
  

Consolidated list for Sunshine Coast

Gold Coast Accommodation

Check out these sites for good Gold Coast accommodation:

• Broadbeach
• Burleigh Heads
• Surfer's Paradise and Main Beach
• Coolangatta
• All of Gold Coast
  

Brisbane Hotels

This is a good site to look for a discounted hotel room, across a range of hotels and apartments in Brisbane.

It has availability for some hotels even if Wotif does not.  And you can book well in advance.

Look and book here.

Mooloolaba Hotel Reviews

Mooloolaba, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, is a great beach destination.  Mooloolaba beach was recently rated by the British travel magazine as the best family beach in Australia.

The action in Mooloolaba takes place along Mooloolaba Esplanade.  This is where the best accommodation is located, and where most people go to shop and eat.  There are many cafes.  The Esplanade runs along the coast -- so most buildings on the Esplanade have ocean views and are a close walk to the beach.

My recommendations:

1.   Oceans Mooloolaba

This is the newest, most luxurious place to stay at Mooloolaba.  You can choose between 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments.  All have ocean views.  There is a classy pool, which also has ocean views.  Each apartment has fantastic modern but comfortable furniture, 2 flat screen TVs, a full kitchen, a balcony, at least 2 futuristic bathrooms, a private entry courtyard, air-conditioning and a central sound and lighting system.

The Oceans complex has a pool, a kids wading pool, a private cinema and a gym.

This is a private complex -- with about 50 apartments.  It is about 10 floors, and there are no more than 6 apartments per floor.

Further details for this 5 star resort.

You can book directly via the hotel's booking system in real time here.

Oceans

2.   Sirocco

In a good location, with a pool overlooking the ocean.

The suites are privately owned, and so the quality and style of furniture varies.

3.   Zanzibar

The good location, but the pool is at the rear of the building and is tiny.  Again,  suites are privately owned, and so the quality and style of furniture varies.  Slightly run-down.

4.   Mantra

The tallest and largest building in Mooloolaba, and usually good prices.  For families and groups.

Details:

• one bedroom
• two bedroom
• general details
• bookings

5.   Landmark

Opposite the surf club, and a little older.  Pool, but not overlooking ocean.

Details

Bookings

6.   Peninsular

Opposite the surf club, and a little older.  Pool, but not overlooking ocean.

Details

You can see other Mooloolaba accommodation here.

MooloolabaOceans

New York Times - Review of Brisbane

See this NYT article about Brisbane.

Recommended Hotels from NYTimes:

• Saville South Bank
• Emporium in the Valley

Saville