Australia’s best all-inclusive resorts

By Amy Fraser

Holidays at all-inclusive resorts make switching off that little bit easier. In Australia, all-inclusive is about soaking in the full experience, from locally produced gourmet food and wine to complimentary activities and unforgettable accommodation. These top resorts offer more than just a place to stay; they’re your gateway to some of the country’s most brilliant bucket list experiences.

Lizard Island Resort

Nestled on its own private island, Lizard Island Resort is the secluded slice of paradise you’ve been searching for. Serenity is paramount here; home to a collection of 40 villas, rooms and suites, it’s not difficult to find a powdery white-sand beach all to yourself. While it might be remote, the resort has everything you need for an indulgent stay. Take advantage of the all-inclusive experiences on offer; go snorkelling among the coral gardens, take out your own private motorised dinghy or discover the surrounding national park on a historic nature walk.

Arkaba Conservancy

Surrounded by 60,000 acres of its very own wildlife conservancy, at South Australia’s Arkaba Conservancy, the only thing you’ll need to think about is your next adventure. This all-inclusive outback oasis allows you to truly reconnect with nature. Swap your screen time with 4WD and walking safaris, unique wildlife experiences, conservation activities and al fresco meals bursting with South Australia’s finest produce. Accommodating just 10 guests at any one time, you’ll find plenty of peaceful moments here.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

It’s not every day you get to wake up to wildlife quite literally on your doorstep. Jamala Wildlife Lodge is distinctly different from most all-inclusive resorts, blending luxury with the wonders of wildlife. Your all-inclusive stay includes your choice of unique accommodation – from giraffe treehouses to jungle bungalows – zoo safaris, and one-of-a-kind food and drink experiences with close-up animal encounters. For kids, four years and older, join the monthly Family Night for a rare (and wild) family getaway.

Saffire Freycinet

From world-class Tasmanian food and drink to immersive architecture perfectly perched on the natural landscape, Saffire Freycinet encapsulates the magic of the Freycinet Peninsula in more ways than one. When you’re not relaxing in a deluxe suite overlooking Oyster Bay or watching the world go by from the resort’s designer lounge, you can create memories over the vast collection of complimentary experiences available. Think tasting freshly shucked oysters with a glass of Tasmanian wine, meeting adorable Tasmanian devils and hiking to the azure Wineglass Bay Lookout.

El Questro Homestead

El Questro Homestead whisks you away to what feels like another world. Nestled on the hill overlooking the Chamberlain River, the resort’s luxurious suites are just as beautiful as the surrounding outback terrain. Its all-inclusive style lends itself to both relaxation and adventure; expect your days to be filled with guided waterfall hikes, ancient gorge explorations, dips in the natural thermal springs and scenic helicopter flights, all before sitting down to a three-course degustation.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Whether you’re staying with children or seeking a romantic getaway, this opulent all-inclusive resort has something for everyone. Set amid its very own 7000-acre (28-square-kilometre) conservation reserve, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up this World Heritage-listed region at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Start with a splash in your very own private plunge pool before embarking on up to two complimentary adventures per day.

Mt. Mulligan Lodge

Around 3.5 hours from Cairns you’ll find Mt.Mulligan Lodge, an all-inclusive getaway that welcomes families, solo travellers and couples to discover the raw beauty of Queensland’s outback. With a wide range of signature and bespoke experiences available, no day is the same at Mt. Mulligan; even your fresh, seasonally curated meals are updated daily. Cast a line from a kayak, immerse yourself in the unique landscape on a hike, roam the hills on an ATV, and explore the region’s very own ghost town. At the end of the day, recharge in the lodge’s pool, overlooking gorgeous gum trees and the weir.

Pinetrees

Located off the New South Wales coast is Lorde Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island where sandy feet, relaxation and pampering become a daily occurrence. There are only a handful of resorts on the island, one of which is the all-inclusive Pinetrees Lodge – a stylish family-run resort that sits just metres from the beach. The resort’s all-inclusive package is more affordable than most and includes gourmet food, drinks and several activities. Picture surfing crowd-free waves, bushwalking over mountaintops, snorkelling above colourful coral reefs and unwinding on secluded beaches. The best bit is, the whole island is capped at 400 guests at a time. Welcome to peaceful paradise.

Bedarra

The fun begins before you even reach Bedarra. Arriving by helicopter, you’ll soon lose yourself in the beauty of this exclusive Great Barrier Reef island, home to just 10 unique villas – all of which have their own personality. While the novelty of staying on a secluded island with only a handful of other guests is a luxury, the real charm are the resort’s bespoke experiences which span from complimentary gourmet picnics on a nearby private island to ocean kayaking, snorkelling and rainforest walks.