A warm subtropical climate means the Sunshine State leads the country when it comes to pool and beach clubs. Hold onto those summer vibes by diving into one of the following:
Coral Sea Marina Resort Pool Club, Airlie Beach
Waterfront views out to the idyllic Whitsunday islands are among the rewards for those fronting up to the Coral Sea Marina Resort’s newly renovated Pool Club. This 25-metre pool was given a makeover in February, to match the mood of the new private beach and cabanas. Head to The Rocks bar and restaurant and you’ll be able to pick up a Pool Club Pass for $25 per person which includes use of the pool and sun beds. Coral Sea Marina Resort is a 77-room resort located adjacent to a 520-berth marina and bustling maritime village filled with dining and drinking establishments, shops, charter companies, tour operators and sailing, snorkelling and dive operators. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Nautilus Pool & Bar at The Westin Brisbane
Nautilus Pool & Bar at The Westin Brisbane is the perfect spot to soak up that endless urban sunshine. The city’s only swim-up pool bar is perched high above the cityscape and is heated to a balmy 26 degrees year-round. Until mid-April, Nautilus Beach Club will roll out the red carpet to non-guests from Friday to Sunday (11am to 7pm). But if you pull up poolside here, you’ll have a few tough decisions to make: Champagne, cocktails or chilled beer? Private cabana, day bed, or in-pool lounge? Pool access, towel use and a Nautilus Summer Spritz costs $29 per person, or sign up for the Nautilus Cabana Experience with a seafood platter, a bottle of rosé, and still and sparkling waters ($239).
Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast has 70 kilometres of sandy coastline, but if you prefer to work on your tan with a cool drink in hand and live music in earshot, there’s always. Spread over 5000 square metres at Surfers Paradise, the $10 million rooftop playground that is Cali Beach includes a trio of pools in the main area, a separate plunge pool, two restaurants (including the Japanese-influenced Saké Sisters), four bars, a volleyball court and an outdoor cinema area. Admission is free, but for guaranteed seating, you’ll need to hire a daybed, booth or cabana (from $500 to $4500 which includes some food and drink.) Open Friday to Sunday 11am until late.
La Luna Beach Club, Main Beach
Newly-opened upmarket La Luna Beach Club is built on a floating pontoon, set amid the superyachts and sailboats of 76-berth Marina Mirage. It is made up of Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, MĀRE, and the adjoining La Luna Pool, which is surrounded by rows of white sun lounges, day beds and cabanas. Two hours on a sun lounge here costs a minimum of $150 per person which must be pre-paid upon booking and is redeemable on food and drink. The price goes up from there, with the most expensive grand cabanas available for $4,500 (four hours; up to 22 people). MĀRE does everything from kingfish ceviche to char-grilled beef. Open daily 12pm until late.
Splash Bar at The Ville, Townsville
In tropical north Queensland, Splash Bar at The Ville offers pool day passes to non-hotel guests, providing entrée to an infinity edge pool with swim-up bar and fetching views out over the Coral Sea to mysterious Magnetic Island. Weekday passes start at $55, which includes some food and drink. But for the full bougee experience, retreat to a private cabana for a four-hour morning or afternoon session (from $250; for 4 people; including food and drink). Buckets of prawns and alcoholic slushies go down easily here. Open daily 9.30am until 6pm.
