In the seaside village of Rainbow Beach, a small independent stay two and a half hours north of Brisbane, close to the fishing, surf breaks and the barge across to K'gari. Rooms come as kings, queens and a two-bedroom apartment, with no minimum-night stay. The draw is the hosting: a local team that leans on its own knowledge of the coast. It suits couples, small groups and remote workers who want a base rather than a resort.