Thank you all for your insights so far! I think somewhere like Noosa or Townsville/MI might be in the running. Something without as many US tourists is right up my alley, and the prices seem very reasonable. Ticks up a little bit for Melbourne.
I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, as ya'll been really helpful so far... But any suggestions on places in Noosa / Townsville / Melbourne to stay? I prefer a hotel setting with daily housekeeping.