The 8 most romantic getaways in Australia

When it comes to romantic destinations, The Whitsundays are the creme de la creme, and not just in the pick of Australia. The world-class group of islands atop the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef have dreamy accommodation options for every couple. If you’ve got some cash to spare, indulge in a stay at the Intercontinental on the private Hayman Island, or opt for your very own plunge pool at Hamilton Island’s Qualia resort. If you want to be on island time, but save a few pennies, there’s camping on the famous white sand at Whitsunday Island, and hotels and motels a short boat trip away on the mainland at Airlie Beach.

Even in summer, Tassie likes to cling on to the cold, but that doesn’t mean the azure bays shouldn’t be admired from afar. Even better, bay-watch from your seat next to the cabin fireplace, cosied up to your special other. If you muster up the strength to leave your toasty little haven, Freycinet National Park is home to some breathtaking hikes, namely Wineglass Bay. The best part about the track is that it starts up high so you can soak in the views, and then wind up at the bottom to see the crystal clear waters up close. When you need to refuel after your expedition, head to Freycinet Marine Farm for some oyster shucking in some real sexy overalls. 

It’s summertime all year round at Palm Cove, located a 30-minute drive south of Cairns. If July comes rolling by and you’re already sick of the dreary winter weather, you can simply book a flight to Far North Queensland for the almost guaranteed balmy 26-degree days on repeat. Pop on the cucumbers and lather up at the spa, or exfoliate au natural with the sand at the town’s palm tree-lined beach. Take wellness to the next level with yoga classes on the waterfront to test your partner’s, uh, flexibility, or turn things up a notch with an exhilarating kayak ride out on the water.

Natural beauty is all around the Margaret River region. Accommodation awaits overlooking rugged cliff faces, sprawling grapevines, acres of forest and winding waterways. In fact, if you’re after ultimate seclusion, step aboard a Blackwood River Houseboat for access to the most hidden (and most unreal) swim and kayak spots. You can’t go past Sugarloaf Rock for an out-of-this-world picnic and sunset spot, and it would be rude to pass through without sampling a drop or two from the famed Margaret River wineries. The region’s cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay have earned this SA locality a spot on the map for incredible wines.

If you’re a bit of a wildlife-loving power couple a la Steve and Terri Irwin, a trip to Kangaroo Island is in store. The little plot of land is a 1.5 flight from Adelaide or a short ferry ride from the mainland, after which you'll arrive in a wonderland abundant with koalas, kangaroos (no surprises there), wallabies, seals and dolphins. Despite the island’s thick density of luxury eco-lodges, like the Southern Ocean Lodge and CABN, you have a ridiculous amount of options where you’ll gaze out at the panoramic views of the rugged terrain from your bed and think you’re the only ones within miles.

A secluded cabin in the Blue Mountains with misty views of Australian flora is one of those places where time stops. Take it as your digital detox and throw the phones far away. You won’t need them when you’re strolling hand in hand through the colourful Mayfield Garden or walking along the Leura Cascades. Be sure to make a detour at The Hydro Majestic. It’s one of Australia’s most historic hotels, and with sweeping views of the Megalong Valley, it would be a crime not to pop in for the famed high tea and feed your love itty-biddy sandwiches.

Bust out the togs because Mornington Peninsula’s hot springs await you and your lover. The natural geothermal water is already romantic enough as is, but you can go ahead and book a soak in one of the private bathing sanctuaries. The area is also known for some fine aphrodisiacs that you can purchase from the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, or pack snacks to snuggle up with at the Dromana Drive-In. There’s quite literally everything in this little pocket of adventure just 90 minutes away from Melbourne’s CBD, meaning you can explore the hidden beaches by morning and get tipsy in the vineyards by afternoon. 

Just picture it: you’re lounging back, a glass of wine in hand with a front-row seat to the warm haze of the sunset with Uluru as the backdrop. Come nighttime, you venture away from your glamping cabin to the Field of Light for a twinkling art installation that stretches as far as the eye can see. If you’re an active couple, wrangle the 4WD and explore the region’s incredible natural springs and stunning hikes. Want some real brownie points with your partner? Book a helicopter ride and experience the magic of the NT from above. For more ideas, check out our guide to the NT here.