Aerial shot of hot air balloons in Hunter Valley
Photograph: Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association
Photograph: Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association

The 10 most romantic getaways in Australia

Whether you’re chasing the sun or some adventure, these romantic getaways are sure to satisfy you and your loved one

Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor: Melissa Woodley
Advertising

Whether you and your adventure buddy are chasing your next thrill or looking for a stunning spot to unwind, Australia is brimming with all the mushy gushy stuff that lovers, well, love. Think long, long stretches of some of the world’s whitest sand, rolling vineyards that are the birthplace of your go-to date night drops, cosy cabins tucked in the mountains, and sunset locations that rival what you’ve seen on postcards.

Our travel writers have scoped the country to bring you this guide of the most romantic getaways in Australia, for everything from anniversary trips to babymoons.

❤️ The best honeymoon destinations in Australia
🌸 Australia's dreamiest glamping tents for couples
✈️ Where to travel solo Down Under

 

Australia's most romantic getaway spots

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.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
  • Travel
  • getaways

Ah, wine country – is there anything more romantic than watching the sunset with a glass of wine on your right and your lover on your left? Just a two-hour drive from the big smoke in Sydney, this gorgeous wine region is full of luxe accommodation options that will blow every other glamping experience or couple's retreat out of the water. Spend your days sipping fine wines at top vineyards like Margan Wines and Mount Pleasant, before settling down for a super special dinner at the likes of Exp, Bistro Molines or Muse Restaurant

Melissa Woodley
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Advertising
  • Travel

If you’re craving some quality one-on-one time with your lover, escape the city with a trip to the Scenic Rim. This countryside gem is only a 60-minute drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, meaning you and your boo could be hiking to hidden waterfalls, sipping fine wines or cosying up in a romantic cabin in no time. Sitting 1,100 metres above sea level, Spicers Peak Lodge is our top pick for the ultimate couples’ getaway, offering rooms with private outdoor infinity spas, cosy fireplaces and picturesque mountain-top terraces.

Melissa Woodley
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia

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. 

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
Advertising

Natural beauty is all around Western Australia's gorgeous 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 WA locality a spot on the map for incredible wines.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor

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-hour 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.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
Advertising

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.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor

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. 

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
Advertising

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.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor

Palm Cove, QLD

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.

Caitlyn Todoroski
Caitlyn Todoroski
Contributor
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising