10 of the most idyllic spots for romancing in your own backyard.
Honeymooners on a budget or with time constraints shouldn’t have to wait for their annual leave or bank accounts to build back up to enjoy some time away as a newly married couple.
With so many picture perfect romantic destinations and hotels in Australia to unwind and relax in, keeping your honeymoon local is no real sacrifice.
Get inspired and check out some of the dreamiest honeymoon locations in Australia.
Feature image: Hamilton Island
Top honeymoon destinations in Australia for beaches and relaxation:
1. Hamilton Island
Characterised by pristine beaches and teeming with colourful marine life, Hamilton Island is paradise on earth. One of the most popular of the Whitsunday Islands, it’s is a hot favourite with couples as it offers good weather year round and more than its fair share of romantic abodes.
- Where to stay: qualia is an award-winning hotel with private pools, 24-hour room service and a VIP chauffeur service.
- When to go: Anytime of year, though it’s best to avoid the summer school holidays.
- What to do: Watersports, adventure-land sports and spa relaxation dates.
2. Fraser Island
There’s no denying the majesty of Fraser Island. It’s a holiday favourite for families and couples alike that features 123 kilometres of powder-soft sand and over 100 freshwater lakes to dip into.
- Where to stay: Kingfisher Bay Resort is a picture of relaxation and opulence. It features a jacuzzi, outdoor tennis court and an in-house spa.
- When to go: Fraser Island enjoys pleasant weather all year round. Visit during winter or spring for the least chance of rainfall.
- What to do: Swimming, beach combing, hiking and 4WD tours.
Love the sound of these beach getaways? The Whitsundays are overflowing with picture-perfect islands, so if these don’t hit the spot Daydream Island, Airlie Beach and Hayman Island are exceptional alternatives.
3. Freycinet National Park
Boasting pink granite peaks, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Freycinet National Park is Tasmania’s coastal gem. Popular landmarks in the region include Wineglass Bay, the Hazards Range and Coles Bay.
- Where to stay: Saffire Freycinet is five stars of pure luxury. It features an on-site spa, valet parking and complimentary activities such as wine tastings.
- When to go: Summer is the best time to visit for beach and coastal activities.
- What to do: Coastal walks, bird watching, Tasmanian devil encounters and food experiences.
4. Cape Tribulation
Located within Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation is where the forest literally meets the sea. This hub for ecotourism offers boat tours to the Great Barrier Reef and nearby islands. Alternative honeymoon destinations in the area include Palm Cove, Green Island and Port Douglas.
- Where to stay: Hideaway in the rainforest at Bloomfield Lodge, where all meals are included in your stay for a fuss-free stay where you can focus on unwinding and relaxing.
- When to go: May to November is dry season and is the ideal time to explore the Daintree.
- What to do: Night tours, ziplining, water sports, hiking and unwinding in a forest cabin.
Top honeymoon destinations in Australia for wining and unwinding:
5. The Hunter Valley
This Sydneysider favourite is the ultimate weekend getaway for two. Surrounded by dozens of vineyards, it’s a tranquil destination for honeymooners seeking to cozy up inside a cabin, with a glass of quality wine in hand.
- Where to stay: Lilies Cottages is a luxurious five-star property with extensive gardens and an in-house day spa.
- When to go: Autumn brings with it cool temperatures and great colour on the vineyard leaves.
- What to do: Winery tours and wine tastings, chocolate and fudge tours and tastings, spa days and hot air balloon rides.
Image: Barossa
6. The Barossa Valley
Heralded as one of the greatest wine regions in the world, the Barossa is heaven for lovers of a good tipple. However, you don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy your honeymoon here. With cycling, dining and arts and culture experiences, the Barossa has something for every couple.
- Where to stay: Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage is an exclusive stay just for two. This cottage is set in a private vineyard and is an ideal gateway to the Barossa’s finest wineries.
- When to go: Visit the Barossa during autumn for mild weather and good colour on the leaves.
- What to do: Winery tours, walking, cycling, playing golf, shopping and local dining.
Top honeymoon destinations in Australia for active breaks:
7. Mount Tamborine
Lush greenery and gushing waterfalls highlight the many trails through Mount Tamborine’s tropical rainforest. The atmosphere is tranquil, the views are exquisite and the company is, well, just you and your other half.
- Where to stay: You’ll feel world’s away from civilisation at Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa with its impressive mountain views and pamper packages.
- When to go: Winter is dry and mild making it the best season to visit.
- What to do: Hiking, caving and visiting wineries and markets.
Find a honeymoon hotel near Mount Tamborine (Gold Coast Hinterland)
8. Cradle Mountain
The picturesque Cradle Mountain is a hot favourite with honeymooners. As there are only a handful of luxury hotels on the mountain, you’ll be one of the special few wining and dining just minutes away from the walking trails.
- Where to stay: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is a 4.5-star stunner that offers luxury in the wilderness. Think spa cabins, cheese and wine tastings and bushwalks accessible from the front of the lodge.
- When to go: It’s recommended that you visit between October and May if you’re planning to undertake some of Cradle Mountain’s walks. During summer the weather is sunny and the daylight hours are long.
- What to do: Mountain hikes, bushwalks and Tasmanian devil encounters.
Top honeymoon destinations in Australia for outback honeymoons:
9. The Kimberley
Featuring a dramatic landscape of ochre-coloured gorges, cascading waterfalls, blue-green pools and panoramic viewpoints, The Kimberley sets a whole new benchmark for an unforgettable lovers getaway.
- Where to stay: El Quester Homestead is a 9-suite hideaway featuring exquisite dining experiences and exceptional service. It’s just moments from the El Questro Wilderness Park.
- When to go: Winters are mild in The Kimberley making it ideal for outback adventures.
- What to do: Hikes and treks, bathing in swimming holes and thermal springs, fishing and wildlife encounters.
10. Uluru
Australia’s spiritual centre will win your heart on your honeymoon. Rising up from the desert, the red rock commands the landscape with its striking profile. Drive in early for sunrise or kick back with a glass of bubbly to see the sun set over this wondrous site and consider your honeymoon a big success.
- Where to stay: Sails in the Desert Hotel is a 5-star resort just moments from Uluru. It features a gumtree-lined pool, a heralded dining experience and an in-house spa.
- When to go: Winter is mild in Uluru and is the best time to visit.
- What to do: Canyon hikes, bush walks and camel rides.
