12 romantic getaways in NSW for loved-up couples

Block Eight, Hunter Valley

If your idea of a romantic escape is relaxing on the deck of a secluded Hunter Valley vineyard, Block Eight is for you. Set within a 100-acre property are 5 self-contained couples-only villas. Bliss? We think so.

• Location: 65 Squire Cl, Belford NSW 2335
• Star rating: 4 stars
• Price range: Mid-range
• Romantic features: Wine tours and a farm of orphaned and abandoned farm animals; wallabies and kangaroos also roam the property.
• Are romantic packages available? Yes, packages include bottles of wine, daily breakfast, afternoon tea and snacks.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Hot air balloon riding over the Hunter Valley and wine tastings throughout the region.

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Spicers Vineyards Estate, Hunter Valley

If you know your Chardonnay from your Semillon and your Shiraz from your Merlot, or simply want to learn a little more about one of New South Wales' premier wine regions, consider staying in one of Spicers' luxury suites.

• Location: 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: Mid-range
• Romantic features: Open fireplace, vineyards surroundings and spa suites with a rain shower and spa bathtub. In-room treatments are also available.
• Are romantic packages available? Yes. Spicers Vineyards sells bed and breakfast getaways and dinners.
• Romantic thing to do in the area? Eat at the onsite dining room Restaurant Botanica, which changes its menu daily and uses produce picked from Spicers' garden, or take a helicopter flight with a picnic lunch and wine tasting.

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Peppers Manor House, Southern Highlands

If you love old-world charm, this early 20th-century country manor in the Southern Highlands might be the place for you. It's around a 90-minute drive from Sydney and Canberra.

• Location: Kater Rd, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
• Star rating: 4 stars
• Price range: Budget
• Romantic features: Swimming pool, billiards table, badminton court, croquet field, open fireplace and estate views.
• Are romantic packages available? No.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Go mushroom foraging and wine tasting or take in a long lunch with wine and a farm tour.

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Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, Blue Mountains

Whether you're looking for a base to explore the region's waterfalls and hiking trails or a scenic spot to relax, a deluxe double room in Lilianfels will suit you just fine.

• Location: 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price: Budget
• Romantic features: Jacuzzi, indoor pool, spa centre, rooftop terrace, open fireplace, 24-hour room service and couples massage treatments.
• Are romantic packages available? Choose from gourmet packages with three-course dinners and buffet breakfasts; indulgence packages with meals, massages, wine and chocolates on arrival; and babymoon packages with spa treatments, spa gifts and meals.
• Romantic things to do in the area? Watch the sunset over Jamison Valley from the rooftop bar, go wine and cheese tasting at Dryridge Estate and take a scenic flight over the Blue Mountains.

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The Ridge Retreat, Mollymook

Located where the bush meets the sea, this boutique property is a couple's hideout – and it's only a stone's throw from bushlands and sun-kissed beaches. Comprised of only three ensuite bedrooms, each catering to couples, this feels as though it's your own private residence.

• Location: 13B Bishop Dr, Mollymook Beach NSW 2539
• Star rating: 4 stars
• Price range: Mid-range
• Romantic features: 15-metre magnesium mineral heated infinity pool, views of eucalypt forest and a guest lounge with a wood fire for cooler months.
• Are romantic packages available? No, this is a B&B and doesn't have any special packages for visitors. A daily continental breakfast is available as standard.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Drive north and book yourself a spot on a whale watching cruise in Jervis Bay or a more extensive Jervis Bay South Coast cruise.

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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Far North Coast

With floor-to-ceiling windows, a rainforest setting, bathtubs made for two and hammocks laid above babbling brooks, you won't have to do much else to impress your loved one at this hideaway.

• Location: 201 Booka Rd, Upper Crystal Creek NSW 2484
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: Luxury
• Romantic features: Rose petals, candles and bottles of wine and couples massages can be organised for your room.
• Are romantic packages available? Choose from relaxation packages with daily breakfast, dinner and complimentary wine and candles or enjoy special honeymoon, proposal and wedding experiences with even more extras thrown in.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Book a picnic pack to take with you on a forest walk or to the property's orchard. Make it a night-time treat at the creek to catch a glimpse of the local glow-worms. If you feel like venturing out, drive to Tweed Heads for a Tweed River rainforest cruise with local produce lunch.

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Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay

Get back to basics without forfeiting any modern luxuries with this secluded glamping spot. It's set just a couple of kilometres from Jervis Bay.

• Location: 571 Woollamia Rd, Woollamia NSW 2540
• Star rating: 3 stars
• Price range: Mid-range
• Romantic features: Spa bath, stargazing from your front porch, massage and beauty treatments available by appointment and a private deck.
• Are romantic packages available? No. However, the Deluxe Safari comes with a three-course dinner, full breakfast and free use of canoes and SUP boards.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Jump in a canoe to Huskisson and pack a picnic to enjoy on the banks of Currambene Creek, or head into Jervis Bay to go dolphin watching.

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Jonah's Whale Beach, Sydney

Found on Sydney's quieter northern beaches, this peaceful beachside retreat is for those who don't want to travel far from Sydney's city centre.

• Location: 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Budget: Luxury
• Romantic features: Ocean views, onsite spa and wellness centre, indoor pool, in-room spa bath, private balcony, walk-in shower, his and hers bathrobes and seafood dinners.
• Are romantic packages available? Choose from a range of gourmet packages that can include breakfast, dinner and chocolate-coated strawberries on arrival. Alternatively, there are romantic packages with bottles of champagne, three-course dinners, his and her gifts and roses as well as indulgence packages with meals, gifts and massages.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Enjoy dinner at the hotel's award-winning restaurant, take a sunset stroll along Whale Beach or go on a romantic private yacht cruise with seafood platter.

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Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Sydney

Explore the bright lights of the city or spend your time exploring this relaxed sandy enclave. Rooms are designed to reflect their environment with a beach-house vibe – ideal for the laid-back couple.

• Location: 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
• Star rating: 4 stars
• Price range: Mid-range
• Romantic features: Panoramic views of Watson's Bay, private terrace and marble ensuite bathroom.
• Are romantic packages available? No.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Pop across to Taronga Zoo and tack on a whale watching cruise if there's time.

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Pretty Beach House, Central Coast

Made up of four luxury and private pavilions, you'll be one of just eight guests when you stay in this ultra-luxurious retreat near Pretty Beach. Cleverly designed, these individual pockets of heaven will leave you feeling like the only ones on Bouddi Peninsula.

• Location: 83 High View Rd, Pretty Beach NSW 2257
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: Luxury
• Romantic features: Private infinity pool, champagne on arrival, couples spa treatments, highly-rated dining room, open sandstone fireplace, wine cellar and poolside pizza oven.
• Are romantic packages available? No, but this is an all-inclusive retreat that includes dining, snacks, open bar, mini-bar, Wi-Fi and mountain-bike hire.
• Romantic things to do in the area: The staff can organise guided walks and tours around the Bouddi National Park for you to discover its sandstone cliffs and secluded beaches.

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Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney

Centrally located in Sydney's CBD, this luxury hotel is within walking distance to all of the city's top attractions. For that extra wow factor, you can arrange to have champagne and strawberries waiting in your room on arrival.

• Location: 11 Jamison St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: Budget
• Romantic features: In-house spa, sauna and beauty centre, 24-hour room service, indoor swimming pool and a bathtub for two.
• Are romantic packages available? There's always an offer on the website – whether it's a see-a-show package with spa treatment vouchers and a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival; a bed and breakfast deal or a suite-lover package with a bottle of sparkling, chocolate-covered strawberries and access to the Jamison Club and its perks.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Enjoy a Sydney Harbour sunset cruise, high tea at the QVB or whale watching cruise.

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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney

Originating in Paris, Sofitel brings a touch of French finesse to upmarket hotels around the world. Its signature hotel in Darling Harbour is no different. Choose from over 600 opulent rooms and suites, complete with the finest French interior design.

• Location: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, 12 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000
• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: Budget
• Romantic features: Infinity pool, poolside bar, massage and beauty centre and onsite champagne bar.
• Are romantic packages available? Gastronomy, culture and resort-themed packages are usually available.
• Romantic things to do in the area: Stay on a Saturday to enjoy high tea a la francaise including the pistachio-filled choux buns and chocolate madeleines. Then, get out and visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or get a hands-on sailing experience in Darling Sydney.

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Hunter Valley Food & Wine experience (full day tour)

Where does it visit? Hunter Valley.

Starved for time but seeking a romantic day out of Sydney? The Hunter Valley is a no brainer. Hopping on a tour means neither one of you has to sacrifice any drinks to get home safety and you'll be spoiled with private wine tastings and a place to store your purchases while popping in and out of the wineries.

• Departure/Return point: Sydney.
• Romantic experiences: Private wine tasting at Leogate Estate Wines, cellar door tour of Hunter Valley Resort and restaurant lunch.
• Why do we love it? It packs a whole heap of wine tastings into one day while still giving you ample free time to explore the grounds on your own.

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Sydney & The Blue Mountains (4 day tour)

Where does it visit? Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains.

First time in Sydney? This tour can help you tick off the icons in a short space of time. It covers Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, La Perouse, the Blue Mountains National Park and Sydney Zoo and still manages to give you free time to explore Sydney CBD together.

• Departure/Return point: Sydney.
• Accommodation: Rydges Central or Hyatt Regency Darling Harbour.
• Romantic experiences: Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge views, walking along Bondi Beach, sailing the harbour on a lunch cruise and taking the famous Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway in the Blue Mountains.
• Why do we love it? This tour covers the most picturesque spots in Sydney and its surrounds. Bring your camera and your poses!

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Bushfire Recovery Giveback Trip: #EmptyEsky to Shoalhaven (full day tour)

Where does it visit? Kangaroo Valley, Nowra and Shoalhaven.

Take it easy on your romantic getaway while supporting your fellow Australian and head south to the charming townships that line the NSW coast. This tour is in collaboration with EmptyEsky which encourages you to bring your own esky for the ride to fill up with local produce to take home.

• Departure/Return point: Sydney.
• Romantic experiences: Shop the Nowra Farmers Market, browse boutiques in Kangaroo Valley and eat your way around a buffet of local produce at Bangalay Dining.
• Why do we love it? More than an organised day-tour, this experience lets you meet the locals who have been affected by the Australian bushfires and tuck into local produce.

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