Australia is full of many stunning places to enjoy a romantic, luxury escape. From tropical barefoot paradises to chic exclusive resorts, rugged outback experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Here are a few of our favourite romantic escapes in Australia:
Clifftop at Hepburn
Location: Daylesford & Hepburn Springs, Victoria
Winner of numerous awards, this breathtaking, clifftop retreat features 3 Clifftop Villas and 4 Solitary Villas showcasing floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views, flickering fireplaces and romantic spas. With bespoke architecture and interiors, opulent amenities and unparalleled luxury, a trip to Clifftop at Hepburn will be a lasting memory. Famed for its excellent service and peaceful natural beauty, it’s the perfect location for a romantic escape.
Editors tip – Ask about their romantic Love Birds package options including rose petals, champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries and more to add a little something special to your Clifftop at Hepburn experience.
Bedarra Island
Location: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off Mission Beach in North Queensland.
The ultimate in barefoot luxury, Bedarra Island is an all-inclusive, tropical oasis with eleven private villas, all nestled in the rainforest and enjoying spectacular ocean views. Each villa has either plunge pools, outdoor private rainforest bathrooms, expansive decks or is located at the water’s edge. Guests can indulge in candle-lit dinners on private beaches or arrange gourmet hampers and a dinghy for a romantic picnic on a deserted beach. With gourmet meals, open bars and a whole host of activities from paddle boarding to spa treatments, Bedarra is the ideal location for a romantic getaway.
Editors tip – Opt for The Pavilions for a truly unique experience.
Sal Salis
Location: Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Western Australia
Exclusive beach safari camp showcasing fifteen eco-lux wilderness tents on a deserted stretch of beach near Ningaloo Reef. This unique experience is one for the bucket list. Fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the spectacular white sandy beach under a blanket of stars in your eco-lux wilderness tent. Frolic in the tropical waters, don a snorkel and uncover the diverse underwater sanctuary teeming with fish, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, dugongs and more. Swim alongside whale Sharks or simply fill your days relaxing in the hammock on your private deck with a glass of wine in hand.
Editors tip – Swim with Whale Sharks, mid-March to 31 July. These gentle giants pass by Ningaloo Reef (one of the only places in the world where they appear regularly in large numbers) Snorkelling alongside their huge 1.5 metre-diameter mouths is a once in a lifetime experience. Availability is limited so be sure to book in advance.
Satellite Island
Location: Located in Tasmania, south of Hobart.
Satellite Island is a unique, incredibly private, relaxing escape where time stands still beside a crackling fire pit on your own private jetty. Satellite Island is rugged and unspoiled with sheer cliffs and pristine waters teeming with shellfish, oysters and other marine delights. Fill your days with stunning hikes, multiple kayaking adventures, plentiful fishing or shuck your own oyster right off the rock shelf! There are multiple beaches to explore and of course bird watching for the nature lovers, with 2 resident white breasted sea eagles on the island. Venture to the neighbouring Bruny Island for more adventures and winery tours.
Editors Tip – The 2 Bedroom Boathouse is the perfect location for a unique romantic escape right on the water’s edge.
Capella Lodge
Location: Lord Howe Island off the coast of New South Wales
This luxury retreat on the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, commands spectacular ocean, reef and mountain views. With only 9 intimate suites, each uniquely designed, most featuring hot tubs or private plunge pools with an array of views. Among the Kentia palms you will also find the Capella Spa to complete your romantic escape.
The tariff includes gourmet breakfast, sunset drinks and canapes, dinner with inspired daily menu, open bar with premium wines and spirits from 6pm, non-alcoholic beverages, selected in-suite bar and island airport transfers. A romantic escape sure to impress your loved one!
Editors tip: Book the Makambo Loft or Lidgbird Pavilion for mesmerizing views from your private plunge pool.
El Questro Homestead
Location: Western Australia’s Kimberly region. A one hour’s drive from Kununurra.
Reopening in April 2021. El Questro Homestead is a luxurious outback experience in the heart of the Kimberly. Perched on a cliff top featuring magnificent, panoramic views of the Chamberlain Gorge and river systems from sunrise to sunset. With a maximum of 18 guests, it’s a truly relaxing, romantic and unique experience with a plethora of memorable activities to keep you entertained. Book a table on a private cliff-top, take a gourmet picnic to a shimmering rock pool or share a bottle of champagne by a cascading waterfall. Take a scenic helicopter tour of the region or try your hand at fishing for Barramundi on a guided boat tour. A spectacular setting for a romantic getaway.
Editors tip – Try the Chamberlain Suite or Cliff Side Retreats for private, deluxe, double baths featuring unforgettable views. Be sure to book a romantic cliff-top dinner under the galaxy of stars.
Longitude 131°
Location: Uluru, Northern Territory
This indulgent outback experience dotted along the red dunes of the Central Desert is home to 16 glamorous tented pavilions. With views of the famous Uluru, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of champagne on your private balcony in front of a crackling fire under a blanket of stars. Opt for the Dune Pavilion for a truly deluxe experience with your own private plunge pool and daybed with views to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. This all-inclusive experience includes all dining, premium beverages, signature guided experiences including; Uluru sunset tour, Field of Light tour, Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta tour, Base Walk, Table 131°, Mutitjulu waterhole meander and more.
Editors tip – For an unforgettable romantic evening under the bright stars of the Milky Way, be sure to reserve your Table 131° Signature Experience featuring a decadent four-course dinner with matched wines set among the red dunes in a remote, private location.
Elements of Byron
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales
Set in the chic coastal town of Byron Bay, is the exclusive Elements of Byron. This award-winning, beachfront resort offers self-contained luxury villas nestled into a spectacular, private bush setting. Featuring fine-dining options, a day spa, a private beach club, an adult only pool and cocktail bar, freestanding bathtubs, daily yoga, gym, tennis courts and more!
Editors tip – Book ahead to secure yourself dinner or sunset drinks at the highly regarded Raes on Wategos, a lovely surprise for your romantic getaway located over at the renown Wategos Beach. You may even spot a celebrity during your visit! Take the coastal walk from The Pass to Wategos Beach for sensational views and Instagram worthy photos!
7 Day Outback & Island Escape
Location: Queensland outback Mt Mulligan, Atherton Tablelands and Haggerstone Island in the Great Barrier Reef.
This Abercrombie and Kent 7-day private tour is the ultimate in tailor-made luxury and romance. Contrasting Queensland’s rugged outback with the pristine natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This tour allows you to experience the best of both worlds. Combining the ancient landscapes and untamed wilderness of Mount Mulligan, at the luxury Mt Mulligan Lodge in the Atherton Tablelands, with the colourful marine life of tropical hideaway, Haggerstone Island. Enjoy escarpment sundowners and scenic flights along a coastline of lush rainforest and turquoise waters above magnificent coral reefs. Then arrive at your tropical island escape on the uncrowded Haggerstone Island, complete with a private beachfront and a plethora of snorkelling, fishing and diving opportunities.
Editors tip – Surprise your loved one with the ultimate adventure experience with a chartered helicopter visit to private waterfalls, sand-cays, fish untouched river systems or enjoy a sunset champagne atop mountainous sand dunes. Enquire upon booking.
Pretty Beach House
Location: Pretty Beach a 1.5-hours’ drive from Sydney, New South Wales
A luxurious and romantic guesthouse cushioned into the wondrous Bouddi National Park. With premium facilities and a magnificent sandstone fireplace, infinity pool, private day spa, pool-side pizza oven, wine cellar and open bar, it’s no wonder Pretty Beach House is known as Australia’s most exclusive guesthouse. Choose from Treetop Pavilions with spectacular views of the Bouddi escarpment to sparkling waters of the bay to Bayview and Hideaway Pavilions with heated plunge pools and private decks. An idyllic location to whisk your loved one away for a romantic weekend.
Pretty Beach House is close to a magnitude of activities including; stunning beaches, spectacular coastal walks, popular golf courses and even a private pearl farm tour!
Editors tip – For an extra special dining experience ask about arranging your evening meal on Pretty Beach’s private boat.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Location: National Zoo and Aquarium, Australian Capital Territory
There’s nothing like a little romance among the wildlife in this next adrenaline-filled escape. Jamala Wildlife Lodge located in the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra, offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals.
Choose from 3 uniquely magnificent, African inspired, five-star accommodation options, guaranteed to delight any animal lover. The Giraffe Treehouses overlook the enclosure’s lush surroundings, allowing close and personal interaction with the resident giraffes. Stay at the Jungle Bungalows to sleep a heartbeat away from a pride of lions, cheetah, tigers, or a Malayan sun bear. For those looking for a further step up, why not experience the uShaka Lodge? The room is fully decked out with African fine carvings, artworks, and artifacts as well as a magnificent shark tank and Colobus monkey exhibits. The immersive experience includes lavish overnight accommodation, all food and dinner beverages, and exclusive tours.
Editors tip – Add an additional up-close and personal encounter with a White Lion, Tiger, Cheetah Cub or White Rhino to complete your extraordinary romantic escape.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
Location: Port Douglas, Queensland
Cushioned in the lush rainforest across 58 hectares of beachfront native forest lies Thala Beach Nature Reserve, a deluxe eco-accommodation perfect for a romantic escape. With two freeform pools with stunning waterfalls and private grottos, and private access to coconut palm-lined Oak Beach, guests can find a quiet grove in which to relax. Dine among the treetops at the acclaimed Osprey’s Restaurant or enjoy some pampering at the Rejuvenate Spa. Thala Beach Nature Reserve offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options featuring the ultimate setting for romance and privacy. Close to many attractions including; the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas, Cairns and more.
Editors tip – Arrange a Kayak tour with Thala Beach Nature Reserve’s guide to the adjacent reef to spot turtles, stingrays, dolphins and dugongs. The nearby reef is notorious for turtle congregations.
Reef Suites
Location: Great Barrier Reef, Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach in Queensland.
Australia’s first underwater accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef. Moored off-shore at Hardy Reef this revamped pontoon offers an all-inclusive Reefsuite experience. After your high-speed transfer to the pontoon, you will be hosted to a catered lunch then the afternoon is yours to enjoy a snorkel, dive or swim or for an additional cost take a scenic flight above the iconic Heart Reef and Hardy Reef. A truly magnificent site. Watch the sunset sharing a glass of wine, then enjoy a starlit, long-table dinner on the deck. Later sit back and relax in the privacy of your underwater suite as the reef comes alive.
Editors tip – Join a scenic flight to Heart Reef, you cannot imagine how spectacular the Great Barrier Reef looks from above. A highlight for any romantic escape.
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Image Credits – Clifftop at Hepburn, Bedarra Island, Sal Sali, Tourism WA, Satellite Island, Luisa Brimble, Kara Rosenlund, Capella Lodge, Ballie Lodge, Tourism Australia, El Questro Homestead, Reefsuites / Whitsunday Cruises, Longitude 131, Elements of Byron, Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Haggarstone Island, Mt Mulligan, Wilson Archer Photography, Jason Lerace Photography, Pretty Beach House and Thala Nature Reserve.