The 10 most romantic getaways in Australia

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, Esca or Muse Restaurant. Then escape to the cosy comfort of your own private pod at The Lane Retreat.

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) for milder weather, pretty foliage and fewer crowds.

Most romantic place to stay: The Lane Retreat

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. 

Best time to visit: Winter is prime for hot springs and cosy fireside chats.

Most romantic place to stay: Jackalope Hotel

Even in summer, Tassie likes to cling 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. 

Best time to visit: December to March for warmer weather.

Most romantic place to stay: Saffire Freycinet

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. For something even more private, we also love Wander in the Scenic Rim.

Best time to visit: Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) for milder days and cosy nights.

Most romantic place to stay: Spicers Peak Lodge

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.

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) for wildflower season and whale watching.

Most romantic place to stay: Injidup Spa Retreat or Heyscape Denmark

When it comes to romantic destinations, the Whitsundays are the crème de la crème – and not just in the pick of Australia. This world-class group of islands atop the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef boasts dreamy accommodation options for every kind of couple. If you’ve got some cash to spare, indulge in a stay at the very exclusive InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, 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.

Best time to visit: During the dry season (April to October), for sunny days with lower humidity.

Most romantic place to stay: InterContinental Hayman Island or Qualia (Hamilton Island)

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.

Best time to visit: Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) for mild days, perfect for hiking, and cosy nights. 

Most romantic place to stay: Spicers Sangoma Retreat

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.

Best time to visit: Summer for the best beach and hiking weather.

Most romantic place to stay: Souther Ocean Lodge

It’s summertime all year round at Palm Cove, an upscale, beachy suburb located a 30-minute drive south of Cairns in Far North Queensland. If July comes rolling by and you’re already sick of the dreary winter weather, you can simply book a flight here for 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.

Best time to visit: The dry season (May to October) for sunshine and less humidity.

Most romantic place to stay: The Reef House Adults Retreat

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. 

Best time to visit: From May to September, when it's less humid. 

Where to stay: Sails in the Desert or Longitude 131