Today in the Polkadot Travel Lounge we are joined by the lovely Lisa from Australia Trip Planner, and she’s not just us giving great honeymoon destination tips! Lisa is providing some excellent advice on how to get the most out of your holiday, and suggests the following when in the honeymoon planning stages:
- You’re on holidays so have a go at different activities. Chances are you’ll have a blast. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a laugh about it when you get home!
- You can have a great holiday on a budget. Shop around for special deals.
- Don’t over-plan your holiday. Make sure you have time to chill out and do nothing while you’re on your break. Remember, you’re on holidays, not running a marathon!
Such sage advice! Now let’s kick off Lisa’s destination tips – and today she is focussing on the always breathtaking Whitsundays in Queensland, as it not only beautiful and tranquil, but also offers fun and a smorgasboard of activities!
What is your favourite region?
One of my favourite regions is the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It is beautiful and serene, and yet there’s so many things to do. It’s a water-lovers paradise with activities including swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing. The warm water makes for all-year round swimming.
Images courtesy Tourism Queensland
Top Resort Recommendation?
I love the Whitsunday Apartments on Hamilton Island. They’re well decked out and reasonably priced. Request a unit at the top so you can really enjoy the ocean views from your balcony as you sip a glass of wine. Very romantic!
If money isn’t an issue, book into the luxurious Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island. The rooms are spacious and they have their own private beach, stunning views plus full resort facilities. This is heaven on earth.
Image courtesy Whitsunday Apartments
Image courtesy of Qualia
Suggestions for great honeymoon activities.
You can be as busy or relaxed as you want in the Whitsundays. Resorts activities include swimming pools, jacuzzis, sailing, snorkeling, shopping and sampling the cafes and restaurants. Honeymooners may want to take advantage of a couples massage available at the various spa facilities.
Not to be missed between June and September is watching the whales at play as they migrate to these warmer waters to breed.
For the more adventurous, book a snorkeling and diving cruise to the reefs and get up-close and personal with thousands of brightly coloured fish, turtles, starfish, sting rays, and other marine life. Otherwise, take a scenic flight around the Barrier Reef in a seaplane or helicopter, or hire a yacht and sail around the Whitsundays.
The ideal location for a proposal?
Winter provides the perfect excuse to stay indoors and get cozy in front of the fire place. Combine a proposal with a romantic weekend get-away to one of Australia’s winery locations.
Another unforgettable spot is Kim’s Beachside Hideaway on the NSW Central Coast. This place is pure decadence with your own private pool and/or Jacuzzi, and all meals are included. Kim’s is unashamedly for couples, luxurious, and is worth every penny.
Image courtesy of Kim’s Beachside Hideaway
Best kept secret honeymoon location?
Spend your first days as a married couple at the romantic and secluded Paradise Bay Eco Escape which is on South Long Island (Whitsundays). Leave ipads and mobiles at home because there is no internet access, so you get to experience being a true honeymooner.
Other island activities include sailing excursions on the resort’s private catamaran, snorkeling, kayaking, beach picnics, bush walks and sightseeing.
Images courtesy Paradise Bay Eco Resort
With the winter weather here in Melbourne, I am now day-dreaming about a Whitsundays escape! Thanks so much to Lisa for her gorgeous tips for the best of the best in the Whitsundays, and if you’d like more info on the area, or on any other spots in Australia to honeymoon, head to the Australia Trip Planner website!
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