Stops Melbourne, Freycinet Peninsula, Barossa Valley

Setting Coastlines and country vines

As a symbolic start to your newly pronounced life together, think big – think about a honeymoon in Australia, for example: a place so vast that it’s not only a country, but also an entire continent. From cutting-edge cities to secluded coastlines rich in exotic wildlife, to world-renowned wineries amid rolling hills, a honeymoon here will be anything but limiting. Think beyond any trip you’ve ever imagined before, an adventure of a lifetime together.

First stop… Melbourne

Known for its sporting passion, cultural edge and indie approach to music, fashion and food, Victoria’s capital is possibly the most easygoing place to live in Australia. And the art deco Prince hotel, in the bohemian St Kilda district, is probably the best place in the city to soak it all up. It’s arty, laid-back, and sleekly theatrical, with an Asia-Pacific-inspired destination restaurant, big-for-the-city boudoirs and superb views. The cityscape is a quirky clash of elegant Victorian houses, skyscrapers and gardens, along with hidden laneways brimming with hip bars, graffiti galleries and high-fashion stores. Tap into Melbourne’s creative underground with private tours of specialty boutiques and local designers, or follow a bespoke map to of-the-moment restaurants and cellars, one quaff at a time. Both strolls offer a must-see peek of this cool, cosmopolitan city.

Move on to… Freycinet Peninsula

Leave the city crowds for the wildlife of the Freycinet (pronounced Fray-sin-aye) Peninsula, which rises from Tasmania’s low east-coast hills like the arching spine of a whale. This is the go-to destination for pristine shores, trekking and seafood to savor. Make camp at Saffire, a jaw-dropping, stingray-shaped sanctuary that embraces the landscape and encourages you to chill out in style. The spacious suites make the most of the cobalt-blue sea views, and just try to resist the seductive spa. Discover deserted islands (have your camera ready for fur seal, albatross, penguin, dolphin and whale sightings), wild brushlands and secluded beaches on a Schouten Island experience. Take a nocturnal wildlife safari in the woods, followed by star-spotting as you cosy up by the campfire. If only all days could end that way…

Wrap up in… Barossa Valley

Ease into the end of your ideal holiday in the Barossa Valley, a patchwork of hillsides with more than 80 vineyards, famous for their robust reds. A distinct local foodie culture has evolved with smart restaurants and cool cafés extolling regional fare. Settle in on a vine-lined hillside at The Louise, an exquisite modern boutique hotel with 15 architecturally inspired suites in seductive mod tones. Each has superb ensuites equipped with spa tubs, an outdoor shower for starlit shampooing and a private terrace. The facilities are state-of-the-art and the restaurant is truly outstanding. But, you’ve got reds to sample, and must organize only top-flight private tours, tastings and one-on-ones with influential winemakers at wineries such as Charles Melton and Two Hands. Cheers to that.

Images via Mr & Mrs Smith

Ms Gingham says: Truly divine. Incorporate all of these or choose your favourite for a memorable experience.

Mr & Mrs Smith started close to home, discovering boutique boltholes a quick dash from London. But then we packed our bags for the best of boutique Europe, and couldn’t stop. We now bring you properties from every corner of the world – from Bali to Brazil, from Sydney to Sicily.