Planning a wedding is hard work. I know, I’m planning two right now. Every so often, my mind thinks about after the wedding celebrations have ended and lands squarely on thoughts of our honeymoon. Will it be somewhere far-flung? Will it be tropical? Will it be a city-break or somewhere remote? Which then got me thinking (I think a lot you see), does it really have to be far away? Why not honeymoon in our backyard? And by that I mean Australia, not an actual backyard. We’re very fortunate to live in a country that’s big and diverse enough to offer all sorts of honeymoon options suitable for all tastes and desires. Having virtually travelled all over Australia, here are some of my Australian honeymoon ideas!
The Kangaroo Valley NSW
Located just two hours from both Sydney and Canberra, The Kangaroo Valley is one of NSW’s most picturesque locations. Nestled between the Southern Highlands and stunning south-coast, The Kangaroo Valley is a great place to spend your honeymoon. Rolling green hills that are reminiscent of England, quaint towns and delicious produce – what’s not to love? It’s a great location that allows you to indulge in activities that are as adventurous or as laid-back as you want them to be.
Accommodation suggestion: The Jolly Jumbuck Cottage is a romantic self-contained cottage, made just for two. With stunning views of the valley, a private entrance and a wood-fire, it has secluded, undisturbed romance written all over it. Promoting a ‘green honeymoon’, the owners want couples to indulge in a romantic getaway with a gentle carbon footprint. They even provide use of bicycles to explore the local country lanes!
Australian Capital Territory
The nation’s capital may not be everyone’s first choice when it comes to places to honeymoon, but really it’s a great place to enjoy a romantic getaway, especially during the cooler months. Art galleries and museums are in abundance, there are fantastic restaurants and with accessibility to the south coast and snowy mountains, Canberra is a great location!
Accommodation suggestion: Located just 8 km’s from Canberra’s centre is Rosebud Cottage. If you’re into historical country charm, then this is a fantastic place to stay. Located on one of the last sheep and cattle farms in the ACT, you can indulge with your love in this lovely rural location which includes a four-poster bed and a crackling wood fire – perfect for winter time!
The Yarra Valley Victoria
Victoria is fantastic and is really somewhere that has it all. Having been fortunate enough to travel around there a little bit, it’s safe to say this next suggestion is truly enchanting and an ideal location for a honeymoon. As Victoria’s wine region, the Yarra Valley offers a great escape and is not all that far from the centre of Melbourne. There’s something about visiting vineyards that I find really indulgent and not something you do that often, and wine is delicious, so why wouldn’t you want to honeymoon near a lot of wine?
Accommodation suggestion: Black and White on Green is a modern self-contained cottage just near the lovely town of Healesville. It’s a great location where you can jam pack your stay with a variety of activities. From visiting wineries, dining out in excellent restaurants, browsing quaint boutiques, going on picturesque walks or taking a hot air balloon or helicopter tour – the area has pretty much everything you could want.
Tasmania
Tasmania is world renowned for its natural, rugged beauty, so of course it would be a great place to go and celebrate your union! Especially magical during the cooler months, this is a great place to travel to if you’re planning an autumn or winter wedding. Discover local arts and cultures, feast on local produce from farmers markets and of course go on adventures in the wilderness.
Tourism Tasmania & Chris Bray
Accommodation suggestion: Situated in the rather spectacular location that is the Freycinet Coast is the Piermont Estate. Described as ‘ecologically sustainable luxury’ the beautiful self-contained cottages and suites bring a touch of sophistication while respecting the beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a great spot to explore Tassie’s east coast including the jaw-dropping Wine Glass Bay.
The Barossa Valley South Australia
It really makes you realise what a beautiful country we do live in. Regardless of where you live in Australia, chances are you are near to some pretty glorious honeymoon locations. South Australia is no exception. Particularly drawn to wine regions (can you tell?), The Barossa Valley is a world-known wine region that produces some of the best wine. Ever. Ideal for honeymooners, The Barossa is a great place to kick back, relax and bask in beautiful surroundings.
Image via The Louise
Accommodation suggestion: On your honeymoon you deserve a little bit of luxury, especially after all your hard work, and this suggestion has luxury in spades. combines rustic charm and opulence to give a glorious location for which to have your honeymoon. Located in The Barossa, it’s a great location to explore the region and watch the beautiful sunsets over the valley.
Margaret River Western Australia
If you live on the east-coast then travelling to WA will make you feel like you have flown to another part of the world, given the distance! It is definitely worth the lengthy flight! The Margaret River wine region is another fabulous part of the country you should consider for your honeymoon and not just for obvious (wine) reasons. Located near beautiful coastlines and beaches, forests, world-class restaurants, art galleries and of course wineries, you won’t be short of things to do here.
Accommodation suggestion: If you want luxury, seclusion and relaxation then this is the place for you. Set amongst lush surroundings is the Merribrook Retreat. Offering luxury villas and lodges this is the perfect place to escape from it all and really enjoy your first days together as a married couple. And if you do manage to resurface you’re right in the Margaret River region where you can explore the abundant natural beauty.
Northern Territory
If it’s breathtaking scenery you’re after then you better hot-foot it over to the NT for your honeymoon. Take a dip in a water-hole, go on a camel ride or a crocodile cruise – there’s a lot of exploring to be done in the NT. The contrasting environments make it a very unique and beautiful experience everyone should have, so why not enjoy it whilst on honeymoon?
Image via Cicada Lodge
Accommodation suggestion: Located in the Nitmiluk National Park which holds the utterly awesome Katherine Gorge is the Cicada Lodge. An eco resort that combines elements of modern Australian architecture and design with traditional elements. Here you can sample native Australian foods, explore the local area and get to know Australia like you’ve probably never done before.
The Whitsundays Queensland
Queensland is the un-disputed king of Australian honeymoons. A haven of sun, sea and sand it’s the perfect tropical backdrop to a romantic honeymoon. There are countless of options when it comes to a Queensland adventure: city breaks, glamorous beach side holidays, rainforest getaways and secluded island resorts. It screams honeymoon. The Whitsundays is a jewel in the Queensland crown. The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands, all ready to be explored by you and your significant other. And if you think that going during winter will leave you a little cold, never fear – it’s always warm in QLD!
Image via Flight Centre
Accommodation suggestion: Now for something a bit unique – grab your sea legs and head off on a cruise of The Whitsundays! Either ‘bareboat’ it, where the two of you navigate and anchor up where ever you like or hire a crewed sailing tour, both options are readily available. Nothing says romance or luxury more than hiring your own yacht and mooring at a secluded island over night.
Where would you recommend going on an Australian honeymoon?
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