Image: InterContinental Resort Hayman Island
If you had your heart set on a honeymoon spent hiding away on a tropical island, don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted. Yes, island getaways look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape from the world with your honey. Here’s five Aussie island getaways to keep your castaway dreams alive and well.
Hayman Island, QLD
If there was an island to get stranded on, this would be it. It’s the classic tropical getaway that dreams are made of. The Whitsundays island has been beloved by Australia’s serious holidayers for decades. After undergoing a multi-million dollar refurb last year, the island reopened as the InterContinental Resort Hayman Island, and is looking good, really good. The resort’s famous sprawling swimming pool is the size of seven Olympic pools, and if that’s your scene, go for a pool access suite so you can step straight into the water. If you’re more about the sand and surf, the lagoon wing looks out at the ocean, or there’s the super decadent Beach Wing, where Beachfront pool villas have their own private plunge pools and beach access. There are five new restaurants and bars to choose from, and the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, so you definitely won’t be wanting to leave anytime soon.
Rottnest Island, WA
Take a trip down memory lane when you step onto Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth. A short ferry ride is all it takes to get back to the golden days of laid-back summer holidays by the beach. Spend your days riding your bike between sheltered coves and pocket-sized beaches and afternoons popping into town for sausage rolls from the Rottnest Bakery and big scoops of ice cream at Simmo’s. And of course, you can’t skip out on a Quokka selfie. As dusk settles, get dressed up (we’re talking relaxed beach chic) and head over to Pinky’s Beach Club for cocktails almost on top of the beach. The Beach Club is part of Discovery Park, the island’s two year old glamping hot spot. It’s the place to stay for a little bit of luxury on the island. Come mid-October, Samphire Rottnest will bring more glam to the island when it opens at Thomson Bay.
Images: Discovery Parks & Samphire Rottnest
Bruny Island, TAS
If you’re a couple who loves getting back to nature, but still has a penchant for good food straight from the source, hop down to Hobart for a few days. Self-touring isn’t hard, you’ll have to drive 90 mins south of Hobart and board the car ferry, but if you want to be well looked after, join a Bruny Island Long Weekend. The three-day small group tours start off with a private boat trip straight to the island from Hobart harbour – it’s a Rockstar arrival and the first of a few very special experiences. You’ll spend your days exploring the island on foot, with plenty of stops to experience the produce the island is famous for. That might mean wading out in the water at a local oyster farm and shucking your oyster on the spot, and platters of Bruny Island Cheese and local beer by the firepit before dinner. Afternoons and evenings are spent at camp, glamping tents set on 100 acres of land surrounded by bush nature reserve. The Tasmanian Walking Company runs the walks, and they certainly know how to host – local food, local wines and local guides ensure you’re well looked after.
Images: Bruny Island Long Weekend
It may not be the island getaway honeymoon you started dreaming about, but don’t worry, whether you want to go all out glam or get back to nature, there’s plenty of Aussie alternatives that won’t disappoint.
About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.
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