Let’s face it, there’s never been a better time to get back to nature – and luckily for us Australians, there’s no shortage of honeymoon-worthy spots where nature is the star of the show. Here are five spots you and your special someone can enjoy!

Image via Sal Salis

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were at the end of the earth when you look out of your tent to the big blue sea and the vast night sky. Tucked into the sand dunes of pristine coastline,  90 minutes drive south of Exmouth, these tents have the best views around. Spend your days swimming straight off the reef right out front, head off on a guided walk through the local gorges of Cape Range National Park, or heading out to sea to swim with the mighty whale sharks who migrate off the coast between March and July. You’ll sample plenty of Western Australian’s famous produce and wine each day, with the chef whipping up meals you can eat out on the deck under the stars.

Image via Sals Salis

Talo Retreat, Moama on Murray, Echuca-Moama

Ever wanted to spend the night in a yurt? Mongolia might be off the cards for a while, but the good news is there’s an option a lot closer to home. The traditional land of the Yorta Yortapeople is home to this very modern-day yurt, which is part of the Moama on Murray resort just outside Echuca-Moama. Made from sustainable Australian timber, the walls of your yurt are lined with Australian wool and there’s an electric wood fire heater     , air con, and a kitchenette to keep you comfortable. Don’t forget the outdoor spa bath. With 82 acres of bushland to explore, you won’t be bored but the hammocks are pretty tempting too.

Images via Moama on Murray

Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains

Looking to lap up luxury alongside a heady dose of fresh air? Put this property on your must-visit list. Surrounded by dramatic escarpments of the Greater Blue Mountains, you’re never far from the great outdoors when staying in one of the handful of jaw-dropping villas. A clever glass-enclosed plunge pool is the piece de resistance, but the four-poster linen-draped beds, fireplaces, AND winged back armchairs complete the picture. Year-round you can bliss out indoors but there’s also plenty to do outside, with horse riding, archery, bushwalks, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and stargazing on offer. Save time for an outdoor picnic for two or a couples spa treatment.

Images via One & Only Wolgan Valley

Bamurru Plains Safari Lodge, Mary River Wetlands

Image via Archie Sartracom

You might not be able to go on safari overseas, but you’re in for a big dose of wildlife when you head north to the Mary River Wetlands for a stay at Bamurru Plains in the Northern Territory. The floodplains and wetlands are home to thousands of animals, from crocodiles and barramundi to brolgas and eagles. You’ll head off on airboats and 4WDs, go on bird-watching expeditions and quad bike rides, before returning to the lodge for an afternoon swim or drink on the deck, and a three-course dinner to finish off the night. There’s no big five, but this is safari Australian-style and it works.

Image via Richard I’Anson

Image via Emma Pritchett

Wildlife Retreat Taronga, Sydney

First, there was Roar and Snore, now there’s an eco-retreat that takes overnighting at the zoo to the next level. Okay so you’re still very much in Sydney, but when you’re surrounded by the sprawling bushlands, animal enclosures, and grounds that make up Taronga Zoo, it’s easy to imagine you’re far away from the rat race. The new eco-retreat opened last year, with elegant, minimalist rooms offering you a very civilised way to see the animals up close. Tour the Wildlife Retreat sanctuary, home to plenty of Aussie animals, or head over to the zoo for a visit – both included in your stay.

Images via Taronga Zoo

Whether you want to tune out the world and soak up the sounds of the bush, or strike out and explore the wonders of our Australian great outdoors, a back to nature honeymoon is waiting for you.

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.