The wind in your hair, the sounds of nature, your special someone walking by your side. Don’t forget the promise of an outdoor bathtub, a glass of red wine, and a three-course meal at the end of the day. Sounds romantic right? The good news is, it’s not too far from reality on these three epic hikes I’ve picked from around Australia.
Cape to Cape with Walk into Luxury, Margaret River Region, Western Australia
World class wine region, check. Jaw dropping coastal scenery, check. Plunge pool, check. Private chef, check. Check, check, check. The four day Walk into Luxury small group tour cherry picks the best of Western Australia’s Cape to Cape, which runs from Cape Naturaliste all the way down to Cape Leeuwin along the coast of the Margaret River region. You’ll pass hikers heavily laden with huge packs attempting the five to seven day hike, but try not to be too smug as you pass them with your gourmet packed lunch or stop for sparkling wine. Post-walk soaks in your private pool at the very glam Injidup Spa Retreat, evenings at award winning restaurants or with the private chef, and of course wine tastings really seal the deal.
Header Image & This Image via Walk Into Luxury
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk with Tasmanian Walking Company, Tasmania
Kick starting at Boulder Point in Mt William National Park, a two and a half hour drive east of Launceston, this four day walk travels through one of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. You’ll get up close and personal with the Bay of Fires, with a night spent tucked into semi permanent tents set just back from the beach before walking straight to the door of the Bay of Fires Lodge. This is no ordinary eco lodge, with a day spa that’s got an outdoor bathtub you can’t miss, along with outdoor foot baths waiting steaming for you as you end the day’s journey. Evenings are spent with your guide’s top notch cooking, withTassie’s local produce and local wine very much the stars of the show. Your third day is spent kayaking down the quiet Anson River, with a short walk back along the beach. Just make sure you’ve got your spa appointment booked in for the afternoon and you can’t go wrong.
Images via Tasmanian Walking Co
5 day Scenic Rim Trail with Spicers Retreats, Queensland
The Gold Coast hinterland is the spectacular setting for this five day adventure that takes you through Main Range National Park on a 50km walk to remember. Spend your days walking volcanic plateaus and lush forests – the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest is a big highlight – and in the evening settle in for serious pampering at Spicers’ retreats, cabins and glamping tents. You won’t go hungry, with dinners at the likes of Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat’s hatted restaurant.
Images via Spicers Retreat
Looking for a little less luxury or perhaps a more budget-friendly option? Here are three ways to turn the ordinary camping trip into something extra special.
Make Space For Little Luxuries
If you’re carrying all your supplies in your backpack, it’s understandable that bottles of wine might not make the cut. The good news is that water bladders can carry wine! And the good news is the goon bag is making a comeback, with a handful of wineries now releasing wines in bags.
Organise Reinforcements
If you’re not going somewhere too remote, tag in a few friends to do bag drops along the way. Pack some fresh clothes but don’t forget the essentials like a cooler bag with the makings of a makeshift cheese board. Life is too short to go without a cheese board, especially on your honeymoon! Disconnect
Candles
If there’s a fire ban and you can’t spend the evening by the fire, pack a few battery-operated fake tealights for a surprise. A little candlelight goes a long way!
Whether you share the love of all things outdoors, you like a little luxury with your fresh air or you want to get completely off the grid after the big day, a hiking honeymoon can tick all the boxes!
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