If none of the typical honeymoon destinations appeal to you, why not consider a honeymoon in Australia? Is Australia good for honeymoons? Absolutely! With one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, a fascinating ancient history and, of course, stunning beaches, Australia is an exciting and romantic destination that’s perfect for an extended honeymoon.
We’ve pulled together a list of our 10 best Australia honeymoon destinations. They each have the perfect amount of romance, wonder, and natural beauty for the ultimate romantic getaway to Australia. Read on to learn more.
Queensland
Anywhere in the state of Queensland would make a fantastic Australian honeymoon destination. The diverse topography in Australia’s northeastern state includes beautiful beaches, wetlands, tropical rainforest, and lush farmland.
The entire coastline from Coffs Harbour to Cairns is dotted with quaint beach towns full of luxury Australia honeymoon resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts. For powder-soft white sand beaches and incredibly vivid water, head to the Whitsunday Islands and stay in the ultra-luxurious Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island. Your entire Whitsundays honeymoon will be Instagram-worthy.
Cairns is an excellent base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the nearby Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. On the way, spend a night or two at any of the beach resorts in the picturesque town of Port Douglas.
The Gold Coast is akin to a small-scale Las Vegas and is home to the legendary Surfers Paradise beach, amusement parks, and nightclubs, while a little further north you’ll find quiet stretches of beaches in the Sunshine Coast, uniquely colored sand dunes at Rainbow Beach, and upscale seaside resort at Noosa.
Mornington Peninsula
An hour south of Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula, a spectacular Australia honeymoon destination all on its own or a perfect addition to a tour along Victoria’s coast. This region is home to some seriously fertile soil and is a foodie’s paradise. Everything from artichokes to yams grows here, plus you can get delicious fresh seafood caught daily right off the pier.
The area is also home to several family-owned wineries and distilleries. Spend the day driving or bicycling down the winding roads, stopping at local farmers’ markets and eateries along the way. When you need to unwind, head to the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural mineral waters and a couples massage. Or, spend a leisurely day hitting some balls at one of Australia’s finest golf resorts.
The Barossa Valley
If touring the countryside and sampling high-quality wines is your idea of a good time, then South Australia’s Barossa Valley is the best Australia honeymoon destination for you. Located about an hour from the city of Adelaide, Barossa is one of the best wine-producing regions in the world.
Not only that, the area’s history of German and English settlers has left its mark on the food scene. Bakeries, cafes, and gourmet meat shops can be found in almost every small town in the Barossa Valley, along with fine-dining establishments and charming accommodations.
If you plan your visit in the spring, which would be autumn in Australia, you’ll be just in time for the Barossa Vintage Festival, a 5-day celebration of the region’s food, art, culture, and, of course, wine.
Jervis Bay
After a few days in Sydney, escape the crowds and head south to Jervis Bay, an Australia honeymoon destination that has it all: dozens of beaches, delicious fresh seafood, watersports, and unbelievable views. Walk amongst giant eucalyptus trees in the Boorderee Botanical Garden, which is owned by a local Aboriginal community, then spend the afternoon snorkeling off the coast of Murrays Beach.
Spot dolphins, seals, and little penguins at Jervis Bay Marine Park, or climb to the top of Cape St. George Lighthouse to see whales making their annual migration. However, the most fascinating feature of this under-rated New South Wales gem has to be the bioluminescent plankton that lights up the shoreline of Plantation Point. After witnessing a romantic sunset, watch as the shallow water slowly turns a dazzling shade of sparkly blue, a sight that must be seen to be believed.
Check out Hyams Beach Seaside Cottages for couples-only accommodations to make your honeymoon in Australia extra special.
Freycinet
Located on the east coast of Tasmania, Freycinet is a gorgeous part of the island bordered by a mountain range called the Hazards and the ice-cold waters of Wineglass Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves at the trailhead of several of Tasmania’s best hikes, and wine connoisseurs will be treated to bottles of crisp chardonnays and fruity pinot noirs, two grape varieties that thrive in Tasmania’s cooler climate.
Plus, the local seafood is out of this world; oysters, mussels, abalone, and rock lobster are especially succulent. Inside the stunning Freycinet National Park, couples can head to a quiet, secluded bay suitably named Honeymoon Bay.
The water is cold, but the area offers superb snorkeling if you’re brave enough to head in for a dip. Country house B&Bs are scattered across Tasmania, so couples will have an easy time finding romantic accommodations at this honeymoon destination in Australia.
Perth
There’s plenty to do in Perth, Western Australia’s biggest city. Posh and upscale, Perth is home to some of the best beaches in the country and boasts warm and sunny weather for most of the year. Plus, thanks to an explosion of Italian immigrants following the gold rush of the 1890s, you can get a delicious cup of espresso just about anywhere.
Just a short distance from Perth is the equally hip but slightly smaller town of Fremantle, a haven for local artists and foodies. The vibe is laid-back in Fremantle and it’s a very walkable city; stroll the picturesque streets and stop in cute eateries for local bites along the way.
Hop on the SeaLink ferry to Rottnest Island to cuddle with a Quokka, or drive two hours north to the small seaside town of Jurien Bay for ocean activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Adrenaline junkies can even get their fix with an epic skydive over the Indian Ocean.
Margaret River
Three hours south of Perth you’ll find the Margaret River region, a fertile area with a long history. The ancestral home of the Wadandi (saltwater) people, the unique geographical location has allowed flora and fauna to thrive and resulted in soil that’s perfect for growing grapes.
The entire region lives and breathes wine. Seriously, it would take days to visit all the wineries in Margaret River. Luckily, a lot of them are clustered together, which makes for an enjoyable bicycle trip. Or sit back and relax as you head out on a tasting tour.
At this honeymoon destination in Australia, you can choose from a huge selection of holiday homes and boutique hotels that offer views of the ocean, or enjoy some privacy in the comfort of a cabin deep within the forest.
Esperance
The idyllic little town of Esperance is a truly special place and a picture-perfect Australia honeymoon destination. It has both dramatic rocky coastlines and powdersoft white sand beaches. In fact, the sand here is so white that it even affects the color of the water, resulting in a dazzling shade of blue.
Along with unparalleled scenery, Esperance offers much of the same ocean-based activities that Australia’s other seaside towns do, but there is enough coastline that you’ll likely find a private beach to enjoy with your sweetie on the way to Cape Le Grand National Park.
To truly soak in everything Esperance has to offer, book your stay at Esperance Chalet Village, a secluded and peaceful retreat nestled among the trees and just a short walk from a beautiful beach.
Uluru
Of course, no Australia honeymoon is complete without a stop at the awe-inspiring Uluru (formerly known as Ayer’s Rock). Nestled in the heart of the Red Centre, the nickname given to the central Australian desert, Uluru is as captivating as it is mysterious.
Watch as this huge sandstone formation changes color before your very eyes with the rising and setting of the sun, then take a walk through time as you travel along the same sacred trails Aboriginal Australians have been traversing since the beginning of time.
In Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, an area that encompasses both Uluru and the nearby Olgas, couples can stay at Ayers Rock Resort, a massive resort with accommodation options to suit every couple.
At the Desert Gardens Hotel you’ll be able to witness that indescribable outback sunrise from the warmth and comfort of your room. At Sails in the Desert you’ll have the chance to observe unique Indigenous art at the Mulgara Gallery or enjoy a relaxing treatment at the Red Ochre Spa.
Mary River
Nestled in the grasslands of northern Australia flows Mary River, one of only 8 rivers to cut across the massive Northern Territory. Accommodations vary in this area from simple campgrounds to comfortable holiday parks.
While the posh little city of Darwin is only 2 hours away and offers excellent restaurants, museums, and nice hotels, Mary River is centrally located between four of Australia’s most interesting national parks. For that reason, it’s a great option for couples who want to spend some time hiking, kayaking, or fishing for barramundi on their Australia honeymoon.
Drive roughly four hours south to the town of Katherine, the entry point to Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Parks, where you can check out ancient Aboriginal paintings and sculptures, take a river cruise, and admire the towering waterfalls.
About two-and-a-half hours west you’ll find yourself in Lichfield National Park, where you can cool off in deep swimming holes after an easy walk along the trails. If traveling to or from Darwin, be sure to drive through Kakadu National Park, an indescribable 20,000-square-kilometer national park with the most varied ecosystem on the continent.
Now that you’ve read our list of the 10 best honeymoon destinations in Australia, what do you think? Are you ready to plan your Australia honeymoon? Let us know if you need any help!