A beach escape to the most iconic stretch of sand in the world, a wine-tasting getaway to one of the best wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere, and an island vacation spot that appears to have sprung from the pages of a travel brochure. Australia offers all of the above and more.
So, whether you’re after a relaxing holiday where you do nothing more than sunbathe and sip cocktails or a weekend away that involves hiking and caving, we’ve collected a memorable list of the most romantic destinations in Australia.
Our Favorite Romantic Getaways in Australia
1. Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of the world’s most iconic beaches. It is part of the Australian National Heritage List and truly is somewhere to add to the top of your Sydney bucket list.
With one kilometre of soft golden sand and a backdrop of green parkland, it’s the ideal place to relax on a warm day. For swimmers, the north end of the beach is the best, while those who enjoy surfing should head to the south end for Bondi’s famous current.
In the summer months, you may be lucky enough to see whales and dolphins swim by as they migrate. So romantic!
Another must-do here is to stretch your legs on the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk – arguably one of the most scenic and popular coastal walks in Australia. This 6 km easy trail starts in Bondi and ends in Coogee. Or the other way around. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Sydney’s best beaches like Tamarama, Clovelly, and Bronte.
While staying here, try to have lunch at Icebergs, you’ll probably recognize this restaurant from your Instagram feed. It’s social-media-famous as it’s situated on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and has the most spectacular outdoor pool. The restaurant serves up fine-dining-style Italian dishes and advance booking is essential!
Where to stay in Bondi:
Located a couple of blocks back from the world-famous Bondi Beach, this studio apartment with a balcony is a brilliant option. Miss Baker’s Boutique Accommodation Bondi Beach comes with a kitchenette, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and access to a communal garden. Rates average $260 AUD per night.
2. Hunter Valley
The scenic Hunter Valley in New South Wales (around two hours North of Sydney) is another super-popular spot for couples. This picturesque region is well known for being Australia’s premier wine region and is home to several world-class vineyards, wineries, and cellar doors where you can do a wine tasting and stroll amongst the idyllic vineyards.
Set against the Brokenback Mountain Range, the Hunter Valley is a lovely destination to explore on foot or by car. However, if you have a head for heights, you can also choose to experience its beauty from the lofty vantage point of a hot air balloon ride. It’s an early wake-up call, though (4 am!) But it will be worth it to catch the first sunlight over the vineyards below.
Speaking of vineyards, the best ones here include Tyrrell’s Wines, a family-owned establishment that has been producing remarkable wines since 1858; their Semillon is delicious. Another standout is Brokenwood Wines, famous for its iconic Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Tamburlaine Organic Wines offers an impressive selection of organic wines. And Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard boasts stunning panoramic views of the valley.
This 3-hour wine tour visits 3 boutique vineyards and includes a cheese and wine masterclass and wine tastings at all the vineyards. It costs $109 AUD per person.
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley:
Spicer’s Vineyard Estate is probably the best hotel here; this 5-star, luxurious property is set amongst rolling bushland and has a lovely (small) outdoor pool. The rooms are spacious, stylish and come with a fireplace!
3. Jervis Bay
A three-hour drive south of Sydney will take you to the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay. So, if you fancy a spot of sunbathing and surfing with your partner, then this is the spot for you!
With its dazzling white sands, notably at Hyams Beach, which is often labeled as having the whitest sand in the world, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, beach-lovers will be in their element.
The Jervis Bay Marine Park is perfect if you want to do some snorkeling and/or diving. There’s heaps of marine life to be seen in these waters, like bottlenose dolphins and over 220 different species of fish. If you prefer staying on land, then explore the lush trails of Booderee National Park, where you can enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, and even visit the historic Cape St George Lighthouse.
If you are into marine life, you’ll love the chance to go on one of the many whale or dolphin-watching tours that venture out into its surrounding waters during migration season (from May to November).
Where to stay in Jervis Bay:
We loved our stay at Dolphin Shores – this casual spot has a small outdoor plunge pool and is a 5-minute walk from Collingwood Beach. Our room here was clean and comfortable, and the staff are really friendly.
4. The Blue Mountains
This UNESCO World Heritage site, close to Sydney, is home to rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and eucalyptus-filled valleys that provide a peaceful escape from the frenetic pace of life in the city.
It’s definitely one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney!
The iconic Three Sisters rock formation, best seen from Echo Point, is arguably the park’s highlight. However, the variety of hiking trails here, including the legendary Grand Canyon walking track is one of our top things to do here. You’ll also find the world’s oldest limestone caves and the world’s steepest railway here, which is not for the faint-hearted!
For those wanting a peaceful escape from the fast pace of city life in Sydney, the Blue Mountains provide that in spades. Local towns like Katoomba, Blackheath, Leura, and Glenbrook also make for a pleasant place to stop to shop, explore, and eat.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains:
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a great choice if you want a hotel with an epic view, as this one has easily the best view in the region. The views are wow-worthy! It’s a few kilometers from Leura and the rooms are so luxurious, as is the rest of the resort.
5. Whitsundays
The Whitsundays, just off the coast of Queensland, are a group of 74 islands that truly are one of the most ideal romantic settings in Australia. This idyllic paradise nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is a super-popular spot with couples.
Some islands here are quite isolated (like Hayman Island), while others, like Hamilton Island, are big tourist attractions. So, I guess it’s important to know what type of getaway you’re looking for before booking.
We recently holidayed on Hamilton Island and we loved it. We kick-started our weekend here with a chilled-out sunrise breakfast on Catseye Beach, and after we had something extra special lined up – a seaplane tour of the Whitsunday Islands. The views were jaw-dropping from our prime vantage point.
We also went for a casual walk around Marina Village in the evening and then had a memorable candlelit dinner at Bommie. And one evening, we headed to One Tree Hill with a glass of champagne to watch the sunset.
Another one of the most popular activities on Hamilton Island is the glass bottom boats. These boats provide the amazing experience of seeing unique sea life that you might otherwise miss.
Where to stay in the Whitsundays:
As I said, we stayed on Hamilton Island and had a great vacation. We stayed at the Reef View Hotel and would definitely stay again. It boasts epic views over the Coral Sea, has a fabulous outdoor pool, and overall has a really relaxed, resort feel. Our room was bright and spacious.
6. Port Douglas
In Far North Queensland, Port Douglas is the prime choice for a couple’s getaway. This hidden gem spot offers that perfect balance of enticing attractions to keep you entertained and lots of gorgeous outdoor spots to do nothing but relax with a good book or a picnic.
Some of the most popular things to do here include a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, an experience that offers jaw-dropping views of the lush landscapes. And you’ve got to hit up the Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling or diving.
Back on dry land, you could take a chill walk along Four Mile Beach or have a picnic in the beautiful Mossman Gorge. And as the day winds down, enjoy a candlelit dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can dig into fresh seafood and local dishes while watching the sunset over the Coral Sea.
Where to stay in Port Douglas:
The Pullman Port Douglas is a luxurious place to stay for a couple of nights. This 5-star hotel has a huge, lagoon-style pool and is just 300 meters from the beach. The property also boasts an 18-hole golf course and a spa.
7. Broome
Broome in Western Australia boasts a chilled-out vibe. It hugs the Indian Ocean coastline of Western Australia and was once renowned as a centre for the pearl industry (in the late 19th century). Today, this charming town is a popular tourist destination.
With a population of just 13,000, its tree-shaded streets and scenic coastal stretches offer one of the most relaxing and unique breaks you could hope for.
Kick off your Broome adventure with a sunset camel ride along the famous Cable Beach, where the sunset paints a stunning scene. Next, you could check out the cool natural spots like Gantheaume Point to see ancient dinosaur footprints, or take a relaxed stroll through the green beauty of the Broome Botanical Garden.
And for something really special, plan your trip around the “Staircase to the Moon,” a natural wonder where the full moon creates a magical illusion over the mudflats. This phenomenon occurs 2 – 3 days a month between March and October. And the Town beach is the perfect viewing spot for it.
Where to stay in Broome:
The 4-star Mangrove Hotel is a great option in Broome. Nestled among tropical gardens and overlooking Roebuck Bay, this resort-style hotel offers two restaurants on-site and two outdoor pools.
8. Margaret River
A small town of only 4,500 inhabitants, Margaret River is a great base for exploring the surrounding world-class wineries. The region is also well-known for its stunning landscapes and pristine beaches. It really does offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. And it’s said that the people are some of the friendliest in Australia.
Couples can indulge in wine tasting tours, exploring the region’s renowned vineyards while savoring exquisite local wines. For those who love the outdoors, the breathtaking coastal walks and serene forests provide the ideal backdrop for intimate strolls.
Where to stay in Margaret River:
The Grand Mercure Basildene Manor is the perfect hotel for couples holidaying in Margaret River. This cozy, elegant home has been transformed into a luxury hotel with stylish rooms and a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a wine cellar.
9. Sydney
It’s hard not to find something romantic to do in Sydney! Whether you want culture, cuisine, nightlife, shopping, sightseeing, water sports, theatres, markets, bars, or whatever else you can think of, Sydney has it all. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, but has a down-to-earth nature at its heart that enhances this harbour city’s iconic features.
It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and will always hold a big place in my heart, as I lived in Sydney for 4+ years and I met my husband here. Sydney is certainly a wow-worthy city, home to world-famous sights like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and picture-perfect beaches like Bondi and Manly.
Sydney is a very walkable city, and the public transport here is great. And even if you have limited time in Sydney, you can easily visit the Opera House, stroll through the Botanic Gardens, and catch the ferry to Manly.
And of all the amazing bars in Australia, my favorite is and always will be The Baxter Inn, which is hidden down an alleyway off Clarence Street here in Sydney. It would be hard to miss if it weren’t for the queue of people snaking out onto the street. Entry is via a fire escape, and they limit how many people they allow in, meaning it’s quite a peaceful bar by Sydney standards.
Where to stay in Sydney:
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is located in a quieter part of the city, next door to leafy Hyde Park, this hotel is still within walking distance to all of Sydney’s top attractions. It boasts a rooftop pool with epic city views, a gym, and stylish rooms (many with city views). Expect to pay approx. $250 AUD per night here.
10. Melbourne
Australia’s second-biggest city is another popular spot for couples to escape to. To me, Melbourne has a quirky, European vibe and is very different from its younger sister, Sydney. I call Sydney the younger sister and Melbourne the mature, older sister, as that’s the vibes both cities give off (to me, anyway!)
And Melbourne offers a whole host of romantic activities for couples to enjoy. Begin your adventure with a stroll through the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can have a picnic amongst the lush greenery.
For your art and culture fix, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which boasts an impressive collection of international and local artworks. And in the evening, you could take a sunset cruise along the Yarra River, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city skyline. For a unique dinner experience, check out the hidden laneways that are filled with charming cafes and restaurants. FYI, we really rate Coda Melbourne.
Lastly, cap off your day by catching a live performance at the iconic Princess Theatre or enjoying a rooftop cocktail with panoramic city views.
Where to stay in Melbourne:
The Adelphi Hotel on Flinders Lane is a super-stylish and popular hotel in the city. The rooftop pool is classy, and the rooms are very cool.
11. Gold Coast
The glitzy Gold Coast is about more than just partying; it’s also a popular spot for couples to come for a chilled-out weekend away.
Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the picturesque hinterland, followed by a cozy breakfast in a quaint café. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the stunning beaches like Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads, where you can take in the sun and surf together. For some adventure, you could try out tandem skydiving (a super-popular activity here) or do some surfing lessons. And at night, you could hop on a dinner cruise along the waterways.
To end your day, be sure to take a moonlit walk on the beach.
Where to stay on the Gold Coast:
The Langham Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise is one of the most luxurious hotels on this stretch of coast. It’s 5-star, posh and has an epic pool. It’s also located on the beachfront – so you’ll wake up to ocean views. Bliss!
12. Uluru
I know it can be difficult to get to – you’ll likely need to fly into Ayer’s Rock Airport as the driving distance from most other cities will be too big to drive it.
But, I just had to include it on this list as Uluru (or Ayer’s Rock) is one of Australia’s most famous spots. Kick off your adventure by catching a sunrise or sunset over Uluru – the colors the sky turns truly are magical.
You might want to do a guided base walk together to soak in the culture and beauty of the place. Or for something truly memorable, book the “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the stars. Gourmet food under the Milky Way? Yes, please!
If you’re up for more excitement, hop on a scenic helicopter ride for a jaw-dropping view of Uluru and the surrounding area. This one is just 15 minutes long – but that’s enough time to see the best of the area. It costs under $200 AUD per person.
And definitely make time to visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a hike through the Valley of the Winds.
Where to stay in Uluru:
Sails in the Desert is the most luxurious hotel in Uluru, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Ayer’s Rock, and the rooms are stylish. There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and tennis court here.
Renting a Car in Australia
It’s so worth renting a car in Australia. And although it can be expensive to do so, you will be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without being constrained by a timetable. Like you would if you were to do a guided tour.
The cost of renting a car in Australia can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Thanks for Reading!
I know each couple has their own idea of the perfect romantic break for them. But luckily, Australia has no shortage of places that provide the perfect setting, no matter what you’re into.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the most romantic getaways in Australia. If you feel there’s somewhere I should have included, then feel free to leave me a comment in the comments section.
And while you’re here, you may also enjoy reading –
3 Days in Sydney With Kids (Fun Weekend Sydney Itinerary)
15 Best Queenstown Family Activities
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Australia
Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by snaphappytravel