Australia's Best Honeymoon Destinations

By Jessica Wilkinson

When thinking 'honeymoon' there are a few key things you want to tick off your list; beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation and unique experiences. Australia has some extra special destinations that make for a perfect romantic getaway, whether you want to relax on a tropical island, escape to the outback for a true-blue Aussie experience or explore rugged mountainous ranges. To help you plan your romantic escape, here are some of the best places to honeymoon in Australia.

The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays in Queensland offers up romance on a silver platter – complete with a heart-shaped reef. The largest of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays is Hamilton Island, which makes the perfect base for exploring the scenic surroundings. Whether you want to relax on the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach, swim with turtles, fly over Heart Reef or sail around the turquoise waters of the reef, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Of course, no island getaway is complete without a bit of pampering, and luxury accommodation qualia doesn't disappoint. This secluded, adults-only, five-star resort is an oasis in itself. With private pavilions, world-class restaurants and an incredible day spa, you'd be forgiven for never wanting to leave.

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Uluru

Nothing says 'Australian holiday' quite like a trip to Uluru in the Northern Territory. The beating heart of Australia imbued with Indigenous history and cultural significance, this destination is like no other. While situated in the desert, you won't be foregoing any of that must-have honeymoon luxury. The romantic wilderness camp Longitude 131° sits amidst the sand dunes and the private safari-style tented pavilions all have incredible views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. To keep you busy, you can dine under the stars with a menu infused with native ingredients, take an Aboriginal-guided walk around Uluru, a sunrise tour to Kata Tjuta, and meet Indigenous artists from the Ernabella Arts Community via the camp's artists-in-residence program.

Keep exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Freycinet

One for the nature-lovers, Tasmania’s scenic east coast is a perfect romantic getaway. Freycinet National Park is known for its wild and rugged beauty – think towering pink mountains (known as the Hazards) that meet calm, blue waters and secluded bays. One of the best places to base yourself is Saffire Freycinet, 20 luxury villas that sit within a eucalypt forest fronting the white sands of Great Oyster Bay and overlooking the mountains and the Freycinet Peninsula. From here, you can set off to explore the famous Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires, and sample fresh oysters straight from the ocean at Freycinet Marine Farm.

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Ningaloo Reef

Sleeping under the stars on an isolated beach along the world's largest fringing coral reef is definitely one for the bucket list. Sal Salis sits on the shores of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, and with the Cape Range National Park behind you and kilometres of Indian Ocean in front, this little patch of paradise is perfect for a honeymoon with a difference. You'll stay in an eco-luxe safari tent that opens to the ocean where you can swim with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles or humpback whales during their migration, or head out and explore the ancient ranges and canyons of the national park. At night, indulge in a five-star dining experience with a cocktail or two from the gin bar set up on the sand.

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Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges in South Australia has some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the country. With red cliffs and ancient mountain ranges, this outback destination offers adventure and luxury rolled into one. Sitting amongst the mountains is the exclusive Arkaba Conservancy that offers the experience of wild bush luxury in the Australian outback. You'll stay in the restored 1850s homestead (with plenty of visitors like the local resident kangaroos) and be served fresh local produce and wine from the Barossa and Clare Valleys. As well as being a wildlife conservatory, Arkaba has a fascinating Aboriginal history and a geological history that dates back hundreds of millions of years so there is plenty to explore by following the scenic roads, 4WD tracks and rugged walking trails across the countryside.

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The Great Barrier Reef

Fancy a snooze in a hammock under a palm tree? Or perhaps swimming in your own private infinity pool overlooking the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef appeals? Let us introduce you to Bedarra Island in Queensland. One of the Great Barrier Reef’s best-kept secrets, this private island with its own luxury resort offers a tropical escape like no other. The resort is made up of ten private villas hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, each offering complete privacy and incredible views over the reef. You'll be one of only 20 guests, so you'll feel like you have the entire island to yourself and with the Great Barrier Reef literally on your doorstep, you can choose how and when you'd like to explore it, including taking one of the resort's private dinghies out to a nearby secluded tropical island.

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Margaret River

While there are so many things to explore in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, one thing honeymooners can't go past is the premium wine region which is home to some of Australia's top wineries. Stay at Cape Lodge which is surrounded by its own vineyard and is like staying at a private country estate with all the benefits of a world-class boutique hotel. From here you can explore the local wineries to enjoy lazy days, long lunches and great wine. If you're after more activity, try the four-day Cape to Cape Walk which will take you along the Indian Ocean's white-sand beaches, past limestone cliffs and through karri forests by day, and have you revelling in a luxury ocean-front villa while enjoying incredible food and wine by night.

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Lord Howe Island

For the ultimate escape from modern-day life, a visit to the lush natural paradise of World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is just the ticket. This tiny island offers romantic seclusion to the scenic backdrop of rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests and rolling surf. Stay in one of the nine suites at the five-star luxury haven, Capella Lodge, nestled at the foot of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird. You’ll be one of only 400 visitors staying on the island at any one time so without any crowds, you can ease yourself into island time for a blissful holiday.

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