Australia’s most romantic holiday stays

By Bonnie Jackson

What better way to celebrate a milestone with your partner in life than to travel to the destination of a lifetime. Whether you like your romance served hot (dinner on a private tropical beach) or cold (snuggling in front of a cosy fire surrounded by misty mountains), Australia has all kinds of luxurious getaways for all types of couples.

Longitude 131°

Near Uluru, the monolith that sits at the geographic and spiritual heart of Australia, is Longitude 131°. This romantic luxury wilderness camp rests atop rust-red sand dunes, offering an extraordinary view of Uluru, which looks its blazing best at sunset. The 16 tents are more like exclusive hotel suites, with a king-size bed sitting beneath a romantic draped canopy, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors offering views of the national icon. At night, admire the Milky Way as it lights up the desert sky.

Pumphouse Point

Frosty mornings and cosy fires can be just as romantic as the tropics, and there's plenty of cool-climate luxury to be found in Tasmania. Pumphouse Point offers luxury accommodation in a 1940s hydroelectric pumphouse suspended over a lake. Each room has a larder packed with local produce, such as cheese, cured meats and wines.

Arkaba Conservancy

South Australia has its own vast mountain ranges – the Flinders Ranges – and set amongst them is the exclusive Arkaba Conservancy. The resort is set on a 260-square-kilometre (100-square-mile) private reserve dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and birds. The luxury property sleeps 10 guests at a time, and the all-inclusive rates feature daily activities such as bushwalking, 4WD safaris, tracking native wildlife, visiting ancient Aboriginal sites or just soaking up the sights and sounds of the Australian bush.

Sal Salis

If your idea of romance is sleeping under the stars on an isolated beach, then Sal Salis is the place for you. Located on the untouched shores of Ningaloo Reef. Immerse yourself in the landscape as you explore the sand dunes with a hike, snorkel the coral reef just metres from your eco-luxe wilderness tent, and head out on a private boat to dive with the resident whale sharks and passing humpback whales.

Silky Oaks Lodge

The Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, is a natural wonder full of awe-inspiring beauty. Here, you will immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this ancient landscape with a stay at the Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa. This luxury lodge was built high up in the treetops, hovering above the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River, where the nutrient-rich water used in the spa treatments and is said to have healing properties.

El Questro Wilderness Park

The Kimberley region is still regarded as one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. El Questro Wilderness Park offers plenty of secret places to explore with a number of accommodation options to choose from. The most luxurious is The Homestead, offering magnificent views of the Chamberlain Gorge and tailor-made excursions to give you a taste of frontier life. 

Orpheus Island Lodge

Orpheus Island Lodge is an all-inclusive, private island lodge located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Sleeping just 28 people, guests are treated to three impeccable meals daily, full use of the water sports equipment and a daily Orpheus experience. All you have to do is book and turn up. 

Saffire Freycinet

On the glorious east coast of Tasmania stands Saffire Freycinet, voted Australia’s most luxurious lodge again and again. Overlooking the magnificent Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, it has 20 private suites and tailors all of its experiences to its guests. Strap on a set of wader boots and visit a working oyster farm to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and champagne while still knee-deep in the crystal clear waters of Coles Bay, or rather, check yourself into their spa for a full day of total relaxation.

Mt. Mulligan Lodge

In the Queensland outback (about a 3.5-hour drive west of Cairns), you can find an all-inclusive luxury property situated on a secluded 28,000 hectare (69,000 acre) heritage site. Mt. Mulligan Lodge accommodates just 16 guests at any one time, with each room assigned its own electric buggy to explore the property. Enjoy guided tours of the goldfields, hike around the southern face of Mount Mulligan, go barramundi fishing, or lay by their infinity pool and order a cocktail at the sunset bar.

qualia

At the northern tip of Hamilton Island you'll find qualia, the island’s most prestigious address. Each pavilion features an infinity plunge pool or a deck facing the sunset. Drive the resort's golf buggy around qualia's steep site, or take it out to explore the entire island. Romantics can be dropped off at a secluded beach on a nearby island with a picnic hamper where you can also snorkel, or dive the reef on a day trip.