COUPLES RETREATS – Romantic Escapes Across Australia’s Changing Landscapes.
The language of love is perennial. Endless and timeless. People ask us “is there a romantic getaways season?” Couples Retreats are often centred around a proposal or engagement, a Valentine, honeymoon, anniversary date, babymoon, or simply a romantic getaway for no reason at all. The allure of a time of year or season is personal and at times a surprise (for the other partner) like a snow trip for a partner who doesn’t ski but is great at building snow critters & après!
Romantic and honeymoon destinations feature: small numbers of guests accommodated, privacy, personalised service and a sense of intimacy like a hot tub for two. Bespoke touches arranged by Hosts or partners who can arrange, for example, a gourmet picnic basket, massages for two, twin kayaks, a dreamy bunch of blooms on arrival or a crooner at a candlelit table in a beach setting!
2024’s top 10 romantic destinations in Australia are:
- The Whitsunday Islands, QLD
- Daintree Rainforest QLD
- Byron Bay NSW
- Blue Mountains NSW
- The Great Ocean Road VIC
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park NT
- Margaret River WA
- Ningaloo Reef WA
- Freycinet Peninsula TAS
- Barossa and Clare Valleys SA
Travellarks is expanding its collection of Couples Retreats across Australia, offering both coastal and inland hideaways perfect for romantic getaways. From affordable escapes to luxurious spoils, Travellarks is committed to finding the perfect retreat for every couple. If you wish to list your property in our Couples’ Retreats Collection (and other categories) reach out please via List your property, or want Travellarks to find you a gorgeous couples getaway Contact Us and we’ll come up with handpicked suggestions for you.
Winter Wonderland: Snowy Escapes and Fireside Bliss
Winter in Australia’s alpine regions brings snow-covered landscapes, alpine lakes, crackling fires, and indulgent experiences for couples. Think snowshoeing, après-ski cuddles, hot springs visits, and cosy nights in hot tubs. The Snowy Mountains (NSW), Mount Buller & Hotham (VIC), and Cradle Mountain (TAS) offer a romantic winter backdrop, perfect for an unforgettable winter escape.
Couples can also enjoy luxurious spa treatments, hot stone massages, and gourmet dining surrounded by beautiful snow-covered scenery. The idea of snuggling up together in a private lodge or boutique chalet makes for an intimate winter retreat.
Other Winter Destinations: Outback Queensland & Couples Retreats
Escaping the cold is appealing to many couples so heading to northern Australian destinations and is after all the ‘dry’ season from April until November!
One example of an exciting winter destination is Northern Outback Queensland that boasts vast, arid plains and rugged ranges, with sparse vegetation dotting the landscape. The weather can be extreme, with scorching temperatures in summer and chilly nights in winter. This region holds a rich Aboriginal history, evident in ancient rock art and cultural sites. Two of the oldest-known Aboriginal sites in Queensland are found on the tabletop of Mount Mulligan, which is known as Ngarrabullgan by the Traditional Owners, dating back over 40,000 years. A new luxury outback lodge located 150Kms north-west of Cairns offers seclusion on a fascinating and captivating landscape built on a secluded 28,000-hectare heritage site. It’s also a working cattle station, with luxe lodging and guided outback adventures for just 20 guests.
Enjoy the enchantment of winter together and soon it will be Spring!
Spring Romance: Blossoming Gardens and Botanical Couples Retreats
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and there’s no better time to embrace romance in Australia’s beautiful gardens and native bushlands. From formal blooming gardens to orchards in full bloom, spring creates a romantic mood for couples.
Destinations like the Hunter Valley Gardens with its themed and award-winning gardens, or the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, a symbol of peace and harmony, offer serene and meaningful experiences. The Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World in Queensland and Foxglove Gardens in Tilba NSW are equally enchanting, providing the perfect environment for couples to reconnect with nature.
Foxglove Gardens is only 6mins to the seaside on NSW South Coast and set in gloriously romantic gardens. It’s surrounded by 5 acres of exquisite gardens and the sounds of nature. Select from one of 3 French provincial couples retreats – The Olive Tree, The River and Velvet Pear. Additionally there’s luxurious King and Queen Suite B and B suites. This romantic cluster is beautifully positioned near secluded Tilba Beach.
Cowra Japanese Gardens, NSW, Australia
For those seeking seclusion, consider The Willows at Kurrajong or Mountain Sojourn, offering privacy and intimacy close to nature. The Willows at Kurrajong, is on acreage with an eclectic mix of bushland and blooms best experienced in spring. Not far away is a fabulous private apartment for two at Mountain Sojourn, that includes breakfast and honours environmental practices, including EV charging. Only roughly an hours’ drive, it’s an easy romantic getaway.
Book your dream getaway through Travellarks to embark on a romantic journey across Australia’s changing landscapes throughout the seasons. For more accommodation, browse our Travellarks Couples Retreats
Summer Serenity: Couples Retreats and Coastal Romance
Australia’s coastline is nearly 70,000 kilometres long, offering couples a a barefoot paradise together and perfect backdrop for romance. Whether you’re drawn to quiet beaches, serene waters, or a mix of adventure and relaxation, Australia’s summer season offers plenty of options.
Hot summers (December to February) and the shoulder seasons extend the traditional summer months to include Spring & Autumn experiencing milder, temperate weather. Australia offers pristine beaches, cerulean waters and seaside serenity. Summer season means couples can be intoxicated by equal parts of outdoor adventures and relaxation. Swimming, snorkelling, boating, kayaking, diving and whale watching on both eastern and western Australian coastlines. (Whale watching season runs from May to November). Back on land, you can both soak in panoramic hikes on scenic trails, unpack a scrumptious picnic, then later tuck into indulgent meals where fresh local produce is often the star.
Popular romantic summer destinations include the Whitsunday Islands, where you can enjoy stunning beaches, sailing, and helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef with clear turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. Or, Byron Bay, known for its laid-back vibe, beach culture, and hinterland hiking. Eagleviewpark Guesthouse and Kundalini Lodge Retreat in NSW are perfect for couples seeking a more secluded experience, with luxury amenities like private spas and spectacular views.
If you’re craving something off the beaten path,SALT at South West Rocks and Kundalini Lodge Retreat Mudgee, offer stunning, intimate settings with outdoor hot tubs for stargazing.
The Blue Mountains, New South Wales is a 2-hour drive from Sydney, and offers breath-taking scenery, including dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Couples can enjoy bushwalks, scenic drives, and stay in mountain retreats, quaint cottages, grand hotels, B&Bs and lodges. One such place just beyond Blackheath, near Bathurst in the town of Glanmire is The Red Hill Nest (even the name is perfect!). A quaint cottage on acreage that’s surrounded by gardens, soothing sunsets, and fresh country air and refreshing walks. It’s a relatively short cruisy 2 hour drive from Sydney.
Margaret River, Western Australia can be hot and dry during summer months. The shoulder season is arguably better. Known for its world-class wineries, pristine beaches, and stunning coastline, Margaret River is perfect for a romantic escape. Enjoy wine tasting, gourmet dining, and exploring underground caves. Another nearby country town on the ocean is Albany and a lovely seaside soulfulness prevails, history and natural beauty of the ocean and coastline.
Let’s look at The Great Ocean Road, Victoria: Take a road trip along the iconic Great Ocean Road and marvel at alluring coastal scenery, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Stop at quaint seaside towns, enjoy gourmet food, and cosy up in boutique accommodation. The romanticism of the collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park is irresistible.
Tasmania – a Cornucopia for Couples Retreats:
A wonderful time of year to visit Tasmania is during the summer season. Its rugged landscapes, pounding ocean, stunning surf beaches, coastal crags cliffs and bluffs, pristine wilderness, and charming towns are elements for a sentimental journey with your beloved. Explore national parks, indulge in gourmet food and wine, discover Australia’s early settlers well preserved history, visiting unique towns like Launceston (also an an internationally UNESCO listed City of Gastronomy).
From Launceston, it’s a 2hr drive (175km) south-east drive to the Freycinet Peninsula, or from Hobart, a 2.5-hour journey travelling northeast. The star attraction of Freycinet is Wineglass Bay, yet the coastline is dotted with loads of little bays and long stretches of beach. Just the setting to pull over and throw out the blanket wine and cheese (all local produce of course). The magic of Freycinet is in its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rugged granite peaks all in one breath-taking landscape. Create unforgettable memories together wining on legendary cool climate Pinots and Cuvees, farm-to-table dining, indulging in the freshest of seafood, walking, hiking, sunset cruises, stargazing or a picnic on the beach with locally sourced delicacies. Oh so much to lose oneself in. For a more secluded experience, venture to lesser-known spots like Sleepy Bay or Honeymoon Bay – apt names!
In surrounding main Tassie towns couples can escape civilisation easily to discover charming places just for two such as in the town of Sorell, only 30 minutes’ drive south east from Hobart. Here you’ll fall in love with a pair of exquisitely styled self-contained private suites in a rural setting overlooking the ocean, near Marion Bay. Look up Wherewithal Luxury Suites. You can expect a wonderful bespoke experience here, including being driven to & from the fabulous Oirthir Restaurant, pronounced “oor-heid”, a Scottish Gaelic meaning ‘Coast”. Newly established, the owners, Laura & Tim are merging their Scottish heritage with classic French techniques and indulging in local Tasmania produce in their seasonal menu, and working with local producers.
Consider destinations and unique romantic experiences at more modest places that won’t break the bank such as a romantic private cottage at White Croft Cottage just ten minutes outside the historic village of Ross. Explore the historic surrounds, picnic or witness a sunset over the famous bridge at Ross.
Bruny Island with its rugged natural beauty is an outstanding destination for couples who adore the nostalgia of ferrying across to Bruny and venturing to the numerous nooks and crannies around the circumference of the island. Perhaps surprisingly there are an abundance of spots to hide away as a couple such as at Questa at Barnes Bay, on the northern end of the island. Absolute waterfront, Questa is a self-contained heritage cottage with 2 indoor classic fireplaces, a private beach, a piano (!), heat pump and a wraparound Tassie oak deck to sip those delicious Tassie wines. Fit for snuggling in winter too. Here’s a taste of Questa, Bruny Island.
Autumn Romance: Couples Retreats with Rustic Charm and Vineyards
Everyone loves autumn in Australia. Cooling down after long hot days is characterised by golden hues, crisp air, and vibrant foliage that magically defines romantic settings for couples’ retreats.
Wine Lovers Look!
It’s a time for leaf-peeping drives, wine tasting tours amongst grape laden vineyards or better still, staying in one! Here Travellarks showcases boutique cottages, winery stays, and countryside B&Bs nestled amidst autumnal landscapes, providing intimate settings for couples’ getaways.
The Clare Valley and Barossa Valleys in South Australia are ideal with the angle of the sun shifting in autumn. For wine-loving couples, these legendary wine growing regions offer a romantic escape. Amidst vines row upon row, award winning wineries and cellar doors, charming villages and culinary experiences are lavished upon you by passionate growers, cooks and providores. Whoa, that was a mouthful. Explore world-class wineries, dine at award-winning restaurants, and unwind in luxury accommodation. Here’s some highly recommended vineyard stays that would suit couples seeking a vinicultural sojourn. Wren Cottage at Skillogalee Winery a lovely B&B, with an on-site award-winning restaurant and accompanying wines. In Watervale, Battunga Cottages offer a selection of B&B cottages, with two being for couples.
Choose between Battunga Cottages – Rosella or Battunga Cottages – Kookaburra where you’ll awake to a chorus of magpies, galahs and kookaburras whilst relishing your farmhouse breakfast basket brimming with locally sourced produce with dietary requests catered for. Amble over to the Watervale Hotel from Battunga for their multi-award-winning gastronomy and suggest you book well ahead as it can have congo lines waiting for tables!
It’s easy to be seduced by legendary Hunter Valley wineries where romantic week-end getaways in NSW attract lovers along country laneways, vine studded fields, undulating slopes and country air that bursts with vigour. The cutest little vineyard cottage based at Winmark Wines is Villa Vino, a cosy bolt hole with a sumptuous queen bed under a pitched roofline, with a minimalist chic makeover of soft colours and designer lighting. And surrounded by stillness, privacy, studded with trees a few grapes!
If the summer heat has beaten you, this is a wonderful time to head to places like Hamilton Island in Queensland, one of the jewels of the Whitsundays. Hamilton Island offers luxury resorts, secluded beaches, and plenty of activities for couples, such as sunset BBQ cruises, kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and diving, Great Barrier Reef Day Trips, beach picnics. Take your treasure for a fabulous sunset cocktail at One Tree Hill. Treat each other to a spa at Hamilton Island Spas. An array of restaurants beckons hungry lovers – see dining at Hamilton Island. Doesn’t get much better does it!
The heart-beat of Australia – Uluru for Romantics
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory forms a wonderful option during Autumn and Spring seasons. Experience the magic of the Australian outback with a visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Watch the sunset over Uluru, embark on guided walks, and stargaze under the clear desert skies. Dining under the stars is a must, magical to say the least as the stars twinkle oblivious to life on earth nevertheless is a spark wonderment to us below. Making sure you explore the natural wonders of Uluru and surrounds is a joy for couples creating lasting memories of thousands of years. Discover Uluru and beyond.
A better time of year is autumn for a romantic getaway in the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland: For couples who love nature, the Daintree Rainforest offers a romantic retreat amidst ancient trees, crystal-clear streams, and diverse wildlife. Stay in eco-lodges, go on guided walks, and cruise along the Daintree River. The northern part of Queensland is less humid at this time of year, including wintertime offering an alternate temperate destination.
Book Your Couples Retreat with Travellarks
With so many options to choose from, planning your perfect romantic escape in Australia is easier than ever. Whether you seek the cool embrace of the mountains, a beachside retreat, or a peaceful vineyard getaway, Travellarks has a growing collection of Couples Retreats to suit every need.
Book now and let Travellarks help you create unforgettable memories on your romantic journey through Australia’s changing landscapes throughout the seasons. Check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.
