Australia Honeymoon Destinations

Queensland

Main city: Brisbane

Great for: Beach lovers

Queensland is your ideal destination if the white sand beaches and twinkling azure ocean are calling your name. With sun-drenched beach-side sanctuaries adorning the majority of the Gold Coast you don’t need to go far to find your slice of paradise. 

The bustling state capital of Brisbane offers a subtropical climate alongside tons of culture and big city sights but the main attractions of the state are the gorgeous beachside destinations further up the coast.

Head to the likes of Noosa, a resort town famed for excellent surf and relaxing day-spas, and sip cocktails on your sun loungers overlooking the Pacific.   Tropical North Queensland is also very popular with sun loving honeymooners.

If beach getaways for you mean experiencing the natural wonders of the sea then Hervey Bay and Fraser Island are your ideal destinations. Hervey bay is one of the first-ever world whale heritage sites and welcomes more than 8000 migrating humpback whales every year between June and November as they come by to socialise.

Fraser Island (K’gari), located 15km off the coast, is a world heritage listed natural paradise with unspoilt coastlines and perfect for reconnecting with the natural world. But the seaside highlights do not stop there! Queensland is also home to the famed Whitsundays - 74 idyllic islands waiting to be explored by boat (many uninhabited so you can find a secluded spot) - and also we cannot forget the jewel in the state’s crown: The Great Barrier Reef.

Best accessed from Cairns the rainbow reefs are a short cruise away and offer long relaxing days of snorkelling and diving in an incredible marine ecosystem.

If Cairns is of interest, check out our guide to a Cairns honeymoon.

New South Wales

Main city: Sydney

Great for: City lovers

Looking for some hustle and bustle and the thrills of a big city on your romantic getaway? Well, New South Wales may be your perfect stop with the big smoke, Sydney, as its sparking state capital. Enjoy an action-packed stay in this buzzing metropolis that also boasts golden sandy beaches to boot!

Spend evenings checking out the next big theatre show or dine and cruise the natural harbour, adorned by the stunning harbour bridge and iconic opera house. Spend sunny days exploring the array of glorious heritage buildings around every corner along with arguably one of the best cafe and restaurant scenes in the southern hemisphere. It is easy to grab that perfect flat white and stumble upon fantastic neighbourhood markets during your explorations (the fish market is not to be missed if you are a fan of seafood). 

Feel the need to get a cultural hit while in the big city? No worries, just head to any of the wonderful museums and galleries and step into another world, from European and Australian fine art and contemporary installations to collections dedicated to science and technology or Aboriginal art. We highly recommend a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Sydney to get immersed straight away.

City lovers who also fancy a bit of beach time will not be disappointed with numerous beaches surrounding the city, many of which feel like their own private little slice of paradise. Alternatively, you could head to the iconic Bondi Beach and try your hand at surfing in the stunning blue waters alongside the locals. 

If this all sounds exciting, check out our detailed guide to Sydney honeymoons for even more inspiration and insider tips.

The Australian Capital Territory

Main city: Canberra

Great for: History lovers

Indulge your inner history buff with a honeymoon in Australia’s small but mighty capital, Canberra, the centrepiece of the gorgeous Australian Capital Territory. Here, you can geek out in the Parliamentary Triangle, made up of such iconic landmarks as the current and Old Parliament Houses, the National Gallery of Australia and the High Court, each with its own fascinating story to tell. The triangle straddles the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin where you can also get your steps up on a walking date of the bridge-to-bridge lakeside circuit stopping at the many galleries, cafes and parks along the way.

Our top picks to include during your stay? Try wandering the halls of the National Portrait Gallery to discover some famous faces of the country’s past, or pay your respects at the Australian War Memorial, dedicated to the men and women who have served Australia. Keen to include some nature on your travels? Well ACT sure delivers some of the finest forests and bushland in the country. At least 70% of the state is made up of National Parks so there are plenty to choose from. Enjoy some shorter hikes in the local snow gum forests or discover the Aboriginal history and archaeological sites in the Namadgi National Park. You can even meet native celebrities like the Koala, Platypus, Kangaroo, Emu and Wombat while staying in the wilderness camp at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. 

Want to immerse yourself in history by including ACT on your honeymoon? Contact us to discuss options for a bespoke itinerary!

Victoria

Main city: Melbourne

Great for: Culture lovers

Calling all culture vultures! Your perfect honeymoon awaits in awesome Melbourne, Victoria.

Sitting on the southern edge of Australia’s mainland, the state provides one of the most perfect routes for those in need of a killer road trip. The Great Ocean Road traverses the coastline from Melbourne and into South Australia, delivering stunning vistas including the iconic 12 Apostles (craggy limestone pillars rising from the ocean), secluded beaches, and hiking trails that form the Great Ocean Walk. 

In metropolitan Melbourne, you will be delighting in sumptuous hotel options and some of the best restaurants in the country. Winner of the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years, Melbourne is a cosmopolitan mecca. A dizzying range of cultures and nationalities are represented here, not least by new culinary delights around every corner. 

Jump on the vintage city circle tram to get your bearings amid the cobbled laneways with hidden boutiques and arcades tucked away alongside chic cafes and bars. You could spend days exploring hand-in-hand, admiring the colourful street art and enjoying some leisurely lunches and dinners with a cocktail or two. Just make sure to also visit Queen Victoria Market and collect souvenirs from the largest outdoor market in the southern hemisphere. International shows and exhibitions abound here and it is easy to find great theatre productions or galleries to appeal to all tastes. While in town, we highly recommend visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, the oldest of its kind in the country holding treasures spanning thousands of years. Sports fans are not forgotten and can have their thirst quenched with a pilgrimage to the Ionic Melbourne Cricket ground or perusing the collections at the Australian Sports Museum. 

Immerse yourself in culture during our Highlights of Australia Honeymoon Package or chat to us about creating the ultimate Great Ocean Roadtripper honeymoon.

Northern Territory

Main city: Darwin

Great for: Wilderness lovers

Australia’s Northern Territory is a must for those couples looking for the ultimate wilderness escape. Choose to spend your days driving the rusty desert highways of Explorers Way and hopping between water holes, enriching your mind with ancient aboriginal stories, or just chilling in tropical townships.

The perfect place for a honeymoon roadie, you can drive through the centre of the Northern Territory in a matter of days, extending nights here and there to explore further.

Alice Springs, the most famous desert town, feels worlds away from other major cities. However, the gateway to the outback, “Alice” (as known by the locals) is the perfect hub for heading into the wilderness for day trips or using it as a base between hiking trails (Larapinta Trail is a particular favourite of ours).

Why not treat yourselves to a romantic sunrise hot air balloon ride and enjoy the epic Red Centre vistas or take a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta to save you a drive. The iconic monoliths are a sight to behold - red rocky monsters that rise out of the horizon and glow with fiery orange hues at sunrise and sunset. 

Venturing into Nitmiluk National Park is an astonishing experience with the 13 sandstone gorges and cliffs dominating the landscape. Take a dip and explore on foot or by canoe to get the real flavour.

Up in the north or “Top End” of NT, you can take a break from the wilderness in the coastal oasis of Darwin, the perfect winterless paradise to begin or end an epic road trip.

Stay in chic hotels, sip cocktails aboard a sunset cruise of the harbour and don’t miss sampling some crocodile jerky at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

Keen to head into the outback for some serious alone time with your loved one? Our Outback Australia Honeymoon Itinerary - Adelaide to Darwin could be just the ticket, or read our ultimate guide to an Uluru Honeymoon.

South Australia

Main city: Adelaide

Great for: Food and wine lovers

Are you mad about wine or yearning to relax while sampling the finest foods? South Australia is for you!

Savour time in the state and festival capital, Adelaide, known for its many world-class events from food and wine, to fashion and film. You can guarantee that whenever you visit there will be something awesome on the agenda.

Since South Australia is the ideal climate for produce to grow, from grapes and stone fruit to vegetables, gourmet chefs gather in Adelaide to experiment with local ingredients and create the menu of dreams. There are so many incredible restaurants in the city that you will find it hard to try all the ones on your wishlist. The capital is not only a destination in itself but also a launchpad from which to explore the delightful surroundings. Spend days perusing vineyards while you sip on the finest Shiraz in the Barossa Valley (our pick for the perfect mix of boutique award-winning wineries and big character vintages) or the most refreshing Rieslings in the Clare Valley.

Further afield, South Australia boasts some impressive outback scenery, think yellow ochre hued mountain ranges and red plains brimming with fascinating wildlife. You can really ‘go bush’ if it takes your fancy and you want a secluded honeymoon.

Located just off the mainland, Kangaroo Island is another of our top honeymoon destination for the state. Providing an amazing combination of scenery, wildlife, wineries and foodie havens (the seafood is unreal), it is a destination like no other. Spend your days visiting sculptural rocky coastlines or the resident sea-lion and seal colonies, whereas evenings can be enjoyed under the stars with a full glass of wine in hand from one of the local pioneering vintners. 

South Australia at the top of your honeymoon wishlist? Our Wine, Wilderness and Waves Honeymoon Itinerary is a great choice.

Western Australia

Main city: Perth

Great for: Nature lovers

Are you wanting to cuddle a Quokka or to get up close to Kangaroos and Koalas alongside your loved one on your honeymoon? Although you can’t actually cuddle a Quokka (it’s illegal) you can tick them off your wildlife encounter wishlist in honeymooning in Perth, Western Australia.

Not only that, but the country’s largest state offers days that take you from ocean to outback and from dreamy beachside resorts to secluded eco retreats.

Perth, Aussie’s sunniest capital city, is fun to explore before you drive into the wilderness of the west but even in the city, you are not far from nature with Kings Park & Botanic Garden (one of the biggest city parks in the world).

From Perth, pop over to Rottnest Island where the largest population of Quokkas are resident celebrities and more than willing to share a selfie with you. 

Up the picturesque Coral Coast, you can dive into nature with opportunities to explore Ningaloo Reef, a fringing reef found just off the coast so an easy swim to the multicoloured coral from the shore.

At Monkey Mia you can share the sea with Dolphins and Green Turtles while in Exmouth try swimming with Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales and Manta rays depending on the season.

For a dose of the outback we recommend dropping into the Pinnacles Desert, located in the Nambung National Park; these limestone pillars stand tall against the golden sands, casting strange shadows on the horizon at dusk and dawn.

For the active couple, a stop at Kalbarri National Park to paddle the gorges in a two-person canoe and relax in secluded water holes and waterfalls is ideal. Finish your action-packed days with an unforgettable sunset - simply find your perfect spot on the 22km of pristine white sand at Cable Beach - what could be more romantic?

For an escapist journey tracing the west coast of Western Australia from Perth to Broome, we have our Australian West Coast Wonders Honeymoon Itinerary lined up for you. Alternatively, chat to our team about a bespoke honeymoon package exploring the far north of Western Australia where the wilderness and wildlife are at their most intense!

Tasmania

Main city: Hobart

Great for: Island lovers

Tasmania is the island paradise state found off the southern coast of Australia’s mainland. The compact island is bursting with treasures for the honeymoon you have been craving. From unrivalled nature to historic sites and quaint towns - this is the getaway location even Aussie’s on the mainland dream of!

The state capital of Hobart sits contentedly in its harbour with stunning heritage architecture and a buzzing restaurant and bar scene, it is likely you will want to stay for a few days before exploring the rest of the island. Similar heritage-rich settlements adorn the island, including Port Arthur, Deloraine and Richmond Village, and offer insights into the state’s charming history. 

Nature enthusiasts plus food and wine lovers are catered for with great aplomb: Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks are not to be missed and both are famous for their incredible hiking options, pristine beaches and local birdlife. You can choose between kayaking, horse-riding, canyoning and scenic flights to fill your itinerary and ensure you sleep well at the end of each busy day. Sleep under the stars with bush glamping and eco-cabin options in the National Parks, another way to boost the romance of your trip. Fuel up with gourmet local produce purchased on Bruny Island or head to the Tamar Valley wine country to sip on superb vintages. Craft whiskey distilleries have been popping up like crazy in recent years so check them out for something a little stronger. 

If the Beach-life is calling to you then head to the Bay of Fires, with beauty just as intense as its name, the white sand beaches stretch into the impossibly clear blue ocean and it is easy for you to feel like the only people on the planet.

For an overview of the treasures that await on a self-drive honeymoon in Tasmania, we recommend our Highlights of Tasmania Honeymoon Package.

Ready to plan your dream honeymoon? We would love to help with that!

Check out our incredible range of Australia honeymoon packages and itineraries which you can choose from or use as a starting point for designing your personalised getaway.

Just contact us with your wishlist and we will make it happen!