There’s never been a better time to honeymoon close to home (cheers, COVID). Luckily, Australia’s not an ugly country and there are so many incredible places to explore and some equally impressive places to stay. Whether you want to be by the ocean, go bush or stay in the city, we’ve rounded up some of Australia’s best honeymoon accommodations (in our opinion, anyway).
Back10 February 2022
WORDS
Karina Prebble
Honeymoons + Getaways
12 Of The Best Honeymoon Stays in Australia
If there’s one place to add to your bucket list, it’s The Calile. Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, this Miami-meets-Palm Springs style resort is the ultimate place to kick back, relax and soak up some rays. The 30-metre pool - lined by palm trees and plush cabanas - is an easy place to knock back a few cocktails, while the rooms themselves offer the best in style and comfort (including motion sensor air-con).
Guests also gain access to a range of luxury amenities including the Kailo Medispa, gym and fitness facilities and a ground level retail precinct. And if you like good food, you’ve found the right place with The Calile boasting multiple bars and restaurants on-site.
This waterfront hotel is so much more than just a place to stay. It’s an experience centred around the area's rich history. The hotel conducts its own storytelling tours and each of the 114 rooms are themed around historical figures (like Black Louis, a local fisherman who struck it rich selling ambergris he scooped from a dead whale).
Artefacts that further relate to the stories of the past can be found in every part of the hotel, and the staff will happily share a tale or two. Food-wise, there are plenty of options nearby but the hotel’s own Old Wharf Restaurant is hard to beat (especially if you love seafood).
Hayman Island Resort - Hayman Island, QLD
Not all resorts are made the same, and that’s evident as soon as you arrive at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Since Cyclone Debbie tore through in 2017, the private-island resort has undergone a $135 million refurbishment that’s taken it to a whole new level of luxury.
Located just footsteps from the beach and with endless activities on offer (including snorkeling, diving, fishing, yoga, wildlife tours, private seaplane charters and more) it’s the ultimate honeymoon destination for those who love salt water and sand. That said, there are plenty of reasons to stay put with the resort offering five distinct restaurants and bars, a hair salon and spa (with a plunge pool and sauna) and most importantly, Australia’s largest swimming pool.
If you want to spend your honeymoon exploring Katherine - a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures - Cicada Lodge is the perfect base. It's nestled within Nitmiluk National Park, home to the iconic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. The lodge boasts air-con (important), well appointed rooms with private balconies, artwork by local artists, an outdoor pool (also important) and an award-winning restaurant that offers innovative, contemporary dishes using mostly native Australian foods.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rumour has it the Chef’s Menu is an experience not to be missed. It features a specialty dish of the Chef’s choice, based on the season and the availability of quality local produce.
For a six star, adults-only experience, The Frames delivers in every way. With three luxury retreats to choose from (each with a slightly different vibe and offering), they all sit atop a rugged cliff overlooking the Murray River and boast their own pool and spa alongside other fancy features (like an infra-red sauna, a rain-shower waterfall and state of the art BBQ facilities).
Couples can add-on things like a sunset cruise with Champagne, a local food safari tour or a therapeutic massage. A big selling point here however, is the food with in-villa dining a key part of the experience. Seasonal fruit is supplied by the owners, who grow citrus and grapes on a nearby farm, and gourmet meals and/or barbecue provisions can be pre-arranged.
The Beach Huts - Middleton, SA
Middleton’s iconic Beach Huts are popular for a reason (beyond looking good on Instagram). Located only a short walk from the beach, each self-contained hut features free Wi-Fi, a private patio or deck and a free bottle of Champagne on arrival.
Guests can enjoy a hit of tennis, take advantage of the well-equipped BBQ area or dine at The Beach Hut’s award-winning restaurant. In a nutshell, this place has all you need on-site for a relaxing, beachside honeymoon but it’s close enough to plenty of attractions throughout the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula.
A personalised, 24-hour butler service? Say no more. For a true, feel-like-a-celebrity experience, Sydney’s Park Hyatt is hard to beat. Located smack bang between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the views here are insanely special. It’s also walking distance to most of the city’s most popular sites, including Circular Quay and The Rocks.
If you’d rather not venture too far, there are plenty of reasons to stay put (the butler service being just one of them). There’s a delightful waterfront restaurant on-site as well as a heated rooftop swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and if you’re really committed - a fitness centre. Inside the elegant rooms, you’ll discover lush furnishings as well as heated toilet seats and a touchpad beside each bed. Fancy!
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley - Newnes, NSW
Surely one of the best ways to kickstart married life is with a short (or long) stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Situated on a 7,000-acre wildlife reserve, it’s considered one of Australia’s premier ultra-luxury destinations. There are over 40 self-contained villas each with a private swimming pool, a double-sided fireplace, and a verandah with stunning views over the surrounding valley.
There’s nothing nearby, and that’s part of its charm. On-site, there’s an infinity pool, a tennis court, sauna, day spa and more. The Main Homestead offers a variety of dining options (including a walk-in wine cellar) and available activities include horse riding, nature walks, mountain biking, star-gazing excursions and four-wheel-drive safaris where the chances of spotting some native wildlife are guaranteed (fun fact: Wolgan Valley boasts the highest density population of wombats in Australia).
Crystalbrook Byron - Byron Bay, NSW
Post-wedding, a place to relax your body and mind is never a bad idea and after a recent, $6 million facelift, Crystalbrook Byron is perfectly set-up to provide couples with the ultimate rejuvenating honeymoon experience. Set within a stunning 65-acre rainforest, there are free daily yoga classes, a day spa and endless walking trails (guided walks are also available) and the 25 metre infinity pool is the perfect place to unwind with signature cocktails and pool service available (apparently the G&Ts from Cape Byron Distillery are a must). There’s also a guest-only entrance at the rear of the property that leads to the glorious six-kilometre stretch of Tallow Beach.
The spacious suites feature free-standing bathtubs, a coffee machine, front and rear balconies and a daybed, but one of the main draw cards here is the food. Keeping in-line with the hotel’s sustainability initiatives (which includes four on-site beehives) each dish showcases the region’s best available produce. The verdict? Total bliss.
For a truly unique honeymoon experience, consider Sal Salis - an exclusive safari camp hidden in the white sand dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park. There are 15 spacious wilderness tents just metres from the water but for honeymooners, the more secluded and luxurious Honeymoon Tent is a no- brainer.
Here, there's no WiFi and siestas are encouraged. Experiences include whale shark and humpback whale swims, snorkelling (there are more than 500 species of colourful fish and 250 coral types), guided walks, stargazing and more. The inventive menus are five-star and use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and there’s a self-service bar that’s open 24 hours. This is laidback luxury at its best.
Located on a 10-hectare rural property, Hart’s Farm is the perfect honeymoon retreat. Peaceful and beautiful it features an olive grove, fruit orchards and veggie gardens (anyone stopping by can purchase quality, naturally fermented apple cider, fruit preserves and fantastic extra virgin olive oils).
Inside, there is a large bath (and big, fluffy robes), full-length windows and a queen size bed with pure French linen. For added space, couples can also book The Retreat and gain access to an adjoining living and dining space with a wood-burning fireplace and fully equipped kitchen.
Being surrounded by bush, it feels miles away but is close to quality restaurants, vineyards, shops, spas and golf courses, as well as the Peninsula Hot Springs, which offer an adults-only moonlight bathing experience.
Oak & Anchor - Port Fairy, VIC
Situated in the heart of the picturesque, seaside village of Port Fairy, Oak & Anchor is an easy pick when it comes to boutique honeymoon accommodation. Designed for adults-only, the 163-year-old heritage building is now home to seven stylish and modern suites, a cafe, courtyard and lounge/bar area. Owners Sally and Blair Robinson have also partnered with experienced local chef and cafe owner Alexandra Richardson to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Outside the hotel, there is plenty on offer. For collectors and art enthusiasts there is a diverse array of boutiques, antique stores, and art and craft shops scattered throughout the town and for anyone who enjoys an ocean dip, Port Fairy Beach is only 450m away.
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