If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with your lover, Australia is the perfect destination. The country has everything you could want for a romantic getaway–from stunning beaches to thrilling activities.
If you’re an adventurous couple, don’t miss a hot-air balloon over Alice Springs or a scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef. And if you’re foodies, sample cosmopolitan dishes from Sydney and Melbourne.
1. The Great Barrier Reef
A Great Barrier Reef getaway is a must-do for lovers who love adventure. The world’s largest coral reef, it is home to a staggering variety of marine life.
Thousands of fish, crustaceans, whales, dolphins, sea turtles and many types of coral live on the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a vital part of their lives and without it, they would not have a habitat.
Fortunately, scientists are making progress in their fight to protect the Great Barrier Reef and ensure its future. In a recent period of regrowth, the Reef is showing resilience despite rising sea temperatures and pollution from human activity.
2. The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, offer everything you could ask for from a relaxing getaway. With a year-round tropical climate, these islands boast some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and world-class resorts.
Whether you’re a honeymooner looking for the perfect secluded beach or a couples who enjoy adventure, there’s something for everyone in the Whitsundays.
With plenty of bareboat charters available, there’s no shortage of options for exploring the archipelago. Alternatively, choose from half-day, full-day or marathon six-day tours that take you island-hopping and camping.
The islands are also a hub for whale watching, with humpbacks migrating to the warm waters of the Whitsundays each winter to give birth to their young. If you’re visiting during this time, you may even get to witness a mother and her newborn calf!
3. Cairns
Cairns is a laid-back tropical port town that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is surrounded by the stunning Great Barrier Reef and rainforest and offers brilliant cafes, bustling markets and plenty of beaches to relax on.
Whether you’re in the mood for a swim or want to learn more about local Indigenous culture, there are countless ways to get involved. Take a guided tour, watch a traditional performance or explore new artworks at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
There are also lots of UNESCO World Heritage icons, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Depending on your level of expertise, there are many ways to explore the reef, from scuba diving to glass-bottomed boats.
4. Port Douglas
With a range of accommodation to suit any budget and boutique shopping, Port Douglas is a great place to base yourself and explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest.
For a little more adventure, visit Mossman Gorge, a cleft in a mountainside that reveals a series of freshwater pools. Or, spot a saltwater crocodile in the wild at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Originally an inland settlement, Port Douglas has become the high-end resort hub of Tropical North Queensland. But even with all the luxury, there is still a sleepy charm to this town.
5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
One of the most relaxing places to go with your lover in Australia is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here, the country’s most famous rock formation, Uluru, and its neighboring dome-shaped Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas) come together to form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watching the sun rays touch the red-center colors of Uluru at sunrise and sunset is one of the most iconic experiences in Australia. It’s worth timing your visit to see this spectacular color spectacle, and if you want to be in the best place for it, get up early.
Take some time to explore the dazzling Kata Tjuta rock formations too, which rise up to 650 feet above the surrounding desert floor. They are a must-see for anyone visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta region.