Australia’s most romantic destinations

Australia is renowned for its booming food and wine culture, natural beauty and sunny, laid-back approach to the world. Ask around, and you might find these are just a handful of the ingredients necessary for a suitably romantic escape. Don’t just take our word for it though – these are the Australian destinations travellers rate for romance.

Hamilton Island, Queensland

The most populated of the Whitsunday islands, Hamilton Island has long lured travellers both in search of a romantic escape and those looking for an introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. Widely regarded as a luxurious resort island, polished hotels with infinity pools and private wood-clad cabanas dot the shores, as palms sway overhead, providing sheltered canopies for the loved-up visitors below. However, it’s the island’s sheer natural beauty that spearheads its romantic appeal. Coastal she-oaks, radiating hoop pines and sweeping eucalypt forests shroud the island in a dense emerald-colouring, while coral reefs fringe the island’s perimeter. Snorkelling or scuba diving among the sculpted, flowering coral, while iridescent shoals of fish sweep beneath you is a memorable experience for anyone, and there’s something irresistibly romantic about a dip in the reef’s kaleidoscopic world. Coming up for air might seem less appealing, but a night at the private Palm Bungalows should serve as enough motivation.

Pokolbin, Victoria

Nestled in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin is one of the wine region’s most scenic outposts. Ideal for travellers looking to combine a little romancing with some world-class food and wine, Pokolbin excels in the spread it puts on. Take a short drive outside of town and you’ll reach the boutique Tallavera Grove winery, where you can indulge in some of the Hunter Valley’s best bottles, while lazing out on its leafy terrace overlooking the rolling sun-dappled hills. Head back to town for food at Muse Kitchen where you can tuck into plates of juniper rubbed duck breast with scallion and chickpea, followed by lemon myrtle cheesecake. After you and your loved ones have vanquished any hunger pangs, a glass of wine with views over the burnt orange fields at sundown is in order – Château Elan is just the place.

Gold Coast, Queensland

A glittering coastal city, Gold Coast is defined by the outdoors and its shimmering stretches of beach. Curls of golden sand loop below mammoth skyscrapers while turquoise waters lap below. Romance is of the active kind here – try your hand at surfing early in the morning when it’s quiet, or for those looking to combine romance with an adrenaline rush, head to the top of the Gold Coast’s skyscraper Q1 at sunset. Take the SkyPoint Twilight Climb – a 270 metre ascent that is Australia’s highest external building climb – where you’ll be gifted with panoramic views of the city dusted in pink and gold light, and the leafy hinterland in the backdrop. Toast to a day well spent with a bite at the observation point bistro, before you descend to your room at Q1 Resort & Spa.

Brisbane, Queensland

The capital of Queensland, Brisbane straddles the line between cosmopolitan city and coastal hangout, laid-back hub and alternative destination. For romantics, it’s a hive of opportunities. A city on the up, glinting high-rise buildings play host to ritzy rooftop bars, while below, bright cafes jostle with fine dining restaurants, as teeming flocks of locals line up to nab themselves a seat. The first order of any day here is brunch, where whipped ricotta and coconut loaf or duck ham and smoked-butter baked eggs are on the menu – at least at the airy Pearl Café. More than a thriving food scene though, its natural surroundings are just as captivating. Built along the Brisbane river, the city’s revamped route is a floating water highway that weaves a sunny and scenic path along the harbour and Brisbane’s winking waterfront. For those in search of a little more privacy and just as much splendour, a day trip out to Moreton Island is an option. Here, calm lagoons hug the sandy shoreline home to Mt Tempest – the highest coastal sand hill in the world. Once you’ve taken in the dusty panorama at sundown, take the boat back to NEXT Hotel Brisbane’s rooftop bar.

Melbourne, Victoria

Regarded as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a sultry metropolis with a flurry of both old and new charm. A mesh of skyscraping appeal and jumbled Victorian buildings, there’s an alluring, romantic contrast to Melbourne’s architectural offering. On one corner you’ll find art deco-inspired buildings such as the Manchester Unity Building, while on the next, you’ll stumble upon one of the city’s many corner pubs that make up its distinct fabric. Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria is the essential date spot, home to the harlequin-patterned stained glass ceiling, the largest of its kind in the world. A dazzling explosion of colour, follow that visit with a meal at artisan Japanese restaurant Kisume, an equally enthralling spectacle of showmanship and skill. Round the night off at Juliet wine bar; an intimate space with low-slung lighting, a hushed atmosphere and excellent wines (and gin & tonics). Retreat back to the contemporary QT Melbourne, in preparation for a balloon ride over the city at dawn.