Planning a honeymoon in Australia? Here are the best destinations to celebrate the start of married life.
Planning your honeymoon is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. You want somewhere that’s romantic, unique and memorable. Maybe you want some relaxation or maybe adventure is what you’re after.
Luckily, you don’t have to look too far: Australia is home to some of the most stunning honeymoon destinations in the world.
From the underwater wonder of the Great Barrier Reef to the remote beauty of the Kimberley, Australia is full of incredible places to celebrate the start of your married life. Whether you want to sip wine overlooking rolling vineyards, hike through ancient landscapes or laze on a white-sand beach, there’s a spot here for you.
While Australia is full of incredible destinations, I’ve handpicked the ones that I think make the most romantic getaways.
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1. Cairns and Port Douglas
Where else can you spend one day snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef and the next exploring a 180-million-year-old rainforest?
Cairns and Port Douglas are the ultimate tropical escape, perfect for couples who want to mix adventure with relaxation. Enjoy trips to the reef (for swimming, snorkelling or diving), sunset sails, spa days and romantic dinners under the stars.
Best time to go
June to October is the sweet spot with sunny days, calm seas and perfect temperatures for snorkelling and rainforest walks. Outside of these months, the tropical north is humid and rainy (not the ideal honeymoon weather!).
Where to stay
Silky Oaks Lodge offers treehouse-style luxury in the rainforest. In Port Douglas, the Sheraton Grand Mirage has beachfront elegance, while Crystalbrook Riley in Cairns is perfect for couples wanting a stylish city base.
How to get there
Cairns is connected to all major cities in Australia, as well as a handful of international destinations. For Port Douglas, fly into Cairns, then rent a car or book a private transfer for the 1.5-hour trip to Port Douglas.
2. Whitsundays
If your idea of a dream honeymoon is holding hands while walking along powdery white beaches, swimming side by side in turquoise waters and sailing between tropical islands, the Whitsundays will steal your heart.
Spend your days relaxing on Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling colourful reefs or chartering a yacht just for two. You can even take a romantic scenic flight over Heart Island.
Best time to go
May to October means clear skies, comfortable temperatures and calm waters for sailing.
Where to stay
For true indulgence, stay at Qualia on Hamilton Island – private pavilions, infinity pools and spectacular views. The InterContinental Hayman Island is another stunning option.
How to get there
Fly into Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport, then ferry or transfer to your island resort.
3. Ningaloo Reef
If you’re after something more remote and intimate than the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo is perfection. The reef sits just off the beach, so you can snorkel straight from shore. From March to August, you can swim with gentle whale sharks.
Best time to go
March to August for whale sharks, July to October for humpback whales.
Where to stay
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is an unforgettable eco-luxe glamping experience right on the sand dunes. Alternatively, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort in Exmouth has modern beachfront suites.
How to get there
Fly into Learmonth Airport (30 minutes from Exmouth). Rent a car to explore the area or combine Ningaloo with a Perth to Broome road trip.
4. Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island feels like another world: rugged cliffs, empty beaches, koalas dozing in the trees. It’s an ideal mix of luxury and wilderness.
Spend your days spotting wildlife, tasting local wine and gin, and cosying up in a secluded lodge with ocean views.
Best time to go
March to May or September to November for mild weather and great wildlife sightings.
Where to stay
Southern Ocean Lodge has been rebuilt and is better than ever – a honeymoon-worthy splurge. Sea Dragon Lodge has private villas with direct beach access.
How to get there
Fly to Adelaide and rent a car for the short drive to Cape Jervis. From here, it’s a 45-minute ferry to the island. You can also fly directly from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport on Kangaroo Island. A rental car is essential for exploring the island.
5. Tasmania
For couples who love dramatic landscapes, cool-climate wines and cosy nights by the fire, Tasmania is magic.
Explore the white sands of Wineglass Bay, walk hand-in-hand along the Bay of Fires and indulge in farm-to-table dining with some of the freshest produce around. Take a day trip to Bruny Island to try oysters, honey and chocolate. Add a stop at MONA near Hobart for a splash of culture.
Best time to go
December to April brings the best weather and longest days for exploring.
Where to stay
Saffire Freycinet is one of Australia’s most luxurious lodges, while Freycinet Lodge offers a more accessible but still romantic stay within the national park. In Hobart, MACq 01 is stunning, as is Stillwater Seven in Launceston.
How to get there
Fly into Hobart or Launceston and rent a car. Self-driving is the best way to explore Tasmania, which has some of the best road trips in Australia.
6. Lord Howe Island
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed island feels wonderfully off-the-grid. With a cap of only 400 visitors at a time, you’ll often have the beaches to yourselves.
Spend your days snorkelling in the lagoon, hiking to panoramic lookouts or simply relaxing in total seclusion.
Best time to go
September to May for warm, sunny weather.
Where to stay
Capella Lodge is the ultimate splurge, offering luxury suites with sweeping views. Arajilla Retreat provides a more laid-back but still indulgent stay.
How to get there
Fly direct from Sydney. Once there, walking and cycling are the main ways to get around.
7. Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Uluru’s red desert landscapes are one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Australia. There are so many things to do in Uluru on a honeymoon: watch the rock glow at sunrise and sunset, dine under a sky full of stars, explore the sacred sites of Kata Tjuta and take a scenic flight.
This is a honeymoon for couples who want something truly beautiful and tranquil.
Best time to go
May to September for cooler, more comfortable weather.
Where to stay
Longitude 131° is the ultimate desert luxury, with glass-fronted tents facing Uluru. For a slightly more affordable Uluru accommodation option, Sails in the Desert offers resort-style comfort.
How to get there
Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara). While many accommodations includes transfers or there are tours make it easy to explore the region, I recommend renting a car to explore at your pace.
8. The Kimberley
The Kimberley is wild, remote and absolutely unforgettable. This is one of the most stunning parts of Australia and an excellent destination for a honeymoon in Australia if you’re looking for something well off the beaten path. Think dramatic gorges, ancient rock art, waterfalls and blazing sunsets.
Take a luxury small-ship cruise, stay at El Questro Homestead or even fly over Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) for a once-in-a-lifetime view.
Best time to go
May to October (dry season) for accessible roads and pleasant weather.
Where to stay
El Questro Homestead is a secluded, romantic retreat with incredible views. The Berkeley River Lodge offers a remote, fly-in experience on the Kimberley coast.
How to get there
Fly into Broome or Kununurra, then explore by 4WD, light aircraft or guided tour.
9. Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands
This trio offers the best of city, coast and countryside in one trip. Start with a few days in Sydney for harbour cruises, rooftop cocktails and beach walks. Then head to the Blue Mountains for misty lookouts and cosy fireside stays, and finish in the Southern Highlands for wine tasting and country charm.
Best time to go
Depending on your penchant for hot or cold weather, you could take a honeymoon here at any time of the year. But September to November and March to May are best for warm days and cool nights.
Where to stay
In Sydney, the Park Hyatt has unbeatable views of the Opera House. Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains offers old-world romance, while Osborn House in Bundanoon is a chic country retreat.
How to get there
Fly into Sydney. The Blue Mountains are a 90-minute drive or train ride; the Southern Highlands are two hours south by car. It’s best to rent a car for this honeymoon (although you won’t need it in Sydney).
10. Margaret River
Margaret River is all about indulgence. There are world-class wineries, gourmet food and beautiful beaches. Spend your days wine tasting, picnicking among the vines and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Best time to go
September to November (spring) or March to May (autumn) for mild weather and vineyard colour.
Where to stay
Injidup Spa Retreat has private villas with plunge pools overlooking the ocean. Cape Lodge is another elegant option right in the heart of wine country.
How to get there
Fly into Perth, then drive three hours south. Renting a car is the best way to explore the region at your own pace.
Final thoughts: Honeymoon in Australia
No matter which of these destinations you choose, honeymooning in Australia guarantees a mix of spectacular scenery, world-class food and wine, and unforgettable experiences. You could spend lazy mornings watching the sunrise over Uluru, afternoons snorkelling on vibrant coral reefs or evenings sipping wine by a crackling fire in Tasmania.
Australia is a long way from almost everywhere, which makes it worth dedicating a good amount of time here — two to three weeks is ideal if you want to combine a few of these destinations into one unforgettable honeymoon.
Australia is definitely the place to consider starting your marriage off!
Don’t forget travel insurance for Australia when you plan your honeymoon! My guide lists things to consider when buying insurance for your trip.
Honeymoon in Australia: FAQs
When is the best time to honeymoon in Australia?
The best time to visit Australia really depends on where you’re going. Generally, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) have the most comfortable weather across the country. For the tropics and reefs (Cairns, Whitsundays, Ningaloo), the dry season from May to October is ideal.
How long should you spend in Australia for a honeymoon?
If you’re coming from overseas for your honeymoon, two to three weeks is the sweet spot. Australia is huge – nearly the size of the continental US – so you’ll want enough time to combine two or three regions without feeling rushed.
Which honeymoon destination is the most luxurious?
For pure indulgence, consider Qualia on Hamilton Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru, or Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania. These properties are consistently rated among the most romantic stays in the country.
What’s the most unique honeymoon experience?
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, dining under the stars at Uluru’s Sounds of Silence or taking a helicopter ride over Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) in the Kimberley are truly unforgettable honeymoon in Australia experiences.
How much should we budget?
For a two-week honeymoon, a mid-range budget of AU$10,000-15,000 covers flights, comfortable accommodation and activities. For luxury lodges and private experiences, plan for more.
Can you combine a honeymoon in Australia with New Zealand?
If you have at least three to four weeks, yes, it’s a great idea. You could spend two weeks in Australia and then hop across the Tasman for a road trip through New Zealand.
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Where are you planning to honeymoon in Australia?
Related posts
Before you go… you might like some more Australia travel inspiration:
- The Ultimate Australia Bucket List: 75 Epic Experiences to Have Down Under
- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Australia: Three Amazing Itinerary Options
- Australia in 3 Weeks: Three Epic Itineraries to Choose From
- Planning 4 Weeks in Australia? Here’s Exactly Where to Go
- Tips for Renting a Campervan in Australia + Making the Most of Your Trip!
AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
- Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator.
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours across Australia with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself.
- If beaches are on your Australian itinerary, pack one of these Tesalate beach towels, which are incredible at repelling sand (and an Aussie brand!).
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