Fly me to the moon: Australia's best honeymoons and babymoons
- August 2020
Looking for somewhere to celebrate a new chapter of your lives? Or to stockpile sleep-ins before baby arrives? Whether it’s a honeymoon or babymoon, you’ll find domestic bliss on your doorstep. Island getaways, luxury resorts and secluded hideaways. Places to embark on new adventures or to indulge in next-level pampering – holidays you can take at any pace. These are our favourite places to be over the moon.
1. Whitsunday Coast, Queensland
Best for: luxury resorts, island hopping, romantic beaches
See and do: Relax on the white sands of Whitehaven Beach, pamper yourself at luxury resorts, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, drift between islands on luxury yachts, and feel the love of nature’s own Heart Reef.
Moon: honeymoon, babymoon
Fly: Whitsunday Coast or Hamilton Island
Stay: Hamilton Island: qualia opens in new window, Beach Club opens in new window, Reef View Hotel. Hayman Island: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
2. Uluru, Northern Territory
Best for: romantic sunsets, nature and outdoors, views
See and do: Toast your big moment as the sun sets over this extraordinary monolith. Explore the base up close or King’s Canyon and Kata Tjuta. Sleep under five stars, and wine and dine under millions more.
Moon: honeymoon
Fly: Uluru
Stay: Longitude 131, Sails in the Desert
3. East Coast and Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Best for: coastal adventures, nature and wildlife, walks, luxury lodges
See and do: Explore the stunning coastline and beaches along East Coast, taking in Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park – its famous Wineglass Bay, and Honeymoon Bay, obviously. Head west for Cradle Mountain’s alpine landscapes, ancient rainforests and glacial lakes. Or just take in the views from your lodge.
Moon: honeymoon, babymoon
Fly: Launceston or Hobart
Stay: Saffire Freycinet opens in new window, Freycinet Resort opens in new window, Cradle Mountain Lodge opens in new window
4. Rainforest retreats, Queensland
Best for: secluded getaways, nature and wildlife, eco resorts
See and do: Nest with your loved one among the treetops of the Daintree rainforest. At luxury nature retreats in Mossman and Port Douglas, hide away in a five-star treehouse or treetop bungalow. Soak up rainforest, river and rainforest views from a hammock, or just soak in the spa.
Moon: honeymoon, babymoon
Fly: Cairns
Stay: Mossman: Silky Oaks Lodge opens in new window Port Douglas: Thala Beach Nature Reserve
5. Byron Bay, NSW
Best for: beaches, restaurants and bars, hinterland daytrips
See and do: Stroll stunning beaches, try SUP or beach yoga, or book in to a day spa. Wine and dine at beachside restaurants and bars, keeping an eye out for sunglassed celebrities. Hike to the lighthouse, explore hinterland towns, or local boutiques and galleries. Or just chill at beachfront accommodation.
Moon: honeymoon, babymoon
Fly: Byron Bay
Stay: Elements of Byron Resort & Spa opens in new window, Byron at Byron opens in new window, 28 Degrees Byron Bay opens in new window
Also consider:
Barossa Valley, SA
See and do: Top up the romance at cellar doors and fine-dining restaurants at the valley’s wineries, sleep-in at boutique accommodation. Fly: Adelaide Stay: The Louise opens in new windowBusselton and Margaret River, WA
See and do: Explore Busselton’s coastline – its beaches, surf, diving and whale watching – before wending your way through Margaret River’s wineries. Fly: Busselton and Margaret River region opens in new window Stay: Smiths Beach Resort opens in new window, Aqua Resort Busselton opens in new window, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River opens in new window