7 Most Beautiful Honeymoon Destinations To Explore in Australia

So you’re getting hitched? Congratulations! Why not take a break from planning your dream wedding and start thinking about your honeymoon. Forget long-haul flights and double mortgages as these romantic destinations are right on your doorstep if you’re a native of Australia. From Cradle Mountain, to Lord Howe Island and the Kimberley, these are dreamiest escapes for newlyweds.

* Byron Bay, New South Wales

Laze the days away in the bohemian-chic town of Byron Bay in northern New South Wales. The serene rainforests and pristine beaches radiate tranquility and are the perfect place to decompress and enjoy each other’s company after the hectic nuptial period. Behold the sunrise from Cape Byron Lighthouse – Australia’s most easterly point, before taking a surf lesson and strolling through the various artisan and farmers markets.

* Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Lap up the sunshine all year round at the Whitsundays, Queensland. With 74 islands scattered throughout the cerulean waters of the Great Barrier Reef including Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream islands, you can unwind on your own slice of paradise under the shade of palm trees. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the idyllic Whitehaven Beach and soar over Heart Reef.

* The Kimberley, Western Australia

For a red-hot honeymoon, visit the Kimberley in the northern reaches of Western Australia and start your lifelong adventure together in the wild frontier. Bordered by uncharted coastlines and astounding outback vistas, the Kimberley will leave you breathless with sights, including the Bungle Bungle Range, Cathedral Gorge and Cape Leveque, as well as the Mitchell Falls and Horizontal Falls.

* Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Luring Sydneysiders, the Hunter Valley is a hamlet for couples who love food almost as much as they love each other. Start your day with a hot-air balloon ride over the region’s rolling hills and fertile vineyards, before wining and dining through more than 120 wineries and gourmet restaurants. Then pamper yourself at Australia’s largest day spa, Spa Elysia at Golden Door Health Retreat.

* Daylesford, Victoria

Less than two hours from Melbourne, the spa town of Daylesford is ideal for a mini-moon. Soak in the mineral waters of Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, stroll through Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, visit galleries and gorge yourself on gourmet food. For swoon-worthy photos, visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm and finish the weekend off with a glass of local wine as you gaze adoringly at one another over a crackling fire. This is the perfect place to celebrate your loved-up bliss.

* Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Retreat to Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for a secluded alpine escape. Set within a dramatic mountainous backdrop, newlyweds can spend their honeymoon hiking, horse riding in the countryside and road-tripping around the island – make sure you don’t miss Wineglass Bay and Grindelwald. After a long day of exploring, head back to your picture-perfect cabin and cosy up on the veranda under the stars with a bottle of wine and a candlelit dinner – paradise.

* Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Step off the beaten path and visit a lush tropical oasis off Australia’s east coast. Lord Howe Island is a crescent-shaped World-Heritage-listed site where you can hand feed schools of fish on Ned’s Beach, roam through the Valley of the Shadows, hike up Mt Gower and snorkel through the clear lagoons. With only 400 visitors allowed on the island at any one time, this honeymoon spot will seem like a private sanctuary.