Whether you’re parents in need of a well-deserved kid-free weekend or are a kid-free couple wanting to avoid other people’s children (!), here are the five different types of romantic escapes you need in your life at least once.
- A country escape
Fresh air, long walks, and log fires; the countryside has it all for a relaxing getaway. And it’s hard to beat Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park when it comes to jaw dropping scenery and seclusion. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, and with the rugged Hazards Mountain Range as a backdrop, go bush-walking, sea kayaking, and if you splash out on a premium spa cabin, you’ll have your own private spa tub.
In the Top End, another option is Litchfield National Park, with a lineup of natural wonders including rugged sandstone escarpments, monsoon rain-forest, waterfalls and historic ruins. An affordable accommodation option which puts you close to the action is Litchfield Tourist Park in Batchelor.
- A city break
Even big cities with thousands of other people can be romantic retreats. Take Sydney’s QT Hotel, which is located in the city CBD, close to public transport, restaurants, theaters and shopping. As hotels go it’s unconventional with a dash of burlesque, and the rooms feature fur throws, large baths and DIY martini sets.
In Melbourne, a studio apartment at the Oaks on Market makes an ideal home away from home for an affordable city break. In the heart of the Melbourne CBD you’re walking distance from the Bourke Street Mall, with on-site leisure facilities, including in-room massages, a romantic getaway must.
- A food and wine experience
It’s hard not to feel starry-eyed among the rolling hills and fragrant vines of wine country, especially without young ones in tow. In the NSW Hunter Valley, Tonic is an adults-only boutique hotel in Lovedale, within a short driving distance to Allandale Winery, and with features including a swimming pool, and rooms with balconies and soaking tubs.
South Australia’s Barossa Valley is another iconic wine region, and a stay at Lindsay House—a 4-star cottage in Angaston, puts you in the heart of one of the state’s oldest towns, as well as close to fine dining and Yalumba Wines.
- A tropical beach getaway
There’s a certain romance to being near the ocean, with plenty of destinations for magical sunset beach strolls. Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, is one for your hit list. An affordable option is Port Douglas Retreat, an “aparthotel” just 10-minutes to Marina Mirage, and with features including a swimming pool, and studios featuring king-sized beds and balconies.
In far north Western Australia, you can truly get away from it all at Broome’s remote Cable Beach. Splash out on a stay at the romantic Kimberley Sands Resort & Spa, which is close to Broome Crocodile Park, with five outdoor swimming pools and a full-service spa available.
- A spa retreat
Taking a break from the kids offers the opportunity to enjoy some pampering with your significant other; think hot stone massages, restorative facials and mani-pedis. Located in the heart of Hepburn Mineral Springs, the Art Deco Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel has a full-service spa and restaurant, and is a five-minute stroll from Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
In Contrast, on Queensland’s glittering Gold Coast, the Q1 Resort & Spa has it all. Towering over the northern Gold Coast skyline, you’ll enjoy modern apartment accommodation with views, and a full service spa, as well as being among the playground of Surfer’s Paradise.
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