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For some, a romantic escape means five-star luxury, champagne breakfasts and poolside pampering. For others, it’s all about glorious solitude, unadulterated relaxation and windswept wonder. Then there are those who prefer gilded elegance and pastoral bliss over urban hideaways.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy sojourn to reconnect or an extra-special escape to pop the big question, you’ll find your perfect setting at Australia’s most romantic hotels.
The most romantic hotels in Victoria
Mitchelton Nagambie
A country Victoria winery stay is an antidote to city life, particularly at Michelton Nagambie, where slow days spent pondering the onsite Gallery of Aboriginal Art, unwinding at the day spa and dining on nourishing, locally sourced dishes, accompanied by award-winning wines, feed the soul. The winery has sat here on the banks of the Goulburn River, around a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD, since the ’60s, and produces Shiraz, Riesling, and Rhône. The Muse restaurant is an ode to the region’s produce – such as wild foraged blackberries from the riverside – with dishes like roasted cauliflower and whipped tahini and crispy pork belly with apple and mustard bringing comforting farmhouse vibes.
Dal Zotto Homestead and Petite Retreats, Whitfield
A little slice of Italy in Victoria’s High Country, this 150-acre, family-owned estate promises leafy vineyard views, plentiful prosecco and games of bocce on the lawn. The accommodation is one-of-a-kind; each converted shipping container has its own private deck with a firepit, ideal for late-night conversations with a bottle under the stars (you’ll find one ready and waiting for you in the fridge). In the locality are charming towns, cellar doors, provedores like Milawa Cheese Company and art galleries showcasing historic and Indigenous works.
The Windsor Melbourne, CBD
Old school glamour awaits at what is perhaps Melbourne‘s most iconic hotel: The Windsor Melbourne. This Victorian-era grande dame is all glittering chandeliers, thick drapes and gilt. The likes of Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins and Muhammad Ali have walked its halls, while The Cricketers Bar is an impressive showcase of cricketing memorabilia. From its CBD location between Collins and Bourke streets, the best of Australia’s culinary and cultural capital is at your fingertips, taking date night next level.
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
More heritage grandeur awaits at Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park. This 19th-century estate, set in 10 acres of manicured gardens, is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, making it perfect for a quick weekend break, yet feels like a world away. You can expect relaxation at the L.M. Spa and 17-metre indoor pool, indulgence at Joseph’s Dining with its 200 wine varieties and seasonal dishes, and serenity at the fireside library.
InterContinental Sorrento
For Gatsby-era glamour on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this recently refreshed coastal retreat delivers in spades. Originally established in 1875, this iconic hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury across 108 meticulously restored rooms, including exclusive suites featuring private pools. Indulge in fine dining at one of four restaurants offering magnificent bay views and al fresco seating, or unwind with a dip in the outdoor pool and pampering spa treatments at the award-winning Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.
The most romantic hotels in New South Wales
The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains
Expect spectacular valley views and unique heritage interiors, plus exceptional dining experiences, at the spectacular Hydro Majestic Hotel, set amid the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Blue Mountains. This iconic Art Deco property – once Australia’s first health retreat – has been beautifully restored to its former glory and promises a slice of history with a side of romance with grander facilities, including the lauded The Wintergarden restaurant.
Chateau Elan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley
Tuscany is arguably one of the world’s most romantic destinations, but there’s no need to reach for your passport when a taste of Tuscany can be found in the NSW Hunter Valley. Enter Chateau Elan at The Vintage, which takes the romance of Tuscany and marries it with an award-winning 18-hole golf course (designed by Greg Norman, no less), a 25-metre lap pool and serene day spa. Upgrade to a Spa Suite if you really want to go all out.
Capella Sydney, CBD
Housed within the historic walls of the former Department of Education building in the heart of the CBD, Capella Sydney exudes timeless heritage charm. Inside, you’ll find 192 designer rooms and suites and a hatted French-meets-Australian-style brasserie plating hits like bone-in sirloin and roasted duck with charred plum. You’ll also find world-class wellness facilities hidden on the sixth floor, including a spa and 20-metre indoor pool.
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection
Cradled by the most breathtaking, Bronte-worthy landscape, under a cover of blue mist, is Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection, a slice of serenity less than two hours from Sydney. Here, dinner is served with a side of Jamison Valley views, chilled bubbles and fine local whiskies at the underground tavern.
Bannisters Port Stephens
Bygone coastal glamour, fluttering treetops dotted with koalas and glittering bay views come together at this Port Stephens boutique gem. The jewel in its crown is the waterside Rick Stein restaurant, where beautifully fresh seafood, like Croatian-inspired black cuttlefish risotto, Stockton Beach pipis with macadamias, and locally farmed oysters served with hot, spicy sausage, are paired with sommelier-selected wines. Rooms are light and breezy with select suites welcoming furry friends, too.
The most romantic hotels in Queensland
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
A private island as a postcard-perfect setting for romance is precisely what you can expect at this iconic five-star stay. While a catamaran transfer (complete with a glass of sparkling wine) from Hamilton Island Airport can set the tone for your stay, those particularly keen to take the luxury up a notch can also arrange for a helicopter or private yacht to whisk them to Hayman Island.
The world-class Hayman Spa beckons for couples wanting pampering and cosseting; the signature treatments for two encompass all manner of scrubs, massages and facials. Ready to take romance outdoors? Sunset beach picnics, island escapades and cruise adventures await.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest
This peaceful riverside retreat, set right in the cradle of nature among the treetops of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, feels a world away from city life. It’s an 80-minute drive from Cairns or 20 minutes from Port Douglas, an ideal base for exploring natural wonders such as Mossman Gorge and the Great Barrier Reef. Treehouse-style accommodation is crafted from local timber, with swinging hammocks inviting you to while the afternoon away with a good book. Break up the day with a dip in the rainforest infinity pool or a treatment at the Healing Waters Spa, where you can enjoy river stone massages, exfoliating treatments with myrtle and mint salt, herbal baths and botanical facials.
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville
If you want to close the door to the rest of the world, look no further than this adults-only villa amid the ancient rainforest near Kondalilla National Park. There are just eight onsite at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, each designed for romance with fresh roses, handmade chocolates and crackling log fireplaces. Long walks in the forest, rock pool dips and picnics in the heart of nature are all on the menu, with the only soundtrack the babbling of brooks and birdsong.
The Reef House, Palm Cove
Whether you’re a honeymooner or a couple looking for luxurious respite, the charming The Reef House Palm Cove feels worlds away from the everyday. Hidden beneath a lush grove of palm fronds and ancient paperbark trees, this colonial-style beach outpost exudes the tropical vibe that is the stuff of holiday dreams; from a beautiful pool area with heated spas (and adults-only pool) to the resort’s Brigadier’s Bar & Lounge, which is run in the old-fashioned way – on an honesty system.
Spend your days exploring the nearby Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef or simply laying out on the golden sands of Palm Cove Beach, but don’t miss the resort’s excellent range of complimentary activities, including wine-tastings, beachfront yoga and use of vintage-style cruiser bikes.
Mt Mulligan Lodge
There’s no more romantic way to enjoy the outback beauty of Mount Mulligan than watching the sky morph into a breathtaking palette of pinks and deep, burning oranges at sunrise. Escape to this secluded Queensland lodge, where just 28 guests at a time enjoy all-inclusive indulgence and remote off-grid serenity.
Explore the 28,000-hectare estate in your own all-terrain vehicle, hike the southern face of Mount Mulligan itself or reel in barramundi from the weir. Culinary delights await with Atherton Tablelands’ finest produce showcased in gourmet a la carte breakfasts, chef-prepared picnic lunches and exquisite degustation dinners.
The most romantic hotels in South Australia
Mount Lofty House
Mount Lofty House is a delicious mix of old and new. Dating back to 1852, this historic manor fast became the state’s premier address for lavish and infamous parties for Adelaide’s elite of the day. Today, it’s magnificently Art Deco, while retaining its English country manor feel.
Features such as the triple-Chef’s-Hat-winning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, the 1920s-inspired Arthur Waterhouse Lounge & Bar and Gate Keeper’s Day Spa, along with warm staff, intimate spaces and indulgent rooms stay true to the refinement, elegance and opulence of yesteryear.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Celebrate new beginnings at the recently renovated Southern Ocean Lodge – a five-star retreat located on Kangaroo Island, a secluded haven off South Australia’s mainland, beloved for its striking bushland and native animals.
Known for views overlooking the ocean and coastal wilderness, the resort has positioned itself to capture the best scenery of the island and the ever-crashing cobalt waves. Luxurious pavilions with breathtaking views and private pools can be reached via a scenic 50-minute drive from the island’s airport or a 90-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Sequoia Lodge, Mount Lofty
Perched above the picturesque Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge offers an intimate adults-only luxury retreat. With just 14 suites and exclusive amenities, including an outdoor pool, this contemporary sanctuary invites guests to unwind amid 30 acres of stunning natural beauty. Rejuvenate in the artesian spring-fed hot pool before exploring the nearby wineries. Culinary experiences at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant showcase a seasonal menu rich with locally sourced produce, such as Wagyu tenderloin with peas and lovage.
The most romantic hotels in the NT
Longitude 131°, Yulara
Untouched Australian scenery adds inimitable magic to the celebrated luxury of Longitude 131°, home to tented pavilions overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Parks. Seek romance amid the iconic red dirt of the outback in this exclusive retreat, designed to honour the heritage of the land and its sacred indigenous culture.
Immerse yourself in the astonishing beauty of the region with guided Uluru sunset tours and the Field of Light exhibition, plus dial up the romance as you dine on a four-course degustation beneath a blanket of twinkling stars.
Kings Canyon Resort, Petermann
Discover the enchantment of the Northern Territory’s rugged outback with a romantic luxury glamping experience at Kings Creek Station. Nestled at the foot of Kings Canyon (Watarrka) and the George Gill Range, this working cattle station immerses you in the heart of the NT’s desert landscape.
Enjoy access to Watarrka National Park, where towering desert oaks, native wildlife and majestic gorges await exploration, alongside tranquil rock holes and natural swimming pools. Return to Kings Creek Station to watch the sunset against the George Gill Range before toasting marshmallows by the firepit under the twinkling desert sky.
The most romantic hotels in ACT
Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra
Set within the grounds of Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers a romantic experience with a difference, as each of its three individually designed accommodation precincts promises its own unique wildlife experience. The uShaka Lodge, the owner’s former residence, boasts its own shark tank, while a glass wall is all that separates you from a pride of lions, a cheetah, tigers or a pair of Malayan sun bears in the Jungle Bungalows.
The Giraffe Treehouses overlook the Molonglo River and a friendly herd of animals, including a resident giraffe, Skye. For a truly unforgettable experience, book the lodge’s four-course dinner with champagne, where you may be joined by some special guests – white lions and hyenas.
The most romantic hotels in Western Australia
COMO The Treasury, Perth CBD
If food is your love language, this luxury inner-city hotel is romance-incarnate. It’s home to Wildflower, a three-chef-hatted restaurant with Swan River views, where paddock-to-plate dishes are inspired by the Indigenous six seasons. Post-dinner, the bars of the State Buildings await, including Wine Merchant, an intimate nook in the old Postal Hall, whose extensive wine wall is outshone only by its knowledgeable staff. After indulgence comes relaxation at the hotel’s COMO Shambhala wellness centre, where a heated indoor pool and healing spa treatments await.
Berkeley River Lodge
There’s something undeniably romantic about finding yourself on the edge of the far margins of the world. Perched on the coast of the Kimberley wilderness, the 20-villa Berkeley River Lodge offers sublime seclusion unlike anywhere else on the continent.
Only accessible by air or sea, reaching your retreat is half the adventure. Banked with rugged cliffs, red dirt and secluded beaches, the far-flung lodge exudes a barefoot luxury-meets-glamping vibe. Each villa is a masterclass in remote luxury, featuring an open-air ensuite with a freestanding bathtub and a furnished veranda made for lazy evenings beneath the stars.
Sal Salis, Cape Range National Park
Nestled along the shores of Ningaloo Reef, this waterfront safari lodge offers a luxurious retreat amid one of Australia’s most exquisite UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures. Hidden amidst the dunes, 16 off-grid canvas tents provide an intimate escape just moments from a private white-sand beach and the vibrant fringing reef.
Whale shark sightings, breaching humpback whales and snorkelling with the endemic flatback turtle come standard, as does gourmet all-inclusive dining, an excellent selection of Western Australian wines and evening entertainment beneath the glow of the Milky Way.
The most romantic hotels in Tasmania
Ratho Farm, Bothwell
Escape to the country with a fairytale retreat at the heritage Ratho Farm. Let romance find you at this blissfully secluded boutique escape hidden in Tasmania’s lush central highlands, just a one-hour scenic drive from Hobart. Surrounded by the manicured greens of Australia’s oldest golf course, there is no finer place to discover the Apple Isle’s charming collection of fine distilleries, wineries and delicious local produce.
Freycinet Resort, Coles Bay
Perched on the lofty slopes of Mount Paul, enveloped by dense eucalyptus forests, Freycinet Resort provides complete privacy with uninterrupted 360-degree views. Spend your days discovering untouched beaches, exploring remote hiking trails or simply enjoying coastal views from your sun-soaked balcony. As night falls, look out for wallabies and wombats wandering past your lodge and be wowed by Tasmania’s beautifully clear night skies as you tuck into local seasonal fare at onsite Mount Paul Lodge.
Feature image: Southern Ocean Lodge
