10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Australia (2022 Update)

Australia has long been overlooked as a romantic honeymoon option in favour of more exotic overseas destinations. But savvy couples planning their weddings are waking up to the incredible honeymoon destinations in Australia, not just for the range of awesome possibilities but because of one huge bonus, no jetlag-inducing travel necessary.

From the best beaches in the world with kilometres of white sand, to exceptional food and wine, a slew of modern luxury hotels and plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife, Australia is a honeymoon stay option on the up and up. We’ve pulled together our pick of 10 of the best honeymoon destinations across Australia to offer some inspiration.

QUALIA, HAMILTON ISLAND, QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

Secluded qualia, on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island is consistently rated one of the best honeymoon destinations in Australia, if not the world, due to its pure unadulterated views and luxe attention to details. The entrance to the resort is dramatic and the show-stopping tropical gardens set the scene in the secluded paradise. And the qualia pavilions with their private plunge pool are made to look out over the Whitsundays, cocktail in hand, without a care in the world.

When you’ve had your fill of chilled drinks and water-gazing, qualia has some other surprises to offer for the perfect honeymoon stay: an incredible library with high timber ceilings and a bunch of local wallabies that hop by at sunset! What’s not a surprise is that Hamilton Island has perfect honeymoon weather all year long, meaning that even those gorgeous winter weddings can be followed up with a divine qualia honeymoon without leaving Australia.

PUMPHOUSE POINT AT LAKE ST CLAIR, TASMANIA

If a stunning, secluded honeymoon stay for two near Australia is what you are looking for, the Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair in Tasmania could be the destination of your dreams. A 2.5 hour drive from Hobart through stunningly tall pines (or a short and exquisite journey via seaplane), Pumphouse Point is bucket-list-worthy experience.

Tassie is famous for its cooler temperatures than Australia and the Pumphouse makes the absolute most of this with wood-fired lounges, luxe mohair throws and an in-room fridge stocked with bold Tasmanian reds to cosy up with, just the two of you.

We do recommend heading out to explore while you’re here because the Pumphouse is surrounded by a World Heritage wilderness sanctuary with gorgeous walks and fishing opportunities. The part we love the most? That you can borrow a rowboat and head out on to the lake in the mists for that ideal romantic honeymoon stay.

SATELLITE ISLAND, TASMANIA

If you want to up the ante on your honeymoon destinations list near Australia, Satellite Island, opposite Bruny Island in Southern Tasmania is a privately-owned island that can be rented throughout the year. About an hour’s drive South of Hobart and then a quick trip on a private boat, Satellite Island boasts interior-designed accommodation, excellent food, pure privacy and one of the most serene locations you can find near Australia.

One of the biggest advantages of being surrounded by a gorgeous, untouched body of water is that the seafood is off the charts fresh. There is the option of diving for abalone and sea urchin, and collecting and shucking fresh Tasmanian oysters. The owners are also keen organic farmers, so you can help yourself to the grounds’ organic food garden and orchard. It’s an amazing stay in both winter and summer with uninterrupted views and comfortable modern luxury.

JACKALOPE HOTELS, MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Jackalope Hotels in Mornington Peninsula, about an hour’s drive south of Melbourne Australia, is an architectural masterpiece set among a vineyard. Offering top notch food and services into the package, it’s a must-consider honeymoon destination if you are looking within Australia.

No expense has been spared in the incredible rooms at Jackalope. The marble interiors, statement furniture, jet fireplace and Japanese stone bathtub set the architectural scene. And outside the modern villas is the stunning natural beauty of the Australian Peninsula.

Naturally, the best part of staying at a working vineyard is access to a considerable amount of top quality wine including the Willow Creek Pinot Noir home label. Where there is good wine, good food follows and onsite cellar door restaurant the Rare Hare is all about share plates showcasing local produce. There really is no need to leave Jackalope but if you do, it’s in close proximity to many other Mornington Peninsula delights including the rugged Australia coast and the famous Peninsula Hot Springs & Spa.

RAE’S ON WATEGOS, BYRON BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

Looking for an Australian honeymoon that has the perfect balance of secluded beach time along with bustling activity, restaurants and top-notch shopping? Rae’s on Wategos in Byron Bay, Australia may be the best spot for you. Perched right on top of the gorgeous Wategos Beach break Rae’s has a beach view like no other. The white-washed luxury hotel has been a symbol of sophisticated beach chic in Byron Bay for decades and it doesn’t disappoint, especially when you factor in the giant four poster beds and sunken baths in each room into the mix. Sunset cocktails overlooking the beach at Rae’s are a must, as is heading down to the beach for an early morning dip, followed by a stroll to the famous Byron Lighthouse for some honeymoon snaps to treasure. The biggest bonus? The new Rae’s Dining Room is headed up by Melbourne Chef Jason Barratt of Attica-renown, taking dining to the next level. Spanner crab spaghetti, oysters, or fresh sourdough with cultured butter; Enjoy it all in post-wedding bliss!

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Southern Ocean Lodge, sitting atop a rugged cliff top on Kangaroo Island and a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide Australia, is the ultimate eco-luxe coast resort. The rooms boast floor to ceiling windows with amazing coast and forest views and the limestone floors and huge outdoor terraces add to the feeling of expansive feeling of being among the coastal wilderness in Australia.

What is most incredible about Kangaroo Island is the access to a huge variety of the wildlife in Australia up close and personal. Friendly kangaroos hop along the beach, koalas hang in trees along the nature walks, seals inhabit the southern tip of the Island in a conservation park and echidnas and goannas are often spotted. Despite the beautiful isolation, Kangaroo Island is also a bona fide gourmet destination with super fresh oysters and freshwater crayfish year round. And to go with it is the Island’s own small-batch gin and vodka distiller., Kangaroo Island Spirits.

WOLGAN VALLEY, HUNTER VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA

Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley has been the scene of a number of celebrity weddings and honeymoons due to its discreet luxury, stunning beauty and exceptional food and wine. Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster had their wedding here and and it was named in the Top 10 best luxury hotels in the world by Mr & Mrs Smith.

The 40 hotel villas are set among over 700 acres of beautiful valley and each hotel room includes a private luxury pool to enjoy while star-gazing in the clear night sky. Wolgan Valley is a 3 hour drive from Sydney in the Greater Blue Mountains region or fly in by helicopter for the full aerial experience over the property. Pure romantic bliss.

LONGITUDE 131, ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

The red ochres and blazing sunsets of Uluru make it one of the most memorable destinations for an Australian honeymoon stay out there, but luxury retreat Longitude 131 takes an Uluru visit to a whole new level. Sitting at the gateway of Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131 is known for its luxury tents, with no expense spared including huge bathtubs with uninterrupted views of the red rock.

The wow factor comes in the form of outdoor dining pods where honeymoon guests can sit and eat Michelin-starred meals as the golden view fades to black night sky filled with stars. By day there is also an onsite hotel tour guide around who can offer in depth knowledge of the location to provide memorable tours of the National Park.

HAYMAN ISLAND, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Who needs the Maldives? If your honeymoon wish list reads sun, clear blue water, luxury and cocktails, then One & Only Hayman Island could be the luxury honeymoon destination of your dreams. Nestled into the top end of the Whitsundays, this private island close to the great barrier reef requires an arrival worthy of a Bond hero: by speedboat or helicopter.

The glamour keeps rolling from there with beachside villas equipped with a plunge pool, deck chairs, marble bathrooms and an extensive in-room dining menu. When you’re ready to come out, guests can explore the Great Barrier Reef by air, indulge in luxury spa treatments, visit seven incredible restaurants dotted around the resort or snack on tapas and cocktails by the pool. A romantic honeymoon near the reef isn't complete without an incredible daily breakfast buffet and Hayman Island has one fit for royalty filled with espresso coffee, fluffy eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and indulgent pastries.

THE LAKE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

Like a picture-perfect scene straight out of a beautiful English countryside postcard, The Lake House, in Daylesford was made for romantic occasions. Sitting right on the water, the boutique hotel has won numerous awards for it’s brilliant food, service and attention to detail.

One of the most blissful activities is a nature walk around the lake in the gorgeous countryside scenery or a relaxing stroll through the Daylesford High Street with all its charming shops and cafes. If you’re a gourmet couple, prepare to be excited because this regional foodie mecca also has a 38 acre farm, orchards and olive groves and its very own cooking school. Yum!