Adventure | Romance | Food and Wine | City 14 February 2018

8 Places for a Romantic February Vacation

The month of February just makes you feel warm and fuzzy – and it’s not due to hot summer days, it’s thanks to all that love in the air.

February is a brilliant month to escape for a mini vaycay with your significant other. Whether you have just one night without the kids, a long weekend spare or a full week to dedicate to the two of you, there are dozens of locations you can drift off to together.

Keep that flame burning by venturing outside your comfort zone, going somewhere new or unexpected and taking time to make new memories without work, phones, friends or family to distract. 

Here are eight places in Australia to escape for a romantic holiday with your number one.

Take your love to new heights in the Hunter Valley

One of the most romantic memories to share is a sunrise ride in a hot air balloon. Venture out to the gorgeous Hunter Valley and spend the morning floating high above the vineyards and rolling fields below. This breathtaking adventure is the perfect celebratory date – or time to propose. After drifting with the wind over breathtaking landscapes you’ll (physically) return to solid ground for a champagne breakfast.

Do: Fly in the Oaks hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft
Stay: Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort 

A couple aloft the Hunter Valley Hot Air Balloon

Romance at the reef and rainforest in Port Douglas

Fly into the palm tree paradise that is Port Douglas for a romantic long weekend between the reef and the rainforest. Any travel bucket list should include the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and magnificent ancient Daintree Rainforest, so why not tick off both in as many days?
 
Do: Tick off two UNESCO wonders
Stay: Oaks Port Douglas

Port Douglas's Four Mile Beach with crystal blue waters and white sand beach

Love on the tracks in Melbourne

Stay in the heart of Melbourne and explore the city for free while riding about the “free tram zone”. Between the Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square you can zip around in these street cars and historic trams, making it easy to explore without breaking a sweat. Between rides venture down graffiti-laden laneways in search of hidden bars, get a dose of culture at the National Gallery of Victoria, explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and shop your heart out in the fashion capital of Australia. 

Do: Explore the city via the tram
Stay: Oaks Melbourne

A couple drinking coffee at one of the restaurants in Melbourne Victoria

Sip on the nectar of love in the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale

There’s no better day trip from Adelaide than a trip to the famous Barossa Valley or coastal McLaren Vale. Order your very own chauffeured limo and taste the nectar of love with your special one in hand. Spend the day touring one of the gorgeous wine regions while indulging in some of the greatest wineries and tastiest red wines in the world.

Do: Sip, swill and savour your way around a wine region
Stay: Oaks Adelaide or Glenelg

Love a picnic or performance in stunning Sydney

Sydney is undeniably one of the most stunning cities in the world. The most obvious and unforgettable romantic things to do here would be to take your date for a spectacular sunset harbour cruise, then enjoy an opera at the iconic Opera House. If that sounds too extravagant, maybe a romantic picnic is more your style. Pick up market goods and venture out to Observatory Hill where you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the famous bridge. By night you can even tour the Observatory and watch the stars with your special someone.

Do: Soak in Sydney views with a picnic or boat trip
Stay: Oaks Sydney

A couple's romantic date with a spectacular view of sunset and a harbour cruise in Opera Bar, Sydney

Propose a spot of culture in Brisbane

Stroll hand-in-hand around the galleries of QAGOMA, admiring art and soaking in creativity together. Queensland’s cultural precinct is a great place to walk away feeling ultra inspired. After your bout of gallery hopping, wander down chic and edgy Fish Land for a romantic meal-for-two at Julius Pizzeria, or explore the lush South Bank Parklands and wander hand-in-hand by the river’s edge.
 
Do: Dive into culture and carbs at South Bank

Date with dolphins in Port Stephens

Port Stephens is known as the dolphin capital, and who doesn’t love dolphins? Take your significant other for a dolphin encounter with Moonshadow Cruises and meet the friendly marine mammals up close. The forecast is a 99 percent chance of spotting dolphins, plus the 90-minute cruise includes a buffet lunch. Afterwards, venture back to the resort and float around Australia’s largest swimming pool - it’s 480 metres long!

Do: Dolphin spotting cruise with lunch
Stay: Oaks Port Stephens

Couple enjoying the view waiting for a dolphin encounter aboard the Moonshadow Cruises

Take your love to new heights in Darwin

Darwin has a surprising number of cool and romantic things to do with your loved one. Take your date on a sunset cruise, get close to nature with turtle watching, or go for the best by far and take a scenic helicopter flight. Start your adventurous date with a daring meal at The O.A.K., where Aussie food like crocodile meets modern flavours. Afterwards take your love to new heights with a 20-minute ride above dazzling Darwin.
 
Do: Eat a croc then soar high above with your date
Stay: Oaks Darwin Elan