Romantic Escapes: 6 Places to Visit for a Couples Getaway

Australia is an incredible destination for couples seeking that extra memorable romantic getaway. With so many beautiful destinations to explore, each with various attractions, delicious cuisines and natural environments to stir your passions, choosing where you want to go can be as challenging as picking where to go for date night. 

Fortunately, we've compiled a list of the six best places you will want to take advantage of for your next couples getaway. From Hunter Valley's picturesque vineyards to Port Stephens' adventure-filled activities, the Sunshine Coast's beautiful beachfront, Hervey Bay's whale-watching tours, Port Douglas's access to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and Kingscliff's serene beachfront, these romantic destinations offer everything you need to spend quality time with your significant other. 

Beyond the rose petals, the bottle of bubbly and the chocolate, read on to discover the ideal accommodation options for each location, including all the amenities and nearby attractions you'll want to visit during your romantic holiday.

The Best Places for a Couples Getaway in Australia

If you're looking for the perfect place to spend quality time with your significant other, look no further than the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Port Douglas, and Kingscliff. 

1. Hunter Valley

Romantic getaways in Sydney? At only a few hours’ drive north from the CBD, explore the picturesque wine area for a romantic couples getaway in the Hunter you won’t soon forget. Get out of the city, past the limits of Greater Sydney, for more than a hotel stay; the Hunter Valley couples retreat is a dependable getaway, with opportunities to explore its many vineyards and local attractions during the week or a weekend break. 

With outstanding restaurants, music festivals, local markets, golf, and hot-air balloon flights, no matter how you define romance, staying with Oaks Hotels in Hunter Valley will keep the passion burning long after you return home.

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers picture-perfect lodging options and various onsite restaurants and bars stocked with local wines and spirits. Nestled amongst some of the most premium Hunter Valley wine growers and set against the Broken Back Mountain Range, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is a landmark 300-acre resort with one, two, and three-bedroom villas as well as luxury facilities. A pro golf course and country club, three pools, and two tennis courts are among the premium amenities, making it ideal for those who appreciate activity and adventure.

Discover five-must-see attractions to tick off your bucket list in the Hunter Valley on the Oaks Hotels Blog.

2. Port Stephens

Located just north of Newcastle in New South Wales, Port Stephens is home to 25 magnificent beaches and various adventure-filled activities. As far as a couples retreat in NSW goes, Port Stephens offers the ultimate vacation for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. If you and your significant other love getting the adrenaline pumping, you’ll be spoiled for choice with watersports, four-wheel driving, sandboarding, dolphin cruises, and camel riding. 

While we offer two options for accommodation in Port Stephens, Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort and Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites, both provide superior apartment-style lodging with all your favourite homely touches. The Lure Suites cater to more family-friendly holidays. In contrast, the tranquil bayside retreat that is our Pacific Blue Resort is our top pick for romantic getaways in NSW, boasting one of Australia's largest swimming pools, an onsite gymnasium, a heated spa, a Japanese steam room, and tennis courts to get the blood pumping.

Plus, seafood lovers will have access to some of the best fresh seafood and produce in New South Wales. From fish ‘n’ chips to fine dining, there’s a bounty of spectacular seafood to taste in Port Stephens during your couple's getaway in NSW.

3. Sunshine Coast

Welcome to arguably the most stunningly beautiful location in Queensland. The Sunshine Coast is ideal for couples all year round, thanks to its glittering beachfront, hinterland, boutique stores, excellent seafood, and endless water activities. With plenty to do in the great outdoors on the Sunshine Coast, a couples retreat in Queensland means romantic walks along the beach, exploring local markets, or enjoying a scenic drive through the hinterland.

While the Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort was ranked amongst the Top 10 Family Resorts in Australia by Holidays with Kids, a romantic couples getaway deserves a little more privacy. Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort is the ideal destination if you're searching for a more peaceful or passionate vacation. 

Nestled in a prized position along the famous "Sunshine Strip," the Seaforth Resort offers a spectacular beach-side vacation, with Alexandra Headland's most famous attractions within walking distance. Of course, if you’re spending most of your time at the hotel, you’ll have access to spectacular amenities, including a lagoon-style swimming pool, a gym, and barbeque spaces.

4. Hervey Bay

Located between the mainland and World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Hervey Bay is a coastal town in Queensland known for its whale-watching tours and stunning beaches. Couples can take a romantic stroll along the coast, kayaking, or take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. 

Whether you plan to take the scenic 3.5-hour drive north of Brisbane or the quicker 45-minute flight to Hervey Bay Airport, it’s an easily accessible holiday destination for a passionate holiday together. The laid-back coastal town is a popular tourist destination all year round, with quaint cafes and a 14-kilometre stretch of sandy beach primed and ready for a romantic stroll along the coast. Plus, there are world-renowned whale-watching trips depending on what time of year you visit. 

Conveniently placed on the main esplanade, Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa offers the best resort-style accommodation in the area. Each suite offers a spacious lounge and dining area, fully equipped kitchens, separate laundries and private balconies or patios.

You will be spoiled for choice at Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa, whether you enjoy relaxing by the beautiful lagoon pool, taking in spectacular views of the bay from the onsite café, or indulging yourself with a relaxing massage at the on-site Day Spa.

5. Port Douglas

Located on the Coral Sea in Queensland's tropical far north, Port Douglas is only a 60-minute drive from Cairns and is famed for its beach resorts and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Our Port Douglas hotel is ideal for a family trip or weekend escape, with adrenaline-pumping activities, rainforest adventures, boutique eateries, and sandy beaches.

Situated in the middle of the activity and surrounded by gorgeous tropical scenery, our Port Douglas hotel is ideal for a beachside getaway. Enjoy the tropics with tours of local reefs and beaches, or learn about the local flora and wildlife at the Wildlife Habitat. You’ll find plenty of bucket-list-worthy expeditions and attractions in Port Douglas, the launch pad for almost everything in Far North Queensland.

Oaks Port Douglas Resort welcomes you with a lush tropical environment just steps away from the famed Four Mile Beach. Whether you want to lounge by the lagoon-style pool with its swim-up bar, unwind with a treatment at our onsite spa, or dine at one of our restaurants, our stunning grounds provide everything you need to make a warm afternoon especially wonderful. 

6. Kingscliff

Located in The Tweed, just south of the bustling Gold Coast, Kingscliff sits along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia. Discover some of Queensland's best beaches, complete with sandy shorelines and some of the clearest water in the world. If you're looking for a little more adventure, try water sports, fishing, and surfing.

Our Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort is a haven of spaciousness and comfort located among palm-fringed pools and lovely gardens, ideal for a romantic couples' getaway. The resort is a refuge of space and comfort, boasting a blend of contemporary and traditional Balinese styles. Relax in a green cabana by our large pool or rest at our onsite health retreat, which will allow you to temporarily forget about the rush and bustle of everyday life.

Speaking of escapism, Cinemax Kingscliff might just be the perfect place for date night. This small art house theatre, which shows a wide range of films and hosts themed nights, is nestled in an arcade on the main street across from the surf club.

Why You Should Book a Romantic Getaway With Oaks Hotels

Quality time: Taking a romantic getaway is an excellent way for couples to spend quality time together away from the distractions of everyday life. Whether exploring a new destination or relaxing together, a romantic holiday allows you to connect and strengthen your relationship.

Adventure: Australia offers many outdoor activities and experiences, from hiking and kayaking to hot air balloon rides and scenic drives. A romantic getaway allows couples to try new things together and create exciting memories.

Relaxation: Many of Australia's destinations offer luxurious spa retreats, beachfront resorts, and cozy vineyard cottages where couples can unwind and recharge. Taking a romantic holiday allows couples to escape everyday life's stresses and enjoy well-deserved relaxation together.

Romance: Australia's stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and world-class dining scene make it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Whether watching the sunset over the ocean or sharing a candlelit dinner in a cozy restaurant, Australia offers plenty of opportunities for romance.

Variety: Australia is a large and diverse country, offering couples a wide range of destinations and experiences. Whether you're looking for a wine region, a coastal town, or a tropical paradise, there is something for every couple in Australia.

A romantic getaway is a perfect way to spend quality time with your significant other and create lasting memories. Whether you're exploring a wine region, relaxing on the beach, or taking a scenic helicopter ride, Australia has something for every couple. Oaks Hotels offer a variety of accommodation options across these beautiful destinations, ensuring that you have a memorable and comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some popular destinations for a romantic getaway in Australia?
A: Some popular destinations for a romantic getaway in Australia include the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Port Douglas, and Kingscliff.

Q: What activities can couples do on a romantic holiday in Australia?
A: Couples can enjoy various activities on a romantic getaway in Australia, including wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, scenic drives, beach walks, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures like kayaking and hiking.

Q: What is the best time of year to plan a couples getaway in Australia?
A: The best time of year to plan a romantic getaway in Australia depends on the destination. Generally, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are good times to visit most destinations, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.

Q: What are some good accommodation options for a romantic holiday in Australia?
A: Oaks Hotels offer various accommodation options for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Australia. Whether you're looking for a beachfront resort, a spa retreat with all the trimmings, or a hinterland escape, Oaks Hotels has something to suit every couple.

Q: What should couples pack for a romantic couples getaway in Australia?
A: Couples should pack for the weather and activities they have planned. Generally, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen are essential for most destinations. Packing appropriately is crucial also for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

Q: What are some romantic dining options in Australia?
A: Australia is known for its world-class dining scene, with many romantic options. Whether you're looking for a candlelit dinner overlooking the ocean or a cozy bistro in the countryside, there are plenty of opportunities to suit every taste and budget. Many Oaks Hotels also offer on-site dining options for couples looking for a romantic meal without leaving their accommodation.