For many of us, going on a full-blown honeymoon right after we get hitched just isn’t possible. Maybe life’s too busy. Maybe you don’t have the annual to spare. Maybe you’re saving your $$ for a major o/s trip at a better time of year.
Whatever the reason, many of us are turning to the “mini-moon” as a way to celebrate our wedding, minus the large chunk of time off.
Usually in the form of a weekender or 4/5 day love-fest, the easiest way to do this is to stick to Aussie destinations. Flights are cheaper, shorter and in some cases you can simply drive to your romantic getaway.
We’ve rounded up some excellent hotels and stays if you’re working out where to whisk off to post-wedding.
BUBBLETENT AUSTRALIA, NSW
Situated 200km outside of Sydney and overlooking the Capertree Valley, Bubbletent Australia offers three secluded clear “bubble” properties featuring all the necessary mod cons. What could be more romantico than a 360 view of the night sky? There’s not heaps to do here besides stargaze, hike around the 1000+ acre property, and bird watch. But hey, isn’t the point of a mini-moon to just be gross and in love?
THE BYRON AT BYRON, NSW
This luxury Byron Bay resort is nestled amongst rainforest, complete with walking trails to enjoy it. There’s also free daily yoga, an award-winning spa on site, and an infinity pool with lush day beds. It’s very much a way to have some romantic, quiet alone time but be close enough to the attractions of Byron Bay.
LOVE CABINS, NSW
Is your idea of peak romance being completely immersed in nature? You’ll be obsessed with Love Cabins, a series of different accommodation options situated in the Blue Mountains. The Cave (pictured) is a popular one, but they also have the award-winning Treehouse (yep, a proper treehouse situation) and several cabin-style options, too.
THALIA, TASMANIA
This AirBnB property is famous for that outdoor pool situation, which overlooks Oyster Bay. It’s also situated on 5km of coastline and includes your own beach. The property is actually 4 bedrooms, so if you’re keen to hold a mini-moon that also includes your closest pals, this is how to do it.
EAST BEDARRA ISLAND RETREAT, QLD
This sustainable luxury villa is unique in that the entire resort is all yours during your stay. No other people staying there, ruining your romantic vibes. You can snorkel, scuba dive, and kayak – as well as enjoy the isolated surroundings – Bedarra Island has limits as to how many people can be present on the island at one time, and has no roads or day-trippers.
QUALIA, QLD
Qualia is luxury upon luxury. They’ve got just 60 private pavilions, which each feature phenomenal views of the bushland or Whitsunday waters. The pavilions also come with their own buggy to get around the resort, which is a novelty in and of itself.
EL QUESTRO, NT
Hidden amongst the spectacular cliffs of the Kimberley, El Questro is a huge station with multiple accommodation options. You can do everything from camping right through to the luxe El Questro Homestead, a huge property that’s a member of Luxury Lodges Australia.
BAMURRU PLAINS, NT
Literally on the edge of the Kakadu on 300 square km’s of bushland, this luxury camp has just 10 bungalows on site, so you’ll enjoy an extremely private getaway. The bungalows look over a floodplain, so expect to see a crazy amount of birdlife, as well as spectacular sunsets.
THE LAKE HOUSE DAYLESFORD, VIC
Daylesford is known for it’s mineral springs and beautiful bushland, and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting if you stay at Lake House. It’s right on the border of the Wombat State Forest, meaning you’ve got plenty of bushwalk ops on hand, but the property itself is gorgeous – a super popular spa on site, not to mention a fantastic bar and restaurant.
This huge property, located in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, is essentially a luxe B&B (although they do have one cottage if you prefer complete privacy. The rooms are like something out of the upper class 1800’s – huge beds you dream of jumping into, beautiful decor, the works. Oh, and there’s an outdoor bush bath (!!) on site which is just demanding a romantic soak.
