The six best special occasion destinations in Australia

What better way to celebrate a milestone with your partner in life, a landmark birthday, a wedding or a special occasion with the whole family, than to travel to the destination of a lifetime.

Whether a romantic getaway for two, or an event that calls for you to bring the whole family together, Australia has all kinds of special occasion destinations. Here are six of the best.

Hamilton Island, Qld

Let’s go over your checklist for a special-occasion destination. Does it include a location of unsurpassed beauty with shimmering waters and silken sands? Great. What about a range of lovely accommodation options to suit couples through to a multi-generational brood? Good.

Does your list dictate access to one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures? Incredible wildlife experiences? Plentiful activities and dining options? Alright, we’ve heard enough. We present your ultimate escape: Hamilton Island .

Hamilton Island Heart Reef — An aerial view of Hamilton Island’s famous Heart Reef.

There are few places that feel more special than this idyllic Great Barrier Reef island. Lapped by inviting topaz waters and criss-crossed with nature-laden bushwalks, Hamilton Island is a rightful dream destination. Whether you arrive with just yourself and your romantic lead or the entire family cast for a destination wedding , an event on Hamilton Island finds a true sense of occasion.

From the luxury enchantment of qualia to the boutique and beachfront Beach Club resort, Hamilton Island has your honeymoon or anniversary covered. With a range of holiday apartments and houses perfect for large groups and travelling families also available, you can go big or keep your tropical escape laidback and sandy-toed.

Beach House Villa qualia — qualia’s Beach House is worthy of a special occasion.

However you choose to celebrate, you can be assured the memory of slipping into clear waters, snorkelling with tropical sea life, and roaming white-sand beaches will remain with you long after your milestone event has passed.

Margaret River, WA

As Perth’s southern playground, the Margaret River region is the consummate host, effortlessly entertaining every type of celebratory holidaymaker – from newlyweds to families and groups of friends.

Whether you come to experience the uncluttered beaches with their surf nirvana breaks and clear waves, the soul-enriching coastal walks, like the Cape to Cape Track, or the world-class restaurants and wineries, this western gem certainly has the goods to make it a special-occasion destination.

Luxury destinations — Voyager Estate in the Margaret River region.

Margaret River is a region, a town and a river all at once, and comprises six main towns, each with their own personality and flavour. You can easily get around to visit each over the course of a weekend, but it pays to look into which will suit your event best.

Busselton is great for families: creative Dunsborough sits on the beautiful Geographe Bay and is perfect for nature-focussed stays; while the vine-covered hills around Margaret River cater well to romantic interludes and good-time groups.

Bay of Fires, Tas

Is there anyone Tasmania doesn’t cater to? Our endlessly popular southern island is so accommodating to all comers it’s difficult to single out one location as specific special-occasion territory. But twist our arm and we’ll lead you to the dramatic beauty of the Bay of Fires. That near-unfathomable combination of marine-blue sea with brilliant-orange lichen clinging to coastal boulders elevates this area to bucket-list-worthy.

The 50-kilometre stretch on Tassie’s east coast is just under a four-hour drive from Hobart and winds from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. Indeed, the area’s attractions are largely nature-based, so you’ll need to gather here with like-minded companions to truly revel in all this destination has to offer.

The four-day Wukalina Walk comes with an incredible, ready-made special-occasion itinerary. Aboriginal owned and operated, the walk gives a meaningful insight into the Palawa culture of the region.

As you pass through this ancient coast listening to stories of the first inhabitants, you’ll be deeply enchanted by its windswept beauty – an experience sure to leave a lasting imprint and strengthen bonds between your party.

Byron Bay, NSW

If you’ve never attended a wedding in Byron Bay, you’re probably in the minority. This northern New South Wales town is a certified special-occasion destination. And with good reason. Despite its luxe, linen-swathed influencer culture and its high Hemsworth-per-capita quota, this coastal enclave is still a relaxed haven unfairly blessed with sheltered, pandanus-edged beaches.

It’s not just the beach that beckons travellers looking to celebrate milestones and marriages, the lush hinterland also serves as a drawcard. Here you’ll find a proliferation of tucked-away accommodation and pretty villages, such as Newrybar, Bangalow and Federal, each with cottage-y shops and worthy restaurants, such as the much-loved Harvest and The Farm.

In town, dining is also a strong point. Produce-rich Byron has always attracted chefs and you’ll find plenty of excellent, city-sleek diners in town, alongside boutiques peddling a particular beach-tousled style.

Of course, despite its more recent affluence, there are still the original Earth-Mother undertones that keep this hotspot true to itself, so gather your nearest and dearest and set yourself up by the beach at sunset to experience why this town is so endearing.

Uluru, NT

The beating heart of our nation, Uluru is a destination that is intrinsically special to all Australians. But why not add another layer of ‘special’ to the experience by sharing it with loved ones?

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to that most famous of ancient rocks, Uluru, and the rock formation of Kata Tjuta (which means ‘many heads’ in the local, indigenous Anangu language). Rising out of the red earth, these natural beauties are both otherworldly and entirely mesmerising.

Luxury Destinations - Uluru — Enjoy Champagne and canapes at Tali Wiru as you watch the sunset over Uluru.

You can experience this incredible part of the country by walking the base of Uluru, watching the sun dip and rise over the formations in a blaze of orange and, for a particularly romantic activity, gazing at the twinkly beauty of the unpolluted dark sky above.

It’s impossible to leave Uluru without gaining a deeper appreciation for the outback and this country, and is undoubtedly a location that will imbue any occasion with more than a little magic.

Flinders Ranges, SA

Sure, South Australia is a magnet for oenophiles on weekend breaks with its many wine regions, but if you’ve never pushed past the vines to discover the state’s accessible outback, you’re missing out.

A five-hour drive from Adelaide or a short Rex flight from the city to Port Augusta will deposit you in the martian-like landscape of the Flinders Ranges. This unique and soul-brightening place is made all the more special by sharing it with your favourite people.

Flinders Ranges, South Australia — The epic, martian-like landscapes of Flinders Ranges are a different kind of luxury experience.

Depending on whom you’re travelling with, you can go as gently or as adventurously as you see fit. There are plenty of 4WD tours, walks and cultural experiences on offer, from the couple-friendly and luxe The Arkaba Walk by Wild Bush Luxury, where you can recover from the day’s hike in glamped-up tents, to the more brood-accommodating Wilpena Pound Resort in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park.

If budget allows, don’t miss out on a scenic flight that lays out the rich beauty of the South Australian outback below – it’s an extraordinary way to put an exclamation mark on the end of your special occasion.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Australia’s 6 best special occasion destinations