10 Best Romantic Winter Escapes In Australia

Throw another log on the fire, don your comfiest slippers and pop the cork of that bottle of red you’ve been saving, because your next romantic winter escape is officially in your sights…

Winter tends to bring out the lazy, sloth-like hibernator in all of us. When going out seems like twice as much effort, and staying home in bed with a good movie (and greater company) is at least five times more appealing.

The great thing about heading away for a winter escape is that you can hone in on the warm and cosy relaxation you’re craving and find a place that accommodates – in more ways than one. From log fires to outdoor hot tubs and the kind of romantic ambience only winter can provide, it’s not hard to see why winter escapes are so in demand. Here are a few places around Australia you simply must look at booking with your someone special this chilly season…

1. Nimbo Fork Lodge, Hinterland, NSW

For the ultimate in secluded getaways, Nimbo Fork Lodge offers the perfect setting for couples looking to unwind together and escape the daily grind.

Nestled in the NSW hinterland, overlooking the Tumut River at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, you’ll find Nimbo Fork’s six private cottages and six lodge suites. Inspired by their surroundings, each cottage and suite are named after local landmarks and with unique design elements that reflect their own distinct personality. For guests with reduced mobility, the Geehi Cottage features a wheelchair ramp, grab rails, accessible ensuite facilities and a lowered queen bed.

The Nimbo Fork fine dining restaurant is open for gourmet breakfasts, homemade hampers for lunch and dinner, and serves up Australian modern cuisine for dinner.

Guests can watch horses grazing in the paddocks from their private balcony, relax in their own deluxe bath with panoramic outback views or rejuvenate with an in-room spa treatment. If you’re looking to take the activity level up a notch, there are many walking and bike trails leading off from the property to be explored. Pack a picnic to take with you and spend the afternoon by the edge of the river, listening to the water rush by.

If you’re wanting to explore the surrounding areas, spend the afternoon flying over the Snowy Mountains with True North Helicopters , followed by a visit to local wineries Obsession and Courabyra Wines .

Prices start from $320 a night and can be booked online at Nimbo Fork or by calling 02 6944 9099

2. Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mount Cotton, Queensland

Located 30 minutes from Brisbane, halfway to the Gold Coast, picturesque Mount Cotton houses a well-known vineyard called Sirromet. Just recently, glamping tents were added to its offerings, with over $10 million invested on the first 18 sites made available to the public. Sanctuary by Sirromet is Queensland’s first vineyard glamping accommodation experience.

The safari-style satin-lined tents are nestled on the vineyard’s acreage and feature floating balconies that look over the lagoon and accompanying native wildlife. The balcony is the perfect spot to share a breakfast hamper or watch the sun go down with a glass of wine. The tents are also ‘TV-free’, to encourage guests to connect with the tranquil surroundings.

If you’re keen to connect with other human life, guests can choose to dine at any of the three on-site venues at Sirromet, they’re only a five-minute walk or short mini-cart ride away from your luxury tented home.

Prices start from $280 per night and include a naturally sourced breakfast hamper.

3. Satellite Island, Tasmania

Bruny island from Satellite Island — Staring straight out across to Bruny Island
(photo: Mark Chew).

Ever wanted your own island to yourself with your lover? Tasmania’s Satellite Island makes it a reality – and it could be the best darn days of your life. Firstly you get the entire 34-hectae island to yourself. Seriously. And secondly, it’s not even as expensive as you might think. Plus, for the price you pay per night, you get gourmet breakfast, a stocked pantry, an endless supply of wild oysters (seriously) and any equipment you may need during your stay, including kayaks, snorkels, yoga mats and stand-up paddleboards.

Your boat transfers are also included. Oh – and the island sleeps a maximum of eight people – so if you’re willing to share the island with some friends, you’ll also share some of the cost.

Prices start at $1800 a night for two guests with a two-night minimum stay. This price is all-inclusive.

4. Tanja Lagoon Camp, Tanja, New South Wales

Situated almost six hours from the Sydney CBD, this rarely visited gem is absolutely made for the explorers keen to unwrap the next must-visit destination, out of the spotlight, before the rest of the travellers cotton on.

The totally self-contained luxury safari tents rest on a deck made with timber milled by the owners of the property and are filled with a beautiful queen-size bed, a full kitchen and barbecue, an indulgent modern bathroom and (thankfully) a heater during the cooler months.

The beauty of this place is the serenity – and that during the day couples have the choice of mountain biking, relaxing, or shopping for fresh-as-they-come oysters grown in Wapengo lake, and enjoying them with a glass of wine as the sun goes down from the deck of your luxury tent.

Prices start from $215 per night, depending on the season.

5. Glamping at Balgownie Estate Bendigo, Victoria

If what you seek when you head away for a break is something different to what you experience every day, then these luxury glamping tents are the ultimate destination. Situated just 10 minutes from Bendigo City Centre and two hours from Melbourne CBD, Balgownie winery’s bell tents provide an opulent getaway option among nature.

You can also choose the bed and breakfast glamping offer, which includes breakfast in the winery’s signature restaurant.

Prices start at $109 per night for two guests in a bell tent. $145 for two people for the bed and breakfast option.

6. Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Located just 75 minutes from Melbourne, the natural hot springs in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula are heated by the Earth’s core, 60 metres below, and then pumped up to the surface and filtered into the pools.

If the outdoor pools aren’t grabbing you, then perhaps the reflexology-focused pebble pool will intrigue you, or the Moroccan steam room? Oh, I bet it’s the cave pool that’ll pull you in, especially at twilight. But if it’s complete privacy that you seek on your escape away, then you’ll probably be all for the Spa Dreaming Centre for couples and the pampering that comes with it, combined with private baths that overlook the glorious natural surrounds.

Prices start $75 per person for private bathing (45 minutes).

7. Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook, New South Wales

The stunning pool at Bannisters Mollymook.

The great thing about Bannisters by the Sea is the fact that it can cater to the kind of getaway you seek – and to your budget. The 34 newly refurbished rooms are comprised of luxury suites, more laid-back spa retreats and penthouses, you know, if you’re after a more ‘whole home’ feel.

But location is the star here: uninterrupted ocean views, the sound of the waves your own personal lullaby, and a personal balcony for each guest makes this place just magical – even in the depths of winter.

Prices change depending on the season, but can start as low as $250 per double per night for a pavilion room and includes a continental breakfast. And, specially for winter, check out the Ten Degrees Warmer package, which includes two nights’ accommodation, $50 credit to spend at Rick Stein, $20 credit per person towards treatments from Bannister’s Day Spa couple’s menu, and more.

Read our review on Bannisters Pavillion, Mollymook

8. Daintree Ecolodge, Queensland

Situated high in the rainforest canopy, the Lagoon Bayans of Daintree Ecolodge provide the privacy many couples seek. There’s something about being right in the middle of the rainforest, the sounds of nature surrounding you, that’s just so peaceful.

The perfect base for exploring the Daintree during the day, there’s no better place to snuggle up and rest your tired legs of an evening than in your private rainforest hideaway.

The Rainforest Bayans feature spectacular freestanding baths within an enclosed balcony, providing you with an uninterrupted rainforest view that’ll envelop you as you bathe; while the higher level Canopy Bayans will see you nestled in the treetops.

Prices from $345 per couple per night for the Lagoon Bayan.

9. Empire Retreat, Margaret River, Western Australia

Luxury Empire Retreat Western Australia — Empire Retreat and Spa a luxury hideaway, for grown-ups seeking solitude… together.

An adults-only destination that evokes relaxation and style with just the level of detail included in each luxury suite. Subdued lighting and natural stone and timbers work together to create a peaceful, quiet atmosphere for couples to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. If you do wish to surface from your private oasis, however, you can unwind in the stone and timber farmhouse, which features an open fireplace and cosy lounges to snuggle into together.

The on-site spa features bathing suites and large stone baths, as well as a steam room and rainforest shower suites. For the vino lovers, you’ll be pleased to know the accommodation is nestled among five hectares of vines belonging to the EMPIRE Estate Vineyard – so unsurprisingly, the wine available during your stay is on point.

Prices start from $295 per night for a loft suite, including continental breakfast.

10. Longitude 131°, Uluru, Northern Territory

Plunge pool. Longitude 131, Uluru, Northern Territory — Longitude 131, Uluru. Photo courtesy of Tourism NT.

When asked to picture a romantic getaway, most people probably wouldn’t envision a night spent out in the desert alongside Uluru. However an experience among the bright red dirt of this magnificent rock, soaking in your private tub, taking in the breadth of this national wonder – could be the most romantic thing you ever do.

While not embracing winter in the rugged-up cold sense, it is a slightly cooler time of year to visit Uluru, and those who don’t deal with humidity well will prosper from a winter visit. Your accommodation includes food prepared by executive chef Jonathan Bryant and his team, as well as premium wines and spirits. Sunset drinks and canapes are also served in the cool of the early evening out on the deck.

Longitude 131, Uluru. Photo courtesy of Tourism NT.

Prices start at $1500 per person per night, all-inclusive.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

10 of the best romantic winter escapes in Australia