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.

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

10 of the best romantic winter escapes in Australia