Many people don't know that I lived in Sydney; out of all the places I have lived, Sydney is my favorite. It is impossible to experience all that the Land Down Under has to offer in one trip. But you don't want to overdo your itinerary because you will come home from your honeymoon more exhausted than you were before you left. Before you write a list of "things to do" miles long, I would like to highlight some of Australia's most spectacular sites. That way, we can develop an itinerary that allows you to see everything that you want to see without feeling stressed. You can have a perfect trip if you choose the right areas for your Australian honeymoon.
Sydney
Perfect for City Lovers
Sydney is one of Australia's largest, iconic, and beloved cities. With lots of natural beauty and refreshing city life, there's so much to explore. It is also the perfect spot to start a continent skimming honeymoon. Fascinating places you should visit include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains, Circular Quay, Royal Botanical Gardens, and, obviously, the beaches.
Jessie's Sydney hotel recommendation is the Shangri-La Sydney. It is nearly impossible to narrow down the hotel list, Sydney is chockful of fantastic hotels, but I love the Shangri-la.
Melbourne
Perfect for Culture Vultures
It's easy to feel captivated by Melbourne's beauty; you could get lost forever, wandering its lovely streets. It's nowhere near as busy as Sydney, but Melbourne is home to its bustling scene. You can dine at one of many charming restaurants or shop at any city's unique boutiques. Melbourne's theaters, galleries, shops, and restaurants come with a distinctly European feel.
Jessie's Melbourne honeymoon hotel is the Lyall Hotel & Spa.
Barossa Valley
Perfect for Culinary and Wine Love
Barossa Valley is Australia's wine country; it lies in South Australia about 40 miles northeast of Adelaide's city center; Barossa Valley is a region of indulgence with its award-winning regional wines and exceptional local cuisine. The valley is home to 80 cellar doors and about 70 wineries. You will find everything from boutique wineries to big-name successes. Mingle with the locals at Barossa Farmers' Market, and partake of the freshest cuisine.
Jessie's Barossa Valley hotel recommendation is The Louise.
Great Ocean Road
Perfect for Road Trippers
Travel along Great Ocean Road to discover the most impressive sites in Australia. The road snakes all along the state's southwest coast, starting in Torquay and finishing just before Warrnambool. If you don't stop, the drive takes a mere 4-hours, but you'll want to stop. Take your time to soak in the views.
Jessie's Great Ocean Road hotel recommendation is 12 Apostles Lodge Walk.
Uluru & Alice Springs
Perfect for Ametuer Anthropologists
Located in Australia's heart, 900 miles from the nearest major city, Alice Springs is one of Australia's best outback towns. You will find endless stark desert landscapes and cavernous gorges. It is a hub for pioneer history, Aboriginal art, and quirky outback events, like the Henley-on-Todd Regatta, a "boat" race in the dry sandy bed. It is a popular base for sights and hikes, like Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Uluru (Ayers Rock). You will experience magical sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing at Uluru.
Jessie's Alice Springs hotel recommendation is DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Perfect for Water Lovers
One of Australia's most important tourist attractions is the Great Barrier Reef lies near Cairns. The reef ranges from the Tropic of Capricorn to the northern tip of Queensland, providing you plenty of scuba diving opportunities. Take your time visiting Cairns; there are tons to see like The Whitsunday Islands, Lady Elliot Island, and Cape Tribulation. Encompassed by rainforests and wetlands, Cairns will suit you if you love traversing the great outdoors.
Jessie's Cairns hotel recommendation is Lizard Island.
Perth
Perfect for Unspoiled Beaches
Friendly, modern, green, and boasting long stretches of unspoiled coastline, it isn't hard to see why Perth is beloved by nature-lovers. Perth is growing in popularity as a tourist destination, due to its lovely sandy beaches, parks, and great bars and restaurants. If you are looking for romantic and secluded coves, you can do no better than Perth.
Jessie's Perth hotel recommendation is COMO, the Treasury.
Byron Bay
Perfect for Wellness Seekers
Byron Bay is a lovely and quaint coastal town in northern New South Wales. It has successfully transformed from a hippie town to the boho-luxe getaway. With a striking coastline and gorgeous national parks, Byron is one of Australia's most beautiful retreats. Byron is also a well-known wellness destination, full of retreats and spas that offer countless ways to pamper body and soul.
Jessie's Byron Bay hotel recommendation is Gaia Retreat & Spa.
Tasmania
Perfect for Nature Lovers
It's easy to see the allure of Tasmania. For one thing, 40% of the island is national parks and wilderness. A quick 20-minute journey outside of Hobart and Launceston (the two main cities), and you can get lost in the bush, fly down trails on a mountain bike, or lounge on the beach. But Tasmania isn't just for nature fans. You will find extraordinary food, gin and whisky distilleries, wildlife sanctuaries (where the endangered Tasmanian devils live), wineries, and art galleries.
Jessie's Tasmania hotel recommendation is Islington Hotel.
Whitsunday Islands
Perfect for Ultra-Luxe Lovers
Do you think you need to jet off to the Maldives or Tahiti for a tropical paradise slice? The Whitsundays marvel the best luxury island in the world. This chain of 74 islands lies the northeast coast of Queensland and on the Great Barrier Reef. Most are uninhabited, and you've likely seen secluded, long white stretches of beach and gorgeous landmarks on Instagram. The Whitsundays is home to stunning, luxury resorts, where the staff will treat you like royalty.
Jessie's Whitsundays hotel recommendation is Qualia, Great Barrier Reef.
Australia is vast and diverse; it is challenging to develop an itinerary that matches your budget and interests. I would love to discuss all of the possibilities for discovery on Oceania island. I can help you choose the right areas for your Australian honeymoon.