Not that you needed convincing to go on one, but a honeymoon is that special opportunity to celebrate the next phase of your relationship as newlyweds and to take some time to recharge after the wedding (which while full of joy, can also be stressful at times).
Like any vacation, where each couple chooses to honeymoon depends on their interests (e.g. skiing, hiking, fine dining, reading, swimming, surfing, drinking etc.) but one thing that's pretty universally agreed upon is that you want to to stay somewhere with some romance. A bit of flair. Something befitting of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
If you're looking to honeymoon in the Premier State, we've gathered some of the most romantic honeymoons in NSW. From luxury villas to five-star glamping, all of these destinations have been created with love (and maybe even love-making) in mind.
Paperbark Camp has been redefining romance for over two decades. Offering newlyweds a refreshing alternative to the traditional, five-star hotel honeymoon stays, Paperbark Camp is a peaceful bush retreat located on the beautiful NSW south coast.
Surrounded by towering eucalyptus and paperbark trees, couples that come here stay in African inspired canvas safari tents which feature wrap around decking with outdoor furniture, quality linen, open air private ensuite and more. They’re purposefully private and conveniently close to the camp’s tree-top restaurant and bar 'The Gunyah' which is renowned for serving outstanding food and specially selected regional wines.
What’s particularly enticing about this place is that it offers couples a chance to relax and rechange (there is limited WiFi but guests are encourages to “unplug”), while also being the perfect adult’s playground, with the pristine waters of Jervis Bay and surrounding National Parks all at your doorstep.
The name says it all, but we’ll spell it out anyway. This beautiful property located in Bathurst is where newlyweds come to (you guessed it)... rest. Everything about its design speaks to this intention with cosy interiors, floor to ceiling windows, outdoor baths, fire pits and a blend of natural materials that mirror the property’s stunning rural surrounds.
It’s one of the most romantic collections of eco-cabin in NSW, with views from each separate suite oriented to the west to afford guests a view of the undulating country hillside and epic sunsets. The star-studded skies here are something else as well.
REST forms part of the region's most popular wedding venue, BoxGrove (which you may have seen here), so you can even kill two birds with one stone - get hitched here and extend your stay into a honeymoon.
For newlyweds who really want to be in their own bubble, Lilypad is a luxurious floating villa that guarantees couples complete privacy and tranquility. Situated on the beautiful waters of Pittwater in Palm Beach, overnight stays here look rather lovely.
Onboard features include an infrared sauna, open fireplace, hot outdoor shower and gourmet meals delivered daily. Couples also have access to paddleboards, streaming services, optional massage and beauty treatments, a swimming platform and their own self drive tender for exploring the area (no licence required). Food and beverage is catered for and the menu you'll choose from before your stay will have you wishing you had weeks to stay.
Essentially, Lilypad has thought of everything to create a memorable, one-of-a-kind honeymoon experience. How couples spend their time here is entirely up to them. Whether it’s reading a book in front of the open fire or going snorkeling, one thing every couple does share here is the feeling of being on on cloud nine (especially in bed, the linen is primo).
If a place that priorities wellbeing is high on your honeymoon checklist consider a stay at Zensi Retreat Villa. This luxurious, contemporary space in Mudgee feels like a slow, deep breath - and that’s not an accident. Zensi is an experience as much as it is an architectural masterpiece, with the design concept deliberating blurring the lines between the built and natural world.
Raw and earthy materials have been used where possible and the interiors are strictly neutral. The custom sauna and plunge pool helps couples to surrender to the slower pace of life that’s encouraged here.
Zensi Villa sleeps two and is a truly romantic honeymoon destination in NSW, but if you want to share the love, Zensi Retreat can happily accommodate 10 additional guests in the main house with the option of additional glamping teepee tents available.
If a relaxing and indulgent beachside honeymoon in NSW is what you seek, Bangalay Luxury Villas has you covered. This incredibly intimate space is as grounding, peaceful and pretty as the beautiful beaches and bushland that surrounds it.
There are 16 private villas, and each one is elegantly designed with modern amenities, private terraces and lovely views. Couples can indulge in gourmet dining at the on-site restaurant (think rock oysters with fingerlime mignonette and grass fed short-ribs with artichoke and peppercorn sauce), enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, or explore the local south coast wineries and charming coastal villages nearby. Shoalhaven Heads Golf Course is right next door.
It's this combination of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service that make this south coast accommodation a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. They also share special packages and offers throughout the year, so keep and eye out via this page. A final note: you can also get hitched here.
If you hate cliches then you will love Moonsong - a place that is helping to break the mould of what a romantic honeymoon in NSW should look like.
It’s not five-star (more like 4.9) but in terms of romance, this off-grid oasis is off the charts. Situated on 30 acres of wild native bushland and lush farmland, this architecturally designed tiny home for two is a dream for couples wanting to immerse themselves in all of nature’s sights, sounds and smells.
There are epic bush walks, an abundance of wildlife (wombats, kangaroos, eagles and more) and an intoxicating amount of fresh air. It’s incredibly peaceful and quiet here, and some couples are happy to stay put (you can organise to have gourmet hampers delivered). But if civilisation beckons, there are plenty of award-winning restaurants nearby and the charming town of Berry is only 12 minutes by car.
One guest described this tiny home on the NSW south coast as a “hotel suite on wheels”, given its not that tiny and is far more luxurious than most. Designed to offer comfort and convenience, it features a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, Apple TV, a fire pit, a king size bed and more.
The Hideaway is positioned right on Mother Nature’s doorstep, with some of the best beaches in NSW within easy reach (a seven minute walk to be precise) and plenty of walking trails and fishing.
If you drive 15 minutes in any direction you’ll also find a range of noteworthy local restaurants, including Bangalay Dining or you can hop on a ferry and explore the stunning village of Huskisson and its historical marine park.
If you want to make the rest of the human population feel envious, book a stay at Gawthorne's Hut in Mudgee. Off-grid and eco-friendly, this architecturally designed space combines simple pleasures with luxurious finishes to create a romantic honeymoon experience in NSW that is both unique and completely rejuvenating (important post-wedding!).
While it’s conveniently in close proximity to many of Mudgee’s award-winning wineries and restaurants (we highly recommend The Zin House), and only five minutes to Mudgee’s town centre, it’s entirely normal for couples to want to stay in their own Gawthorne bubble.
With a kitchenette and breakfast bar, wood burning fireplace, king size bed, stunning views and caffeine, there are plenty of good reasons to stay put and enjoy a romantic weekend together reading books, drinking local wine, star gazing by an open fire or going for a jog around this impressive 480-acre property.
Elements of Byron is one of the region’s worst kept secrets. Basically everybody knows about this place - and for all the right reasons. Australian Traveller wrote “If you like your luxury a little low-key, then it doesn’t get much better than Elements of Byron”. And we couldn’t agree more. It offers a stylish restaurant, swimming pools, complimentary yoga classes and a luxurious day spa but in a way that is fitting for Byron Bay (read: unpretentious and barefoot-friendly).
There are also plenty of ways to stay active - the resort sits on 20 acres of native rainforest and wetlands and features two kilometres of signposted walking trails (guided tours are available). There’s also a tennis court, 24 hour gym and the entire Pacific Ocean (Elements of Byron is right on the doorstep of Belongil Beach).
For newlyweds, the most inviting aspect of this romantic honeymoon destination however, is the opportunity to relax and enjoy the cuisine and beverages. There’s an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, a beach lounge (with a caravan bar open in the summer months) and in-room dining with a full drinks list available (including cocktails).
After a multimillion-dollar makeover, this once standard-looking 1980s establishment is now one of the NSW south coast's most eye-pleasing destinations for lovebirds. Inspired by Mediterranean coastal towns, the sorbet-coloured motel offers newlyweds a relaxed and unique experience with Moroccan-style sunken baths, handmade imported ceramics and balconies overlooking the ocean or bougainvillaea-filled gardens.
Located just metres from Mollymook Beach, Motel Molly is a place that intentionally celebrates laid-back luxury with a stunning heated pool, barbecue facilities, an outdoor cabana and complimentary bike and surfboard hire. There are 16 rooms which range from oceanside garden suites to three-bedroom apartments and each is styled to perfection (think natural textures, creamy tones and custom-designed fittings and cabinetry). For animal-lovers, there are three pet-friendly suites available.
It's a perfect base for exploring the surrounding south coast wineries, bush walks and beaches with well-known places like Cupitt's Estate, Rick Stein and Milk HAUS all conveniently close by. Rumour has it there are future plans for Motel Molly to expand next door to create its own tapas bar and outdoor venue with live music so stay tuned.
If Linnaeus Farm sounds familiar, it's probably because we name drop this property whenever we get the chance. If it's your first time hearing about this unique venue however, it's a place best suited to couples who appreciate nature and nice things in equal measure.
The property boasts a stunning contemporary farmhouse and for newlyweds, The Loft of Linnaeus Farm is designed as "the ultimate retreat from the rush of everyday life". Post-wedding, it's a lovely place to relax and unwind, with short mid-week stays available that include exclusive access to the full range of amenities and designer spaces.
Couples also gain access to the properties outdoor pool and lounges, edible gardens, fire pits, barbecue areas and outdoor dining spaces which are usually occupied by larger groups over the weekend. The charming town of Berry is only five minutes away, which helps to make this one of the most romantic honeymoons in NSW.
CREDITS: Feature image Jampal // Paperbark Camp Yami & Joko, Lola Jarrige // Rest own image, Tilly Roberts // Lilypad Palm Beach own images // Bangalay Luxury Villas own images // Moonsong own images // The Hideaway own images // Gawthornes Hut own images // Elements of Byron Bay own image, Travelust // Motel Molly own image, Elise Hassey // Linnaeus Farm Loft own images.
