The Whitsunday Islands
Located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise. There are 74 islands in the chain, but only a handful of them have amenities. Depending on where you choose to stay, these Whitsunday Island accommodations range from remote ecotourist resorts to 5 Star luxury honeymooner heavens. Hayman Island and Hamilton Island have reputations as having some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, while tiny Daydream Island is just big enough for one large resort. Just south of Daydream Island, the much larger South Molle Island contains far more untouched land than resort facilities and is ideal for those who want to feel alone in paradise. The aptly named Long Island has a reputation for being the eco-resort capital of the Whitsundays. Wherever you choose to stay on the Whitsunday Islands, you will have a honeymoon that will set a romantic stage for the rest of your lives together.
Four Mile Beach Port Douglas
The only things that spoil many tropical beaches are the highrises and other manmade structures that so often line their shores. Not so at Port Douglas’s Four Mile Beach. Here, strict zoning restrictions require low rise developments situated well away from the shores of this pristine beach. From your Four Mile Beach accommodation, head inland and you will be within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Walk through the tropical jungle to the beach and you’re in another world; a world of your own, with white sands, turquoise seas and tropical foliage as far as the eye can see.
Cradle Mountain Tasmania
If you love nature in all its glory, then Cradle Mountain is where you want to spend your honeymoon, if not the rest of your lives. Heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful and unspoiled National Parks, the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clare National Park is also one of the world’s most accessible wilderness areas. There are few other places in the world where you can begin and end a multi-day trek through the wilderness at a luxury accommodation. Starting from Cradle Mountain, where your hotel room or private retreat will overlook rugged mountains, verdant hills and glacier-fed streams, after several days hiking the world-renowned Overland Track, you arrive at Lake St Clare, where you can soothe your aching muscles in a sumptuous spa and recharge your batteries with a sumptuous gourmet banquet. Of course, you aren’t required to explore Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clare on foot. If you prefer, you can just take in the sights from your Cradle Mountain accommodation and savor the time you have alone in the wilderness.
Broome Western Australia
An oasis of civilization “out the back of beyond,” Broome, on the north coast of Western Australia, offers honeymooners an experience that has no equivalent anywhere else on earth. Step outside the town center and you are in a magical wonderland, no matter which way you turn. Just south of Broome, 13 mile long Cable Beach has been heralded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Of course, you won’t want to walk its entire length, but what could be a better way to see it than from the back of a camel? Plan your honeymoon between the months of March and October around the time of the full moon and witness one of the world’s most amazing sights: the “Stairway to the Moon.” During this time of the year, the Indian Ocean and the heavens work together to create a stunning illusion of a glittering staircase to the full moon. Viewing this together would have to be the true definition of a “honeymoon.” Out at the tip of Gantheaume Point, take a journey millions of years into the past when you view the dinosaur footprints on the reef at low tide. It’s easy to take this trip back in time, since Gantheaume Point is just a five minute walk from your Broome accommodation. For the truly adventurous, Broome can be your starting point for an exploration of the Kimberley, one of the last great wilderness areas on earth. Covering an area of 263,000 square miles, the total population of the Kimberleys is just 30,000, making it one of the world’s least populated areas.
Lord Howe Island
Situated roughly halfway between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful islands. In fact, UNESCO has designated this crescent shaped remnant of an extinct volcano a World Heritage site, a distinction given to only 3 other islands. Just a two hour flight from either Brisbane or Sydney, once you’ve arrived on Lord Howe Island, you have arrived on one of the most fascinating places you will ever visit. The crystal clear waters of the crescent shaped lagoon are protected by the world’s southernmost reef, while just across a narrow stretch of land, waves crash along the shores of hidden beaches and against rugged cliffs. Much of Lord Howe Island is completely undeveloped, while those small areas that are developed are on a tastefully small scale and include romantic Lord Howe Island accommodations, restaurants, spas and charming shops. After taking the rugged day hike to the top of Mt. Gower, considered one of the world’s best, or a day of scuba diving, you will appreciate having these luxuries to return to.
Rob writes for bookitnow.com.au about popular things to do and see in Australia. If planning on visiting Australia you will find accommodation and other information about travelling in Australia. For example find some great Port Douglas accommodation in Queensland Australia on Book it Now.