We Planned Your Australia Honeymoon for You

Considering an Australia honeymoon? We don't blame you. After you say, "I do" and dance the night away, all there's left (aside from enjoying years of happiness) is embarking on the perfect honeymoon. And when it comes to romantic getaways, the Land Down Under over-delivers. Australia is one of the best honeymoon destinations for couples who want it all: beaches, culture, endless sightseeing and adventure throughout. It's also a great place to visit if you want to plan an amazing surfing honeymoon.

An Australia honeymoon features scenic coastal activities (have you seen Bondi Beach?) and iconic cultural and architectural sights like the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. There are plenty of art galleries, which juxtapose perfectly against Mother Nature's splendor, whether it's the Outback or the Great Barrier Reef.

Going on a honeymoon in Australia isn't for everyone, though. From the US, it's a long and often pricey flight. However, if you're looking for adventure and a more on-the-go kind of a vacation, you can't beat this Pacific destination.

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That being said, here are our top tips and recommendations on planning the best Australian honeymoon itinerary for the romantic getaway of your dreams.

Australia Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Australia
• Australia Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Australia Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels
• Things to Do on an Australia Honeymoon
• What to Pack for an Australia Honeymoon

Photo: Eric Yang | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Australia

Australia's vast size means weather can vary significantly across different regions. Generally, the best time to visit most of Australia, especially the southern parts like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef, is during the Australian spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). These periods offer pleasant temperatures and are less crowded.

Northern Australia is best visited in the dry season (May to October), when humidity is lower and temperatures are more comfortable. Keep in mind: Australia's seasons are opposite of the US Northern Hemisphere, so November and December are warmer months. Typically, July will be a little cooler.

Best weather: September to November.
Festival highlights: There are tons of festivals that take place across Australia, including the Sydney Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Vivid Sydney, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Byron Bay Bluesfest and more.

Australia Honeymoon Planning Tips

A honeymoon in Australia has something for every couple. "We are so diverse in landscape," says Dianne Hall, the director of GoWalkabout Travel Ltd. It may not be an all-inclusive resort (though the country does offer luxe accommodations), but honeymooners could spend their entire time relaxing on some of the best beaches.

Of course, they likely won't want to spend all of their time that way, with the gorgeous scenery and unique experiences the country offers. There are several locations for wine-tasting, snorkeling and experiencing the arts. And after wedding planning, you'll likely want to be treated well by the locals. You're in luck: visitors are quick to note Aussies' friendliness and charm.

You'd be wise to focus on a few key destinations rather than trying to cover too much ground. You'll want to research events and seasonal attractions to ensure you're visiting at the best time.

The biggest drawback of a honeymoon in Australia is the long flight. Hall says there's truly no way around it. It could be up to a 36-hour ordeal from the U.S. If you just want to go from your post-wedding brunch to an all-inclusive beach, you may want to save this bucket list trip for another day. If you're up the journey, make sure to pay attention to timing and deals on flights.

Many honeymooners may ask for a layover on the way back home. "It could be a combination of Australia and Fiji or Australia and Tahiti," Hall says. "Many do Australia and New Zealand as a combination or Australia and the gorgeous Cook Islands. I think the stopovers on the way home are better, so you wind down at the end of your trip."

Entry requirements: You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.
Language: English, but like the US, there are also many other languages spoken by different ethnic groups and Indigenous Australians.
Location: Australia is a large country in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and several smaller islands.
Currency: The Australian Dollar (AUD).
Flight time to Destination: Flight times to Australia can vary, but you can expect anywhere between a 14 to 36 hour journey, especially if you have a layover or two. Direct flights are possible to and from some major cities, including Los Angeles to Sydney.
Getting around: Australia's size means that flying is often the best way to cover large distances quickly. For more scenic routes, renting a car or a camper van offers flexibility for exploring, if you don't mind driving on the left side of the road. Major Australian cities also have reliable public transport systems, including buses, trains and ferries.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Find a travel agent near you on The Knot Marketplace for Australia honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Best Australia Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels

From luxury resorts in the Whitsundays to unique stays in treehouses or overwater bungalows, Australia has a lot to offer when it comes to honeymoon accommodations. When planning your honeymoon, consider what experiences you want to prioritize. Do you want close proximity to nature, city attractions or beach access? Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

Photo: SolStock | Getty

Longitude 131

For a modern but still-rugged Outback experience, consider Longitude 131. "It is the most luxurious accommodation in the Uluru (Ayers Rock) area," Hall says. "It is something truly special waking up and seeing the Rock in the distance but also the amazing Milky Way [and] night on a clear night."

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island offers a convenient home base for travelers looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. And the Whitsunday Apartments are more than just a spot to rest your head; the balconies give way to unbeatable views of Catseye Beach and the bay, and there's a pool.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

This Marriott hotel overlooking Sydney Harbour offers easy access to the city's famous landmarks and lively dining scene. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are 15-minute walks. It's a three-minute stroll from the Circular Quay, a transportation hub with access to rail, ferries and bus stations when you're ready to head to your next destination.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Qualia

For a five-star island resort, look to the northernmost tip of Australia. Not only does Qualia offer luxe and plush accommodations, in addition to gorgeous oceanfront views, but it also has unique experiences for guests. You can book trips to the Great Barrier Reef, along with other boating excursions, golf outings and even spa treatments.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Melbourne Marriott Hotel

It's easy to explore the city on foot when staying in the Melbourne Marriott Hotel. Favorite shops are less than 10 minutes walking distance, and you can get to Melbourne Museum in fewer than 15 minutes. You can wind down in the on-site hot tub or sauna and rest weary legs on the plush pillows and mattresses.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Elements of Byron: Byron Bay Resort

Stay in a peaceful eucalyptus forest at this luxurious Byron Bay resort. You can choose between a studio that comes complete with a mini-bar or one or two-bedroom villas, some of which have balconies with bay views. Guests have access to complementary rainforest walks and beachside yoga.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for unique accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, have a look at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Things to Do on an Australia Honeymoon

Couples can enjoy so many different types of things to do in Australia, from exploring the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne, snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef, wine tasting in renowned regions like the Barossa Valley, to embarking on a scenic road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Photo: bennymarty | Getty

Experience Culture in Sydney

Sydney seamlessly blends a cosmopolitan lifestyle with relaxation. You won't want to miss out on the iconic cultural experiences (and obligatory Instagram snaps) like the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Take in a show and experience a romantic dinner near the Sydney Opera House.

Take the Ghan Train

Considered one of the world's best passenger trains, The Ghan runs from Adelaide to Melbourne. With stops along the way, you could spend more than 53 hours on this mode of transportation. Honeymooners likely don't want to go the distance—and you can fly to different areas of Australia—but it's worth traveling by land to at least one location. Destinations include Darwin, Alice Springs & Uluru, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.

Spot Wildlife on Kangaroo Island

Experts like Hall flag this as a must-do for couples. "This is where you see koalas in the wild and marine life, and it is a beautiful area," she says. An expert Aussie tour guide can help you spot kangaroos, though the koala could be a miss. If you don't spot all your favorite marsupials on Kangaroo Island, Hall suggests wildlife spotting in Queensland. Also, pay attention to the local laws—not every spot allows you to hold a koala for a photo, nor is it recommended.

Have a Beach Day (or Several)

Relaxed beach vibes are a hallmark of Aussie living and there are plenty of spots to enjoy water views. "Whitehaven Beach is usually a day sailing trip from the Whitsunday Islands," Hall says. The gorgeous, 4.3-mile stretch of white sand and shoreline is accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.

Sydney's Bondi Beach is another popular (albeit crowded) option, and Cable Beach near Broome is a white-sand oasis in Western Australia. On the opposite end of the country, you'll find a surfer's paradise in Byron Bay. Even if riding the waves isn't your thing, it's worth going for sunrise hikes, exploring shops with bohemian pieces, and enjoying organic food to write home about.

Hall's clients have also raved about the beaches in the Gold Coast and Noosa areas, which are north and south of Brisbane. Regardless of where you're headed, she recommends only swimming and wading where there is a lifeguard and following any instructions to leave the water. "We have incredible rips, so choose your beaches wisely," she says.

Explore Tasmania

Hall says there's much for newlyweds to love about this island state, known to locals as "Tassie" and a truly unknown destination. "If you adore hiking, cute little stores and beautiful beaches and river areas, then Tasmania is a must," she says.

She often designs Australia honeymoon packages to include a self-driving tour of the area. The capital, Hobart, is home to Victoria-era architecture and the expansive Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park are also must-sees, particularly for those who love natural beauty. Freycinet National Park, for instance, offers stunning views of Wineglass Bay.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Go beneath the Coral Sea and explore the world's largest barrier reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is a wonder to behold, spanning nearly 1,500 miles. It helps to support a diverse ecosystem, including humpback whales, sea turtles and corals. Honeymooners can snorkel or scuba dive along the reef and see the diverse marine life up close in an unforgettable, unique experience in a World Heritage-listed site. Hall suggests doing this activity in the Port Douglas/Cairns area. "I like to base my clients in this region as it is the gateway to the Outer Barrier Reef," she says.

If one person in a couple is a little worried about taking this adventure, but the other is ready to dive in, there's no need to make this your first fight. Tours often allow people to stay on a boat while the rest of the crew goes underwater.

Take In Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Located in the heart of the Australian Outback, visiting Uluru is something of a mystical experience. No one quite knows how the large, red sandstone formation, once known as Ayers Rock, came to be, but an Uluru tour guide can give you all the theories as you stand in awe of it. It's hallowed ground for the Aboriginal people and surrounded by hot springs and rock caves.

Go Wine Tasting

Australia is home to multiple areas with notable vino. Yarra Valley, which is located just outside of Melbourne, boasts buzz-worthy Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Hunter Valley's Chardonnays, Shirazes, and Cabernet Sauvignons are legendary, as is the World Heritage Site Blue Mountains located within close proximity.

Both Barossa Valley and nearby Adelaide can be done on back-to-back days (if you dare, says Hall). Both areas are known in part for their Shiraz, scenic views, and easy access to other tourist activities like the Ghan Train. If you're short on time, Hall suggests exploring Barossa Valley with an expert guide, as it's the better known option of the two.

Pro tip: Add a few Australian honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your loved ones can give you a fun couples activity. Make sure to post honeymoon photos to your wedding website and social feeds—your wedding guests will want to see what you get up to!

What to Pack for an Australia Honeymoon

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Your packing checklist will depend somewhat on what you're doing, where you're going and when you're going on your honeymoon in Australia. But generally, Hall recommends men bring nice slacks and button-down shirts, while women pack a smart-casual pants-and-shirt/skirt combo. You'll want to dress up for swanky dinners in the city or art gallery trips.

Bathing suits and sunscreen are must-pack items to have in your honeymoon luggage if you're headed to the beach, and absolutely pack bug spray to keep pesky critters at bay. A good hat will also provide sun protection.

Prepare for rain or shine with a raincoat and sunglasses, Hall recommends. You'll also want a universal adapter to charge mobile devices. If you're going during cooler months, bring items to layer on, like sweaters, scarves and heavier jackets. Hall says it can be particularly chilly in Sydney and Melbourne in July and August.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.