Australia

The Land Down Under

Australia is one of the world's best honeymoon destinations. How can we make such a broad (and emphatic) claim? Simply put, the land down under is so massive that one should be able to find virtually any experience desired. Want lush islands, pristine beaches and turquoise water? You've got it - head for the coast of Queensland or the Great Barrier Reef. How about jungle treks and outdoor adventures? Great - explore the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation or Kakadu National Park. More interested in fine wines and gourmet dining? No problem - the scenic Hunter Valley is home to rolling vineyards, intimate restaurants and quaint inns. Prefer sightseeing and city life to the countryside? Again, Australia's the place - cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne will keep you active day and night. And this is only the tip of the iceberg!

Wherever your interests lie - beach, mountains, outback, culture, urban life, seclusion, luxury - Australia surely has something to offer. Plus, it's easy to mix-and-match different experiences to create a honeymoon that is uniquely you.

With this in mind, you will find a few of our favorite honeymoon itineraries below. Use these only as a basis for your own trip - all aspects of the trip can be customized according to your interests and budget.

Just the Facts

Best suited for:

Those who are torn between relaxation and exploration. Couples whose interests are 180 degrees apart. Those who are comfortable visiting a number of different locations and don't mind the travel.

When to go:

There's pleasant weather somewhere in Australia year-round! For beaches in and around Queensland, the best weather occurs from May through October. If you are traveling between November and April, you may be better off on the West Coast. For the Outback, stick to the winter months of June to September. Any month is a good month to be in Sydney - you'll find warmer summer temperatures (75-79F / 23-26C) from November through March, and refreshing winter temperatures (62-72F / 16-22C) from April through October.

Accommodations:

Whatever you prefer, Australia's got it. In the tropics, you will find traditional, full-service resorts, exclusive private island resorts, and eco-jungle lodges. The countryside contains many boutique inns and B&B's. In the cities, expect hotels of every shape and size. All areas contain options to meet any style and budget, from ultra-luxurious, to hyper-trendy, to completely laid back.

Dining:

The food of Australia, for better or for worse, traces its roots back to simple English cuisine. Fortunately, a love for dining out (in the cities, anyway), the influence of immigrants, and an abundance of fresh ingredients have raised the bar in terms of sophistication and creativity. In places like Sydney and Melbourne, dining options run the gamut from typical fast food to pure gourmet. Many of Australia's best chefs specialize in Contemporary Australian cuisine, an eclectic mix of influences that span the world. If you enjoy Californian cuisine or Pan-Asian restaurants, you'll like Contemporary Australian cooking. Outside of the major metropolitan areas, dining choices tend to be sparser. Your best bets here will likely be in the better hotels and resorts.

Special Activities:

Private islands, the Great Barrier Reef, jungle treks, the outback (and Uluru/Ayers Rock), Aboriginal culture, world-class cities, fine arts, unique lodges and resorts.

Regions - Australia

Click on each region in the left menu to learn more about that region.

Why Australia

Reasons to choose Australia:

Ability to combine a number of very different experiences. Easy to navigate, recognizable foods and no language barrier. Possible to visit year-round.

Reasons to choose someplace else over Australia:

Less culturally exotic. Long travel times required to get there. Flights from North America can be expensive.

Signature Itineraries - Australia

All of our signature itineraries are fully custom tailored according to your interests and budget. The following sample itineraries are intended to provide a feel for what's possible.

Length: 13 days / 11 nights