When it’s time for a romantic getaway with your special someone, you’re spoiled for choice in New South Wales. From retreating to a lush rainforest hideaway to stargazing from your ‘bubble tent’, unique accommodation options for couples abound. Here are just some of the standouts around the state.
Breakfast in bed at Telegraph Retreat Cottages
Telegraph Retreat Cottages are all about country comfort and thoughtful touches. The owners of these three charming cottages set amid native bushland deliver a delicious breakfast hamper with freshly baked bread to your doorstep. Inside the cosy cabin you’ll find bath salts for the spa bath, gourmet chocolate and slippers. Spend your stay exploring the property, meeting the farm animals or reading on the balcony.
Retreating from the world at EcOasis
Feel like you are miles from anywhere in EcOasis’s peaceful chalets tucked in the ancient wilderness of the Tweed hinterland on the far North Coast. The six modern chalets have floor-to-ceiling windows so you are surrounded by trees and birdsong. The Sunrise Chalet is ideal for couples, with a corner spa, canopy queen bed, hanging egg chair, and superb views towards Wollumbin (Mount Warning). Factor in a romantic country lunch at Mavis’s Kitchen, just 10 minutes down the road.
Unwind in the outback at Broken Hill Outback Church Stay
The outback NSW town of Broken Hill has a surreal beauty beloved by filmmakers and photographers. Visit the Pro Hart Gallery and classic milk bar, Bells, enjoy an outback pub lunch at the Silverton Hotel, and watch the sun set over the sandstone sculptures at Living Desert Reserve before retiring for the night in a beautifully restored heritage church, presbytery or cottage at Broken Hill Outback Church Stay.
Relax by the riverside at The Sir George
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, the village of Jugiong is home to The Sir George, a cluster of stylish accommodation in restored barns, stables and cottages, as well as a popular pub and artisan bakery. With the stylish Sir George as your base, visit the bustling produce store Long Track Pantry, hire a canoe and take a romantic paddle down the Murrumbidgee, fish for trout and sample the region’s wines at Jugiong Wine Cellar.
Go on an eco-conscious getaway at Somwhere Unique
Somewhere Unique is a pair of self-contained cottages and the first accommodation property in Hunter Valley wine country to achieve ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia. The two couples-only villas named Lowanna and Allawah are nestled in tranquil bushland and boast natural bamboo flooring, earthy colour schemes and valley views. Villas also come with a huge bath for two, plush king-size bed and rain shower. Enjoy your included breakfast hamper on the deck; go for a spin on the villa’s bicycles or hit the Hunter Valley wine trail.
Experience the Byron hinterland at 99 Acres
Tucked up behind Bangalow are four stylish contemporary villas commanding superb views of their lush hinterland setting. 99 Acres’s villas have plush king beds, self-contained kitchens and locally sourced furnishings. You can also book rooms at the guesthouse on the property, which also has a pool. Take the scenic eight-minute walk into town to stock up on local produce at the Saturday morning Bangalow Farmers Market, or order a gourmet hamper to be delivered to your room.
Camp under the stars at Camp Blackman
Camp under a canopy of stars and soak up the silence at Warrumbungle National Park. Australia’s first Dark Sky Park is noted for its crystal-clear skies due to limited artificial light pollution, high altitude and low humidity. Camp Blackman is within the park and not far from the world-class astronomy research facility, Siding Spring Observatory. A popular base to explore the park, the campsite has barbecues and hot showers. The nearest town is Coonabarabran, a 30-minute drive east.
Go glamping at Nashdale Lane
Nestled in 24 hectares of fertile grape-growing land in the highlands of Orange is Nashdale Lane winery, which has a cellar door and two adults-only safari-style glamping tents. The wooden, steel and canvas tents have a distinctly Aussie flavour and are rustic yet luxurious, with a kitchen, fireplace and four poster bed. Owners Nick and Tanya also offer a gourmet hamper for stays of two nights or more.