15 romantic getaways in NSW to book in 2025

Location: Newport, Northern Beaches of Sydney

Distance from central Sydney: 35km, approximately 1 hours’ drive

Floating in the Northern Beaches’ Pittwater, The Salty Dog tiny houseboat is an idyllic spot with a loft bed for lovebirds to lap up the sun and salt – amongst all the love, that is. With use of the dinghy to go ashore, you totally are removed from the rest of the world for the weekend.

Reasons to stay:

• Off grid houseboat 19-minutes walk from the beach
• Ladder with direct access to the water
• Outdoor hot/cold shower

Location: Sydney CBD

Capella Sydney, the first Australian outpost of the hotel group, brings its signature blend of refined luxury to the city. Housed within a striking Edwardian Baroque sandstone edifice, and accessed via a grand marble foyer, the hotel encompasses 192 guest rooms, the private Living Room space, an indoor pool, a yoga platform and the Auriga spa. Culinary artistry takes centre stage at Brasserie 1930, helmed by chefs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley Group; consider your dinner date sorted.

Reasons to stay:

• Auriga Spa
• Indoor pool
• Brasserie 1930

Romantic getaways in the Blue Mountains

Location: Blackheath, The Blue Mountains

Distance from central Sydney: 114km, approximately 1.5-2 hours’ drive

Within the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, Chalets at Blackheath presents a secluded collection of individual retreats. Each chalet offers a private sun deck, a generously-sized bathroom adorned with limestone, and a fireplace for ambiance. An intimate setting for connection with the surrounding natural world.

Reasons to stay:

• Luxury hotel with concierge service
• BBQ facilities
• Free private parking and free bike usage

Book:

• via Airbnb
• via Luxury Escapes
• via Bookings.com

Find more places to stay in the Blue Mountains in our dedicated edit of romantic getaways for this region of NSW.

Location: Bowral, NSW

Distance from central Sydney: 118km, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive

This studio cottage brings French charm to Bowral, with an open-plan layout that includes a freestanding clawfoot bathtub and combustion wood heater for romantic winter nights. Start your days with the complimentary croissants and jam on the veranda, then wander into the heart of Bowral and surrounding Southern Highlands region.

Reasons to stay:

• Self-contained studio surrounded by gardens
• French provincial furnishings and décor
• Complimentary criossants, jam, tea and Nespresso coffee

Location: Kangaroo Valley, NSW

Distance from central Sydney: 160km, approximately 2 hours’ drive

This provincial-style cottage sits on half an acre of gardens, lawns and a pond that’s home to ducks. There’s a cosy wood fire for winter, bikes for exploring and an idyllic alfresco dining area to enjoy when you’re not out exploring the natural beauty of Kangaroo Valley.

Reasons to stay:

• Full access to cottage and gardens
• King size bed, bath and fire
• One of the most loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests

Location: Shoalhaven, South Coast

Distance from central Sydney: 150km, approximately 2.5 hours’ drive

Get respite from the big smoke by staying a night or three at Bangalay Luxury Villas, just paces away from Seven Mile Beach. The only lover’s quarrel you’ll be having is whether to take your lounging beach or poolside.

Reasons to stay:

• Outdoor pool
• Beach access

Location: Far Meadow, near Berry

Distance from central Sydney: 160km, approximately 2.5 hours’ drive

Nestled on Coolangatta Mountain between Berry and the sea, Mulberry Barn is designed to be a a warm and luxurious place for couples to explore the South Coast and surrounding areas of NSW. From the stylish and spacious bathtub and underfloor heating in the bathroom, to the fireplace and thoughtful breakfast items, you and your special someone will have everything you need for a weekend (or longer) away.

Reasons to stay:

• Panoramic views from 5 acres of paddocks
• Bushwalking tracks nearby
• Thoughtful breakfast inclusions such as local sourdough, milk, Kangaroo Valley free-range eggs, butter, spreads, and a wide selection of teas and coffee pods

Location: Woollamia, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven region

Distance from central Sydney: 190km, approximately 2-3 hours’ drive

Tucked into the trees on the edge of Currambene Creek, Paperbark Camp is an eco-friendly oasis just a stone’s throw from the east side of Jervis Bay. Here, you can unwind in one of 13 safari-style canvas tents – which include freestanding baths and the option of in-tent massage treatments – then wander to the treetop The Gunyah restaurant or explore Jervis Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Reasons to stay:

• Elevated glamping, including freestanding baths
• Surrounded by nature
• Optional in-tent massages, as well as bike, kayak and canoe hire

Location: Milton, NSW

Distance from central Sydney: 228km, approximately 3 hours’ drive

This renovated workers cottage in Milton’s historic precinct has the ideal mix of privacy and amenities at your feet, with the heart of Milton just a 5-minute walk away. With four bedrooms, a separate dining area and a courtyard that could transport you to Tuscany (or back to the 19th century with the gorgeous church next door), you have enough space to make this a romantic getaway for two couples – or enjoy it all to yourselves.

Reasons to stay:

• Historic workers cottage
• Cedar lined and slate bathroom with claw-foot bath
• Central Milton location, close to Mollymook and other beaches

Location: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

Distance from central Sydney: 170km, approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes drive

The five-star Tower Lodge offers couples an all-inclusive escape from the city, in Spanish-inspired surroundings. Here, you’ll find an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant with seasonal menus showcasing the quality of regional produce, as well as the Hunter Valley’s first whisky distillery and, or course, a vineyard.

Reasons to stay:

• Five-star, all-inclusive experience
• Fine dining restaurant
• On-site whisky distillery, shiraz vineyard

Location: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

Distance from central Sydney: 172km, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes drive

Enjoy some romance among the vines in one of these boutique holiday properties in the Hunter Valley region. As well as sweeping countryside views and garden surroundings, you can stroll to Cellar doors and enjoy a wine tasting or satisfy your sweet tooth at nearby Sabor Dessert Bar.

Reasons to stay:

• Stylish, self-contained boutique accommodation
• On-site Cellar doors

Location: Orange

Distance from central Sydney: 256km, approximately a 3 hours and 45 minute drive

One of the only hotels to make it onto our list of romantic getaways, Yallungah Boutique Hotel has just 22 guestrooms and suites in a former family home built around 1896 and designed by architect William Lamrock. It’s right in the heart of Orange, making it ideal for wining and dining with your loved one.

Reasons to stay:

• Daily a la carte, locally-sourced breakfast served in the historic dining room
• Private entry to a cellar door along the hotel’s cobbled driveway
• Walking distance to Orange’s best restaurants, bars and cafes 

Location: Canobolas

Distance from central Sydney: 265km, approximately 4 hours’ drive

Perched amidst rolling hills, overlooking a flourishing cherry orchard, lies Chaser at Basalt Luxury Accommodation. This contemporary retreat, a harmonious blend of natural stone and timber, is crafted with thoughtful details – from a telescope poised for stargazing, to a Bluetooth speaker. Why not source a local wine at sunset and take in the panoramic views of the Orange region from the freestanding tub.

Reasons to stay:

• Freestanding tub
• Thoughtful details
• Panoramic views

Location: Tintenbar, Far North Coast

Distance from central Sydney: 746km, approximately 8 hours’ drive – or a 1 hour 15 minute flight to Byron-Ballina airport and transport from there

Designed to “curate sensory immersion”, Ground House 107R is a concrete stay ethereally nestled in the grass. Featuring a curving jade shower and hearted magnesium soak tank – plus the option for an in-stay massage therapist and yoga instructor to be present – this conceptual getaway epitomises luxe.

Reasons to stay:

• Double sided wood burning fireplace
• Curving jade shower
• Magnesium soak tank

Location: Federal, Northern Rivers

Distance from central Sydney: 771km, approximately 8.5 hours’ drive – or a 1 hour 20 minute flight to Byron-Ballina airport plus transport from there

A rustic retreat boasting a heated plunge pool and clawfoot bath, Sun-Clad Bliss is a darling farmhouse in Federal. With rolling green views of the Byron Bay hinterland, a nearby river, and vegetable garden and fruit trees onsite, you’re in bucolic bliss.

Reasons to stay:

• Heated plunge pool
• Clawfoot bath
• Views of Byron Bay hinterland