20 of the most romantic getaways in New South Wales

Best romantic getaways in NSW for couples

Sleeps: 4 people

For two years, the creative couple behind Saddler & Co designed, renovated and styled a heritage worker’s cottage in central Dubbo now known as The Repose. As the name suggests, The Repose is the ideal place for couples to find some quiet time for rest and relaxation. You’ll fall in love with the European-inspired private courtyard complete with a wood-burning fireplace – it’s the perfect spot to share a glass of wine and a cheese platter. Between boutique stores and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Dubbo, too.

One five-star review described the stay as “pure restful luxury. This would have to be one of our favourite stays we’ve ever had the privilege to lodge at.”

Reasons to stay:

• Restored home dating back to 1904
• Clawfoot bathtub
• Family amenities available: cot, highchair etc.
• Indoor fireplace

Distance from Sydney: < 5-hour drive north-west

Sleeps: 2 people

Your own private cabin? Check. 360 degree views? Check. A private hot tub? Check. Kimo Estate’s eco huts are almost always booked out for a reason. Perfect for couples who love the idea of glamping but prefer not to live without creature comforts including a private bathroom and a wood-burning fireplace. If you miss out on the eco huts, there are plenty of other accommodation options on site including cottages, The Shearer’s Quarters and their hotel, Flash Jacks of Gundagai.

“The views were spectacular, we loved how secluded it was up the hill, and the sunset and view of the stars as we fell asleep was truly magical,” said one review on Booking.com

Reasons to stay:

• Saltwater swimming pool
• Sun terrace
• Easy access to hiking and cycling trails

Distance from Sydney: < 4-hour drive south-west

Sleeps: 6 people

When TV journalist Edwina Bartholomew wants to find a moment of peace and respite, she heads over the Blue Mountains to Warramba, her holiday home in the Capertee Valley. Luckily, you can stay here too! You have the option of staying in the restored sandstone cottage, or, if glamping is more your thing, rent a couple of swags and watch the stars in the night sky as you toast marshmallows over the campfire. A bell tent can also be set up if you make the request prior to your arrival.

“We enjoyed walking around the property, dipping in the pool, perusing the library of books, picking some apples in the orchard and watching the coos in the paddock,” said one five-star review on the property, which has an average 4.99-star rating on over 150 reviews.

Reasons to stay:

• Three bedrooms
• Kids under 3 stay free
• Swags can be reserved for $50

Distance from Sydney: < 3-hour drive north-west

Best romantic getaways near Sydney (under 2 hours)

Sleeps: 2 people

Overlooking soaring views of the Nepean River lies an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat for you and your loved one to lounge in luxury. Everything is taken care of, from daily à la carte breakfast to spa facilities and seats at the coveted Restaurant Amara. Plus, the luxury resort has awarded Two Michelin Keys, making it one of Australia’s first to be awarded the honour. You can book your stay at Booking.com or Luxury Escapes.

Many reviews spoke highly of the food, staff and location. “This property is amazing. The suites, the food, the staff, and the spa treatments are all first rate,” said one review.

Reasons to stay:

• Adults-only retreat
• All-inclusive stay with eight suites for an intimate retreat
• Views of the Nepean River
• 24/7 concierge service

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1-hour drive west

Sleeps: 2 people

Nest at Blue Bay is located in a friendly beach side suburb, close to Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay beach and The Entrance Ocean Baths. Clean, considered, and handcrafted, this stay is beautifully appointment with everything you need for a beachside escape, including welcome drinks, plus bikes and a picnic rug to use at your leisure.

“The location was perfect, close to everything but still quiet and relaxing. I truly felt at home,” said one review of the property, which has an average five-star rating and is in the top one percent of listings on Airbnb.

Reasons to stay:

• One bedroom, one bed
• Private deck and dining area
• Five-minute walk to Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay beaches

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-hour drive north

Sleeps: 2 people

For those after a more elevated offering, Osborn House’s five-star hotel experience will have you rested and rejuvenated from the minute you step into its halls. Facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre and a sun terrace, as well as an Argentinian restaurant. Spend the day hiking, cycling or visiting Fitzroy falls.

“A very special place with friendly and accommodating staff, beautiful rooms, great food, lovely pool and spa, beautiful decor, and great location,” said one review.

Reasons to stay:

• Five-star hotel experience
• Swimming pool, sauna and tennis court
• Restaurant on site

Distance from Sydney: < 1.5-hour drive south

Sleeps: 3 people

This five-star, boutique chalet located in Blackheath is a stunning, intimate eco-retreat designed to immerse their guests in the native Australian bushland. Private and serene, the property houses four charming chalets each with a cosy living area, private deck and indoor fireplace. Daily breakfast is also included, while a Yoga and meditation deck can be used at your whim.

“The Blackheath Chalets are definitely worth experiencing. Very peaceful setting, very well appointed private accommodation,” said one five-star review.

Reasons to stay:

• Communal onsite library
• 2 adults and one child room capacity
• Tea and coffee facilities available
• Grand Canyon Walking Track is only 300 metres from your stay

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-hour drive west

Best romantic getaways in the Blue Mountains & Central West NSW

Sleeps: 2 people

Wilga Station, a converted shearing shed, on a property in the Central Tablelands of NSW, delighting its guests with historic details and luxe comforts. Just 12-minutes from Bathurst and 40-minutes from Orange, you’ll have exclusive access to the property, where you’re bound to run into some local farm animals. Indulge in luxury inclusions such as a complimentary premium bottle of wine from local vineyards and a gourmet breakfast hamper.

“The sparkling wine and eggs and bacon for breakfast with delicious freshly baked sour dough was a lovely touch,” said one review on the property, which has an average five-star rating.

Reasons to stay:

• Off-grid experience
• Private hot tub and shared outdoor pool
• Lake and valley views
• Gourmet hamper on arrival

Distance from Sydney: ~ 2.5-hour drive west

Sleeps: 2 people

Winner of the Airbnb Host Awards in 2021 for Best Unique Stay, this architecturally designed, off-grid retreat is among the top five per cent of homes on Airbnb, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked away in Wilgowrah, this eco-hut has been thoughtfully crafted to access sweeping views of the Mudgee Valley without ever leaving the bed. With an indoor fireplace, gourmet kitchen and freestanding bath, this stay is the perfect romantic escape, complete with modern necessities and luxurious touches.

This property has a 4.99-average star rating on over 480 reviews. “From award winning baths to the unique structure of the home making you feel like you were camping in nature without forgoing all the luxurious touches,” described one guest.

Reasons to stay:

• Powered by solar and has a minimal ecological footprint
• Gourmet kitchenette
• Cosy, wood-fired heater
• Ideal base for day trips and local adventures to vineyards and beyond

Distance from Sydney: ~ 3.5-hour drive west

Best romantic getaways in the Hunter Valley & surrounds

Sleeps: 2 people

Just two hours from Sydney lies a postcard-worthy cottage perched atop Pokolbin Mountain in the Hunter Valley, just five minutes from wineries. Formerly an artist’s studio, this renovated farm cottage is backdropped by stunning rugged views surrounded by a field of lavender. The home is also fit with luxurious amenities including a full kitchen, dining area, modern bathroom and wood burning heater.

The property has a 4.98-average star rating on over 560 reviews. “The peace and quiet every morning and evening, sighting of cows, kookaburras, abundant birdlife, and the gentle aroma of lavender made our stay unforgettable,” said one review.

Reasons to stay:

• One-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage
• Full kitchen and bathroom with rain shower
• Surrounded by lavender fields
• Private patio

Distance from Sydney: ~ 2-hour drive north

Sleeps: 4 people

Just 90 minutes from Sydney lies this luxurious off-grid retreat, perfect for a small group looking for a quick escape into nature. Nestled within a picturesque alpaca farm in Wollombi Valley, this architecturally designed home sits on the edge of a pond, where guests can relax in the outdoor tub with a glass of Hunter wine and gaze up at the stars as nature intended.

“My favourite part was being able to unwind by the pond on the deck in their wood fired hot tub at night and stargazing with my partner,” described one five-star review.

Reasons to stay:

• Two bedrooms
• Set on a working farm
• Private hot tub
• 90-minutes from Sydney

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-hour drive north

Best romantic getaways on the NSW Coast

Sleeps: 2 people

Round House Retreat is in the top one per cent of listings on Airbnb, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked into lush Australian bushland on a peaceful 13-acre property, your senses are completely immersed in its natural charms: waking to birdsong, stargazing from the outdoor tub, and enjoying a glass of wine by the fire. Completely off-grid, this stay is highly regarded for couples.

“We loved nothing more than sitting in the outdoor bathtub stargazing, discovering the variety of board games and having great laughs. It was wonderful and just what we needed,” said one review on her romantic escape.

Reasons to stay:

• Unique tiny home experience
• Outdoor fire pit and indoor fireplace for cooler months
• No reception for an off-grid experience, although Wifi is available
• 10-minute drive from Bermagui

Distance from Sydney: ~ 5-hour drive south

Best romantic getaways in Byron Bay & the Northern Rivers

Sleeps: 2 people

Foodie couples will adore a romantic weekend away at Frida’s Field in the Byron Bay hinterland. Stay at The Cottage, a renovated coach house with cathedral ceilings and sweeping country views. You can spend time together in the cottage’s fully equipped kitchen, experimenting with new recipes (using only the best, locally-sourced produce, of course) or stroll over to the restaurant at Frida’s Field for a long lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Reasons to stay:

• 120-acre farm with uninterrupted views
• Fully-equipped chef’s kitchen
• Try the on-farm restaurant Frida’s Field
• 10-minute drive from Bagalow and 20-minute drive to Byron Bay

Distance from Sydney: ~ 8-hour drive north

Sleeps: 4 people

Once you check into The Bails in Byron Bay, you won’t want to leave. Not only is the renovated cottage beautifully styled, it is surrounded by plenty of outdoor spaces for you to soak up the sun, fresh air and stunning views. In summer, take a dip in the plunge pool followed by lunch on the back deck. In winter, you can stay warm next to the roaring fire and curl up on the window seat to share a bottle of wine.

Reasons to stay:

• Large open plan living, dining and kitchen area
• Outdoor shower and plunge pool
• Covered and uncovered outdoor entertaining areas
• A short drive to Bangalow and Byron Bay

Distance from Sydney: ~ 8-hour drive north

Sleeps: 2 people

It’s time to saddle up. Sun Ranch is a luxurious, 70s, Cali-style ranch with a Spanish disposition, where dreams are lived in real time. The five-star hotel features a family-friendly restaurant, infinity swimming pool, sauna, sun terrace, and lush gardens. You’re also close to attractions like Byron Bay Golf Course and Cape Byron Lighthouse, although you won’t be judged for not leaving this interior masterpiece.

One review described the property as “bright” and “vibrant,” adding: “absolutely idyllic conditions, lovely staff, amazing location, and a completely relaxational unwinding feel to it.”

Reasons to stay:

• On-site restaurant
• Infinity swimming pool and sauna
• Idyllic location in the Byron Bay Hinterland

Distance from Sydney: ~ 8-hour drive north

Sleeps: 2 people

Another stay with a western soul, The Saltbush Inn is an intimate, country escape in Cudgera Creek, just north of Byron Bay. The home features a Scandinavian-inspired sauna, outdoor fire pit, and pool table, and if you ever decide to leave, the beach is only a short eight-minute drive away.

“Having a place with private sauna, ice bath and pool table was an absolute treat and we loved sitting outside taking in the beautiful landscaping and having sunset platters in the afternoons,” said one five-star review on the property.

Reasons to stay:

• Scandinavian-inspired sauna
• Pool table
• Outdoor fire pit for stargazing
• Just north of Byron Bay

Distance from Sydney: ~ 8-hour drive north