Coastal honeymoon in Australia

Touch down in laid-back yet stylish Brisbane, known for its art scene and natural beauty. Check into The Calile, a minimalist, marble-clad sanctuary on fashionable James Street, known for its design spots and hidden bars. Spend your first evening sipping cocktails by the pool or exploring the boutique laneways just outside your door. With lush parks, cultural hotspots, and riverside dining that’s always buzzing, the city is a romantic place to begin your honeymoon in Australia.

On your next full day, meet your guide for an immersion into the best things to do in Brisbane. Get up close with a koala at Lone Pine Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Then, take in city views over a gourmet lunch at Howard Smith Wharves or in the famous James Street area around your hotel. Wrap up the day with a wine or cocktail tasting at a chic bar.

Today, travel 90 minutes from Brisbane to reach the start of the Scenic Rim Trail, a multi-day hike that’s far from roughing it. Think private eco-cabins, gourmet fireside meals, and panoramic views, all surrounded by the wild beauty of Main Range National Park. The hiking is graded moderate to hard, but the pace is unhurried. Today, you’ll trek nine miles through ancient Gondwana rainforest to reach your cozy treehouse-style cabin at Spicers Amphitheatre.

Over the next two unforgettable days, trek past waterfalls and towering buttress roots and through the rainforest. Each evening, arrive at a new camp: first, the secluded Timber Getters, and finally, luxury glamping tents at Canopy Camp with a mountain breeze and a plunge pool to soothe tired legs. With expert guides, chef-prepared meals, and cozy king beds, this is adventure with a side of indulgence.

Drive south to Byron Bay and check in at Raes on Wategos, the area’s most iconic address nestled on the shores of Wategos Beach. Mediterranean-inspired and steps from the sand, this boutique hotel is made for romance. With pristine beaches, rainforest waterfalls, and a distinctly bohemian energy, Byron Bay is an easy place to fall in love with.

Start your stay with a private surf lesson for just the two of you, learning to ride the waves at your own pace. Later, set off on a private tour to explore Byron’s secret waterways. Go kayaking down aquamarine rivers, swim beneath 100-foot-tall waterfalls, and slow time down with wine-paired picnics on hidden beaches. Evenings are for fresh seafood at Raes Dining Room and sundowners with the ocean wind in your hair at the beachfront bar.

Stylish yet serene, Noosa offers the best of Australia’s Sunshine Coast: golden beaches, rainforest trails, and a sophisticated vibe. Drive north via the dramatic peaks of the Glass House Mountains, stopping for short hikes or at panoramic lookouts before arriving at the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. Your room opens to beach views, and Hastings Street’s boutiques are within easy reach.

Take an off-road beach drive and kayak tour to remote Double Island Point in Great Sandy National Park. Immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty on a guided sea kayaking tour while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, including humpback whales and turtles, and then swim alongside dolphins and rays. The next day, glide through the mirrored Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglade ecosystems on Earth — on a peaceful cruise. An untouched, pristine wilderness area awaits you here, home to over 44 percent of Australia’s bird species.

Return to Brisbane today and then catch your flight home or on to the next part of your adventure. You’ll be leaving with sun-kissed skin, salt in your hair, and hearts full of memories together on this epic honeymoon in Australia.