Thankfully a romantic getaway that’s good for the planet doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping in a tent on a barely-there-mat anymore. Now, don’t get us wrong, camping is an incredible way to spend your time. But sometimes no access to a shower and dinner by torchlight doesn’t exactly scream romance.
On the other hand, if you opt for something more beautiful it seems many places completely forget basic sustainability practices in their efforts to woo you. It’s a bit hard to enjoy a sexy shower with single-use shampoo staring accusingly from the corner.
Lucky for you lovebirds, there are plenty of eco-escapes in Australia that double as lovers retreats. We’ve put together our top picks for romantic getaway spots that are good or couples and the planet.
Rustic Spirit, Bilpin, NSW
For couples looking to escape the city to reconnect with nature, then these rustic wilderness cabins offer everything you’ll need for a cozy romantic getaway weekend in the mountains.
Cabins are equipped with all the essentials, plus a few added luxuries to make your stay extra comfy. You’ll be mesmerised by the warmth and gentle flicker of your own fireplace (firewood included), or immerse in a relaxing, lavender-salt bath by candlelight. The place is pet-friendly, so your furry friend can join you for a weekend in the bush.
For a bit of adventure, you’ll want to explore the local Bilpin village where you can dine at quaint restaurants serving farm-fresh produce from local suppliers, pick your own apples right from the orchard, or go hiking on one of the many wilderness trails offering glimpses across the famous Blue Mountains National Park.
What it’ll set you back:
It costs $370 a night, plus you’ll enjoy a late check-out and no nightly minimum if you book directly.
Shacky on The Olive Grove, North East Victoria
If you want to shack up with someone for a weekend then this is a great place to start your romantic getaway. This peaceful tiny home is nestled within a beautiful olive grove just 2 hours drive from the city. It’s entirely self-contained, solar powered and equipped with environmentally friendly products for you to use.
As the name suggests, you’ll be in close quarters so prepare to get cosy. You’ll barely notice anyway, with the generous bedroom windows that open onto the farm providing golden sun and fresh air. From bed you can watch the sheep roam by day and stargaze by night. If you can’t get enough beautiful views, head out and ramble through the picturesque hills nearby.
Head a little further and you’ll find Gooram Falls and Polly McQuinns. Both insta-worthy swimming holes where you can take a dip or just relax by the cascading water. If you decide you’d rather be preoccupied with each other and don’t plan on leaving the place at all – order the organic survival hamper packed with delicious supplies for your love-in.
What it’ll set you back:
$199 unless on Friday and Saturday, then it’ll be $249. There’s a 2 night minimum booking for weekends.
Mt Ida Eco Cabin, North West Victoria
The only thing better than a romantic getaway is getting away to wine country. Enter, Mt Ida Eco-Cabin. Situated in Heathcote, a stones throw from over 12 boutique wineries and breweries, it’s the perfect base to explore the region.
And because the hosts of this lovely rental are as generous as they are eco-conscious, you can do it with zero-footprint. They offer guests a bike each to use for cycling around tasting the local delicacies. Their stellar environmental approach doesn’t stop there and continues into every aspect of the off-grid cabin’s setup.
The space itself can only be described as bush-chic. It’s made from all recycled materials (including quite a bit of corrugated iron) but beautifully built and full of character. With thoughtful and luxurious touches like high quality linen and homemade brownies on arrival, it’s impossible not to feel spoiled. You’ll have breakfast supplied fresh from the farm and veggie patch included in the price too.
A huge sunny deck and tranquil views of Mt Ida provide a perfect setting to unwind together. There’s also a small setup by the dam if you feel like taking some local cheese and a mind-blowing Shiraz down to watch the sunset.
What it’ll set you back:
1 night costs $148 or for 2 or more nights, you’ll receive a discounted rate of $130.
The Little Black Shack, Northern Beaches, NSW
On the water’s edge of Pittwater’s pristine Western shore, one eco-conscious couple has turned an old fisherman’s shack into a private eco retreat. Their ambition: to positively influence their environment and their guests, one couple, one romantic getaway at a time.
Although just an hour from the city and a mile from Palm Beach, once here, you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere. There are no roads, no cars and no shops. You are surrounded only by the bush, the sea and the sky, and overlook the beautiful Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater, Palm Beach, Broken Bay and beyond.
The shack is a place where you can experience the simple pleasures in life. Like full moons and sunrises, rain water and sea breezes, hammocks and books, open fires and outdoor showers, beach combing and bushwalking, alfresco dining and breakfast in bed. And especially, each other’s company.
What it’ll set you back:
Weekends: Friday to Sunday – $600 per night with a 2 night minimum stay.
Alkira Eco-Retreat, East Victoria
I can’t say a yurt is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a romantic getaway, but here we are. A straw-bale yurt – the place for a blissful green weekend. And we mean green in every sense of the word. Off-grid with quality outdoor eco- bathroom facilities as well as hidden away deep within a 40-acre property in Dandenong ranges.
The stunning hideaway is less than an hour from Melbourne. Outside overlooks a fern lined creek among Mountain Ash trees. Inside is impeccably styled and welcoming. We have a feeling this place has probably seen some Boyfriends of Instagram. Everything is beautiful. It’s equally easy to laze at the yurt or head out for an adventure together.
Alkira recommend indulging in peaceful walks on the property along the bushland and luscious mossy stream-side or one of the many amazing walking trails close by. Make a day of it and take a basket to explore the U-Pick trail, collecting fresh seasonal fruits and quality artisan produce for a picnic at Emerald Lake.
What it’ll set you back:
There’s no minimum stay. For 1 night it’s $190 + AirBnb service fees.
Mill Pond Cabin, Hunter Valley NSW
Nestled on the property of Mill Creek Vineyards, this Mill Pond Cabin has been thoughtfully designed out of an aesthetic blend of galvanised iron, timber and stone, that were locally sourced. It makes use of solar panels on the roof and collects rain water in a tank attached to the side of the cabin.
Inside you will find all the mod cons: a fully equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom and a light-filled living area with working fireplace. But none of these features compare to the tranquillity of plunging into the spa under the stars with a bottle of local-as-you-like Mill Creek wine in hand and your favourite person by your side.
This home’s secluded placement surrounded by vines and trees creates an illusion of isolation, perfect for a romantic getaway.
What it’ll set you back:
$250 per night, inclusive of service fees.
Sheltered Glamping, Phillip Island, South East Victoria
Our pick for beachside getaway is a tent that definitely passes the romance test. It’s large and safari-style, adorned with fairy lights and – swoon – a private wood-fire hot tub. It also boasts a private kitchen, heated outdoor shower and a bbq for guests’ exclusive use.
You’ll be sleeping in deluxe linens on a four poster bed and also have the option to cuddle up in the king-size day nook. Hardly what you could call roughing it. This eco-minded glamping spot is the perfect chance to enjoy time together with minimal environmental impact.
It offers off-grid solar power, composting loo and energy efficient utilities, like a wood burner stove for heating on chilly nights. They even provide reusable bags incase you want to shop for some local produce. The best part is that it’s only 600m from one of the most secluded beaches on the island, so you can head for a romantic walk along it or for the less traditional, maybe a cheeky skinny dip?
What it’ll set you back:
There’s a 2 night minimum and it costs $350 a night + service fees if you book through AirBnb.
Welcome-Swallow Hideaway, Coastal Victoria
If the wilderness is your happy place, there’s a good chance Welcome-Swallow Hideaway will be too. Bordering Cape Otway National Park, the uniquely designed, eco-conscious tiny home is surrounded by native flora and fauna galore. The owners created it to work co-efficiently with organic farm it’s situated on, so you can leave no impact on the environment you’re there to enjoy.
Made from a shipping-container, the design includes a sunny north-facing deck and a green-house bathroom. If you’re wondering what exactly a green- house bathroom is, it’s as wonderfully lush as it sounds. A hot tub surrounded by a jungle of plants and tropical flowers.
For adventurous pairs, there are trails that lead from just behind the cabin. Look out for the regulars as you go – a family of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and the occasional echidna. If you can tear yourself away from the trees, you’re not far from the Great Ocean Road and the coast too. Either way, you should definitely end the day with a candlelit soak in that bonkers tub, then fall asleep to sounds of nature and the crackle of a wood fire.
What it’ll set you back:
$240 per night, inclusive of service fees.
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