TEN ROMANTIC ECO EXPERIENCES TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST
Has Valentine’s Day got you looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other or simply wanting to spend some quality time away? To get you excited for your next romantic eco trip, Ecotourism Australia has highlighted 10 of its most romantic experiences to enjoy. While each individual has a different idea of what makes for a romantic experience, there is something for everybody to find. Whereas for some it is the secluded getaway at a treehouse retreat, for others it is the adventurous horseback trip. Have a look and don’t forget to add these prestigious ECO certified experiences to your bucket list.
1. Somewhere Unique
Views at Somewhere Unique. / Credit: Somewhere Unique
The couples’ retreat Somewhere Unique is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a nature-based getaway that’s easy to reach on a weekend. Only a two-hour drive from the Sydney CBD lays the picturesque Wollombi Valley. You will get to the 20-acre bushland property in the Wollombi Valley by travelling via the historic and scenic Great North Road. Somewhere Unique combines a tranquil setting with luxurious, romantic couples-only accommodation, superb comfort and attention to detail. Choose between the Lowanna or Allawah Retreat and enjoy time with your significant other in a one bedroom fully self-contained accommodation. Both retreats have been strategically placed to ensure privacy for each couple, and thoughtfully designed to create a harmonious and romantic ambience. Add a massage or a wine tour to your stay or make use of the provided bicycles. You do not miss out on any luxury by staying at this ECO certified Nature Tourism retreat. At Somewhere Unique in the Hunter Valley, the importance of caring for the environment is directly linked to caring for the needs of guests. Find out more about Somewhere Unique here.
2. Whitsunday Rent A Yacht & Sunsail Whitsundays
Exploring the Whitsunday Islands. / Credit: Whitsunday Rent A Yacht & Sunsail Whitsundays
Dreaming about a romantic adventure? Skipper yourself with one of the bareboat charters at Whitsunday Rent A Yacht & Sunsail Whitsundays and take in the spectacular views around the Whitsunday Islands. Anchor up and tender ashore at one of the islands and enjoy the day on land by going on a bushwalk. Not only do the Whitsunday Islands offer some of the best national park bush walks, but they have some magnificent snorkelling sites as well. You will be able to see turtles, whales and a huge variety of tropical fish. After an adventurous day out on the ocean you can either cook for yourself in the fully equipped kitchen or pre-order all of your food through the provisioning service. Enjoy this prestige experience as a couple or book as a group, however you like to enjoy your romantic time on board. The fleet comprises of yachts, catamarans and motor cruisers, all of which are maintained and operated by the team to ensure guests have the best experience. There is the option of booking a sail guide which gives you the chance to enjoy as much or as little sailing as you want. Whitsunday-Rent-A-Yacht is determined to ensure the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef remain well cared for. Through their offer of ECO certified experiences, they want to ensure that your time on board is spent in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner. Check out here for more information.
3. HeliSpirit
Views of the Kimberley. / Credit: HeliSpirit
If you’re not afraid of heights and want to add some adventure to your romantic eco experience, HeliSpirit is the right choice for you. It is no secret that helicopters are an exciting, adventurous and special way to travel. Enjoy the breathtaking flights over this amazing country from eleven bases across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Northern Territory. HeliSpirit operates a fleet of helicopters at key locations across the Kimberley including Kununurra, Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle) and Mitchell Falls, as well as Katherine Gorge and Karratha. Sit back and discover the inspiring landscapes with a scenic flight or an extended Luxury Helicopter Safari. While you enjoy this romantic eco experience, HeliSpirit’s well trained pilots will take you up in the air and show you sights you could never see from the ground. This ECO certified tour operator is locally owned and wants you to learn about the history of the different ranges. Book the Lake Argyle Tour and have the option of a remote landing in a secret spring for a picnic or a swim or watch the sunset on this unforgettable experience. Have a look on here for further information.
4. Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat
Outside terrace at the treehouse. / Credit: Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat
If you are looking for a romantic hideaway, Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat is the right place. Located along the Camden Haven River on the East Coast just above Newcastle, the retreat is the perfect place to slow down and rejuvenate. This is a romantic experience high among the trees between the river and the sea. This luxury accommodation offers two private treehouses, which are accessible via a 40 metre boardwalk. This enables visitors with wheelchairs to access the nature retreat as well. The retreat is on the edge of two national parks and within 10 kilometres of three other parks and nature reserves, protected wetlands and some of the most stunning beaches and waterways in Australia. The treehouses were built to be environmentally sensitive and to have an extremely low ongoing carbon footprint. Enjoy this special adventure surrounded by native wildlife. Bring more romance in by booking a massage in front of the fire in your own treehouse. Special services are offered, such as on-site babysitting or campfires. Relax in the treetops at Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat where the pristine environment is still respected. Find out more about this eco experience on here.
5. Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks
Sunset at Magnetic Island. / Credit: Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks
Enjoy the beautiful sunset in Horseshoe Bay during a Kayak Sunset Tour with Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks. You will discover the unique bays in the national marine parks and the rocky coastline of Magnetic Island from your kayak. Paddle through the calm waters and watch the turtles come to the surface and the wildlife prepare itself for the night. This is a perfect evening experience within a romantic ambience. Have a chat while you enjoy a drink on your kayak or simply sit in silence as the sun sets behind the anchored sailboats. This tour is suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers and operates with a minimum of two and maximum of 12 customers. Click here to find out more.
6. Peninsula Hot Springs
Private pools at Peninsula Hot Springs. / Credit: Peninsula Hot Springs
Go for a steamy romantic eco experience at Peninsula Hot Springs. Enjoy the geothermal mineral-rich waters that flow from the deep underground into the many pools. Only an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD, the Hot Springs offer a range of private baths where you can relax by yourself or with your partner. Furthermore, Peninsula Hot Springs offers bath houses where you can socialise and watch the stunning 360-degree view of the region. Enjoy the ECO certified Nature Tourism sanctuary, where your mind and body can relax in the beautiful natural surroundings. Choose between indoor and outdoor pools ranging from 36 Celsius to 43 Celsius and recharge in this romantic ambience. Look up more information on here.
7. Bogong Horseback Adventures
Up on the horseback in Alpine National Park. / Credit: Bogong Horseback Adventures
Saddle up and explore the Australian High Country of North East Victoria. Enjoy this romantic eco experience with spectacular views of the Bogong High Plains on the horse’s back. Choose from a two-hour day ride to multi stay packhorse tours and combine great horses with the natural splendour of the Bogong High Plains. Bogong Horseback Adventures offers rides to suit all levels of riders. Add a great fire-cooked meal to your romantic eco vacation while you relax after a day of riding in the pristine Alpine National Park. If you still haven’t got enough of the farm life, you are welcome to stay in their unique farm stay accommodation. Check out here for further information.
8. Walk Into Luxury
Views on a Walk into Luxury Cape to Cape Hike. / Credit: Walk Into Luxury
Walk into a romantic eco experience with Walk Into Luxury. The ECO certified Advanced Ecotourism operator offers guided and private walks to the south-west of Western Australia to the Cape to Cape Track and Bibbulmun Track in absolute luxury comfort. You can experience the prestige nature combined with gourmet food and wine and exclusive accommodation. If you would like to personalise your walking experience, Walk Into Luxury designs you your own private journey. Enjoy secluded beaches and your own private accommodation with spa included. Find out more here.
9. Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat & Conservation Sanctuary
Surroundings of Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat. / Credit: Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat & Conservation Sanctuary
Spend some romantic time in the beautiful Margaret River region, in one of Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat & Conservation Sanctuary’s chalets. This unique place lies nestled within the boundaries of the protected native wildlife conservation sanctuary and is an ideal place for a private or secluded, small group or romantic getaway. Experience the magic of the Margaret River region in a fully self-contained chalet. Spend your days on one of the close by walking trails or relax in your own private outdoor spa beneath the stars. Surrounded by bushland, the retreat is centrally located with easy access to all the attractions around. Meet the amazing wildlife right on your doorstep like kangaroos, woylies or the huge variety of birds and see how easy it is to be more environmental and energy efficient in your own home. Look up the Retreat on here.
10. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Views from the boardwalks. / Credit: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Embark on a romantic eco journey with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Discover Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area up in the air in a cable car just outside Cairns. The 7.5km cableway glides just metres over the canopy of Australia's tropical rainforests. Sit back and enjoy the stunning views. Two mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, provide the opportunity to explore and learn about this ancient environment on boardwalks and at the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Explore the rainforest with your significant other and immerse yourself in the fascinating surroundings. Find out more on here.
What’s your favourite nature-based romantic getaway? Tell us about it in the comments below!
(Header image: Walk Into Luxury)