Guest Author - Michelle R. Mangio
You've searched through dozens of honeymoon websites and read more articles and books than you care to remember, but you still can't find the perfect honeymoon destination. You know what you want: a vibrant, cultural city with some great entertainment and nightlife; beautiful stretches of beaches where you can enjoy the sun and sand; gorgeous scenery and the opportunity to sample some wines during a romantic candlelight dinner at a vineyard; and maybe even the opportunity to view some wildlife.
Yes, this would make the perfect honeymoon for you, a little bit of everything you love thrown together for that truly unforgettable first vacation together. But where can you find a place that has all of that?
Why, in Sydney, Australia of course.
Many couples overlook Australia when considering a honeymoon destination, for a variety of reasons. Mostly, it's because they think it would be too similar to home, or too long a flight. Or they have images of Crocodile Dundee or Outback cowboys in their heads and don't realize all the endless possibilities a honeymoon in Australia holds. But there is more romance, and variety, in this one country than you will find in most popular honeymoon destinations. Best of all, you can do some of the "classic honeymoon experiences" – sun-bathing to nightlife, candlelight dinners under the stars to sipping wines on chateaus overlooking the ocean, cruising on amazing stretches of water to enjoying world-class theatre at night – all in one destination, and create a honeymoon experience that is truly unique, one that you can brag to your friends about.
Sydney is the city where most international travelers arrive in Australia, and for couples looking to combine an amazing city experience with great beaches, wildlife, and wine-tasting, Sydney and the surrounding countryside of New South Wales is the best place to be.
The historic "Rocks" district is a great place to stay, giving a glimpse into Sydney's past and containing many wonderful boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Here, too, are the best views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge – several hotels in this area, ranging from affordable to luxurious, overlook these Australian icons. Circular Quay, located in the Rocks, is where most of the harbour cruises depart from – enjoy an evening of fine dining and dancing out on Sydney harbour, or make use of the ferries to transport you around the city. The zoo, aquarium, Lunar Park, Darling Harbour, and many other popular attractions are easily reached by the ferry, and you can purchase a ferry pass that includes admission to many of these attractions.
For those wanting a more modern, upbeat locale, stay in Darling Harbour, where some of the best night clubs and hotspots can be found. Many of the popular attractions, such as the IMAX theatre and Aquarium, can be found here as well.
Outside of Sydney, you can find those wonderful honeymoon experiences. Take a small or private tour up to the Blue Mountains for some amazing views of the Jamieson Valley (Australia's Grand Canyon) and the Three Sister rock formation. Here, too, you can view Kangaroos in the wild while enjoying morning tea and cakes with your guide, then in the afternoon enjoy a romantic dinner in a lodge tucked away in the woods. Or head over the mountains to the famous Hunter Valley, where many of Australia's fine wines are produced. Visit the vineyards and sample the best wines, or enjoy a wonderful lunch or romantic dinner at a vineyard of your choice.
Looking for some sun and sand? Bondi Beach, the most popular stretch of white sand in Sydney, is easily reached by public transportation from within the heart of the city, but you'll feel as if you've gotten hours away from all the hustle and bustle. Further away from the city, there are many beautiful harbours and coves to explore, enjoying not only pristine beaches but gorgeous views, where boutique inns and lovely B&Bs welcome you to explore a quieter, more intimately romantic side of New South Wales.
Want some ultimate romantic touches? Enjoy a candlelight dinner, then cruise your way to the Opera House for an evening of entertainment. Take a seaplane journey over the Harbour on your way to a private stretch of beach for lunch, or even on to the Hunter Valley for dinner and tastings at a wine cellar.
As you can see, Sydney provides an amazing variety of romantic escapes to make any honeymoon unique and unforgettable, allowing you to do (or not do) as much as you might wish, from wine tastings to wildlife viewing, from vibrant city life to secluded beaches, to cruises on the Harbour to scenic flights over the Harbour on your way to dinner.
For the true Honeymoon romantics, there is also a great way now to reach Australia that breaks up the long flight: a stop at a South Pacific Island. The major carriers to Australia all offer the option of a stopover in Tahiti, Fiji, or the Cook Islands. Or head to Australia via Hawaii. This not only breaks up the long flight, but adds the perfect romantic touch to any South Pacific honeymoon. Visit one island on your way to Australia, and visit another on the way home. For the more adventurous, a stopover in New Zealand is also a possibility.
Don't just take my word for it, however. Honeymoon in Australia and the South Pacific and see for yourself why the romance down under is unlike any you will find elsewhere. Truly, this is a place where there are "no worries, mate."
