Australia’s 10 most romantic locations to propose
If you’re planning to pop the question this Valentine's Day – or are simply looking to rekindle some passion, these Australian destinations are just the ticket.
When it comes to proposing, organising the ring is only half the challenge. If your loungeroom or backyard simply won’t cut it, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most breathtaking and romantic locations in Australia to pop the question.
Staircase to the moon, Roebuck Bay, WA
Asking for your beloved’s hand in marriage while silhouetted by a moonlit sea must be one of the most romantic proposal scenarios.
And there are few more beautiful moonlit locations than Roebuck Bay in Broome, Western Australia.
On certain days of the year, between March and October, the moon’s reflection on the Bay’s tidal flats resembles a shimmering, golden staircase.
You may have to negotiate with the weather gods, but if you’re lucky enough to be wandering along the rust-coloured sands of this remote beach on a clear night with your beloved, there’s no better opportunity to bend that knee.
Satellite Island, TAS
The private island, located near Bruny Island on Tasmania’s D‘Entrecasteaux Channel, is arguably one of Australia’s most romantic – and exclusive – holiday destinations. The island is accessible by helicopter or private boat and features a summer house and beautifully style boat house with panoramic views of the Channel.
Presenting a ring inside a freshly shucked oyster shell during sunset drinks on the boathouse jetty? That’s what dreams are made of. satelliteisland.com.au
Hot air balloon, Canberra
If you’re confident your significant other is not afraid of heights (or early starts), the tranquillity and intimacy of a hot-air balloon ride for two over Canberra’s picturesque Brindabella Ranges at sunrise could be just the thing to elicit a resounding ‘yes’.
Covid-19 restrictions notwithstanding, Dawn Drifters offer a post-flight Champagne breakfast at the Hyatt Hotel where you can relax in pre-wedded bliss and share the good news via FaceTime with friends and family. dawndrifters.com.au
Heart Reef, QLD
Queensland’s most romantic location is undoubtedly the air space above its iconic heart reef, located in the Whitsunday Islands. This renowned love heart-shaped coral microatoll is one of the world’s most iconic proposal destinations, joining the likes of Paris’ Eiffel Tower and the Santorini caldera.
Hamilton Island Weddings will plan your entire proposal itinerary including a heart reef flyover, followed by a romantic stroll along the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach. All you need to do is remember to bring the ring.
Hamilton Island Weddings Heart Reef proposal packages start at $2,252. hamiltonislandweddings.com
The Balconies, Grampians National Park, VIC
Once better known as the Jaws of Death, this picturesque lookout in the Grampians National Park now goes by the much more pleasant moniker – The Balconies.
The lookout offers panoramic views of the picturesque Victoria Valley and at sunset is an unforgettable scenic spot to pop the question.
Italian speedboat, Sydney Harbour, NSW
The option to jet off to the Italian Riviera might be currently out of the question, but a cruise around Sydney Harbour in a wooden Italian speedboat such as this beauty from Sydney Harbour Escapes could be the next best thing. After dropping anchor at Queens Cove – a quiet sandy beach along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk – pop the question, then a bottle of prosecco in celebration of your impending wedded bliss. sydneyharbourescapes.com.au
Hubert, Sydney, NSW
Proposals don’t always have to involve spectacular sunsets and scenery. Sometimes the best place to pledge one’s love is in a dim lit corner of a favourite restaurant; somewhere you can return to time again to rekindle that pre-wedding spark. And with its moody French bistro vibe, live jazz and intimate atmosphere, Hubert in the Sydney CBD could be the perfect place to (quietly) make things official. restauranthubert.com
Drift House, Port Fairy, VIC
The Great Ocean Road is peppered with dreamy locations for those wanting to woo their future bride or groom, but with its charming lighthouse and township, a weekend in Port Fairy puts it at the top of the list.
Whether it’s in front of a cosy fireplace in one of the luxurious suites at boutique hotel, Drift House, or while whale watching at East Beach, there are plenty of places to drop a knee in this beautiful seaside locale. drifthouse.com.au
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest, QLD
A rainforest escape to one of Australia’s natural wonders will set the scene for an unforgettable proposal. Due to re-open in October, the newly refurbished Silky Oaks Lodge will feature six premium retreats hidden among the dense tropical landscape of the property, located an hour’s drive north from Cairns.
Explore hidden billabongs and beaches in and around the World Heritage area before retiring to your luxury treehouse retreat to make things official. silkyoakslodge.com.au
Villa Talia, TAS
As far as proposal tales go, popping the question while soaking in an outdoor stone bathtub overlooking Tasmania’s Huon river is bound to put most other stories to shame. It’s one of the myriad ways to propose at the private and luxurious Villa Tahlia, a sprawling homestead located on a eight-acre property in the Huon Valley. huonvalleytas.com
