If golden sands, scuba diving, yacht sailing, fine dining, spa treatments, or swimming with turtles are on your honeymoon wish list, then the islands around the Great Barrier Reef could provide the perfect destination for you. Here is a selection of great locations for Queensland honeymoons along the coast of Australia’s sunshine state.
The Whitsundays
The calm, clear waters around the Whitsundays are perfect for sailing, and many couples choose to charter their own yacht for the ultimate romantic getaway. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving along beautiful coral reefs, and you can decide whether to anchor at secluded islands or the busier inlets.
Orpheus Island
For the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, the national park known as Orpheus Island is accessed by sea plane, and has just one, adult-only, resort with twenty one rooms. Orpheus Island is well known for its superb cuisine, and honeymooners can snorkel alongside the rich and famous over the largest giant clam garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Lizard Island
For couples passionate about diving, Lizard Island is hard to beat as a honeymoon spot. Diving destinations include the Cod Hole and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The resort has a casual, beach house feel and the spa has an extensive range of treatments to relax the body and mind.
Wilson Island
Nature lovers will adore this eco retreat in the south of the Great Barrier Reef. Between April and November the island is home to loggerhead turtles whose hatchlings can be seen by the twelve guests the island can accommodate. There are many exotic birds to watch; in fact the island is closed during the nesting season in February. Tents provide accommodation on Wilson Island, but don’t worry if this doesn’t sound luxurious enough for your honeymoon, they have timber floors and king sized beds.
Bedarra Island
Just south of Cairns, the resort of Bedarra Island is focused on relaxation and pampering. The sixteen villas on the edge of the rainforest each have a veranda overlooking the beach, and guests can enjoy a massage and superb dining in their own villa. For guests that crave a little more action, diving trips, snorkelling and catamaran sailing are all available.
Qualia resort
For a larger resort, Qualia, on Hamilton Island is a truly luxurious destination. The extensive facilities include pools, bars and a fitness centre, as well as high class restaurants and a spa. When guests have had enough of being pampered, fishing trips and catamaran sailing are available.
