Road Trip Getaways For Valentine’s Day In Australia

Love is in the air, and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to plan a romantic getaway with your sweetheart.

A road trip together is a fantastic way to spend time with one another away from screens, work, family and other commitments. So here are a few of Australia’s most loved-up spots that you can drive to in a rental car and make it an occasion to remember!

The Barossa Valley, South Australia

Are you the kind of couple that loves to sit back with a delicious Australian wine and enjoy the summer sunshine? It’s hard to imagine many who wouldn’t enjoy a few days hidden away together soaking up the sunshine and the wine in equal quantities, so consider picking up a hire car in Adelaide and meandering your way through the valley.

This South Australian destination offers everything you could ask for in a romantic getaway with a loved one – peace and quiet, whimsical scenery and all the wine and cheese you could wish for.

There are more than 550 grape-growing families in the region, many of whom have been cultivating land and creating some of the country’s best drops for generations. Altogether, there are more than 170 wine companies in the valley, so you won’t be short on choice when it comes to picking your next stop. A few of the most well-known brands include Wolf Blass, Rockfords, and Peter Lehman. And don’t forget to stop by the Barossa Valley Cheese Co. for additional tastings and takeaways.

Palm Cove, Queensland

For couples who dream of white sands, blue waters and lazy days on the beach looking up at palm fronds and blue skies, a road trip to Palm Cove in Queensland could be the perfect Valentine’s Day escape.

Here, you’ll escape to a world where meetings, conference calls and deadlines feel like a faraway dream, and there’s nothing to worry about aside from which cocktail to order next. You can stay anywhere from a low-key holiday park to a fancy resort with all the trimmings, you can spend all day by the beach or head out and adventure together with scuba diving, walking, boating and more.

This idyllic location is found just up the road from your Cairns car rental pick up location, or you can pick up your vehicle further south and make a longer trip of it up the coast!

Cradle Mountain

Escape to the Tasmanian wilderness and discover Cradle Mountain on a getaway that’s every bit as adventurous as it is romantic.

Pick up your car rental from Launceston or Hobart Airport and make your way to this unbelievably scenic spot. This is an especially good option for couples who have never visited Tasmania, as discovering a new place together is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond.

While you’re in the area, map out a few hikes – it takes roughly a day to tackle the summit of the mountain, or you can try a shorter trip by walking around Dove Lake for stunning views of the peak. Or, you can even walk the famous Overland Track, a hike that takes roughly six days and will give you an unforgettable experience of Tasmania at its best. Of course, you can always book a stay in the luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge and enjoy your relaxing time in the wilderness!

The Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, so it’s ideal for busy couples who want to spend more time exploring their destination.

The Peninsula Hot Springs are made for romance, as this beautiful and relaxing spot will give you time to yourself to relax, soak in the glorious hot waters, and simply be together away from the madness of everyday life. There are a number of day spas to choose from should you fancy a couples massage. The area is also known for its food and wine, and the Wine Food Farmgate Trail is the perfect activity with a rental car as it will take you from restaurant to cafe to winery to sample plenty of the region’s best produce. Plus, you really can’t beat a romantic walk along the beach at sunset, and the Mornington Peninsula certainly offers some spectacular opportunities.