The most dreamy romantic escapes across New South Wales

Best luxury romantic hotel in Sydney CBD

Location: Sydney CBD

Capella Sydney, the first Australian outpost of the hotel group, brings its signature blend of refined luxury to the city. Housed within a striking Edwardian Baroque sandstone edifice, and accessed via a grand marble foyer, the hotel encompasses 192 guest rooms, the private Living Room space, an indoor pool, a yoga platform and the Auriga spa. Culinary artistry takes centre stage at Brasserie 1930, helmed by chefs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley Group; consider your dinner date sorted. Read our review.

Find more places to stay in the Sydney CBD in our dedicated edit of Sydney hotels.

Best secluded waterfront stay in Sydney

Location: Newport, Northern Beaches of Sydney

Floating in the Northern Beaches’ Pittwater, The Salty Dog tiny houseboat is an idyllic spot with a loft bed for lovebirds to lap up the sun and salt – amongst all the love, that is. With use of the dinghy to go ashore, you totally are removed from the rest of the world for the weekend. “Impeccably styled & thoughtfully curated, every detail reflects extraordinary care,” boasts one review.

Best boutique stay in Sydney

Location: Paddington, Sydney

When Paris feels too a touch too far, this stylish studio guesthouse could serve as a contingency, offering a European-style reprieve that’s only a skip away from Oxford St. “Well connected but quiet and private,” said one five-star review on the stay, privileged with local boutiques, coveted restaurants and more. Plus, it even comes with parking – a rarity in these Sydney city haunts.

Best ultra-luxury retreat

Location: Bowen Mountain

Surrounded by Bowen Mountain bushland with the rippling Nepean River Delta below, the prestigious all-inclusive mountain retreat is designed for two. Eight luxurious private suites are each primed for romance and reconnection with fireplaces, deep baths and views for days. For the epicureans, dine at top-rated Amara Restaurant, where seasonal Hawkesbury region produce is sourced from within a one-hour drive radius and personalised degustation dinners put taste and technique on show.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-hour drive

Best Blue Mountains stay for epicureans

Location: Blackheath, Blue Mountains

Pair romance with a touch of retro nostalgia, and you have Kyah Hotel – a former motel featuring art deco-inspired interiors with a luxury twist. The hotel’s rooms are complemented by the divine restaurant Blaq, a recently reopened space with a variety of international influences, setting the tone for your romantic escape.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-2 hour drive

Best luxury bush retreat in the Blue Mountains

Location: Blackheath, The Blue Mountains

Within the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, Chalets at Blackheath presents a secluded collection of individual retreats. Each chalet offers a private sun deck, a generously-sized bathroom adorned with limestone, and a fireplace for ambiance. An intimate setting for connection with the surrounding natural world.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-2 hour drive

Find more places to stay in the Blue Mountains in our dedicated edit of romantic getaways for this region of NSW.

Best luxury country retreat in the Southern Highlands

Location: Bundanoon, NSW

Leaning into its stately bones, Osborn House invites you to settle in and soak up the intimate atmosphere. Guests have the option to stay in the main house (where rooms are furnished with four-poster beds and marble bathrooms) or in a selection of new modular cabins, just a short walk from the main quarters. Argentinian fire feasts are a regular event here, and slow-cooked chooks, coal-kissed chorizo and grilled veggies emerge from a dramatic fire pit cooking set-up.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5 hour drive

Best historic escape in the Southern Highlands

Location: Bowral, NSW

Just under two hours from Sydney lies Ardour Milton Park Bowral, a five–star, a 19th-century country house looking the lush natural wonders of the Southern Highlands. Featuring a variety of restorative amenities, including a spa with six treatment rooms, sauna, and fitness centre, prepare to be utterly rejuvenated come check-out time. Enjoy high tea on The Terrace, cocktails at The Polo Bar, or fine à la carte dining at Hordens Restaurant.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5 hour drive

Best private hideaway in the Southern Highlands

Location: Moss Vale, NSW

For something a little more private, this luxury farm escape offering is both restorative and interactive. Set on the dam of a working horse farm, situated on over 150 acres, you are invited to roam the property at your leisure, which includes a memorable horse farm around the par at your request. The property sleeps two, and is just a 10-minute drive from Centennial Vineyards.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 1.5-hour drive

Best luxury stay on the NSW South Coast

Location: Shoalhaven, South Coast

Get respite from the big smoke by staying a night or three at Bangalay Luxury Villas, just paces away from Seven Mile Beach. Rooms are private with furnished patios, a fireplace, and entertainment amenities. The only lover’s quarrel you’ll be having is whether to take your lounging beach or poolside.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 2.5-hour drive

Best fora boutique hotel experience

Location: Berry

A touch of nostalgic paradise in Berry, five-star boutique hotel is designed to align with the laid-back lifestyle of the town. Spend the day by the infinity pool or wander into the local village, with nature attractions in short drives at any direction.

Distance from Sydney: < 2-hour drive

Best eco-luxury stay on the South Coast

Location: Woollamia, Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven region

Tucked into the trees on the edge of Currambene Creek, Paperbark Camp is an eco-friendly oasis just a stone’s throw from the east side of Jervis Bay. Here, you can unwind in one of 13 safari-style canvas tents – which include freestanding baths and the option of in-tent massage treatments – then wander to the treetop The Gunyah restaurant or explore Jervis Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 2 to 3-hour drive

Best for a charming cottage stay

Location: Milton, NSW

This renovated workers cottage in Milton’s historic precinct has the ideal mix of privacy and amenities at your feet, with the heart of Milton just a five-minute walk away. With four bedrooms, a separate dining area and a courtyard that could transport you to Tuscany (or back to the 19th century with the gorgeous church next door), you have enough space to make this a romantic getaway for two couples – or enjoy it all to yourselves.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 3-hour drive

Best all-inclusive luxury lodge

Location: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

The five-star Tower Lodge offers couples an all-inclusive escape from the city, in Spanish-inspired surroundings. Here, you’ll find an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant with seasonal menus showcasing the quality of regional produce, as well as the Hunter Valley’s first whisky distillery and, or course, a vineyard.

Distance from Sydney: < 2.5-hour drive

Best vineyard stay for couples

Location: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW

Enjoy some romance among the vines in one of these boutique holiday properties in the Hunter Valley region. As well as sweeping countryside views and garden surroundings, you can stroll to Cellar doors and enjoy a wine tasting or satisfy your sweet tooth at nearby Sabor Dessert Bar.

Distance from Sydney: < 2.5-hour drive

Best off-grid romantic cabin

Location: Lambs Valley, NSW

This property was a finalist in last years Airbnb Host Awards for Host of The Year, and it’s easy to see why. Despite its off-grid location, there is lots of space to roam in this two bed-room escape. Located in Lambs Valley, just a short drive to the Hunter Valley and wineries, relax in the pool that overlooks the sweeping valley and make use of all the luxury amenities – sauna included. One five-star review described the property as “the kind of place that makes you instantly relax as soon as you arrive.”the kind of place that makes you instantly relax as soon as you arrive.”

Distance from Sydney: < 2.5-hour drive

Best private studio stay

Location: Pokolbin, NSW

Surrounded by lush lavender fields, this romantic escape is right out of a film that features two lovers basking in natural wonder. This property was build in the 1990’s from salvaged and recycled materials, and was originally used as an artist’s studio. Still a working farm, enjoy regular sightings of dogs, cattle and horses.

Distance from Sydney: < 2.5-hour drive

Best luxury studio stay

Location: Canobolas

Perched amidst rolling hills, overlooking a flourishing cherry orchard, lies Chaser at Basalt Luxury Accommodation. This contemporary retreat, a harmonious blend of natural stone and timber, is crafted with thoughtful details – from a telescope poised for stargazing, to a Bluetooth speaker. Why not source a local wine at sunset and take in the panoramic views of the Orange region from the freestanding tub.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 4-hour drive

Best boutique heritage stay

Location: Orange

Yallungah Boutique Hotel has just 22 guestrooms and suites in a former family home built around 1896 and designed by architect William Lamrock. It’s right in the heart of Orange, making it ideal for wining and dining with your loved one.

Distance from Sydney: < 4-hour drive

Best boutique hotel for couples

Location: Byron Bay, Far North Coast

Basq House is ideal for a mini break, featuring 32 boutique rooms in the centre of Byron Bay. There’s also a fabulous magnesium pool surrounded by daybeds and sun lounges. The Miami beach house design is a warm blur of travertine tiles, leather lounges, boho artworks and cool communal spaces. It’s a relatively quiet stay despite being located in the heart of Byron village, making it the perfect romantic location.

Distance from Sydney: ~ 8 hours’ drive – or a 1 hour 15 minute flight to Byron-Ballina airport and transport from there

Best luxury farm stay

Location: Coopers Shoot, Far North Coast

For those wishing for the California dream, you’ll find it in Coopers Shoot – just a 15-minute drive from Byron Bay’s centre. The stay calls upon eclectic influences, with references to Californian and Utah ranches and a research trip to Mexico, all seen through a uniquely Byron lens. Enjoy dips in the 25-metre basalt pool, horse trail rides with Byron’s Zepyhr Horses, a cacao ceremony, in-room massages, astrology readings and sound healing for a revitalising escape.

Distance from Sydney:~ 8 hours’ drive – or a 1 hour 15 minute flight to Byron-Ballina airport and transport from there

Best private hinterland stay

Location: Federal, Northern Rivers

A rustic retreat boasting a heated plunge pool and clawfoot bath, Sun-Clad Bliss is a darling farmhouse in Federal. With rolling green views of the Byron Bay hinterland, a nearby river, and vegetable garden and fruit trees onsite, you’re in bucolic bliss.

Distance from central Sydney: ~ 8.5-hour drive – or a 1 hour 20 minute flight to Byron-Ballina airport plus transport from there