We’ve Found The Most Romantic Mini Getaways Across The Country
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
When it comes to Christmas gifting, we love nothing more than being surprised with a mini getaway. It doesn’t have to be somewhere fancy or far away; the best holidays are simply the ones you don’t have to plan yourself.
Whether it’s for a long weekend or just one night, a local escape can feel like a much-needed reset, break up your daily routine and give you some quality time with your SO. Luckily, our mates at RedBalloon offer all-inclusive mini getaways across the country just in time for Christmas, from rainforest retreats to luxury winery stays and even overnight zoo safaris.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate, reconnect or simply surprise someone you love this holiday season, book a romantic trip for two and reap the rewards.
Check out our round-up of romantic escapes:
- The Best Mini Getaways In NSW
- The Best Mini Getaways In WA
- The Best Mini Getaways In QLD
- The Best Mini Getaways In VIC
- The Best Mini Getaways In SA
- The Best Mini Getaway In TAS
The Best Mini Getaways In NSW
Luxury Geo Dome Stay
Sleeping under the stars has never looked quite this good. This two-night glamping escape sees you bunk down in a luxe geo dome surrounded by tranquil bushland, with a huge skylight above your king-sized bed for prime stargazing. Outside, there’s a private kitchen and heated alfresco deck where you can pour a glass of complimentary local wine and get cosy beside the crackling log fire. Think off-grid escape, but with all the creature comforts.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night luxury geo dome stay for two
Where: 1480 Wombeyan Caves Rd, High Range Nr, Bowral, NSW
Cost: From $845
Hunter Valley Retreat With Wine Tasting
Tucked among the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, check in for two nights of countryside bliss this holiday season. Your premium studio comes with a private balcony overlooking the mountains, plus a complimentary bottle of wine to crack open on arrival. Spend your days lounging by the pool, exploring the walking trails or unwinding on a picnic before heading out for an all-inclusive wine tasting and cheese platter at a local Hunter Valley winery.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night retreat with wine tasting for two
Where: 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW
Cost: From $995
Luxury Farm Stay With A Horse Stud Tour
Who says romantic getaways have to be just the two of you? Rally your couple friends and make a weekend of it at this design-savvy farm stay in the Upper Hunter Valley. Sleeping six, the luxe country retreat comes with a swimming pool for lazy afternoons and a fire pit for post-dinner marshmallow toasting and stargazing. And if you’re a horse lover, you’re in luck: your stay includes a tour of a local horse stud, home to racehorses that have competed in some of Australia’s biggest races, from the Melbourne Cup to The Everest.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night luxury farm stay for six
Where: 610 Waverley Rd, Gundy, NSW
Cost: From $2,750
The Best Mini Getaways In WA
Eco Tent Adventure
Craving a nature reset this Christmas? Switch up your usual weekend routine for two nights in a safari-style eco tent overlooking a lush garden, just over an hour south of Broome. Set alongside 15 kilometres of pristine beaches and rocky coves, this beach resort has everything you need for an outdoorsy escape, from kayaks and snorkelling gear to fishing equipment. Once you’re done exploring the coastline, swap your swimsuit for a robe and wind down with a treatment at the day spa.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night eco tent adventure for two
Where: 323 Great Northern Highway, Broome, WA
Cost: From $479
Margaret River Beach Resort Getaway
Beach days, wine tastings and a resort-style stay? Sign us up. This two-night escape puts you within easy reach of Gnarabup Beach, with a comfy self-contained studio as your home base. Wander along the sand, explore nearby caves and nature trails or venture out to Margaret River’s world-class wineries and gourmet producers. Back at the resort, cool off in the pool, fire up the BBQ and enjoy the slower pace of coastal life.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night beach resort getaway for two
Where: 1 Resort Place, Gnarabup Beach, Margaret River, WA
Cost: From $500
The Best Mini Getaways In QLD
Romantic Rainforest Retreat With A Degustation
Tired of cooking every Christmas? If you want to feel wined and dined, this is the two-night escape for you. Perched on the edge of Kondalilla National Park, this adults-only rainforest retreat has just six eco-friendly pavilions, each kitted out with a fully appointed kitchen, deep double spa bath, crackling log fireplace and private verandah with sweeping rainforest views. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a cheese platter and a bottle of French sparkling wine to share on your balcony. Then it’s time for a five-course degustation at a two-hatted restaurant, complete with a glass of bubbles to start your mini holiday on a high.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night rainforest retreat for two
Where: 78 Narrows Road, Montville, QLD
Cost: From $2,200
Country Escape with Breakfast Hamper
We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many charming country towns, and Ballandean is one of our favourites. Tucked into Queensland’s Granite Belt wine country, this tiny rural town is surrounded by award-winning wineries, rolling countryside and serene national parks. Make a weekend of it at these barrel-shaped luxury cabins, decked out with a king bed, cosy fireplace and gourmet breakfast hamper packed with regional produce. There’s even a complimentary bottle of local Strangebird wine waiting for you to pop. Cheers!
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night country escape for two
Where: 137 Days Road, Ballandean, QLD
Cost: From $1,150
The Best Mini Getaways In VIC
Macedon Ranges Winery Escape
An hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges wine region is made up of over 40 boutique family-owned wineries. So if you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll adore a curated stay at this luxury vineyard resort in the heart of the picturesque Lancefield Shire this Christmas. Check into your elegant, European-style room with a king-sized bed and ensuite, dine at the on-site restaurant, and enjoy an inclusive underground cellar door tasting of local Macedon Ranges wines. It’s the perfect one-nighter to reconnect with your loved one over (multiple) glasses of wine.
THE DETAILS
What: One-night winery escape for two
Where: 55 Shannons Rd, Lancefield, VIC
Cost: From $395
Overnight Zoo Safari
You don’t need to fly all the way to Botswana to get your safari fix. At Werribee, about a 30-minute drive from Melbourne, you can bed down in luxury tented accommodation overlooking the Werribee River and African-style savannah. Get up close with the animals during an exclusive encounter, head out on a dusk safari tour, then come back for an African-inspired dinner and breakfast. It’s all the magic of a safari without the long-haul journey.
THE DETAILS
What: One-night zoo safari for two
Where: K Road, Werribee, South VIC
Cost: From $980
Luxury Winery Stay In The Mornington Peninsula
The next best thing to a romantic European escape this holiday season? A lavish boutique hotel and vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula. Set across 34 picturesque acres of gardens, lakes and vines with sweeping sea views, this coastal stay feels like it’s been plucked straight from the Tuscan countryside. Drop your bags in your garden-view room and start your getaway with complimentary wine and a cheese board on your private balcony. Then spend a few blissful days sipping your way through the region’s cellar doors, strolling its pristine beaches and soaking up the village charm. All just an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
THE DETAILS
What: One-night luxury winery stay for two
Where: 142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill, VIC
Cost: From $599
The Best Mini Getaways In SA
Romantic Getaway With A Day Spa And Wine
This overnight escape in the Adelaide Hills comes with all the ingredients for a very good Christmas getaway: vineyard views, a couples’ day spa experience and plenty of wine. Set among the Pinot Noir vines, your premium suite comes with a king-sized bed, kitchenette, breakfast supplies and a private balcony overlooking the gum trees and vines. Kick things off with an antipasto platter, handcrafted chocolates and sparkling wine on the balcony, then spend the next day being thoroughly pampered with a foot bath, full-body massage, facial and scalp massage, followed by a wine tasting for two. You’ll even head home with a box of truffles and a bottle of wine.
THE DETAILS
What: One-night romance getaway with a day spa and wine for two
Where: 154 Pound Road, Macclesfield, SA
Cost: From $1,065
Luxury Stay At Kangaroo Island
We could all use the gift of a digital detox from time to time. Tucked into 400 acres of Kangaroo Island wilderness, this tiny luxury cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic ocean views, a kitchenette and a king-sized bed. There’s also an outdoor bath and sauna, plus a bottle of local wine waiting for you to toast your sweet escape. Just a 25-minute drive from Penneshaw and surrounded by native bushland, the cabin comes with its own private beach, where you can spend your time swimming, listening to the soothing sounds of native birds and spotting kangaroos hopping around the property.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night private luxury stay for two
Where: Cape St Albans, Willoughby, SA
Cost: From $1,090
The Best Mini Getaway In TAS
Beachside Villa With A Hot Tub And Sauna
If you’re anything like us, once the Christmas chaos has simmered down, being near the ocean is instantly calming. Set on Tasmania’s granite coastline overlooking Red Rock Point, this secluded villa is as peaceful as it gets. Soak in your private hot tub while taking in panoramic coastal views, warm up around the outdoor fire pit or cook up a romantic dinner for two in the fully equipped kitchen. You’ll also get a complimentary cliff-top sauna experience, with plenty of time to explore the scenic Chain of Lagoons, or simply curl up inside the art-filled villa and enjoy the view.
THE DETAILS
What: Two-night beachside villa for two
Where: 21040 Tasman Highway, Chain of Lagoons, TAS
Cost: From $990
BOOK HERE
This Christmas you don’t have to travel far to create long-lasting memories. Get inspired with RedBalloon’s mini getaways here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by RedBalloon and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Supplied.