List
By Chelsea Tromans
Your wedding day is a hard act to follow, but a Sunshine Coast honeymoon is up for the challenge. With all the stress of planning a wedding behind you, what the two of you need is a destination that delivers great weather, relaxed vibes but plenty of things to do and see for an unforgettable holiday like no other.
The Sunshine Coast offers a bit of everything: oceanfront resorts, hidden cottages in the hinterland, luxury spas, hatted restaurants, beautiful beaches and stunning nature.
Is it ticking all the boxes for you? Great! Here are some of the best destinations for a Sunshine Coast honeymoon you’ll never forget.
Photo by @oceansmooloolaba
You will want for nothing at Oceans. It has the best location, the most luxurious rooms, the friendliest staff and best of all they have a romance package that includes bathrobes and slippers, French champagne and chocolates. Essentials for a successful honeymoon.
But save some room because Mooloolaba’s best bars and restaurants are right at your doorstep.
If you want to unwind but not sit still, you couldn’t have picked a better spot. You’re within walking distance to learn how to surf, jump on a fishing tour or jet boat ride, paddle your way down the canals, or enjoy a coastal walk to Alexandra Headlands.
Photo by @visitnoosa
Okay, this isn’t your everyday cabin near the river in Noosa. This isn’t even your average resort on a beachfront. This is actually an island for hire. Not just one cabin, not just the Bali hut… you get the whole (heart-shaped) island.
Sir Richard Branson and his mate Brett Godfrey (Virgin Blue co-founder) own Makepeace Island and it’s exactly what you would expect from a couple of billionaires.
A private chef will prepare all your decadent meals using local organic produce, and if you like what you taste you can book in a culinary class while you’re there.
It’s hard to tear yourself away from the volcanic boulder bathtubs, resort-sized pool and tennis court (which may we remind you, are exclusively yours throughout your stay), but free use of the boat to duck into Noosa will inspire you to get out and see more of the Sunshine Coast.
Looking for more unforgettable honeymoon options? Here are 7 secret islands in Queensland that you’ve probably never heard of.
Food-loving newlyweds, you’re in for a treat when you opt to spend your Sunshine Coast honeymoon at Spicers Tamarind in Maleny. The hatted Tamarind restaurant will make you second guess everything you knew about Thai and Australian cuisine, so get the Signature Getaway Package and feast till you can barely walk.
Then, stumble back to your romantic cabin (we recommend the Spa Studio) and slide into the cedar hot tub on your balcony, before lighting your pre-built fire (you don’t have to lift a finger at this place).
Hidden in Maleny’s picturesque hinterland just two minutes away is Gardners Falls, a great spot for a swim followed by a romantic picnic for two. Or, since this is your honeymoon and all, book a helicopter flight that takes you over the Sunshine Coast for a bird’s eye view.
Photo by @rumbaresort
Rumba Beach Resort in Caloundra is close to the markets, beach, shopping centres and Kings Beach lagoon, which is amazing, but they spoil you so much here you won’t want to leave your room.
It gets even harder to leave your self-contained apartment if you book the ‘Romance’ package, which ups the ante by giving you newlyweds rose petals, gourmet chocolates, and a bottle of bubbly.
If you can drag yourself away, you won’t be disappointed because there are six beaches within walking distance, such as Bulcock Beach and Happy Valley. Also, some of the freshest seafood on the coast is right at your fingertips.
For more must-visit beaches in the area, check out Sunshine Coast’s best secret beaches.
Seclusion and scenic views set Glass on Glasshouse apart. Surrounded by two mountains, there are only three self-contained cottages and each one takes full advantage of the tranquil setting with floor-to-ceiling glass on two of the walls. For the best view in the cottage, sink into the freestanding double spa bath.
These cabins are as eco-friendly as you can get – even the gas fireplace’s blue flames are made from ethanol, which is sourced from sugar cane, so light it up and get cosy.
It’s hard to beat the view right outside your room, but a short 10-minute walk to the main lookout for the Glasshouse Mountains is worth a peek; the 40-minute walk up Mt. NgunGun is pretty special, too.
Photo by @sofitelnoosapacific
If you feel most at peace surrounded by water, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort has you covered, with the ocean on one side and the river on the other, plus the pool in the middle.
After shopping and eating your way through Noosa’s famous Hastings Street strip, you will have earned a rest – and there’s no better spot to unwind than at your resort’s day spa. Following your blissful treatment, dip into the Aqua Therapy spa and lay side by side on the submerged lounges, preferably with a glass of bubbles in hand.
Photo by @madelon_traveling
When you drive down the long driveway and enter the luscious grounds of Lake Weyba Cottages in Peregian Beach, you know you’ve made a good decision.
When you’re in the sunken double spa, eating tapas, drinking wine and watching a crackling fire, you know you’ve made a great decision booking the Honeymoon Package.
You’re in the prime location to tick more than a handful of beaches off your bucket list (start at Coolum Beach and work your way up to Noosa). If you don’t feel like venturing too far from ‘home’, take advantage of the complimentary use of canoes, mountain bikes and fishing rods.
Photo by @montvillegetaways
Quaint, romantic and nestled among the rainforest, Montville Grove is perfect for honeymooners who want peace and privacy.
Make your first activity a trip to the Flame Hill Winery just down the road from your cottage to sample the local drop and stock up on a couple of bottles to sip later on your balcony or in the spa bath.
Spend your days leisurely strolling down Montville’s charming main street, cooling off at Kondalilla Falls, and getting a taste for the local produce – the area is known for its exceptional cheeses.
Want to extend your honeymoon planning search to all of sunny Queensland? These are some of the best honeymoon destinations in Queensland and the top romantic cottages to stay in.