How to honeymoon along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive

Your first destination aboard the ultimate honeymoon along the Nature Coast Drive is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This luscious region surrounding some of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches is a place heaving in producers and farmland.

Embrace days exploring the plethora of foodie offerings available, with the likes of Maleny Dairies, Yandina Ginger Factory, and Brouhaha Brewery among them. There’s plenty of chances to feast up a storm too, at the likes of Spirit House. Accommodation is equally enticing - spend the night at the revered Spicers Clovelly Estate, a French-inspired escape tucked into the hills in Montville. Or embrace the simple country hospitality on offer at Lillypilly’s Cottage, or Kin Kin’s eclectic Mayan Farm Luxe Villas.

Noosa

A stop in Noosa is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to crafting the ultimate honeymoon along Australia’s Nature Coast Drive. When looking for accommodation in Noosa, it's ideal to base yourself on the main drag of Hasting’s Street, where a cluster of resorts greet you, each with a water view.

Stay at Netanya, Tingirana or the Sofitel, all highly recommended for couples eager for a romantic time away. As for how you spend your time, the opportunities are endless - grab your walking shoes (and your board) and explore the bushwalk tracks and surf breaks of Noosa National Park. Meander the Noosa River with Noosa Dreamboats, or cruise even further up the waterways to the serene Noosa Everglades, guided by canoe-based Kanu Kapers. After something a little more leisurely? The Balinese-inspired Ikatan Spa deserves some of your attention.

Hervey Bay

Onwards a couple of hours and you’ll greet Hervey Bay, the world’s whale-watching capital. This is where you’ll be truly spoiled with wildlife experiences while on your honeymoon along the Nature Coast Drive.

Make the most of the opportunity to get up close and personal with humpback whales as they migrate along the coast - there are a handful of different operators to choose from here, each as experienced as the next. After a day spent out at sea on a whale watching tour, relax come nightfall at Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa, which sits on the picturesque Esplanade within walking distance of the best eateries.

Fraser Island

Relax with a few days exploring the world’s largest sand island; Fraser Island or K’gari. Kingfisher Bay Resort is one of the island’s most famous accommodation choices, thanks to its variety of sleeping options, ranging from hotel rooms to villas and even holiday homes. Among the resort’s many amenities is the Tastes of Australia program, a bush tucker cooking and tasting experience which takes place three times a week.

If you’re time strapped you may prefer to just spend the day, seeing the best of the Fraser Coast as a part of a scenic flight, or with the likes of Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Tours. After something particularly memorable as a part of your honeymoon on the Nature Coast Drive? Sweet Escape sail charters will show you the region by sea.

Lady Elliot Island

What is a honeymoon along the Nature Coast Drive without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef along the way? Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay perched on the southern tip of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. This place sits within the highly protected ‘green zone’ of the reef and as a result is a true eco-resort, with sustainability at the forefront of everything they do.

A couple of nights is needed to get a sense of the beauty of the surrounding region - rest your head in one of the glamping units, which are suave takes on the traditional tents and include all the latest mod cons. Spend your days snorkelling among the 1200 species of marine life that call the island home, and nights watching the sunset from the sand.