Marramarra Lodge, Berowra WatersCredit: Isabel Darling
Woman enjoying a beverage with scenic views across Hawkesbury River at Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters.
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Cherish some alone time with your other half on an unforgettable escape in New South Wales. From historical manors to cosy lodges and lush hinterland retreats, feel the romance at these 11 special stays around the state, from north to south.
Unwind poolside at Halcyon House, Cabarita
Lean into the luxe Hamptons-meets-the-Mediterranean vibe at Halcyon House on the Tweed Coast, where your characterful room lies just steps from the sea. Join your loved one in lazing by the pool, being pampered at the spa, feasting at renowned onsite restaurant Paper Daisy and feeling the sea breeze in your hair as you explore Cabarita on vintage-style bikes.
Lap up the privacy at Blackbird Byron, Mullumbimby
Experience the North Coast holiday town of Byron Bay in a new way at Blackbird Byron, where five stylish, detached pavilion rooms tucked up in the Mullumbimby hinterland offer a memorable adults-only retreat for two. Gaze out over lush hinterland towards Cape Byron as you sip a cocktail beside the rejuvenating magnesium pool. Enjoy evening entertainment courtesy of a complimentary star-gazing manual, and tuck into wholesome breakfasts lovingly prepared by your friendly hosts.
Escape to the country at Goonoo Goonoo, Tamworth
Feel enlivened by the fresh Country NSW air on a road trip to Goonoo Goonoo Station, a working cattle station near Tamworth where a 19th-century heritage-listed pastoral village has been transformed into luxury accommodation. Cosy up with your bae in the Shearer’s Quarters, which now houses beautifully renovated pitched-roof rooms for couples. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool after days out exploring the area, and tuck into refined country fare at the hatted onsite Glasshouse Restaurant.
Savour wine country at voco Kirkton Park, Pokolbin
Celebrate your relationship with an indulgent stay at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, a charming manor estate in Pokolbin, just a two-hour drive north of Sydney. Wrap up in plush robes and take in the sweeping wine-country views from your balcony as you sip your morning coffee, before striking out to traipse between the region’s cellar doors. Recharge with an elegant high tea overlooking the estate’s roses before settling in for an estate-to-plate dinner at the manor’s Locavore Restaurant.
Relax by the river at Marramarra Lodge, Hawkesbury
Feel a million miles from Sydney (but really only an hour away) at Marramarra Lodge, a stunning retreat overlooking the serene Hawkesbury River. Embrace the sense of escapism as you take the brief boat transfer to your stylish accommodation, be it a spacious glamping tent or a modern bungalow. Uncover the region’s pearling and Aboriginal history on local tours, then taste its bounty during a decadent degustation dinner at the lodge’s Budyari Restaurant.
Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Swimming pool in boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach.
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Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Swimming pool in boutique hotel Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach.
Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters Credit: Isabel Darling
Couple enjoying a relaxing glamping experience at Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters.
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Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters Credit: Isabel Darling
Couple enjoying a relaxing glamping experience at Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters.
Soak up the scenery at Sierra Escape, Mudgee
Sink into an outdoor (or indoor) tub with room for two at Sierra Escape in Mudgee wine country, a 3.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney, where three ultra-luxe and privately situated glamping tents beckon a romantic escape. Top off a memorable day of wine-tasting with an invigorating walk to the Sierra lookout to admire the gold-tinged landscape at sunset, then cosy up around your own personal fire pit.
Indulge a love of design on Byng Street, Orange
Marvel at the marriage of historic architecture and modern design at the 22-room Byng Street Boutique Hotel in Orange, less than four hours northwest of Sydney, where heritage-wing rooms overlooking the gardens offer a incredibly romantic setting for a couples getaway. Tuck into a sumptuous multi-course breakfast in the beautiful Yallungah Dining Room before heading out to explore, perhaps pausing in the cosy guest lounge to enjoy a glass of local wine upon your return.
Slow down in style at Bangalay, Shoalhaven Heads
Sync to the relaxing coastal soundtrack at Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads on the South Coast, where 16 self-contained villas nestle in nature just a short wander from Seven Mile Beach. Seize the opportunity to tee off together at the neighbouring golf course, and savour new flavours at onsite restaurant Bangalay Dining, known for its creative uses of native Australian ingredients.
Savour a seaside stay at Bannisters, Mollymook
Soak up the seaside luxury at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, where 34 stylish rooms are complemented by a clifftop day spa, a serene infinity pool and the acclaimed Rick Stein restaurant, where romantic seafood feasts await. Or welcome the weekend with an invigorating Mollymook Beach swim at sister hotel Bannisters Pavilion just down the road, where you can take your pick from 34 chic rooms and suites.
Get off the grid in luxury at Kimo Estate, Gundagai
Feel a deeper connection to your partner as you gaze up at the canopy of stars twinkling above your EcoHut at Kimo Estate, just 10 minutes outside Gundagai. Each of the Country NSW property’s three A-frame huts also command spectacular views across the Murrumbidgee River flats — best enjoyed from your wood-fired outdoor hot tub.
Embrace country-luxe at Mona Farm, Braidwood
Lap up the fusion of history, art, nature and country hospitality at Mona Farm in rural Braidwood, around three hours southwest of Sydney. Among the six standalone accommodations on this 19th-century farm are two stays perfect for couples: the beautifully renovated Old Stables, built in 1859, and the new Lake House, overlooking a glistening lake. Wander the manicured gardens, replete with sculptures and installations, then spoil your lover with a gourmet meal whipped up by the house chef.
Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying her stay at Sierra Escape, Piambong near Mudgee.
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Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying her stay at Sierra Escape, Piambong near Mudgee.
Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
The wood fired hot tub outside the Sweeney's Eco Hut on Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
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Kimo Estate, Nangus Credit: Destination NSW
The wood fired hot tub outside the Sweeney's Eco Hut on Kimo Estate, Nangus near Gundagai.
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Sydney Harbour in SummerCredit: Destination NSW
Your dog will enjoy seeing the sights of Sydney as much as you do.
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Planning a sojourn to Sydney and don’t want to leave your beloved pooch behind? With hotels increasingly willing to cater to pets, there’s no reason you have to. From beachside to the inner city, these luxury escapes not only welcome four-legged friends, they also provide special inclusions tailored for dogs. Just be sure to book in early, as not every room in these properties can house pets.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, city centre
Nestled below Sydney Harbour Bridge in historic Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour is one of the city’s more memorable stays. The hotel sits on a former working wharf over the water, and has devoted some of its ground-level rooms to furry family members. Stay here and your dog will have direct access to the boardwalk that wraps around the sides of the hotel facing the water, with plenty of seagulls to keep it entertained. Pier One’s Puppy Package comes with all the extras: an eco-friendly dog bed, food and water bowls, and a mini bar stocked with treats. Keen to really amp up the spoils? Check out the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, or book an outdoor spot at the hotel’s ground-level The Gantry Restaurant, which offers a Doggy Degustation menu with such treats as beef bone broth and Doglato (a gelato equivalent for pooches) for dessert.
QT Bondi, Bondi Beach
Right on the esplanade facing Sydney’s most famous city beach, QT Bondi welcomes guests trailing sand and their beloved pets. With its chic, contemporary style and energetic vibe, the hotel mirrors Bondi’s laid-back beach lifestyle and allows easy access to its café, bar and restaurant scene. The hotel offers a pet-friendly room that features a special mini bar filled with doggie treats and a pooch-friendly vegan in-room dining menu. Although dogs aren’t permitted on Bondi Beach itself, you’ll be in good company joining the parade of dog-walkers on the promenade, or head to the nearby Rose Bay Foreshore, where pets are free to frolic off-leash.
Little Albion, Surry Hills
The Little Albion boutique hotel occupies a charming former convent in Surry Hills, a leafy inner-city hub populated by creative types and dog lovers. There are two pet-friendly rooms at the hotel, both at ground level, with a bed, bowl and blanket included, but if it’s an over-the-top spoil session you’re after, the Plush Pup Package can’t be beat. Pets are welcomed with Mimi & Munch baked doggie treats on arrival; gifted with a The Daily Edited personalised name tag to look their fashionable best; booked in for a fitting with Dogue doggie stylist; assigned a butler, in case you need to dash out solo; and even receive a turndown service with Doglato.
Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
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Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
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QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Despite occupying prime real estate in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is not too posh to pooch. Suitably elegant and opulent in its well-to-do setting, the hotel invites dog owners to book its Pet Stay Package. Your room will be set up with a stylish pet bed and bowls, and you can order a meal from the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, which includes options such as Banjo’s Delight, a feast of Angus beef, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Double Bay is conveniently close to the city and the Eastern Suburbs beaches, yet has a peaceful village feel and is the ideal idyll for people- and dog-watching.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour
Sydney’s sister Ovolo hotels, Ovolo Woolloomooloo to the east of the city centre and Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour in inner-city Pyrmont, are both dog-friendly and are equally luxurious and immaculately designed. But the Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour earns pooch preference points for being close to Pyrmont’s off-leash Waterfront Park. While all Ovolo hotels indulge human guests with complimentary munchies from the mini bar and drinks at social hour, pets also get the star treatment. The V.I.Pooch Package at each Sydney Ovolo includes a comfy dog bed, food bowl, and the never more aptly named doggy bag ꟷ packed with treats and toys they’ll drool over.
The Langham, Sydney
Pet-friendly may not be a description you’d first associate with the ultra-regal The Langham, Sydney, near Barangaroo in the city centre. Yet along with its plush interiors, a private tennis court, an indoor pool with an amazing painted dome and the serene The Day Spa by Chuan, it happily allows you and your furry charge to co-habit during your stay. Rooms are set up with a dog bed and eating bowls, there’s an in-house dog-friendly menu, and if you fancy letting yourself off the lead to hit the town, dog-sitting services can also be requested.
Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
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Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.
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The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.