9 Ways To Celebrate Galentine's Day In Australia

Jessica Munro

January 31st, 2024

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7 minute read

What is Galentine’s Day?

We all know that Valentine’s Day is a time for showering your significant other with love and affection, but have you heard about Galentine’s Day? It’s been gaining popularity around the world since 2010, and stands as a day to celebrate, honour and appreciate the beautiful female friendships we know and love. If you’ve never heard of this term before, don’t worry! This article details where and when Galentine’s Day originated, as well as providing some awesome ideas to celebrate with your besties on the East Coast of Australia.

Where and when did Galentine's Day originate?

The term Galentine’s Day was originally coined by the fictional character, Leslie Knope, from the popular TV show “Parks and Recreation”, played by Amy Poehler. In a 2010 episode, Leslie brings together her closest girlfriends on February 13th for a fun-filled celebration of their long lasting friendship. The idea of women celebrating their nearest and dearest gal pals immediately resonated with females across the world, and Galentine’s Day soon became a real thing. 

Now the unofficial holiday of Galentine’s Day falls on February 13th every year, but can also be celebrated on any day between the 1st and 14th February. Of course, there’s no hard and fast rules here, so technically you could commemorate your Galentine’s on any day of the year! 

9 ways to celebrate Galentine's Day on the East Coast of Australia

So, you’re excited to plan something special with the ladies to celebrate Galentine’s Day and looking for ideas? Well you’ve come to the right place. The East Coast of Australia is teeming with destinations and tours to choose from. 

Whether you're in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns or any other charming location along the coast, below you’ll find a list of some of the most ideal settings for a Galentine’s Day celebration you won’t forget!

Join a wine and tasting tour of the Hunter Valley from Sydney

Synonymous for romantic getaways and hen’s parties, the Hunter Valley wine region is a great place to celebrate your gals in style, and what better way to do that than on a wine tour? Jump on a mini bus from Sydney and be whisked away for the day to indulge in tastings of fine wine, beer, spirits, cheese and chocolates. Lunch at a local brewery is also included, with the option to buy a bunch of goodies to take home and continue the party! 

Learn to surf in Byron Bay

There’s no better time to visit the popular coastal town of Byron Bay than in summer. And what do you do when you get there? Learn to surf! Why not make a long weekend of it, book some accommodation and plan an epic itinerary filled with activities to bond with your sisters in arms. The Northern NSW region is brimming with unique experiences that’ll make for a trip filled with love, laughter and good times to remember for years to come.

Visit Moreton Island on a shipwreck day tour from the Gold Coast

If you’ve ever wondered if Moreton Island is worth visiting, I’m here to tell you it is! And travelling on a day tour that takes care of everything, makes it even easier to decide. Grab your soul sisters and head over to the Tangalooma Shipwreck beach where you can spend valuable time together celebrating Galentine’s Day. Jump in a transparent-bottom kayak and paddle over to the shipwreck, slide down the sand dunes on a toboggan or simply relax on the beach catching up on the gossip. Do as little or as much as you like!

Enjoy a spa day or bottomless brunch in Brisbane

The list of things to do in Brisbane are endless. But a great way to spend Galentine’s Day with the girlies in the city is a spa day, a bottomless brunch, or both! Brisbane has a variety of cafes and restaurants offering up the perfect atmosphere to eat, drink, laugh and relax.  Unwind with massages, facials, mani-pedi and maybe a glass of bubbly or two. All in good company of your besties. 

Take a trip to the Noosa Everglades for a calm-water canoe tour

The Noosa Everglades is an underrated destination located just under an hour’s drive from the beautiful Sunshine Coast. If you and your girlfriends are the nature and adventure types, then this is the perfect way to spend quality time together on Galentine’s Day! Cruise down the reflective waterways nicknamed “The River Of Mirrors” dyed inky black from the Tannin run off of surrounding tea trees. Enjoy lunch and drinks at CootharaBAR and listen to the sounds of nature. 

Explore K’gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD

There’s nothing quite like getting off the beaten track and going camping for a few days with your closest friends. So why not enjoy Galentine’s Day out in the bush on one of the world’s largest sand islands on a three day, two night 4WD adventure on K’gari? Enjoy camping by the beach, swimming in freshwater creeks and lakes, and talking around the campfire into the wee hours of the morning. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with your amigos out in nature!

Sail around the Whitsunday Islands

Round up your partners in crime and head to the Whitsundays for a Galentine’s celebration you’ll be reminiscing about in the nursing home. You can’t visit this beautiful North Queensland coastal town without doing an overnight boat trip to the Whitsunday Islands! There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on how rowdy or reserved you and your gals are. For those who like a bit more of a lively scene, you can’t go past the Atlantic Clipper two day, two night sail. For those wanting to experience a soul nourishing catamaran cruise, Whitsunday adventurer overnight trip is the way to go. 

Escape to Magnetic Island for a few days getaway

Fancy a little island retreat, away from the hustle and grind of mainland life? Then gather the girls for a cheeky little trip to Magnetic Island. Nomads Hostel (Base) does a great two day or three day island escape package including return ferry transfers, accommodation, two meals and a refreshing welcome drink on arrival. Unwind on this stunning slice of paradise with no shortage of things to do. Relax at the beach, go koala spotting on a nature walk or simply enjoy the company of your best friends!

Sail to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns 

If you’re in Cairns or planning to visit Cairns to celebrate Galentine’s Day, then you have to take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef! Passions of Paradise is a spacious sailing catamaran and makes for an ideal ladies day out. Snag a spot on the sundeck and catch up on all the goss, while drinking in the sea air and Vitamin D. Snorkel amongst the colourful coral reefs, then after working up an appetite, enjoy the buffet lunch made fresh by the talented onboard chef. Sip on a glass of bubbly on the way back to Cairns and reflect on an amazing day with your beautiful BFF’s, grateful for the long-lived friendship. 

There you have it. Nine ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your best mates. No matter where you are on the East Coast of Australia, the opportunities are endless! 

As we get older, and life gets busier, sometimes it’s hard to catch up with friends. But Galentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to make those plans we’ve all been putting off in favour of spending more time with those ladies we love. So gather up the gals, make some memories and raise a glass (or two!) to the beauty of female friendships. 

Get in touch with our friendly team of local travel experts to plan and book your Galentine's Day trip today! 

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