How To Spend Valentine's Day On A Budget in Australia

Lily Kerley

January 19th, 2024

fiber_manual_record

6 minute read

With white sands, endless summer days and secluded destinations, Australia is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

And thanks to our incredible reefs, beaches, mountains, rainforests and cities, you don’t need to break the bank if you’re looking to turn the romance up on a budget. Get outdoors, experience the natural magic and relish the moments! So, whether you’re backpacking with your significant other, wanting to propose to the love of your life, have met a cutie out in the surf last week or simply want to practice a bit of self-lovin’ care this Valentine’s, these are the best ways to get rosey on February 14th!

Budget-friendly romantic getaways Australia

Overnight Whitsunday sail in the Whitsundays

Sailing doesn’t have to be a rich person’s sport, particularly in the Whitsunday Islands. Plan a romantic trip gliding through glassy waters, sipping champagne on deck, snorkelling amongst vivid coral gardens and exploring the world-famous sands of Whitehaven Beach. And don’t worry, there are plenty of hidden coves and inlets for that added romance of seclusion in paradise! Not to mention, options to splurge on your own private cabin on the overnight adventures. These are our favourite small-group catamarans and yachts that won’t break the bank this Valentine’s Day.

• Powerplay (2-day, 2-night)
• Adventurer (2-day, 2-night)
• Defender (2-day, 1-night)
• Siska (2-day, 1-night)
• Apollo (3-day, 2-night)

Camp under the stars on K’gari

K’gari (Fraser Island) is actually the world’s largest sand island, and a total dreamy pick for a loved-up getaway. Only accessible by 4WD or foot via the ferry, ditch the mainland and escape into the tranquillity of ancient rainforests, dazzling freshwater lakes and incredible wildlife. With an array of guided 4WD camping trips designed for like-minded adventurers, your tent and all gear are taken care of! Or, upgrade to a resort at one of the many deluxe, on-island stays!

Check out our array of budget-friendly K’gari trip options.

Sip wine in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley

One of the most scenic and quality wine regions of Australia, the Hunter Valley is the perfect backdrop for your next lovers escape! Situated inland of Newcastle (near Sydney), swap the city for the mountains and taste some seriously divine wine and local produce. Whether you’re a bit of a vino connoisseur or an amateur, nothing says a fun and romantic time than a good drop in the countryside!

Discover the Hunter Valley Region and its delicious wines with our fave local experience.

Dive with turtles in the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns

Are you and your significant other total water lovers? Well, shake up the usual candlelit dinner and opt for a Great Barrier Reef scuba dive instead. Swim alongside turtles, manta rays, rainbow fish, giant clams and reef sharks. It’s no surprise this gorgeous ecosystem is a natural world wonder! We offer a quality selection of beginner scuba dive courses in Cairns, along with more advanced experiences, and even snorkel day trips, so reserve your romantic Valentine’s Day dive and give each other lovey eyes underwater this year!

Explore our Cairns range of dive trips and snorkelling experiences!

Learn to surf together in Byron Bay

Get quintessentially Aussie this V-Day and hit the waves! Seriously, what’s cuter than watching each other learn new skills (while laughing at plenty of wipe-outs along the way)? We offer an awesome range of surf lessons and surf camps across the East Coast, but Byron Bay is one of the most iconic places to learn this pastime. Level up your relationship as you catch a party wave together into shore… now that’s love! 

Venture through the stunning breaks and oceans of Byron Bay with our sweet activity range, or do it your way with board hire and our best surf beaches for beginners!

Hike the Blue Mountains 

From dramatic rocky vistas to cool canopies, appreciate your loved one with an unforgettable outdoor experience in the Blue Mountains. Perfect for those couples who adore hiking, get amongst the trees, breathe easy and take some amazing photos amongst dense forests and rugged cliffs. The Blue Mountains has an incredible local Aboriginal history, so head out on a guided trip to learn more about the land you walk on. 

Escape the city and connect on this unique natural day trip from Sydney to explore the Blue Mountains seamlessly.

Treat yourself to rooftop cocktails in Sydney

Toast to your SO as you overlook the gorgeous Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House! The perfect setting for a special, ambient evening, the rooftop bars of Sydney are unmatched. The perfect, low-effort yet intimate evening plan, head to a chic, colourful bar and unwind!

Check out our fave things to do in Sydney if you’re looking to extend your V-Day celebrations.

Kayak through the Everglades

Opt for an active Valentine’s with a Noosa Everglades kayak trip! This is a seriously off-the-beaten-track experience, with fewer people knowing about the wonders lying amongst one of two Everglade ecosystems, globally. The Noosa Everglades are home to searene landscapes, hidden swimming spots and over 44% of Australia’s birdlife! Also a plus; it’s a next-to-no-emissions trip, meaning you can ensure an eco-friendly day under the sun.

Check out this unbeatable canoe and wildlife experience in the Noosa Everglades to elevate your romantic day!

Take the romance on the road

While it may seem crazy, why not pack up your life and hit the road with your lover for Valentine’s Day? An extended trip never sounded so good! The East Coast of Australia is the perfect place to run away from real life and road trip to incredible beach towns! If you have a campervan, you can cuddle up in bed with a warm cup of coffee as you open the boot and gaze out over the sunrise. And luckily for those wandering wayfarers on a budget, it’s one of the cheapest ways to see Australia! Get mobile and let the sparks fly on this freeing and unconventional adventure along the East Coast in a campervan.

Check our ultimate guide to travelling Australia in a campervan for all of the inspo and local tips! Or, if you’re ready to explore your campervan options, check out our easy campervan finder.

Mission Beach Skydive with a beach landing

Take those nervous lovey butterflies to a whole new level with a skydive together! And, if you’re taking the 15000ft plunge, there seriously is no better place to do it than Mission Beach! Nestled between Cairns and Townsville, glide over gorgeous coastline and land on the beach, sand between toes, for an Aussie bucket list tick-off that you will both remember for a lifetime! Grab the footage of your rush-inducing descent for some hilarious memorabilia. Ideal for the thrill junkie couples amongst us, be daring with a skydive this February 14th!

Book into an unforgettable jump for this Valentine's Day with our 15,000ft Mission Beach tandem skydive.

Valentine’s Day in Australia

Every holiday is different wherever you are in the world, so let’s give you the rundown of what Valentine’s Day looks like in Australia! 

Do we celebrate Valentine's Day in Australia?

Yes, Australians celebrate Valentine’s Day every year on February 14th. Being a commercial holiday, Valentine’s Day in Australia isn’t a public holiday, however, it’s super common for people to celebrate their significant other with a date, dinner, present, flowers, or even a trip! It’s also become a Valentine’s Day undertaking to spoil yourself with a bit of self-care, partner or no! Indeed, it is super subjective and in reality, everybody does Valentine's Day differently (however, it is a heckin' good excuse for a cheeky bit of travel!).

Get ready for a unique Valentine’s Day during your time in Australia with the help of our travel agents.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for a personalised romantic experience, whatever your couple style!