Image by Caroline Sada via Cherlyn & Seng Wai’s Great Ocean Road Romantic Honeymoon Photos

A honeymoon is usually the most romantic and extravagant holiday of your life. A time to unwind and relax with your freshly hitched companion. Traditionally, jetting off directly after your reception and embracing the deliciousness of newly married life. Couples often dream about their honeymoon just as luxuriously as their wedding, choosing somewhere they have always dreamt of visiting when they found that special someone (Champagne on a balcony in Paris – sipping hot miso in a ski village in Japan or smooching over a Frangelico infused hot chocolate in the Canadian Rockies?) – but what if COVID-19 got in the way?

Image: Perla Photography

A lot of weddings did not go to plan this year, which of course included a lot of overseas and local honeymoons. But we can’t let that stop us from planning and dreaming. And just as soon as we can venture beyond our 5km radius, you can still escape from your jobs, families, and day-to-day woes in your own backyard! Honeymoons are about swooning over your perfect match, not the destination.

Below are some close to home options for the Victorians that still want to celebrate.

The Yarra Valley

Image via Visit Victoria

Scenic wining and dining… What more could you want with your partner in crime? This delightful little piece of the Earth really does tick of all the romancing boxes. Not a wine lover? The Yarra Valley not only has a rich history of wineries but also a significant history with beer and cider production! With countless fresh produce at your fingertips to perfectly cleanse your palate between beverages. Why not polish off a stressful year with a balloon ride? Gaze over the rolling green landscapes at 2,000 feet – with a sparkling wine to match. We think so.

The Mornington Peninsula

Image via Visit Mornington Peninsula 

Time to slow down, relax and restore your senses. The Mornington Peninsula is all about wellbeing and enjoying the little luxuries in life. Whether it is a couple of takeaway coffees whilst strolling by the bathing boxes on Dromana Beach or immersing yourselves in a steamy day at the hot springs, you will feel at ease in seconds! Steal a smooch at Arthurs Seat Lookout or take a dip at Bushrangers Bay. By night? Al fresco fish and chips and bottle of wine for two. Those seaside coastlines could not be more inviting for an impromptu dinner picnic!

The Great Ocean Road

Image via Australias.Guide

Breathing in the fresh sea air, maybe even embracing the ethos of the coast, and popping out for a quick morning surf. The Great Ocean Road is famous for harbouring some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria, so make sure you pack your swimmers! If water is not your preference there are many incredible national parks to fill your days with – Cape Otway or the Twelve Apostles are our favourites. What we love most about this area is the relaxed and laidback ambience, somewhere you can really take a deep breath and focus on what is most important, each other. When you tire of sun and sea, you can make your way to the incredibly dreamy Lorne Theatre for a film, what more could two love birds want!

Honeymooning – a love tip: Why not choose accommodation where there is little to no signal for your mobile phone. No in-room internet. No television. Somewhere you can unplug from all digital distractions and instead really connect with each other.

Ms Floral: Some fab ideas for keeping things local! So much to see, explore and love about the diversity of Victoria.

About Refresh Hospitality: At Refresh Hospitality we are all about creating experiences. We specialise in event management and catering and will go above and beyond to ensure your big day is perfect! We can involved as little or as much as you like. Let us take the reins with exceptional service, fresh, delicious and local produce and competitive pricing. We offer a range of menu options from cocktail events to plated menus and shared dining experiences. All of our packages are flexible, we believe in tailoring a food and beverage package to suit your requirements rather than simply choosing from a set package. We work alongside some of the best industry professionals to ensure your day is stress-free, enjoyable and delicious from the first canapé to your last drink!