KEY POINTS:
Until Hugh Jackman got involved and set about sweeping Nicole Kidman off her high horse in Australia, our vast and desert-y neighbour wasn't necessarily highest on any list of the world's most romantic destinations.
Director Baz Luhrmann clearly thinks that's a wrong that needs to be put right.
Here then, as Jackman and Kidman toddle off into the red desert sunset on our movie screens, are six of the best and most romantic Australian getaways.
1 Bullo River Station, Northern Territory
Experience the romance of a bygone era as you lean on the homestead verandas of iconic outback property, Bullo River Station. Take in sweeping views of the 200,000ha boab-dotted plains.
Bullo River Station is in the northwestern corner of the Northern Territory near the Western Australia border, 800km southwest of Darwin.
It offers a range of activities including fishing, scenic helicopter tours, cultural tours, horse riding and cattle mustering.
The best time to visit is the dry season, May to September. The station is closed from December to February.
Getting there: Qantas flies daily to Darwin via Sydney/Melbourne and Brisbane. Bullo River Station is about a half-hour flight from Darwin. The station offers charter flights. Access is also possible by 4WD from Kununurra or Darwin in the dry season.
www.bulloriver.com
2 Faraway Bay, Western Australia
On the northwest corner of the vast West Australian coastline, 280km northwest of Kununurra, there is a place so remote you won't find it on any map.
The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay is an outstanding wilderness retreat. Spectacularly isolated, all six secluded bush-style cabins enjoy 180-degree ocean views of the turquoise Timor Sea.
Enjoy cruising, cultural tours, bird-watching and fishing. The retreat is closed from November to March - and visiting in April is the best time for fishing and to see the waterfalls in full flow.
Getting there: Qantas offers daily flights to Broome via Sydney/Melbourne and Brisbane. Spend the night in Broome and use Regional Link or Skywest to reach Kununurra. Enjoy the spectacular Kimberley landscape with a 70-minute scenic flight to Faraway Bay,
offered as part of the package. Private charter from Broome or Darwin can also be arranged.
www.farawaybay.com.au
3 Capella Lodge, New South Wales
Fresh from a $1.5 million refurbishment, Capella Lodge is a spectacular way to enjoy the beauty of World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island, about 600km northeast off the coast from Sydney.
Located above picturesque Lovers Bay, Capella is a boutique property on the southern tip of Lord Howe with spectacular sea and reef-break views.
Sip your wine and savour beautiful food at the lodge's Capella Restaurant, Makambo Bar and Kentia Lounge. The island's mild climate makes it suitable for visiting any time of the year. There are a variety of coastal and nature activities available on the island.
Getting there: Qantas Link offers year-round scheduled services to the island from Sydney. Baggage weight is limited to 14kg.
www.lordhowe.com
4 Venice on the Yarra, Victoria
Experience a taste of Italian-style romance with Melbourne's Venice on the Yarra. The gorgeous gondolas boast velvet seats, plush cushions, warm rugs and a fold-over canopy if you need it. Enjoy a bottle of champagne as you take in the sights and sounds of Melbourne, including the bustling Southbank dining precinct, Crown Casino, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the tranquil Alexandra Gardens.
Special packages include a dozen red roses and chocolates for your loved one, or gourmet food platters. Cruises are by appointment only and advance bookings by at least two weeks are recommended.
Getting there: Direct flights are offered by a number of airlines to Melbourne.
www.veniceontheyarra.com.au
5. The Louise, South Australia
The Louise is a luxurious retreat surrounded by the vineyards of the Barossa Valley in South Australia.
The Louise's 15 luxury suites all have private terraces and gated courtyards - some even have outdoor showers. Acclaimed restaurant Appellation is recognised as offering one of Australia's finest regional dining experiences and The Louise is right in the heart of Australia's best wine and cheese region.
Getting there: Qantas flies to Adelaide via Sydney and Melbourne, and Air New Zealand offers direct flights to the city. The Barossa Valley lies 70km northeast of Adelaide.
www.thelouise.com.au
6. MV Fantasea Ammari, Queensland
Enjoy an all-inclusive luxury boutique cruise around some of the stunning 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays in Queensland.
Fantasea Ammari gives passengers exclusive access to the Whitsundays' famous spots including Whitehaven Beach, Blue Pearl Bay and ReefWorld.
The ship has scheduled weekly cruises from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island Resort and Spa. Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays. Fantasea Ammari has a range of onboard and optional activities and has snorkelling equipment and kayaks available.
Getting there: Direct flights are offered by various airlines to Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney. Hamilton Island is easily accessible through daily flights by QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Fantasea Ammari offers complimentary transfers to the boat from Hamilton Island.
www.fantaseaammari.com.au
- Detours, HoS