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Top Valentine’s Day getaway picks from Tripadvisor
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Just like that, the annual day of love is almost upon us, and what better way to celebrate than a romantic overnight getaway?
After the recent time we've had, you deserve a little loved-up break.
Now that we can travel, take the opportunity to escape reality and spend the weekend of February 14 next to the person you care about most.
From scenic water views to cosy country escapes, TripAdvisor knows all the secret spots that will make this year one you'll never forget.
If you're stumped for ideas, this is your ultimate guide on where to dine, stay and explore to have cupid shooting arrows from the heavens.
Here, we list the areas that are home to Australia’s top-10 date-night restaurants, according to the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
For romantic culinary getaways
NSW
Sydney
Dine at: Sails Restaurant
Must try: Lobster mornay
Set on the stunning landscape of Sydney's Lavender Bay is Sails, one of the city's longest running restaurants, with over 40 years of delivering exceptional quality to diners.
Prized for their Australian seafood, the restaurant is also vegetarian-friendly and offers a comprehensive wine list and breathtaking harbour views.
Previous diners have raved about Sails: "The food and wine were delicious. The service was excellent and the view of the harbour and Luna Park was spectacular."
Katoomba
Dine at: Darley's Restaurant
Must try: Wood Fired Smoked Pork Belly
Just a couple of minutes from the Blue Mountains' luxury hotel, Lilianfels, is Darley's Restaurant, a strong pull for Sydney-siders looking for an immersive escape without leaving the pond.
Expect beautifully presented plates and stunning views out to the Blue Mountains.
Diners recommend Darley's: "The food was totally amazing, each dish was cooked to perfection, and presentation was excellent."
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Cessnock
Dine at: EXP. restaurant
Must try: Duck course
With an untarnished five-star rating is EXP. restaurant in the scenic Hunter Valley region.
This restaurant delivers exquisitely plated food and is sure to impress.
It delivers a contemporary twist on classic dishes from seasonal produce and caters to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Diners have said: "The menu was fresh and the wine pairings were adventurous. We did get the same excellent waiter/sommelier and he remains probably the best waiter we have ever met."
No surprise it's won Travellers' Choice Best of the Best.
Pokolbin
Dine at: Circa 1876 Restaurant
Must try: Sourdough with chocolate/cherry butter
If you're looking for a romantic fairy tale vibe, then Circa 1876 is your castle.
Sit under cathedral-height wooden-beam ceilings and take in the magical atmosphere of the restaurant, set on the picturesque grounds of the historic Roscrea Estate.
Paired with beautifully-presented food and a collection of iconic award-winning wines from the Hunter, it's a bit magic.
Diners have said: "Fabulous food with a chocolate dessert to die for. Beautiful atmosphere - truly something special."
VIC
Port Fairy
Dine at: Blakes
Must try: Fish of the day
Nestled in a town "in love with the arts", Port Fairy is the perfect town to stroll down hand-in-hand and take in the quaint array of boutiques and antique stores.
Their culinary jewel in the crown is Blakes, a super-popular seafood restaurant that brings people from near and far.
With a delicious contemporary menu and impressive wines, it's clear to see why Blakes is so often booked out.
Diners have said: "We will probably go back to Port Fairy just so we can enjoy eating at Blake's again."
Beechworth
Dine at: The Ox and Hound Bistro
Must try: Rabbit fettuccine
Don't be fooled by the casual atmosphere of The Ox and Hound.
Set in the main road of the historic town of Beechworth, the restaurant has been described as "by far the best restaurant in Beechworth and probably North East Victoria".
Serving local wines and beautifully-presented food, this little gem is a must-do for those travelling Victoria.
An impressed patron has said: "Absolutely sensational meal. The Harrietville trout was totally deboned with surgical precision leaving the most succulent tasteful pink flesh that melted in your mouth."
Hepburn springs
Dine at: Frank and Connie's Kitchen
Must try: Saganaki
Serving European and international dishes, Frank and Connie's Kitchen is an "excellent casual restaurant that serves a mixed menu of flavours from around the world".
Diners have said: "The ambience was charming; we sat outside for dinner by the wood fire. The food was very good and felt like being in someone's home, food made with love."
QLD
Port Douglas
Dine at: Zinc Port Douglas
Must try: Beef Bourguignon
If you're serenading your loved one in the exquisite setting of Port Douglas, then you'll want to go to Zinc to really top it off.
Serving fresh seafood and contemporary Australian food, expect a light and airy ambience mixed with understated luxury - perfect for a special coastal trip.
Diners have said: "Best beef bourguignon of my life. Everything we ordered but this was delicious. Wish we had more time, so we could dine here again."
SA
Tanunda
Dine at: 1918 Bistro and Grill
Must try: Barramundi steak
Converted from a historic 20th-century cottage is 1918 Bistro and Grill, offering delicious homemade meals in a cosy setting.
Nab a table under the verandah with candle lights and vines dripping from the roof, creating the perfect atmosphere to cosy up.
Diners have said: "If you're after outdoor fine dining, then 1918 is the place to go."
For epic gestures of romance
Do you want to make more of a statement this Valentine's?
Discover some of Australia's most romantic and unforgettable experiences that will make 2022 the one they'll always remember.
NSW
Rose Bay
Gourmet Lunch at Jonah's by Seaplane from Sydney
You can't go wrong with waterfront views, so how about waterfront views from above?
Go above and beyond, literally, when taking your loved one to a five-star at Sydney's northern beaches via seaplane. NBD.
Pokolbin
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Picnic with Wine Masterclass Tasting
There's nothing like really immersing yourself in a vineyard while learning about the wine, right?
And by learning, we mean also drinking.
Add a picturesque picnic and you'll be walking down the aisle in no time.
SA
Tanuda
Classic Mustang Convertible Barossa Valley Half Day Private Tour For 2
Would you like to tour the Barossa Valley in a Mustang?
Of course you do.
Sit back and relax in your convertible Mustang while you discover the beauty of the iconic South Australian food and wine region, just you and your loved one.
Fine, if we have to.
VIC
Melbourne
Helicopter Flight + Seafood Dining Private Luxury Great Ocean Road Tour
Take in the sights of Victoria's picturesque Great Ocean Road in ultimate luxury.
Your loved one will be awe-struck when you lift off in a helicopter over stunning landscapes before sitting down to a gourmet seafood dining experience.
Proposal idea, anyone?
Fingal
Chef Jacqui's French Cooking Classes
Learn how to master the best of French food with cooking classes from an expert chef.
You'll be able to learn a few culinary tips while exploring the quaint rural setting of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip from Melbourne
If you're all about that luxury life, then let us tempt you with a day at hot springs.
Perfect for Melbourne city-dwellers, this day trip offers a relaxing escape from reality before hopping into your own bed at the end of the day.
QLD
Surfers Paradise
Hot Air Ballooning including Champagne Breakfast from the Gold Coast
An experience sure to impress, you will earn huge brownie points when you take your loved one in a hot air balloon, followed by a champagne breakfast.
Winning and winning.
Surfer’s Paradise
Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour
Does your SO love the great outdoors?
Take them on an adventure they'll never forget with a sunset kayak through the scenic waters of Surfers Paradise.
Maybe add a surprise picnic at the end? Go wild.
Cairns
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns by Luxury Catamaran
This one's for any water fans out there.
Gift the rare experience of exploring the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on a snorkel and dive cruise.
You'll be able to relax on a luxury catamaran in between.
Yes, thank you.
Brisbane
Open-Air Hot Tub Cinema in Brisbane
Movies. Hot tub. Need we say more?
For couples who love a bit of fun, this activity is budget-friendly and offers multiple experiences in one.
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