If your idea of a romantic retreat is palm-lined paradise, Queensland’s Mission Beach (pictured top of page), about 90min south of Cairns, is the ticket. In this colour-drenched world of glorious, uncrowded beaches, limpid waters and hazy green islands, the days are long and languid.
Sunrise Beach on the Sunshine Coast when it’s deserted. Although popular with surfers first thing in the mornings, this beautiful sandy beach is vast enough for there to be plenty of room for everyone and still feel as though you have to yourselves.