4 Ways to Do a Romantic Winter Getaway in Tasmania

Tasmania has all the ingredients to spark a winter romance. Snuggle up and reconnect on this heart-shaped island.

1. Islands for two

Carmel Boyd

Picnic Island, East Coast

Cast yourselves away, forget the routine, and connect with nature and each other on one of Tasmania's stunning islands. Satellite Island's rustic island home effortlessly sets the scene for a romantic island escape. Enjoy long conversations by the boathouse around the open fire pit. On tiny Picnic Island it's just you, the penguins and shearwater gulls –unless you've booked a yoga session or massage. Wrap up and bask together in the evening glow of sunset on the Hazards.

2. Starry skies

Melissa Finley

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

Winter views don't end when the sun goes down. It is true winter days are shorter, which means you can revel in longer nights. If you're adventurous, pack a blanket and find a secluded spot. In Tasmania, beautiful night skies can be found everywhere. All you need is a clear sky to make the magic happen. If you're facing south, you may even see an Aurora, or if you are by the ocean, you may spot the mysterious glow of the bioluminescence, a phenomenon created by tiny marine creatures.

3. Soak in a hot tub

Emilie Ristevski

King Billy Suite, Cradle Mountain Lodge

Tasmanians love to defy winter by sinking into a hot tub. After a solid day's exploring Mt Arthur or the wineries of the Tamar Valley, pour a hot bath at the Trig's Container. The heated spa at Falls River cottage, in the Meander Valley near Deloraine, has its own outdoor fireplace and overlooks a spectacular waterfall – with a plunge pool at the bottom if you dare. On King Island climb into the outdoor spa overlooking the ocean at Porky's Luxury Beach Retreat, or head for the mountains to slip into a round wooden outdoor hot tub in the King Billy Suite at Cradle Mountain Lodge .

4. Snuggle up in a love shack

Robert Burnett

Ratho Farm, Bothwell

The Cob Barn, nestled in a little pocket of temperate rainforest forest near Lilydale is an old barn that has been hand-sculpted from earth into a cosy cottage by the lake. By day, take the rowboat out onto the lake and spot platypus. By night, light the fire pit outside, rug up and watch the stars. On the east coast pull into Twamley Farm and stay in the converted stable. Arrange a picnic hamper with your hosts and wander the farm, meet the farm animals or take a bike ride along a bush trail then warm up in front of the log fire. Adventurous couples tackling the Derby mountain bike trails can soothe weary legs in the outdoor bath at the Tin Dragon Trail Cottages. Ask for a gourmet breakfast hamper filled with farm-laid eggs and smoked bacon from the farm down the road and help yourself to produce from the organic garden.