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A Mini-Moon Is The New Honeymoon: Three Post-Wedding Breaks You Can Take Now

And they're all in Queensland!
Tourism and Events Queensland

A honeymoon is one of the best things about getting married, but not everyone has the time to take an extended far-flung break straight after tying the knot.

In fact, research says that 21 per cent of millenials delay their honeymoon until they have the time to travel further afield.

In the meantime, a few days away closer to home is the perfect way to celebrate your nuptials. Queensland offers something for every type of couple -- from luxury to wilderness, wineries, breweries, beaches and night time jungle walks, all within easy reach of a major airport. Here are some of the best mini-moon destinations...

The Celeb-Worthy Retreat

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Want luxury without the hassle of wearing shoes or makeup? It doesn't get better than Orpheus Island. This secluded resort sits on an otherwise uninhabited 11km island in the Coral Sea and is a 30-minute helicopter ride from Townsville. "With a maximum of 28 guests, it's low-key luxury at its best," said Pedro O'Connor from Epic Private Journeys. Take that, Jay and Bey!

Sleep:

"The South Suites have outdoor baths with total privacy," said O'Connor. "Think star-lit skies with coconut palms silhouetted against the moon, and gazing at the azure Coral Sea waters from your bed."

Eat:

The island chef prepares a menu based around locally-sourced seasonal produce. O'Connor explained that guests can opt for a private six course dinner on the pier; "while you watch baby whitetip sharks in the water below."

Drink:

"The Yulu Tea Cocktail is made with Indigenous fruits and mixed with gin -- it will definitely get you in the holiday spirit," O'Connor said.

Explore:

"Cruise to nearby Hinchinbrook Island and hike to Zoe Falls to swim in the pristine rainforest creek," O'Connor suggested. "It's like swimming in Perrier Water. Or, take a private snorkel trip, go fishing or just sit in a hammock and soak up the views."

The Nature Obsessives' Adventure

The Daintree National Park is just 90 minutes from Cairns airport and boasts some of the world's oldest rainforests. Plant and animal life survives in its own ecosystem here, and it doesn't take much to head off the beaten track for some alone time in one of the world's most beautiful world heritage sites. Romance amongst the rainforest is easy -- just head to one of the luxurious hotels or spas for some R&R in the wilderness.

Sleep:

"Silky Oaks Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge, and the Healing Waters Spa there uses ingredients from Aboriginal heritage. It's a pretty special experience," O'Connor said. The Daintree Wilderness Lodge offers private cabins that make a minimal environmental footprint.

Eat:

"The restaurant at Silky Oaks Lodge lets you sample crocodile, kangaroo and native plants -- all washed down with the best wines you could wish for," O'Connor said of Treehouse Restaurant at the lodge. Head out to On The Turps at Daintree Heritage for a romantic dinner for two in amongst flaming torches and leafy surrounds.

Drink:

Daintree tea is served all over the Daintree. Established in the 1970s, the business is still family run and they offer leaves to take home if you visit their plantation. Alternatively, watch the sunset over the rainforest with a glass of sparkling in hand at Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa's Julaymba Restaurant & Bar -- where there's Happy Hour between 4.30 and 6.30pm each day.

Explore:

"Hire a kayak and see turtles and dugongs on the Barrier Reef," O'Connor said. "Cruise along the Daintree river and spot crocodiles, or head out for a Jungle Adventure Nightwalk. If it's thrills you're after, then try Jungle Surfing in the canopies of the ancient trees."

The Food Lovers Indulgence Break

"The gorgeous mountains of the Scenic Rim provide secluded hideaways, but are still close to the Gold Coast," said Becky Brown from Not From Here who has travelled extensively in Queensland with her partner James, including romantic trips to Agnes Water, Bedarra Island and The Scenic Rim.

The area is home to six national parks and has become famous for its excellent restaurants and extensive produce, such as olive oil, cheese, beer and even crayfish -- not to mention a multitude of organic fruits, vegetables and meats. There's an annual Eat Local Food Week in June to show off local wares.

Sleep:

Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa, Pethers Rainforest Retreat, Ruffles Lodge and Spa and Witches Falls Cottages all offer private romantic retreats in luxurious accommodation with beautiful views. Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa even has a private Gold Class cinema so you can snuggle up together for an extra romantic movie night.

Eat:

The most important aspect of your trip, foodies won't want to miss a meal at The Scenic Kitchen, which also offers cooking classes. "With a romantic mountain backdrop, there's no better place to share a bottle of wine and watch the sunset. They use only locally sourced produce, either from their kitchen or within a 50km radius," travel blogger Laura McWhinnie of This Island Life said. Also try Kooroomba vineyards surrounded by lavender fields, one-hatted restaurant Songbirds which uses organic produce when possible, and The Old Church restaurant for traditional, home-cooked Italian in a cosy romantic setting.

Drink:

For grape lovers, sip home brewed mulberry wine at The Scenic Kitchen while you look out over the mountains. If your preference is for grain, head down to try a beer tasting paddle at the Fortitude Brewing Company cellar door.

Explore:

Burn off your lunch with a secluded walk. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk leads you round rockpools, a butterfly lookout and eventually takes you 30 metres above the valley, giving views to die for -- and a romantic photo opportunity to keep forever.

For the more inspiration for a post-wedding mini-moon in Queensland, check out queensland.com.

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