7 of Australia's most romantic hideaways - for all budgets

Nimbo Fork Lodge, Killimicat, NSW: The setting is straight out of a storybook: half a dozen snow-white cottages cascading down a hill, wrapped in morning mist. Welcome to Nimbo Fork Lodge, located in NSW's Snowy Valleys, just over two hours west of Canberra.

There are six beautifully designed suites in the main building of the lodge, which only welcomes guests 16 years or older, but if you want to turn up the romance factor, nab one of the standalone cottages, with gorgeous bed heads, pitched roofs, spacious ensuites and large windows framing scenic country views. An onsite outpost of the celebrated Australian restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, completes the picture. From $260 per room, per night; nimbofork.com.au

The River Dream Boatel, Mildura, Victoria: Why settle for a hotel when you can have a "boatel" - a state-of-the-art houseboat leisurely drifting along the Murray River in Victoria? Group travel is a fast-emerging Valentine's Day travel trend, not just among couples who like to travel together, but among groups of singles, too, who are using this occasion to show themselves some self-love. And with five cutting-edge cabins - each with an ensuite - River Dream Boatel is the perfect vehicle. While the price may seem prohibitively expensive at first, divide it by 10 guests and it'll soon get a lot more appealing. From $6500 for a three-night cruise; riverdreamboatel.com.au

Park Hyatt Canberra: What can be more indulgent than staying in one of Australia's most historic hotels, dating back to 1924 when it opened as Hotel Canberra? Meader through its perfectly manicured lawns, admiring its timeless facade, then check in to one of its recently refurbished rooms - the spacious King Bed room with a private balcony in the hotel's heritage wing would be our pick. From $368 per room, per night; hyatt.com

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Cooinda Lodge, NT: A sunrise cruise of the Yellow Water billabong in the heart of Kakadu National Park - complete with wildlife spottings, including sinister crocodiles - is one of Australia's most unforgettable travel experiences. Follow that with yet another memorable treat; a stay in one of the Yellow Water Villas at Cooinda Lodge.

Featuring a king-sized bed, a large ensuite and a private balcony, the lair is the perfect perch from where to take in more billabong views, and contemplate your next adventure. The lodge offers other options, too, from glamping tents to rooms. From $199 per room, per night; kakadutourism.com

Vineyard Retreat, McLaren Vale, SA: Set on a six-hectare working vineyard, this is a collection of six gorgeous accommodations - from a tiny house with all modern conveniences to full-blown two-bedroom abodes with marble bathrooms, sprawling living rooms and wrap-around balconies. Even when the retreat is fully booked, you're unlikely to see another soul - so dense (and lush!) are the vines between the lodgings. Switch off and inhale the tranquillity, and when it's time to explore, the picturesque wine region of McLaren Vale is right out the door. From $610 per room, per night (minimum two nights); thevineyardmv.com.au

Pumphouse Point, Tasmania: History meets luxury at this former hydroelectric pump station turned into an adults-only wilderness retreat on Lake St Clair - about a 2.5-hour drive north-west of Hobart.

There are rooms and an all-inclusive retreat along the shore, but for gobsmacking views in every direction and absolute isolation, ask for one of the two rooms on the top floor of the building on the lake. From $615 per room, per night; pumphousepoint.com.au

Qualia, Queensland: Seventeen outstanding hotels are part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, including Qualia, which is simply out of this world. Located in the heart of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, it is home to 60 beautiful pavilions, each with a king-sized bed, separate living area, spacious ensuite and Coral Sea views.

Everyone knows about the Venices and the Santorinis of this world. They're super romantic - and just as crowded. Want to go off the beaten track? Here's our pick of romantic places, most people haven't discovered yet.

Ilha do Mel, Brazil: What this small island in the south of Brazil lacks in luxury accommodation options it more than makes up for with pristine beaches, sensational sunsets, historic forts and breathtaking caves. Oh, and did we mention a gorgeous lighthouse?

Lofoten Islands, Norway: You can stay in cosy fisherman cottages, dine on just-caught seafood, kayak through dramatic fjords and hike through scenic landscapes under the midnight sun in this Scandinavian slice of heaven. And if you're there in winter, keep your fingers crossed for Mother Nature's ultimate show: the northern lights.

Koh Rong, Cambodia: Beachfront resorts are just the tip of the coconut on this pristine Cambodian island, where you can swim with colourful marine life in gin-clear waters by day, then watch the same waves turn iridescent blue after dark. It is one of the few places on Earth where bioluminescence occurs almost every night.

Atacama Desert, Chile: Surreal landscapes - from shimmering salt flats to rust-red valleys - are the most unique feature of this desert in Chile, but don't forget to stay back overnight for a stargazing experience that is just as dramatic.