Australia

An Over the Top Honeymoon Down Under

Newlyweds may balk at spending the first day of their honeymoon in an airplane, but Australia's amazing sights and friendly people will quickly cure your jet-lag: "Oz" definitely is worth flying halfway around the world to experience.

Check into your suite at Sydney's Observatory Hotel-a bastion of old-world luxury in Sydney's historic Rocks district-then take lunch on your private terrace before venturing out to explore .Across the street, Observatory Hill is favored by newlyweds seeking the perfect wedding picture under the branches of ancient fig trees, with Sydney Harbor as a backdrop. A quick stroll leads to the waterfront, where lively pubs and shops buzz with activity and lovers stroll the promenade at the Circular Quay. From the quay, a steady stream of ferries chug across Sydney Harbor, passing the city's two most famous landmarks, the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. Each offers something special for couples. The Opera House's shell-shaped buildings house a wide variety of performance spaces, including a concert hall and two theater stages. One is home to Guillaume at Bennelong, which matches Jorn Utzon's soaring architecture with amazing views, a sophisticated menu, and an extensive wine list.

For couples, Sydney's ultimate bonding experience is the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb, a three-hour adventure that takes you up and over the landmark span. Best taken at sunset, the journey involves donning a jumpsuit and clipping on a safety cable- not exactly couture, but you won't mind when you're 439 feet above the water and taking in the panoramic views. Sydney's ocean beaches, Taronga Park Zoo, and diverse harborfront communities-all accessible by ferry-urge you to linger. But the stark beauty of the outback beckons you to immerse yourself in a completely different side of Australia.

In the center of the country stands Uluru, a 600- million-year-old sandstone monolith sacred to the Aboriginal people. Far more than a big rock in the desert, Uluru exudes a quiet power over the mind and soul. Its flanks include secret sanctuaries like the Kantju Gorge, a watering hole that shelters rare wildlife, and where the red walls of Uluru glow in stark contrast to the deep-blue outback sky. Uluru is your constant companion during a stay at Longitude 131. From the resort's 15 private, elevated "tents"-each celebrating an early outback explorer-sliding windows provide an unobstructed view of Uluru, tempting you to simply lay in bed all day, watching the clouds and sunlight play over its 1,150-foot face. The warm hosts at Longitude 131 encourage guests to gather for early evening cocktails and fine dining around a long, communal table. Honeymooners will especially love the resort's Sounds of Silence dinner, a romantic white-linen-and-candlelight affair staged in the desert.After wine and dessert, the lights are doused for an engaging astronomical chat and stargazing utilizing a trio of powerful telescopes.

For a taste of local culture, couples can "rough it" on a four-wheel-drive journey to Cave Hill, where an Aboriginal guide explains local cave art and the creation story of his people. Driving along lonely red-dirt tracks, eyes strain to catch a glimpse of foraging kangaroos and blue-tongued lizards. A stop at the Curtain Springs cattle station is a welcome opportunity to order a cold Victoria Bitter at an authentic outback pub. For another dramatic shift in scenery, trade dust storms and spinifex bushes for rainforests and palm trees in tropical Queensland, home to two of the world's most precious.

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