preloadValentine's Day trips for singles

Are you wondering what to do on Valentine’s Day while you’re single? Valentine’s Day trips aren’t just for couples. There are plenty of cities and towns around Australia perfect for singles seeking V-Day parties, lively backpacker bars, adventurous experiences and non-stop shopping.

With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve narrowed down the very best Valentine’s Day trips for singles around Australia. These include the sleepless cities of Sydney and Melbourne and the party-centric coastal paradise of Airlie Beach. So what are you waiting for? Jump on a plane and embrace being single this Valentine’s Day.

Sydney

Photo | Gettyimages | © ALEXANDER KESSELAAR
Cremorne Point, Sydney, Australia
Photo | Gettyimages | BROOK ATTAKORN

If you can’t have fun being single in Sydney, one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, you’re not doing it right. The city is home to late-night bars, international shops, scenic walking trails and world-renowned entertainment. Come Valentine’s Day, Sydney doesn’t forget about us singles, putting on memorable events, such as the Be My Valentine Singles Party in Surry Hills.

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Photo | Hyatt Regency Sydney | Provided by ICE PORTAL | HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY

Stay right in the heart of Sydney’s restaurants, bars and entertainment at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Sydney. It’s perfect for singles wanting to spoil themselves this Valentine’s Day, with many of the luxe rooms and suites overlooking Darling Harbour and featuring heavenly king-size beds.

Socialise with fellow guests and locals at the popular Zephyr Sky Bar, which pairs cocktails with lounge seating overlooking the harbour. You can also organise a night with friends at the immersive cocktail bar, Jackalberry, or indulge in locally-sourced seafood at the history-laden Sailmaker. And let’s not forget to mention that the hotel is only a short cab or train ride away from the Be My Valentine Singles Party in Surry Hills.

Why You Should Stay Here 

  • Gorgeous and spacious rooms and suites overlooking Darling Harbour.
  • Social and elegant on-site restaurants and bars.
  • Surrounded by popular bars, shops and dining around Darling Harbour.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 269 – USD 525
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: 161 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD, Sydney, Australia

Hotel Location

Perth

Photo | Gettyimages | PAILIN S. KULVONG
Photo| Gettyimages | NEAL PRITCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Located on the Swan River, Perth is a coastal city that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day trips. The city centre retains Australian heritage through century-old buildings now housing boutique bars, designer shops and coffee shops.

As you venture out to the coast, you can discover some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and alluring islands (fall in love with the quokkas on Rottnest Island instead of that last Tinder date). Perth also puts on a number of events during Valentine’s Day, including Adventure Dating (think speed dating mixed with a bar crawl and games), singles mixers and singles yoga.

Tribe Perth

Photo | Tribe Perth | Provided by BOOKING.COM

The designer-created Tribe Perth is one of Australia’s most trending boutique hotels, positioned next to Kings Park minutes from the city’s shopping and dining precincts. The hotel is renowned for its refined communal spaces, including lounge bars, quiet reading nooks and sun-dappled terraces. What begins as a cafe serving fresh fruit and gourmet cold cuts becomes a sociable bar with crafted cocktails and imported beers.

Of course, no boutique hotel is complete with comfortable and stylish rooms. Tribe Perth doesn’t drop the ball here, offering signature queen-size beds, Smart TVs and free Wi-Fi, on-demand movies and Nespresso coffee (joy!). You can also customise the mini fridge and enjoy high-end bathroom amenities. 

Why You Should Stay Here 

  • About a five-minute walk from the bars and cafes around Hay Street.
  • Close to the Valentine’s Day parties for singles at Capitol and Hip-E Club.
  • Has an inviting cafe/bar that’s perfect for drinks with friends.

Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 96 – USD 152
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 4 Walker Avenue, West Perth, Perth, Australia

Hotel Location

Melbourne

Photo| Gettyimages | ENRIQUE DIAZ – 7CERO
Beach huts in Brighton Beach, Victoria.
Photo| Gettyimages | LIGHT BULB WORKS

Melbourne is to singles as catnip is to cats. The constant stimulation of the city’s laneway cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, indie coffee shops and designer boutiques keeps everyone, especially singles, going until they flop into bed. Australia’s closest link to European grandeur and style, Melbourne is an enclave of theatre, live music, high-stakes casinos, international influences and riverside dining.

During a Valentine’s Day trip, it’s not uncommon to find bars throughout the city hosting singles nights or epic events. Even in the days leading up to V-Day, you can mingle with fellow singles at glow stick parties and pre-Valentine’s Day shindigs.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne

Photo| Crown Plaza Melbourne | Provided by LEONARDO | CROWN PLAZA MELBOURNE

Crowne Plaza Melbourne is an iconic sight along the Yarra River, situated about five minutes’ walk from the restaurants, bars and late-night entertainment at Crown Towers. It offers enticing affordability for Melbourne accommodation and includes a well-equipped fitness centre, in-room dining and a third-floor bar with imported beer, wine and liquor.

Most of the rooms and suites overlook the Yarra River. They also include king-size beds, flat-screen TVs and on-demand movies. Friends looking for a city escape can book one of the rooms with two twin beds, but there are also luxurious suites for groups who want a separate living room and interconnecting rooms.

Why You Should Stay Here 

  • Close to the Single in the City Pre-Valentine’s Day MEGAparty at Hightail Bar.
  • Affordable rooms and suites catering to groups.
  • A short tram ride from the city centre’s restaurants, bars and shops.

Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: USD 137 – USD 286
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: 1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Australia

Hotel Location


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Newcastle

Photo| Gettyimages | JULES INGALL
Silhouette of surfer holding surfboard on rocks in Merewether beach.
Photo| Gettyimages | PETER G KNOTT

The coastal city of Newcastle is a bit more laidback than Sydney, but still offers cosmopolitan dining and modern entertainment, such as live music at The Small Ballroom and experimental artwork at The Lock-Up. It’s also the perfect fit for singles seeking some sun, surf and sand, thanks to the golden Newcastle Beach, Instagram-favourite Newcastle Ocean Baths and scenic Nobbys Beach.

The city is known for putting on Valentine’s Day events for singles, including bar crawls and wine tours through the Hunter Valley. Alternatively, you could just spend your days working on your tan with friends during your Valentine’s Day trip.

Grand Hotel Newcastle

Photo| Grand Hotel Newcastle | Provided by BOOKING.COM

The historic Grand Hotel Newcastle is housed in an 1800s building that captures Newcastle’s old-world charm. It’s ideal for a relaxing weekend away with its boutique-style accommodation featuring private balconies, air conditioning and LCD TVs. However, you can still embrace the city’s memorable nightlife at cocktail bars, pubs and fine-dining restaurants around the central hotel.

Grand Hotel Newcastle also offers its own on-site entertainment at The Grand Bistro, including three-hour-long “Happy Hour” specials, live jazz music on Tuesday nights and trivia nights. The menu has won over HotelsCombined visitors with its excellent lunch specials and Vegan-friendly options.

Why You Should Stay Here 

  • Excellent on-site bistro with happy-hour deals and live entertainment.
  • Affordable rooms with private balconies in the centre of Newcastle.
  • A short walk from Newcastle Beach and The Small Ballroom live music venue.

Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 197 – USD 600
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 32 Church St, Newcastle, Australia

Hotel Location

Airlie Beach

Photo| Gettyimages | POSNOV
After a few passes I managed to get a clean 6 frame pano of the classic Hill Inlet scene. This flight was a definite highlight of the trip.
Photo | Gettyimages | BRUCE HOOD

Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday islands, is a mecca for singles and backpackers alike. The small town is lined with backpacker bars, sport pubs, cocktail lounges and seafood restaurants. There are also a handful of rooftop bars overlooking the glistening coastline.

If you’re looking for a weekend party, Airlie Beach has the right ingredients. However, it’s also the perfect launching pad for bucket-list experiences, including snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, scenic flights over the iconic Heart Reef and visiting the otherworldly Whitehaven Beach.

Magnums Backpackers

Photo| Magnum Backpackers | Provided by BOOKING.COM

Singles in the coastal haven of Airlie Beach flock to Magnums Backpackers if they’re looking for a party. The popular hostel is renowned for its beer gardens, live music and sociable atmosphere. It’s also perfect for groups of singles seeking affordable accommodation in one of Australia’s most picture-perfect towns, including self-contained cabins, female-only dorms, double rooms and tent sites.

Make the most of your time here by booking one of the hostel-organised tours, such as snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, scenic flights or jet boating. The hostel is also right in the centre of town, a short walk from Airlie Beach Lagoon, the Whitsunday Sunday Markets and the trendy Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. 

Why You Should Stay Here 

  • Affordable accommodation with tours, an outdoor gym, barbecue area and bar.
  • Twin rooms and dorms ideal for groups.
  • Powered tent and campervan sites.

Star Rating: 2.5*
Price: USD 37 – USD 41
Guest Rating: 7.3
Address: 370 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia

Hotel Location

Cairns

Photo| Gettyimages | LEON DAFONTE FERNANDEZ – EYEEM
Tourist at Fitzroy Island off the coast of Cairns
Photo| Gettyimages | JOHN CRUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Cairns was made for Valentine’s Day trips for singles. Whether it’s the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, zip-lining over a crocodile at Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome or venturing deep into the surrounding nature reserves, this city keeps you on your toes. It also has a wonderful brewery and live music scene, along with night markets and various sporting events at the Cairns Convention Centre.

When it comes to singles, Cairns makes it easy to mingle and party at bars along the harbourfront, lively Irish pubs and cool novelty bars. These range from flaming cocktails at Flamingos Tiki Bar to rooftop drinks overlooking the ocean at Rocco.

Rydges Plaza Cairns

Photo| Rydges Plaza Cairns | Provided by ICE PORTAL

Rydges Plaza Cairns is synonymous with affordability and comfort. It offers excellent value for money with its sun-drenched swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and stylish Lilo Restaurant. You can also mingle with friends or fellow guests at the timber-finished Lilo Bar, which has a covered terrace.

Are you spending Valentine’s Day weekend with friends? Save money by booking the Standard Triple Room with signature bedding and a mini bar. If you’re visiting by yourself and want to splurge, we recommend the Junior Suite King Bed, which has panoramic city views from its private balcony and in the separate living room. 

Why You Should Stay Here

  • Located in the centre of Cairns minutes from popular bars and restaurants.
  • About 550 metres from The Reef Hotel Casino and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
  • The menu of juice shots, smoothies, omelettes and homemade breads at Lilo Restaurant.

Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 75 – USD 124
Guest Rating: 6.5
Address: 50 Grafton Street, Cairns CBD, Cairns, Australia

Hotel Location

Which of these Valentine’s Day trips do you like the most?

Photo | Gettyimages | LUKAS FIEBER

Valentine’s Day Trips aren’t just for the lovers. Us singles can forego Cupid’s arrow and instead focus our attentions on this incredible country. From the nightlife and culture of Australia’s biggest cities, to the natural spoils and adventure experiences around the coastal towns, the country offers much more than roses and chocolate.

Which of these Valentine’s Day trips do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.