Romance on a Shoestring with YHA

Who says romance and budgets don't go hand in hand? Follow YHA's guide to love for a romantic getaway that doesn't bust the budget!

Love is in the air and you and your bae need a romantic getaway for two. If the astronomical cost of a hotel room has put a stop to those plans, not only do we have a more budget friendly and romantic alternative, but we've also got some great money saving tips to help stretch the romance a little further!

Be charmed in Port Fairy

This quiant seaside village at the end of the Great Ocean Road just oozes charm and romance, plus there's so many budget friendly things to do. Go for strolls along the waterfront, watch the sun set over the Moyne River, relax on the soft sand beaches and window shop the town's many antique stores.

Stay at Port Fairy YHA, a heritage listed building and the home of the town's founder for some old world charm. Their self contained cabin has all the amenities you need for a romantic getaway.

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Go with the flow in Fremantle

30 minutes south of Perth, Fremantle is all about taking it easy. Enjoy slow strolls in the sunshine, days on the beach, trawling from cafe to cafe along the famous Cappuccino Strip and nabbing some sneaky free samples from the Fremantle Markets. You and your one and only will be feeling super chill and relaxed after a few days in Freo.

Stay at Fremantle Colonial Cottages. The prisoners of Fremantle Prison may have slept in cells, but the warders slept in style in cottages just outside the prison. These refurbished boutique cottages sleep up to 6, so you can always split the costs with two other couples to save some dollars. 

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Stargaze at the Red Centre

There's something quintessentially romantic about escaping to the middle of nowhere - and the Red Centre truly is the middle of nowhere. The stars are brighter, the landscapes are more stunning - and more red - and you're full of wonder, awe and magic wherever you go. 

Stay at Alice Springs YHA, located within a historic art deco outdoor movie theatre. They show free movies every night under the stars (hello free date night!) and can help you organise a trip to Uluru.

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Escape from it all in Port Elliot

Leave the city behind and enjoy a beach side escape in Port Elliot. Active couples will want to swim, surf, snorkel and kayak the day away whereas more relaxed couples will want to spend their time on one of the gorgeous coastal trails. Or enjoying the ocean from the comfort of the sand.

Stay at Port Elliot YHA. A historic boutique beach house, it has stunning views of the Southern Ocean available from it's very own balcony. Relax here with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

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Extra money saving tips

  • Book a special or use a promo code. Keep an eye out for these, you never know when they'll pop up!
  • Enjoy a romantic picnic and buy everything from a local market. The food is often fresher and cheaper which is a win-win situation.
  • Not only is the food from local markets fantastic, but they also have loads of free samples. Make some small talk with the stall owner, grab your free sample and then skedaddle on out of there to the next stall. 
  • Keep an eye out for happy hour at local bars and pubs. Two drinks for the price of one? Yes please.
  • Stay at a YHA - duh!

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    YHA Port Elliot
    YHA Port Elliot
    Located in a breezy, historic building and overlooking the calm waters of Horseshoe Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula, YHA Port Elliot offers beautiful beach adjacent accommodation.
    YHA Port Fairy
    YHA Port Fairy
    YHA Port Fairy is a heritage listed cottage situated at the end of the Great Ocean Road in Port Fairy. Relax by the open fireplace after a day of exploring.
    YHA Fremantle Prison
    YHA Fremantle Prison
    Part experience, part accommodation, spend a night behind bars at the UNESCO-listed YHA Fremantle Prison – a one-of-a-kind piece of convict history.
    YHA Alice Springs
    YHA Alice Springs
    Located in the iconic desert town of Alice Springs, gateway to the Outback and Uluru, the historic YHA Alice Springs was once an open-air theatre and still hosts nightly movies.

YHA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to the elders, past and present, and the extended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We recognise their custodianship of the land, sea, & water for over 60,000 years.

YHA Australia is a proud member of Hostelling International - a network of more than 2,650 hostels across 57 countries that share the mission of making travel more sustainable & accessible.