Romance on a Shoestring with YHA

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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Get romantic with a glass of the good stuff in Hunter Valley

Wine - it's possibly the most romantic drink going round and luckily for those loved up couples heading to the Hunter Valley, it's chock full of wineries. Spend your days in Hunter Valley hopping from winery to winery, indulging in some phenomenal wine and delicious food. It truly doesn't get any more romantic than that.

Stay at Hunter Valley YHA. The team there will help you with the perfect Hunter Valley getaway - you can hire bikes from reception and ride to the wineries, jump on a wine tour or even go on a brewery tour if beer is more your thing.

Experience luxe for less on Magnetic Island

The ultimate island escape, Magnetic Island has it all - sunshine, gorgeous azure waters, secluded beaches, 15kms of walking tracks, horse riding on the beach (hello dream date!), access to the Great Barrier Reef and an abundance of wildlife.

Stay at Magnetic Island YHA. Nestled in the middle of a lush rainforest, this property has private bungalows with your own personal deck to relax on, so no one will disturb the two of you. Plus you can cuddle with koalas while eating breakfast!

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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!