Let's dial up the romance...
Sunnymead Hotel is popular with couples for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, and just the classic little romantic getaway! With motel charm and all the modern amenities of a luxury boutique hotel, it’s the perfect combo for special occasions. If you haven’t already, here’s a handy link to our packages for couples.
Now onto ways to impress your plus one! We think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how many ideas other than the standard 'walk along the beach' or 'Netflix and chill' we can come up with on the spectacular Surf Coast...
1. Couples Spa Day
Well, nothing says romance like a couples spa experience, and Indie Spa won’t disappoint. Be showered with love in their dual suite with a standing two-person Vichy shower where you can apply your own body muds. Then a relaxation massage together followed by cocktails or sparkling in the lounge, perfection!
2. Lovely Long Lunch
Well, let's explore some of the local options...
For lunch dining, we recommend Totti’s in Lorne for a cruisy coastal drive taking in the stunning coastline with maybe a stop for a loved-up photo under the Great Ocean Road memorial arch
Sophisticated tastebuds will appreciate Aireys Inlet's renowned Greek-Australian restaurant, and our favourite neighbours, a la Grecque! When the sun is shining, the best spot for lunch is outside on their beautiful deck.
Another option we can't go past, stroll to the delightful French deli just a few doors up from us at Le Comptoir for wine and cheese boards, and all the delicious French deli delights you can think of.
Hot tip # 1 – If you stay on The Weekender package, there’s a voucher included so you can enjoy a wine and cheese board at your own pace.
3. Hit the surf Sunnymead-style
Did you know we have our own custom-made surfboards at Sunnymead? If you’re staying with us on a couples package, surfboard hire is included! Adventurous couples can take these sunny boards out for a surf at one of the local hotspots. Surely you’d finish with some fish and chips on the beach right?
4. Reinvent drinks, dinner + a movie
An afternoon tipple at Sunnies Bar or in your suite will lead nicely into a fantastic fusion dining experience at Santara Restaurant. The 'Feed Me' option is always a winner, right? Share Indian fusion bites and cocktails together, with only a quick stroll back to your room. But for a dinner and a movie that hits different, stay in your room, throw on a robe, turn on Netflix and have dinner delivered with room service! There are too many amazing foodie hotspots nearby to only spend a single night, but if that’s all you have time for, we recommend our Romantic 1-Nighter package!
5. Outdoor Adventure
Are you both into the great outdoors? There’s plenty to explore on foot in Aireys Inlet but hire an e-bike and hit a local trail to see more. There are some stunning local circuits including Distillery Creek Nature Walk and the Currawong Falls loop. For the ocean-minded, a surf at one of the famous Surf Coast beaches will bring you the adventure you’re seeking.
Hot tip # 2 – Finish a day of exploring with a pizza from the best spot in town, The Captain of Aireys!
6. Sightseeing in a Classic Kombi
Then for the slower paced who want to wine and dine their way around Aireys and beyond. And the best way to travel around these places… Daisy our classic 1958 VW Kombi! She may be a little old (we prefer the term 'retro'), but she makes the Great Ocean Road even more iconic! Take Daisy along the coast for a day out (see her in action here), with stops for photos and picnic snacks!
Hot tip # 3 – We don’t know what stage you’re at and don't want to get too ahead of ourselves, but hey, this little beauty would also make for an UNFORGETTABLE proposal idea, wink wink!
7. Get your golf on... or get your skates on...
And get competitive! A well-known spot in Aireys, and not just for kids, is Great Ocean Road Mini Golf. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon and located at the lower shops for a bite to eat afterwards - loser has to pay! Another little date idea… with retro flair – Surf Coast Roller Skates! It’s different and fun, just like our Sunnymead couples! Up for it? Check here for more details on fun events!
8. Let’s explore the Lighthouse
Relive a childhood memory, straight out of the TV show ‘Round The Twist’, is this Aireys Inlet icon! A Split Point Lighthouse Tour is the best way to take in 360-degree views of the stunning surrounding beaches, beyond the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. Another way to experience this iconic landmark, is a stroll on the paths around the lighthouse with a stop at the viewing platforms to take in either a magical Surf Coast sunrise or sunset.
9. The Classic Coastal Picnic
You didn’t think we’d forgotten about a picnic right? It’s an oldie but a goodie! Here are two great ways of doing your picnic that support local small businesses and will give you a wow of a time. The Surf Coast Picnic Co., is as the name suggests, you can’t really go wrong. This one is presented ever so quaintly in a box or reusable cooler bag. With locally sourced products saving you time and delivering on fresh and tasty. Perfect for snacking down by the beach, on the inlet or by Painkalac Creek.
10. Progressive Picnic (AKA Picnic with a Twist)
The other option we think is pretty cool, an initiative started to help bushfire-affected towns relying on tourist dollars - Empty Esky. The idea, to fill up an Esky and support local small businesses. Bring an Esky on your Great Ocean Road trip and fill it up along the way. Here are some (amazing) local suggestions that you might pass by, or should detour for, on your way from Melbourne…
(We've even provided the directions!)
Freshwater Creek Cakes – If it’s good enough for the Fren Family on Travel Guides – this one is a winner, and if you don’t have room for a whole sponge cake, we’re sure you’ll find something else small and sweet to put into your Esky, or some locally sourced preserves.
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie + Ice Creamery – This isn’t just a chocolate-y playground for kids, adults will absolutely find something to throw in the esky for a coastal picnic from brownies, rocky road, nougat, chutneys, honey and relish and of course the obvious romantic choices in chocolate or ice cream!
Poppies Anglesea – Tucked away, but a must-stop en route to your picnic destination! This gem has a stocked-up grocer of locally sourced produce and essentials like chutneys, crackers, fruits, nuts, biscuits and local sourdough.
Laneway 73 – Anglesea’s renowned coffee spot, their cannoli is certainly one to add to the Esky and may as well pick up a coffee to go too!
Oaks Bakery – Because a bakery stop on route to your picnic is essential and here you’ll find an array of delicious sweet treats.
Anglesea General Store – There’s some lovely local goodies in here to tempt you from savoury, sweet, hot or cold because a road trip MUST include a general store, so whether it’s Anglesea or in Aireys Inlet, both are sure to please!
Great Escape Books – It might not exactly be suitable for your Esky, but a book never goes astray for when you’re lying by the beach or the pool.
Le Comptoir – We mentioned earlier, but if you’ve skimmed to here, we’ll share it again, this little local favourite is full of French delicacies and delicious wines if you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life. Think duck liver pâté, fresh baguettes, cheeses, spreads and condiments. We think you’ll probably pick up more than one thing for your Esky at this one! Or stay for the exceptional hospitality and have a wine or a bite while you’re there.
So between picnicking, riding, day spa-ing, exploring and dining, you’ll probably be ready to hit the hay! But if not, there’s some fun little things to do in your Sunnymead suite.
So let's throw in an unofficial or bonus date idea...
11. Stay in and snuggle up at Sunnymead
Relax with a book or magazine together on our swivel armchairs, curl up and snuggle with a cuppa in your sunny-themed robes, splurge on a cocktail or two with our recipe to make up ‘The Sunnymead Splash’. Last but not least, play a game of 'Never Have I Ever' because there might just be a few funny things you didn’t know about your partner!
Hot tip # 4 – If you’re lucky (or you planned ahead) and snag a Superior Suite, you might just both be able to enjoy a relaxing bath in the generous bathtub in your suite!
Hopefully we've given you enough ideas! Start planning your romantic date on the Surf Coast, because there's so much to explore. And if you need a cute place to stay, you know where to find us - explore our packages here!