Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is on the way

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is a thing. Frankly, I love it. Any excuse for an elaborately decorated cupcake and some bubbles, whether I’m drinking them or floating in them doesn’t really matter.

For those of you who’d love to celebrate but don’t quite know how, here are some nature-based ideas to get you started.

Picnic breakfast and ocean pool swim at Austinmer

One of my fave local beaches, Austi really does have something for everyone, and that’s why it was our Beach of the Week in early December. I’m one of those water babies who doesn’t feel particularly comfortable out in the waves. Let’s just say I like the idea of the ocean. The two ocean pools are the next best thing and you can bob around to your heart’s content and I have even watched a very curious octopus swimming around with a local!

Dry off with a coffee (or more) from one of the nearby cafes.

Zoo date

It might be the romantic in me (or the nature photographer), but zoo dates are the best. The fabulous Symbio Wildlife Park is open 9:30-5pm and there’s plenty of close encounters for those who prefer cuddles of the fluffy variety.

Wander with the flowers

Wollongong Botanic Garden is perfect if you can only sneak off during your lunch break. Loads of little spots to wander and all completely different. Are you a cacti kind of person, is your partner a rainforest lover or would taking a moment to smell the roses, literally, be more your thing? And don’t forget to look up once you’re in the Rose Garden’s rotunda, for a romantic surprise.