The pressures of everyday life can really take their toll on a relationship - with money to worry about, work to do and stress coming at you from all angles. Every so often, a break from these outside demands and anxieties can really help remind you of the sweet, silly and magical things that attracted you to your partner in the first place. Port Macquarie is conveniently located, only a few hours away from most of us in NSW, and with activities that range from getting your gear off at the beach, to picnicking in the park, to joint massages and heavenly mudbaths. It's a location that will give you plenty of happy memories to carry you through all the meetings, traffic jams and dirty dishes that life can throw at you! Here are 6 romantic ideas for couples on Port Macquarie vacations.

1. Massages and champagne in the spa
Some of the more luxurious Port Macquarie hotels have day spas attached to them, where you'll be able to get a massage followed by a divine scented body treatment. His feet may be kissable for the first time since you've known him! Many good Port Macquarie hotels offer rooms with in-house spas - order a bottle of champagne or Riesling through room service and let the bubbles, both inside and outside, go to your head! You can sleep them off in a king-size bed.

2. Dinner and dancing
Many good Port Macquarie hotels offer live music - take a Friday off work and head up for a long weekend, and you can get a delicious seasonal, fresh dinner at the hotel restaurant followed by live music from both local and nationally known bands. You can either flop on the bed, ready to pop, or walk off your excesses along the beach!

3. Romantic beach strolls
Beaches in Port Macquarie are rarely crowded, especially in winter time. The two of you can put on your turtleneck sweaters and head either to Flynns Beach or Shelley Beach, two of the more picturesque beaches in the area.

4. Romantic nude beach strolls
It's 18 degrees, and nobody else has thought of going to a nudist beach in winter! You'll have the place to yourself - and temperatures are surprisingly comfortable. Miner's Beach in Port Macquarie is the perfect place to enjoy the natural kiss of the sun in places you’d never normally feel it, and the slap of the waves against your bare skin. Something to giggle about when you get back home, that's certain! You'll be able to wash off the salt in both privacy and comfort if you've chosen a spa suite at your hotel in Port Macquarie.

5. Hastings River Kayaking
The Hastings River runs inland from the north of Port Macquarie, and the mouth of the river is salt water. There is a local population of dolphins in the river, and kayaking gives you the best chance to get up close and personal with them! While one of you has a rest from paddling, the other can take up the slack. Both of you can get a massage afterwards if you've chosen a Port Macquarie hotel with day spa attached.

6. Wine tasting in Port Macquarie
There are quite a few vineyards in the Port Macquarie area - grapes love the mild climate, and you'll appreciate it too! Tours are a good way for couples to experience Port Macquarie's best reds and whites - that way nobody misses out. Check out Cassegrain Winery, Bago Vineyards, Douglas Vale Homestead and Vineyard and Innes Lake Vineyards.