Discover the most romantic things to do in Sydney, from sunset picnics and scenic hikes to harbour cruises and unique date experiences.
Sydney is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With the Harbour, the iconic tourist attractions, the many beaches, and the numerous walking tracks, Sydney has lots of fun and exciting activities to offer.
All of these great attractions make Sydney also the perfect city to get your romance on and execute the perfect date. Is your girlfriend’s birthday or anniversary coming up, and you’re unsure what to do? Or maybe you need inspiration for romantic couple things to do on Valentine’s Day?
Keep reading, as we reveal 21 exciting date ideas in Sydney!
1. Do a Harbour Cruise
This might be a bit of a cliché, but many Sydney locals have never actually experienced a cruise on the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Choosing the right cruise at the right time can make all the difference, ensuring a truly romantic experience.
A nighttime cruise is often the best choice, especially at the end of a warm summer’s day, when you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Harbour with a refreshing breeze. For under $100, you can even indulge in a romantic dinner on board.
With plenty of dinner and lunch cruises available at various times, why not consider this for your next romantic date?
Top Sydney Harbour cruises:
- Harbour cruise with 3-course dinner
- All-inclusive Harbour lunch cruise
- Tall ship afternoon Harbour cruise
2. Do a Cooking Class
Looking to spice up your cooking skills? Or perhaps you’re just after a fun and romantic afternoon out?
Why not bring your partner to a cooking class in Sydney and dive into the world of culinary arts together?
The best part is the variety on offer. Whether it’s vegetarian dishes, Italian cuisine, Japanese specialties, American BBQ, or Chinese dumplings, there’s a romantic cooking class for everyone.
Top cooking classes in Sydney:
3. Visit a Garden
Sydney’s pleasant climate is ideal for gardens, especially those with a subtropical flair. Despite the city’s rapid growth, there are still plenty of stunning gardens to explore both in and around Sydney.
Many of these gardens are free to visit, maintained by local councils or dedicated volunteer groups. Spending a morning or afternoon in one of these serene spaces, away from the city’s hustle and bustle, makes for a perfect romantic date.
Some of Sydney’s most popular and romantic gardens include the Royal Botanic Garden, the Rose Garden in Centennial Park, Vaucluse House and Gardens, the Auburn Botanic Gardens, and Nurragingy Reserve.
Check out our list of best gardens in Sydney for a complete guide to the prettiest gardens you can find in Greater Sydney.
4. Do a Flower Arranging Class
Instead of simply gifting your partner a beautiful bouquet, why not take a class where you can create your very own flower arrangements together?
A great flower arranging class will provide a wide selection of fresh flowers to work with, and you might even pick up a few techniques to craft the perfect bouquet.
Top flower arranging classes in Sydney:
5. Go Hiking
High on our list of romantic activities for couples in and around Sydney is hiking together. Being active outdoors while taking in Sydney’s stunning natural beauty can be a wonderfully romantic and enjoyable experience.
Choose a walking trail that hasn’t been discovered by the big crowds yet. After all, a bit of space and some quiet time with your partner can make the experience even more special.
Read our guide to the best walks and hikes in Sydney and pick your favourite!
6. Do a Pottery Workshop
Have you ever wanted to create beautiful ceramics in a pottery workshop?
If you’re after a truly unique romantic activity, a pottery class led by a passionate and skilled instructor might be just what you’re looking for.
Pottery is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity, and sharing this experience with your partner could turn out to be surprisingly romantic!
Top pottery classes in Sydney:
7. Discover Old Buildings
Although Sydney is a relatively young city known for its modern architecture, it also boasts a wealth of historic buildings for the history enthusiasts among us.
As you stroll through Sydney, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of old colonial structures and modern skyscrapers, with many of the older buildings now heritage-listed.
Exploring the city with your partner, seeking out these historical landmarks, offers a wonderful chance to get to know each other in a casual and relaxed setting.
Check out our guide to historic buildings in Sydney to help you plan a romantic day out and about.
8. Stay Overnight in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains region isn’t just great for hiking and exploring; it’s also home to some of the most romantic hotels and B&Bs in Greater Sydney.
While staying overnight in the Blue Mountains might be a bit pricey, it can make for a refreshing and romantic weekend getaway.
Check out our guide with popular stays in the Blue Mountains and pick your favourite hotel or B&B.
Blue Mountains hotel tips:
9. Organise a Picnic with Views
One of the best ways to enjoy your partner’s company is by setting up a romantic picnic in one of Sydney’s many beautiful parks.
Some top picnic spots include the Royal Botanic Garden, Observatory Hill, Manly North Head, Robertson Park in Watsons Bay, Cremorne Point, and the West Head Lookout.
So, grab a picnic rug, a basket filled with food and snacks, and perhaps a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together!
10. Visit a Secluded Beach
While it can be tricky to find a beach that hasn’t already been discovered, there are still a few hidden gems in and around Sydney that offer a more private escape.
What could be better than having a whole beach to yourselves on a warm, sunny day? Granted, it might be tough on weekends, but on a weekday, you can still find quiet beaches with fewer people around.
Reef Beach, near Manly, is one of these gems; small, peaceful, and offering spectacular views. Whale Beach, next to Palm Beach, is another excellent choice. While it’s not quite as secluded, it’s still a wonderfully relaxing spot.
Check out our guide on secluded beaches in Sydney and our guide on beaches in Royal National Park for more ideas.
11. Go Stand Up Paddling
Being out on the water is always refreshing, and staying active on the water makes it even more fun. Stand-up paddling (and also kayaking and canoeing) is a fantastic way to get moving and enjoy some quality time together.
Sydney offers plenty of secluded spots perfect for paddling adventures. If you’re new to it, many craft hire shops provide tips and lessons to help you get started.
Some of the top locations for stand-up paddling include Rose Bay, Clareville Beach in Avalon, Manly Beach, Pittwater, and Bundeena in the Royal National Park.
12. Go Ice Skating
If you’ve never tried ice skating, now’s your chance!
Sydney offers several indoor and outdoor rinks, and during the winter months, you can also enjoy skating at one of the city’s pop-up rinks.
Ice skating is great fun, and if you’re new to it, or a bit wobbly on the ice, trying it out on a date can make the experience even more romantic.
Check out our guide with ice skating rinks in Sydney for a fun and exciting date with your partner.
13. See a Show at the Opera House
The Sydney Opera House hosts a wide variety of shows almost every day; and it’s certainly not limited to opera.
From theatre productions and tech talks to symphony orchestras and hip-hop artists, the Opera House has evolved to showcase a diverse range of artistic talent.
Check out this calendar to see what’s on at the Opera House.
14. Go Camping
Reconnect with nature, gaze at the stars, and enjoy a glass of red while sitting in front of your tent. Who needs luxury when all you truly want is your partner by your side?
Sydney offers plenty of great camping spots across the city and throughout New South Wales. Cockatoo Island, in particular, stands out as one of the most unique camping (“glamping”) experiences in Sydney.
Check out our favourite camping spots in Jervis Bay for a romantic holiday break, if you’d like to go a bit further away from the city.
15. Visit an Outdoor Cinema
During the summer months, Sydney sets up a few outdoor cinemas where you can enjoy the latest blockbusters or beloved classics under a starry sky.
It may not be as private as you’d like, but it’s a fun experience and a refreshing twist on the usual indoor cinema.
One of the best-known outdoor cinemas is the Westpac OpenAir Cinema at Mrs Macquaries Point, against the backdrop of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney CBD skyline.
16. Visit a Zoo
Going to the zoo isn’t just for kids; it’s actually one of the most romantic date ideas! It’s not only fun but also a great way to break the ice.
One of our favourites is the relatively new Sydney Zoo in the city’s west, home to a wide variety of animals. Taronga Zoo in Mosman is another fantastic option.
And if you want to take your date to the next level, you can even stay overnight with the animals at Taronga Zoo.
Check out our guide on Sydney’s zoos for a complete list of the best zoos and animal parks in Sydney.
17. Watch a Sydney Sunset
What better way to end the day than by enjoying a romantic sunset with your loved one?
Sydney offers many great spots to take in a stunning sunset, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Why not bring along some delicious food, a few nibbles, and perhaps a bottle of wine to make the experience even more special?
18. Play Mini Golf
If you’re after a fun and romantic date idea, indoor mini golf, also known as putt-putt, is a great choice. The only downside to mini golf is how quickly time flies when you’re having so much fun!
While mini golf is often played outdoors, Sydney also has several fantastic indoor options. Holey Moley, for example, offers pop-themed mini golf venues in Darlinghurst, North Strathfield, Castle Hill, and Newtown, each complete with a cocktail bar to keep the good times rolling.
Check out our guide with mini golf courses in Sydney for a complete list of the best indoor and outdoor putt putt venues.
19. Visit a Museum
A museum? Absolutely! Visiting a museum can be a surprisingly fun and romantic activity, especially if you’re still getting to know your partner.
Sydney boasts a wide range of museums, many of which are free or offer free sections, and they’re far from boring!
The Australian Museum, for example, houses millions of fascinating objects related to Australian culture and history. Another great option is the Justice and Police Museum, where you can explore the city’s policing and legal past.
Check out our list of free museums in Sydney and pick your favourite one to visit on your next date.
20. Visit the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Opened in 1932, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only Sydney’s most recognisable landmark but also an impressive feat of engineering.
Feeling adventurous and romantic? Climb the bridge and take in unforgettable panoramic views of the Sydney CBD skyline and Sydney Harbour; a once-in-a-lifetime experience, best shared with your partner.
If the Bridge Climb feels too pricey or daunting, the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout is a great alternative. It’s more affordable, but you’ll still be treated to stunning views.
21. Go Snorkelling in Sydney
Try something new? With its stunning Harbour and beautiful beaches, Sydney is the perfect place for a romantic snorkelling date with your partner.
Some of the best snorkelling spots include Shelly Beach in Manly, Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay in the eastern suburbs, and Bare Island in La Perouse.
If you prefer to do an organised tour with all equipment included, you should check this Manly and Shelly Beach snorkelling tour. It’s an exciting ecotourism-certified snorkelling tour off Shelly Beach in Manly.
