Looking for romantic things to do in Sydney?
Truth be told, Sydney may not be first thing that comes to mind when thinking about romantic ideas.
It may not even get close to being seen as a romantic destination. In the eyes of the world cities like Paris, Venice or Florence may qualify much better for a romantic getaway. By comparison, Sydney’s reputation is more that of a busy, sunny, modern, cosmopolitan city.
However, I can prove that Sydney has indeed a lot of romantic flair, not just at night!
Most Romantic Things to do in Sydney
In the list below you will find some of the best romantic experiences you can have in Sydney. Read here about:
- Romantic Sunset Spots
- Fine-Dining Restaurants
- Outdoor Places to get Married
- Scenic Flights
- Romantic Day Trips
- Glamping and Luxury Hotels
- Sweet treats in romantic cafes
- and lots more!
It doesn’t really matter whether you are on a first date, plan an unforgettable anniversary or embark on a Saturday night out with your loved one. These suggestions will make this day a special one.
Note: This post may include clearly labelled affiliate links.
The Best Sunset Views and Lookouts in Sydney
Blue skies and generally warm temperatures for a good part of the year make Sydney ideal for romantic couples.
Just spread a rug in a nice spot and enjoy the views with your lover. Even better when you do this towards the end of the day to capture the soft light of the setting sun. Your hearts will be faster as you watch the spectacular play of colours in the evening sky.
There are some notorious looout spots around Sydney where sunsets can be enjoyed best.
For example on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (there are packages offered by BridgeClimb specifically for this time of day), on deck of a Manly ferry (you will see the sun setting behind the skyline and the Harbour Bridge, a marvellous view), or on any of the dozens of Sydney beaches.
My favourite lookout points in Sydney include North Head, West Head, and Watsons Bay.
More Sydney sunset spots can be found in this article.
Tie the Knot in the Most Spectacular Way
Speaking of BridgeClimb, there is even a Wedding Climb on offer, so you can tie the knot or renew your vows on top of the most iconic of landmarks of the city, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
But you can also get married on a beach, for example Balmoral Beach, Fairlight Beach, Shelly Beach, or Palm Beach.
Think of the many beautiful parks we have in Sydney, most of them can be booked as a ceremony venue. This includes the Botanic Gardens, Centennial Parks, Pirrama Park, the Australian Botanic Garden, and Parramatta Park.
Or get married with a view! Best locations for this include Clifton Gardens, Observatory Hill, Blues Point Reserve, and Bradley’s Head.
A wedding planner may help you with booking the place of your choice.
Dine and Wine in the Best Restaurants of the City
Sydney is full with first-class restaurants that have earned their rightful place in the international culinary scene. But in my view some of them are more suitable for a date night than others.
Take your loved one to one of the best restaurants in town. How about Farmhouse Kings Cross? It is renown for its impeccable service, romantic atmosphere and great food. You dine here on a set menu, so all you need to do is relax and be pampered by the staff. The chef will take care of the rest. (4/40 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay)
If you want to impress with great views of Circular Quay and the Opera House then the Altitude Restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel is a must, in particular after dark.
Est. Restaurant is one of these rare places where you can dine in style and have a three-hour lunch without the feeling you are being rushed out the door. With impeccable service and food to dine for, this is the place where you an completely focus on the special person in front of you. A multi-award winning restaurant, perfect for a romantic night out (252 George Street, CBD)
Equally good views can be enjoyed from the O Bar and Dining, 47 floors above ground. This revolving restaurant serves first-class modern cuisine while you can watch the Sydney skyline slowly move by your window. (Level 47 Australia Square, 264 George St, CBD)
Or how about you dine right by the water (and if you want to, make a spectacular entrance in a seaplane) at Cottage Point Inn. (2 Anderson Place, Cottage Point)
Book a degustation menu at French Restaurant Bistro Guillaume Sydney that you can toast on with a glass of good champagne. Sophisticated, fresh and seasonal food that you will both love. Over-indulgent to say the least, not recommended when your partner is on a diet! (259 George St, CBD)
Fish at the Rocks is a hidden gem, small yet not claustrophobic. Perfect thanks to its romantic atmosphere and a must-do if you are both into fish and seafood. Remember, oysters are an aphrodisiac! (29 Kent Street, The Rocks)
Lastly, Tetsuya’s is probably one of the best known restaurants in Sydney. Booking a table here means that you will need to plan a couple of months in advance. But I am sure your better half will appreciate the effort, and both of you will surely enjoy the most sophisticated Japanese creations by the great master chef. (529 Kent Street, CBD)
Perfect Picnics in Private Places
Why not seek out a private place in Sydney for couples and have an arranged picnic?
Check out the website of the Sydney Picnic Co.. You can order a complete picnic set that will be beautifully arranged with napkins, wooden cutlery and handmade tags or little messages. You can even get it delivered if it’s not too far away from their base in Surry Hills.
The team of Pretty Picnic will even set up your picnic including props to ensure the atmosphere is just right when you turn up, and once you are finished they will be back to clean up after you.
Wondering where would be a great spot for a picnic? Try any of these beautiful spots:
- The Royal Botanic Gardens: Fabulous water views and calm, green surroundings close to the CBD
- Observatory Hill: Great views of the Harbour Bridge
- Wattamolla: Popular picnic spot in the Royal National Park, great for a day out in nature
- Balls Head: Excellent views
- Cockatoo Island: Take the ferry and enjoy a day out on the harbour
Explore Sydney Harbour
Back to dining – with such a beautiful harbour right at your doorstop why not book a table on one of the dinner cruises that depart daily?
Captain Cook offers a great dinner event on the MV Sydney 2000. Magistic Cruises uses a catamaran to cruise the harbour.
With Sydney Showboats you get cabaret together with your dinner on a paddlewheeler.
Unforgettable Scenic Flights for two
But enough of food! There are more fun things to do for couples in Sydney.
Why not get onto a seaplane in Rose Bay and take in the views of Sydney from above? A seaplane will take you out to sea to see Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs, or you can venture out along the coast all the way to Palm Beach. Either way, you are sure to see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from a bird’s eye perspective, an unforgettable experience.
Another way how you can see Sydney from above is by helicopter. Sydney Helicopters for example are operating out of Parramatta.
If you require less action and more tranquillity, check out the website of Balloon Aloft. Balloon rides start from the Hunter Valley, the Hawkesbury Region and Camden Valley.
The Most Romantic Hotels in Sydney
When it comes to the most romantic hotel rooms in Sydney you will be spoilt for choice.
Four Seasons: Large and comfortable beds, central location, views of The Rocks (make sure you invest in a remodelled room). To book, click here. (affiliate link)
Hilton Season: This centrally located hotel will do everything possible to make your stay special, in particular if you let you know that you are visiting for a special occasion. To book, click here. (affiliate link)
ADGE Apartments in Surry Hills: Colourful, funky and great also for families (how says that romance dies when you have kids?) ! To book, click here. (affiliate link)
Langham: The Langham may not be the cheapest option in town but you get what you pay for. In particular the spa and the indoor pool are to die for. The food and beverage options can be counted to some of the best in Sydney. It’s a gorgeous hotel with a fresh and modern French touch. To book, click here. (affiliate link)
For a more funky vibe, have a look at the Ovolo 1888 in Darling Harbour. Set in a converted wool store, it comes with many quirky details. At the same time there are many free extras included such as free minibar, free wifi and so on. Plus, you will only be a couple of steps from Sydney’s premier entertainment and restaurant precinct with the marvellous Saturday night fireworks. To book, click here. (affiliate link)
Sydney Sunset Cocktails With a View
Love cocktails? Like sunsets? Maybe even water views? Live music, people watching, iconic locations?
Check out the following venues with rooftop bars, romantic terraces or lovely beer gardens:
- Sweethearts Rooftop at Potts Point Hotel (33-35 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point)
- Glenmore (96 Cumberland St, The Rocks)
- Coogee Pavilion (169 Dolphin St, Coogee)
- Pyrmont Bridge Hotel (96 Union Street Pyrmont)
- Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade (35 Bettington St, Millers Point)
- New Brighton (71 The Corso, Manly)
- The Newport (2 Kalinya Street, Newport)
- Beach Club at Watsons Bay Hotel (1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay)
- The Bucket List (Bondi Pavilion, Shop, 1 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach)
- Poolclub (320 George Street, Sydney)
Watch a Rom-Com at a Cinema
Many people would take their date out to the cinema, it is indeed a very classic couples thing to do. But not many would think about spending the night at Blacktown Drive-In Cinema. Why did drive-in cinemas get out of fashion? I think they are a great idea for a fun date night, in the comfort of your own car, and away from the curious eyes of other movie-goers.
The Hayden Orpheum is one of the last art-deco cinema, a real Sydney institution. It very often has special theme nights where you can watch classic movies, arthouse and foreign films.
At Govind’s enjoy a vegetarian dinner and then head to the screening in the room above. The theatre is equipped with comfortable daybed chairs, perfect to snuggle up in front of the big screen. Make sure you book in advance!
For classic films and cult hits, check out the program at Golden Age Cinema with its lovingly restored and very intimate screening room.
In the summer, check if you can find open-air screenings which pop up around the city as soon as the days get warmer.
Glamping is the new way to Enjoy Nature in Style
Sydney’s world famous Taronga Zoo offers so-called Roar & Snore. Great for adventurers who would like to enjoy a night in an architecturally designed tent in the middle of the zoo. You will be sleeping just metres away from wild animals and can enjoy the most fantastic views (Taronga means “beautiful view”).
More glamping ideas in Sydney and surrounds can be found in this post here.
Sweets for Your Sweet
Treat your sweetheart to some sweet stuff! There are a number of romantic cafes where you can enjoy wonderfully sweet creations together.
- Messina’s: Some of the best gelato in town (currently at 11 locations in Sydney, for example Shop G-10, Gateway Plaza, 1 Macquarie Place, CBD)
- Cow and the Moon: Very popular gelato and cake store (181 Enmore Road, Enmore)
- Aqua S: Instagram-worthy soft ice-cream (Shop 27, 501 George Street Regent Place, CBD)
- Black Star Pastry: Delicious cake creations (various locations, for example 277 Australia St, Newtown)
- The Local Mbassy: Fine Coffee and sweet treats (310 Wattle St, Ultimo)
Explore Sydney’s Remotest Spots Together
Hire a canoe in Rose Bay and head right where you will find lots of small coves and secluded beaches. Or you could try Manly and head towards Little Manly and the Quarantine station area.
Escape the City and Plan a Romantic Day Trip or Weekend Getaway
Sydney has a great choice of weekend destinations. Perfect for couples who need to have a break from busy city life.
In the Blue Mountains for example, you can stay in Leura. This little mountain town is renown for its beautiful gardens and serene scenery. Spend some time bush walking in the dense forests and sit cups of tea in front of open fires. There a numerous great look-outs around; try to avoid touristy Echo Point and check out Olympian Rock Look-Out instead.
The Hunter Valley is a popular weekend destination for wine connoisseurs, and pretty much a big adult playground. It’s best to tour the local vineyards, try a couple of wines. Then buy the best wine you can find, stock up on locally produced cheeses, olives or chocolates and then retreat to your hotel room to enjoy the sunset over the valley. Many of the local hotels and B&Bs are specifically designed with couples in mind. Restaurants nearby can certainly accept the challenge from any big city restaurant.
More weekend destinations and road trips from Sydney can be found here.
Sleep on a Boat and Wake With the Birds
Have you ever thought about sleeping on a houseboat? What better way to start the day with your other half than with a cup of coffee on your private deck. Watch the sun rise over endless bush, listen to the birds, and not much else…
There are a number of companies around that will help you out if you want to make this dream a reality. Most notably on the Hawkesbury River and in Cronulla, such as Hawkesbury Houseboats, Cronulla Houseboats and Paradise Afloat.
Watch the Fireworks Together
Did you know that there is a fireworks display pretty much every Saturday night in Darling Harbour? So why not head out here for drinks or dinner and enjoy the sparkles from your table?
They usually start from around 8.30pm or 9pm. Check the official website for details and current information.
Explore Lesser Known Parts of the City Together
Take the ferry from the CBD to Cockatoo Island for a fun day out. Walk and discover the different areas of the island, have a picnic or dine at the restaurant. There are BBQ facilities, and the views from the island are spectacular.
Rather than spending your last penny on the BridgeClimb, have a look at the $13 per person offer from the nearby Pylon Lookout. This spot is little-known but gives the chance to enjoy equally great views.
Show her the Stars
Show her the stars and take her to the Sydney Observatory – what a fun thing to do for couples!
In the night sessions you will be able to gaze through the telescope. Also, an astronomy educator will explain everything you need to know about the night sky. The 3D cinema will entertain even when the conditions don’t permit night sky viewing. (1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point)
Go Horse-Back Riding Together
For fun and action head out of Sydney and go horse riding in Glenworth Valley north of Sydney. If you are inexperienced you can join one of the guided tours which are designed for rookies and will take you through the unspoilt Australian wilderness. More experienced riders can explore the valley in their own time.
Glenworth Valley also offers camping, glamping and cabins, just check out their website for further information. (69 Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley)
Go for a Walk Along the Coast
Another romantic tip for more active couples is the Great Coastal Walk that connects Palm Beach in the north with the Royal National Park. Altogether this walk is 94km long. If you want to walk the full length of it you will probably need around 8 days. But you can just try your luck with some of the sections and see how you go.
The coast is definitely a great romantic spot with its massive waves and majestic cliffs, white beaches, and coastal fauna. If you are lucky you might even spot some dolphins or whales. What a great experience!
For a less strenuous option, Manly is probably the best beach for a walk along the promenade, if it’s not too busy. The walk to Shelley Beach from Manly is particularly nice in the afternoon on those chillier winter days, as it is sheltered from the breeze but will receive the full winter sun.
What to do in Sydney as a Couple
I hope this article gives you plenty of inspiration to plan your perfect date night or daytime experience with the love of your life! If you have more fun
More Sydney Ideas can be found here:
- Sydney itinerary – 5 days for the whole family
- 10 quirky and unusual Sydney attractions
- 70 fun things to do in Sydney with kids
- Sydney Travel Guide for the first-time visitor
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