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If love is in the air, there is plenty of romantic things to do in Sydney to help Cupid work his magic! Whether you live in Sydney or are just passing through – this spectacular metropolis built on a glorious harbor has a wow factor few cities can match.
There is always something on here, so coming up with an idea for a romantic date in Sydney shouldn’t be hard – but just in case we have come up with some spots to allow that romantic mood to blossom.
Call us hopeless romantics or saps, but we believe Sydney is full of amorous opportunities. Whether for your long-time significant other or yet another Tinder date (because this one feels like the one…right?), we have ideas to make them swoon.
Our list of romantic things to do in Sydney combines fanciful bars and restaurants, outdoor adventures, and enchanting new places — if you’re fed up with dingy hookup bars or brief coffees. All you need to do is be willing to open your heart to new adventures…
So grab your loved one and show them how much they mean to you with a spontaneous trip. And remember, bubbles, sunsets, and picnics are always the perfect way to woo that special someone.
25 Utterly Romantic Things To Do In Sydney On Your Next Visit!
Page Contents
- 25 Utterly Romantic Things To Do In Sydney On Your Next Visit!
- 1. Spend A Day At The Beach
- 2. Treat Yourself To A Couples Spa Day
- 3. Explore Luna Park At Night
- 4. Get Lost In the Galleries Of The Museum of Contemporary Art
- 5. Get Back To Nature At The Blue Mountains
- 6. Take It All In On A Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
- 7. Shop Amongst Romanesque Architecture At QVB Mall
- 8. Brighten Up Your Night At Vivid Festival
- 9. Follow Your Heart In The Chinatown Night Markets
- 10. Experience Raw Beauty On The Bondi To Coogee Walk
- 11. Cuddle Up In A Cosy Coffee Shop
- 12. Get Lost Wandering The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- 13. Enjoy A Meal Basking In The Glow Of The Majestic Sydney Opera House
- 14. Surprise Your Other Half With A Night Of Fabulous Theatre Or Live Music
- 15. Get Up Close And Personal With Cute Animals At The Taronga Zoo
- 16. Dine In Style At The 360 Bar and Dining
- 17. Go Bar Hopping In Newtown
- 18. Get Your Heart-Racing On The Spit To Manly Walk
- 19. Discover Sydney Off-The-Beaten-Track With Taste Food Tours
- 20. Spend The Morning At The Carriageworks Farmers Market
- 21. Watch A Movie
- 22. Canoodle In Surry Hills
- 23. Take A Trip To Cockatoo Island
- 24. Head For Brunch At The Grounds Of Alexandria
- 25. Check-In For A Romantic Night Of Luxury At The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
1. Spend A Day At The Beach
You just knew any Sydney list was going to go here – so let’s just get it out of the way! Beaches are synonymous with romantic – except they are full of crowd and children, so why not surprise your date with a secluded beach in Sydney? There are plenty to chose from — witch each providing a fabulous place to chat, whisper sweet-nothings and spend some quality time together.
Shark Beach, part of the Nielsen Reserve, is an excellent option for mini-Sydney adventure where you are likely to have most of the beach to yourself (don’t worry, there are sharks nets here!) or we also loved the quaint Shelly Beach, with clear blue water, soft sand and a protected aquatic zone for snorkeling.
Really, any beach will do – but we have also heard great things about Reef Beach, Collins Flat Beach, and Long Reef Beach. Pack a blanket, take your reef-safe sunscreen, and maybe a picnic, and you have got the perfect Sydney date idea already!
2. Treat Yourself To A Couples Spa Day
What could be more romantic than enjoy some me-time for two? Probably one for the first date, but a couples spa day in Sydney could be just the answer for those looking to relax, reconnect and slow down a little.
There is plenty of incredible places to do this, but our vote for Sydney’s most indulgent spa experience has to be the spaQ at the glamorous QT Hotel Sydney. Opt for either their ‘suite retreat’ or ‘(soul)MATE escape’ package designed for a twosome. One offers treatments for those seeking smooth, hydrated skin, relief from tension, and peaceful, connected minds. The other allows you both to unwind with hour-long couples massages and rejuvenated accessory treatments of your choice. Both take place in the privacy of a couple’s suite.
Afterward, your journey will conclude in a relaxation lounge with a cup of special herbal tea. Or maybe it doesn’t, and you and your beau book into a room upstairs to turn your romantic spa day into the ultimate couples weekend retreat. …
3. Explore Luna Park At Night
Luna Park is Sydney’s most beloved amusement park and tourist destination, so what could be more romantic than wandering around here at night with your partner with lights blaring, sweet scents, and faint screaming in the background.
The views are absolutely spectacular, looking back across the Sydney Harbour, but Luna Park also has plenty of fun rides such as the iconic Ferris wheel and the Wild Mouse rollercoaster — with its 61 dramatic seconds of terror and delight. This is one of Sydney’s most fun places after all -even if it is not quite as wild as the theme parks of Brisbane & the Gold Coast.
Easily reachable from Circular Quay via a frequent ferry, enter through the giant smiling face of the Moon, and enjoy a romantic night out at Luna Park!
To take the date that one step further, head to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden before had. It is not really a secret – it actually one of Sydney’s worst kept secrets in Sydney – and talking about everywhere. But a lot of people still haven’t been to this delightful Lavender Bay garden, with charming views of the Sydney Harbour and a unique feeling of peace and tranquillity. A short walk from Luna Park or North Sydney / Milsons Point railway stations should you wish to head here first.
Adjacent to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is the breathtaking Kirribilli Club – perfect for a meal or relaxing drink.
4. Get Lost In the Galleries Of The Museum of Contemporary Art
A date to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) can be a fabulous way to investigate one another’s intellects and explore mutual interests. After all, art is subjective, stimulates discussion and has no wrong answer.
Perfect for anyone who is even remotely artistically-inclined, the MCA is Australia’s home for contemporary art and conveniently located on Sydney Harbour. Admission to the permanent galleries is free, as are most of the 30 exhibitions held each year. The modern collection comprises essential works by over 400 artists and is truly international, incorporating Asian and Western as well as Australian art in all media.
Afterward, you can enjoy a pastry and coffee at the rooftop cafe or settle in for a longer lunch at the restaurant. Both have marvelous views of Sydney Harbour, which only adds to the romance of this sophisticated date idea.
5. Get Back To Nature At The Blue Mountains
As romantic as Sydney can be, you should not pass up the opportunity to hire a car (or take a tour) to explore the glorious Blue Mountains just west of the city – and yet an entire world away.
Stop by Scenic World and Echo Point, explore the adorable Leura Village for lunch, spot glow worms, work up a sweat on any of the trails or just pull over at all the photo stops along the main road – You’re in charge! And what could be more romantic that selfies with koalas and kangaroos at the Featherdale Wildlife Park?
Your partner won’t know who is cuter! Get your cameras ready for panoramic views of the valley and mountains in every direction, but take your map, don’t miss the enigmatic Three Sisters rock formation, and wander to your heart’s content.
A little adventure is healthy for every relationship!
6. Take It All In On A Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Enjoy one dinner out that you will remember for a lifetime. A Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise is a taste of pure luxury with million-dollar views, delightful cocktails, and oh-so-romantic vibes.
What better way could there be to lavishly celebrate a special occasion of your loved one in Sydney, or simply surprise them ‘just because!’. Hold your partner close as you sip sparkling wine under the starry sky and against an equally sparkling skyline – and this is before setting in for a lavish a six-course tasting menu with matching wines and live music.
7. Shop Amongst Romanesque Architecture At QVB Mall
The Queen Victoria Building, lovingly known as the QVB, replaced the original Sydney markets on the same site in 1898 – and is now the perfect romantic date location in Sydney.
Constructed in the elaborate Romanesque architecture with a mighty center dome, superb stained glass windows, and an original 19th century, every historical detail here has been authentically restored. The grand arches, pillars, balustrades and intricately tiled floors only add to its air of magnificence. Not only that, but there is an eccentric collection of boutique fashion shops, eateries, and weird stores to spend hours exploring with your partner.
Once threatened with destruction, QVB now stands as a glorious testament to what hard work, dedication, and love can achieve – and is easily one of the most romantic places in Sydney.
If you are not quite ready for the date to be over, you could also head a few blocks over to the Strand Arcade, another heritage-listed Victorian-style retail arcade. Home to Australian designers, including Dion Lee, Aje, Manning Cartell, and Scanlan Theodore, we prefer the QVB – but both are incredibly romantic with lots of cafes and shops to stimulate discussion.
8. Brighten Up Your Night At Vivid Festival
Ok, so this romantic thing to do in Sydney is not possible year-round, but if you can time your Sydney visit around Vivid, we promise Cupid will reward you!
Vivid Festival is an exceptionally unique annual event of light, music, and progressive ideas held in Sydney for three weeks in May / June. There are many, many highlights which change every year. The most romantic parts are the outdoor ‘gallery’ of astonishing lighting sculptures and the intense illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails.
Plus, there is a buzzing atmosphere every night in live music venues, bars, and restaurants across the whole of Sydney. The most extensive program of its kind in the world, Vivid Sydney inspired, entertains, and delights, so grab your partner’s hand and explore this visual phenomenon together.
9. Follow Your Heart In The Chinatown Night Markets
Friday nights don’t need to be all about upscale cocktail bars and clubbing to the early hours – although, in Sydney, they easily could be.
No, on Friday in Sydney, one of the most romantic places to head to is Chinatown’s famous Friday Night Markets. A favorite late-night hotspot for shopping, local designers, delightful Asian street food, and fantastic products – this is the perfect date spot for both locals and tourists. And the Sydney Chinatown Night Markets are open every Friday from 4 pm till 11 pm.
With bright lights, delicious scents, and excited crowds, the Markets offer couples the chance to explore the culture and creativity of Sydney’s flourishing Chinatown precinct – and perhaps invigorate their relationship with some of the area infectious energy.
Treat your loved one to a whirlwind trip around Asia, and all thought long airport ques and hours in cattle class with dozens of cuisines on offer – including regions specialties from Taipei, Tokyo, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur. Once your belly is full, waddle the stalls of beautiful products made by young, local artists and designers all inspired by Asian heritage or culture.
Curious to learn more? Try the Taste Tours Taste of Chinatown tour to find the best local spots and inside gossip…
10. Experience Raw Beauty On The Bondi To Coogee Walk
If adventurous dates are more your style, then the Bondi to Coogee Walk is for you. A famous coastal walk that couldn’t be left on any Australian tourist attractions list, the entire pathway boasts gorgeous coastline vistas, peaceful beaches, and cafe strips for refueling – and for extra fun, why not take a swim at every beach you pass?
Much beloved by both locals and visitors, this six-kilometer walk is one of the romantic things to do in Sydney – if only because it allows you both to appreciate nature, speak privately, and get fit at the same time. While the entire walk only takes 2 hours at a good pace, Cupid suggests you pack a picnic to enjoy at a quiet spot or surprising your much beloved with a sneaky treat just when they start to get tired.
For bonus points, try to visit the Bondi to Tamarama Beach section of the walk during Spring when the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition is held – or in winter look for migrating humpback whales! No matter what time of year you go – Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and some water!
11. Cuddle Up In A Cosy Coffee Shop
Coffee dates are a perfect choice for any first date. However, I’m convinced that grabbing a delicious cup of black gold is ideal at any stage of a relationship. And lucky Sydney has plenty of romantic coffee shops to snuggle up in – who needs lengthy formal dinners or brisk walks in the park anyway!
One of our favorite places is Single O Surry Hills, which has a dozen dishes to choose from but is best visited for bustling streetside atmosphere, single-origin pour-over, cold brew, or espresso of the week. For something extraordinary, try their Speculaas latte – flavored like delicious Dutch gingerbread biscuits and tasted like Christmas. You could also always try the ever-popular Swallow Coffee Traders, a laboratory for coffee experimentation.
We also are just a little obsessed with Reuben Hills, a boutique micro-roastery based in Surry Hills. It’s very ‘Melbourne’ and focused on different, gratifying food and exceptional customer service. The menu is best characterized as inspired by the food of the country where the coffee was sourced – mostly in Latin American. Think Green Chilaquiles as good as those in Mexico City or Huevos Divorciados better than in Campeche. There is also a real emphasis on the quality of the coffee and paying tribute to all the hard work that went into its creation.
Everything on the menu here is unbelievable tempting, the staff are second to none, and the decor is oh-so-edgy – what’s not to love!
Either way, pick somewhere where you can linger, talk, laugh, and love. How utterly romantic!
12. Get Lost Wandering The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
For a romantic day in Sydney, you can’t go past taking a stroll around Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens – especially considering entry to the gardens is free! Open every day of the year with very few exceptions, these bewitching gardens are a soothing oasis on the edge of the bustling city complete with spectacular harbor views, plenty of green spaces – and yes, botanicals!
Only a ten-minute walk from Circular Quay, this tranquil garden is home to thousands of plant specimens – and even a few native wildlife species include colorful – and noisy – birds, fruit bats, and water dragons. You can also explore the Calyx, a world-class horticultural space with ever-changing demonstrations and displays – most of which are free and designed to capture your imagination or partner’s heart in this case.
For those who love to go the extra mile, there is also a 90-minute guided Aboriginal Heritage Tour on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday that gives you insight into the traditional plant uses and culture of the area – as well as the opportunity to taste some bush foods. Or you can just reserve a table at the Botanic Garden Restaurant, a mesmerizing original 19th Century venue offering open-air dining in exquisite garden surrounds wonderfully paired with sleek modern interior and wide wisteria-draped verandahs. The food is pretty great too!
Afterward, wander down towards the Mrs. Macquaries Chair lookout. It might be a bit touristy, but has amazing views of the Harbour Bridge as is the perfect place to romantic kiss on a first date…
13. Enjoy A Meal Basking In The Glow Of The Majestic Sydney Opera House
Sydney is one of the most gorgeous cities in the world – up there with Copenhagen, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. But none of these have the absolutely iconic Sydney Opera House and the awe-inspiring Sydney Harbour Bridge. And as they say, ‘When you have got it, flaunt it’ – which Sydney knows all too well boasting countless spots for dining with panoramic views of its one-of-a-kind harbor.
Sure to impress a date, these romantic dining destination in Sydney are perfect for those who appreciate a good view – though be warned the best dinner window spots can book out months in advance. There are far, far, far too many restaurants with a view in Sydney to list all of them, but here are a few of our favorites to go to for more than just a great meal.
O Bar is a Sydney CBD restaurant on the 47th floor offering contemporary fine dining with spectacular Sydney Harbour views – and even if the price tag is a little too high to swallow, you could simply head up for a drink at their luxury cocktail bar.
Then there is Aqua Dining, situated above the North Sydney Olympic Swimming Pool, and offering a quintessential Sydney dining experience with unique waterfront views and contemporary Italian cuisine. If you prefer brunch to dinner, why not pull up a chair at Graze MCA, an elegant Modern Australian spot out the front of the Contemporary Museum of Art with affordable prices and relaxed harbor views.
Of course, there is always the tried and tested options of the Opera Kitchen, perched beside the most famous sails in the world with uninterrupted views of the famed Harbour Bridge and delicious Asian-fusion dining, or Café Sydney – an exemplary Sydney spot on the rooftop of Customs House with impressive harbor views, delicious food, an outdoor terrace, cocktail lounge, and a relaxed, contemporary interior.
14. Surprise Your Other Half With A Night Of Fabulous Theatre Or Live Music
Feel like you have seen and done all the most romantic locations in Sydney before? Have a free night up your sleeve that you want to infuse with some culture and spontaneity with your romantic other? Why not take a look at some of the shows hitting the stages of Sydney…
There is an awe-inspiring number of events on in Sydney every night of the week, let alone theatre, so you are spoilt for choice. Narrowing down the best options can be difficult, but once you have your tickets – and combined with a delightfully atmosphere restaurant meal, you have a romantic Sydney date idea that can’t be beaten.
If you are an out-of-towner, why not try a classic at the Sydney Opera House which offers ballet, opera, classical music, modern dance, and other shows and concerts – Sydneysiders should tempt themselves with the Sydney Theatre Company stage play in Walsh Bay. Are you looking for something a little more adventurous?
Smaller theatres littered the inner-city neighborhoods and made for great urban adventures into areas you might not otherwise explore, such as the Belvoir Theatre in Surry Hills and the Griffin Theatre Company in Kings Cross. A kinda quirky option might be Capitol Theatre, where there is a floor filled with Japanese photobooths to take adorable and candid pics…
15. Get Up Close And Personal With Cute Animals At The Taronga Zoo
No list of romantic things to do in Sydney could ever be complete without mention of Taronga Zoo, one of the worlds most beautiful zoos offering panoramic views over the iconic Sydney Harbour – as well as an extra cute array of native wildlife and rare animals for you and your date to fawn over. Simple yet effective, wander the expansive 28-hectare grounds – hand-in-hand- as you are snap photos of some of the 4,000 animals (covering 350+ species) found here.
You can never go wrong with attending the informative daily bird and seal shows, or for that extra something special sign up for the keeper-led Wild Australia Experience or VIP Aussie Gold Tour of many of the adorable native animals. You can even camp overnight at the zoo on the Roar and Snore tour, which is something your date is sure never to forget. Even if you are not a large animal lover, there is the Nura Diya Aboriginal Discovery Tour, which investigates the connection between Australia’s animals, plants, and landscape and Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Getting to Taronga Zoo is also incredibly easy, all you need to do is jump on a ferry from Circular Quay, and in 12 minutes you will have arrived! Take a picnic, or explore the Rocks afterward and all the delightful restaurants here for bonus romance points…
16. Dine In Style At The 360 Bar and Dining
An upscale revolving restaurant decked out in dark mahogany, the 360 Bar and Dining literally takes things to the next level. Oh-so-glamorous, this is the perfect spot for a long romantic meal replete with Modern Australian cuisine, cocktails, and ever-changing views of the Sydney skyline.
Recently reopened after an extensive renovation, the 360 Bar and Dining might be a bit cliché’d, but all the best romantic things are.
If you go for lunch, you and your date can enjoy the contemporary à la carte menu from 309m above ground with views out as far as the Blue Mountains. However, you’ll need to go at night if you want to see the Sydney city lights glitter like stars in the sky. If you opt for the 6-course degustation menu, you’ll even be guaranteed a window seat for the ultimate romantic experience. This is also a perfect romantic anniversary idea for those living in Sydney.
There are no words to express the beauty of Sydney as seen from this height, and would be Casanova’s should be sure to slip in a well-timed line about their date being even more exceptional.
17. Go Bar Hopping In Newtown
For the young (or young at heart), a romantic night out doesn’t have to involve upscale dining or solitude. As an alternative, we have always found bar-hopping through Newtown to be a super-cute date idea.
No neighborhood in Sydney is as bohemian as Newtown. This diverse area in the inner west is to Sydney what Alcântara is to Lisbon or Brooklyn is to New York. A multicultural spot awash with coffee shops and street art by day and craft breweries and cocktail spots by night, there is a lot to love here.
There are loads of cute bars to nip into like The Bank, Websters Rooftop, and Earls Juke Joint. We always ended these at the legendary Pastizzi Cafè. You can grab a couple of cheap pastizzi after all those drinks to finish the night off.
Unsurprisingly, Newtown is also one of Sydney’s most LGBT-friendly areas, and rainbow flags proudly here – meaning absolutely everyone is free to enjoy a night out here. Because love is love!
18. Get Your Heart-Racing On The Spit To Manly Walk
If romance after-dark isn’t quite what you are looking for, this day hike is an excellent alternative. Gear up and head out for a relatively quiet day trip along the coast and stop by secluded beaches, indigenous rock carvings, and panoramic lookouts.
You can hike the 10km (6.2 miles) trail in 3.5 hours in a hurry, but we recommend you take your time and enjoy each other’s company. The Spit To Manly Walk is relatively quiet, so there is plenty of opportunity to stolen kisses and intimate conversations. Take a picnic to enjoy along the way and swim gear for a dip at any of the many picturesque bays along the way.
Starting at Spit means you get to finish at Manly, where you can enjoy fish and chips on the beach, a cocktail or ice cream before taking the ferry back across the harbor. A perfect date for active people, with a little bit of everything!
19. Discover Sydney Off-The-Beaten-Track With Taste Food Tours
Passion, food, and adventure are the ideal ingredients for romantic in our opinion – so why not sign you and your special significant other for an afternoon or evening of pure gastronomic ecstasy with one of the many fabulous Taste Food Tours available in Sydney.
Whether you are a transient visitor or long-time local, the Taste Food team is practiced at seeking out and demonstrating the best of the Sydney food scene. All you need to do is turn up with an empty stomach. Then simply let their gifted local guides show you delicious mouth-watering gastronomical delights of Sydney’s ethnic enclaves. All accompanied by tales of food, history, and culture of course.
Even better, Taste Cultural Food Tours is a registered charity and social enterprise that trains Australian migrants, refugees, and local youth. Thus, by going on their tours, not only will you unearth the best food and hidden local gems, but you will also be ‘eating for a cause’ and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
We were short on time so opted for exploring the wonders of centrally-located Chinatown, and discovered a whole new side of an area we thought we knew well from previous visits! In the future, we are determined to try the Taste of Vietnam in Cabramatta (for a taste of Hanoi or Hoi An) as well as the Taste of Afghanistan, Syria, and Persia with their Merrylands expedition.
With small group sizes guaranteed, you will get all the credit for a fantastically creative date idea- without doing any of the legwork. What more could you ask for!
20. Spend The Morning At The Carriageworks Farmers Market
There’s something strangely romantic about markets and historic buildings, and this idea combines the two of them. Located in the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops, head to this weekly Sydney institution to find the freshest seasonal produce from the best growers and producers from around New South Wales.
We promise you it will be more romantic than your average grocery shop. Talk to the farmers and learn the tales behind your food as you hunt out artisan loaves of bread, boutique wines, single-origin coffee, freshly harvested honey, and more. Then, stop by the Harvest Cafe for coffee, gourmet cabinet food, and a menu that evolves with the seasons. Or shop for goodies and then go for your own picnic nearby at Victoria Park.
Carriageworks is also Australia’s most significant contemporary multi-arts center and has a wide variety of showcases throughout the year for art lovers. Event details and tickets can be purchased through their website, which is worth exploring as an addition to an already fantastic date idea.
21. Watch A Movie
Dinner and a film? Sure, it might be the most over-used date-night routine, but hear us out. We have a twist.
Why not do it with an open-air cinema in the summer, at Centennial Park or Bondi. Or try the heritage-listed Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace for a more regal affair. Then there is the ultra-trendy boutique cinema Golden Age in Surry Hills or the retro Skyline Drive-In in Blacktown.
Add to this a romantic film and the moment your two hands meet while reaching for the popcorn, and how could you resist such a gloriously cute date? Answer: You can’t.
22. Canoodle In Surry Hills
Surry Hills is a romantic tree leafed suburb positioned within walking distance of central Sydney and is the perfect place to explore on a low-key date.
Sydney’s answer to London’s Notting Hill – Surry Hills has a village in a city feel and a little something for everyone. Artistic energy, chic restaurants, contemporary galleries, cute bars, relaxed cafes, street art, and novel shopping experiences… it’s all here. We will leave the specifics to you but have some great ideas to get you started.
Vintage shopping on Crown Street. Ice cream at Messina. The arthouse Golden Age Cinema and Bar. Japanese-inspired cocktails at Tokyo Bird. Mexican brunch with superb coffee at Reuben Hills Roastery. Then there is the Surry Hills Market on the first Saturday of each month in Shannon Reserve.
Your options are practically limitless – and all best investigated with your partner’s hand in yours. For kiwis, its kinda like Ponsonby and Parnell in Auckland got together, but even better…
23. Take A Trip To Cockatoo Island
Located in the heart of the sublime Sydney Harbour, just a short ferry ride from the CBD, Cockatoo Island is an extraordinary place for a romantic date. Be it for a few hours, a day, or overnight.
One of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, due to its history as a convict penal establishment, Cockatoo is the perfect place for lovers who love history to explore. Pack a picnic and enjoy unspoiled vistas from the Biloela Lawn or sign up for a historic tour to learn more about this curious island. There is even an adults-only paranormal tour, called Ghostyard, which gives you the perfect excuse to pull your partner close.
Several significant events and festivals take place annually, which are also worth planning around if you can – like the Cockatoo Island Festival, the Biennale of Sydney, or the World’s Funniest Island Comedy Festival. Cockatoo Island has a range of accommodation from tents to large apartments with harbor bridge views, so staying overnight is definitely advised.
It’s like having a romantic escape from Sydney, without all the effort of actually leaving…
24. Head For Brunch At The Grounds Of Alexandria
Yes, this trendy spot is known to every local at this point, but it doesn’t make it any less of a romantic Sydney spot to spend with your beau.
For visitors, The Grounds Of Alexandria is located in a former 1920s precinct and now houses an ever-evolving menagerie of attractions including a cafe, restaurant and bar, garden, bakery & patisserie, coffee roastery, florist, markets and more. An industrial concrete car park reimagined as a thriving urban sanctuary, this is the perfect place for a little exploring.
Book in for brunch in the quirky-chic Potting Shed, then after you are fueled up wander around the Grounds Garden – a courtyard festooned with grapevines, florals, vegetables, herbs, and greenery. Explore further. You’ll find an arbor laced with bougainvilleas and stunning interwoven lighting, an enchanting glass house, garden beds of fresh herbs and florals, and even an animal farm; home to the resident pig, Harry Trotter.
The team behind The Grounds Of Alexandria has now opened The Grounds of the City, which oozes old-school charm with a Parisian-bistro-inspired restaurant. Both are utterly breathtaking and worthy contenders for date ideas in Sydney – but we prefer The Grounds Of Alexandria on a sunny day as there is more to explore.
25. Check-In For A Romantic Night Of Luxury At The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
No list of the most romantic things to do in Sydney would be complete without a delightful hotel experience – and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is the perfect place to treat your significant other.
There is something sexy about most hotel stays, but here it is taken to a whole new level. A refined French luxury hotel with an unbeatable central Sydney location overlooking the lights of Darling Harbour – and with floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms…ooh la la!
Treat yourself and your partner to a spacious room with a free-standing bathtub and incredible views, or pamper yourself in one of the 35 lavish suites. Nothing could be more romantic than settling in at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the night. And with 24/7 room service, you can stay up all night and chat under the luxury linens without heading out.
Beyond the incredible rooms, there are three elegant bars and a heated, outdoor infinity pool on the rooftop to lounge by. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying poolside cocktails all day long with your significant other, or romantic that taking in the sunset at award-winning Champagne Bar. For that extra special meal, there is a romantic restaurant serving French cuisine.
The ultimate urban resort in Sydney, nothing could be more romantic than indulging in a world of relaxation, romance, and waterfront sophistication with your partner. Perfect for travelers to Sydney or locals who need a lavish staycation.