19 Fun and Romantic Date Ideas in Sydney That Aren't Just Dinner and a Movie

Klook ANZ

Last updated 15 Oct 2023

Image credits: @sydney_seaplanes, @huntervalley, and @6sixteenthebanks on Instagram

Going out to dinner and watching a movie are absolute classics, but why play it safe when you can shake things up a bit for a truly memorable date night?

Whether you want to make a good impression on your first date (and lock in that second date ASAP) or you want to celebrate your 10th anniversary with a big bang, it’s always a great idea to try something new with your other half. You also don’t have to travel to the Maldives just to make it memorable - there are plenty of cool spots right here in Sydney!

Here are our top picks of the best date ideas in Sydney:

Let sparks—and axes—fly in Sydney
Tandem kayak around the waters of Manly
Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Catch a spectacular production of La Traviata
Solve mysteries together in an escape room
Go on a cruise in Sydney Harbour
Watch the sunrise on a hot air balloon at Camden Valley
Soar through Hunter Valley on a hot air balloon
See Sydney from above on a chopper ride
Get the Sydney Seaplane experience
Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens or the Domain, but make it Rustic Italian
Wine, dine and watch the sunset from the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower
Dine alongside a 360-degree view of Sydney at Infinity Bar and Dining
Buffet with a sky-high view SkyFeast at Sydney Tower
Get the Luke Nguyen tasting menu experience
Eat the freshest seafood and drink bottomless G.H. MUMM champagne
Staycation in a tiny house in New South Wales
Let your pooch tag along your staycation at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour

1. Let sparks (and axes) fly

Learn from axe throwing pros and challenge your other half to a fun and friendly game of axe throwing. Sparks—and axes!—will fly with this fun date idea in Sydney.

2. Kayak together around the waters of Manly

Hire a double kayak and paddle around the serene and stunning waters of Manly. This sweet bonding activity is not only fun and unique, but it also gives you and your love a great opportunity to tour the Manly surrounds and talk on a lovely morning or afternoon. It’s a great date idea for Sydney locals who want a quick romantic getaway!

3. Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Dive right into the magical world of the world down under at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. You and your partner will love all the attractions, including the famous Shark Valley, a tunnel tank where you can watch the great sharks swim above and around you. You can even have a romantic dinner with the beautiful jellyfish tanks!

4. Catch a spectacular production at the Sydney Opera House

If you and your partner are lovers of the performing arts then catch a production at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the backdrop.

5. Solve mysteries together in an escape room

Love stringing clues together and solving riddles? One of the best date ideas in Sydney for the adventure-seeker is going on an escape room adventure.

You and your significant other will definitely enjoy Escape Hunt’s themed escape rooms where you have to work together to solve puzzles. Choose from any of the four indoor escape rooms or opt for an outdoor adventure, and put on your thinking cap for a romantic night of mystery and thrill.

6. Go on a cruise in Sydney Harbour

Who wouldn’t want to spend an evening on the water in Sydney? Cruise through the waters of Sydney Harbour as you watch the city’s iconic landmarks go by, all the while enjoying some marvellous cocktails on the deck. The Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise will definitely impress your love. Plus, you can go for FREE when you book with your Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers!

GO SKY HIGH

Fancy going sky high? Sparks will fly as you soar across the sky with these date night ideas in Sydney.

7. Watch the sunrise on a hot air balloon at Camden Valley

One of the most romantic views you’ll ever have is that of the sunrise over Camden Valley on a hot air balloon. We may not be able to quite make it to Capadoccia, but you’ll still have an unbridled 360-degree view of the green expanses and picturesque landscapes of the valley while you’re sky-high on the balloon! And if you’re feeling totally ravenous after the flight, fret not—this ride is inclusive of a hearty breakfast!

8. Soar through Hunter Valley on a hot air balloon

If you think you’ll love the hot air balloon ride at Camden, then you’ll enjoy this one, too. Fly across Hunter Valley’s renowned wine country and watch the sun peak from the sky during sunrise to create picturesque hues of orange and blue. After the ride, a delicious gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration awaits you at the famous Peterson House Winery.

9. See Sydney from above on a chopper ride

See Sydney from a whole new light on a thrilling chopper ride with your love at the Helicopter Flight Tour in Sydney Harbour. Catch stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour's icons including the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, all from a luxury helicopter. You also have the option for a private charter upgrade.

10. Get the Sydney Seaplane experience

Get a dazzling new perspective of Sydney on a seaplane ride over town. Your other half will be thoroughly impressed with all the sights and the thrill of the ride. It’s definitely a “must-do” especially if you’re a Sydney native! Oh, and you can get a $25 discount when you use your Dine & Discover NSW vouchers upon booking!

ROMANTIC PICNICS

Here’s one of the most romantic date ideas in Sydney - go on a lovely picnic. Enjoy the great outdoors with your other half while you munch on some gourmet food with these picnic picks.

11. Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens

Choose the perfect picnic spot at Royal Botanical Gardens for a delicious meal with chef Luke’s signature mix of local Australian produce and South-East Asian flavours. Your eyes will also be feasting on the garden’s spectacular flora and the stunning view of Sydney’s landmarks, making for a truly romantic picnic.

12. Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens or the Domain, but make it Rustic Italian

Fancy a rustic Italian feast with sopressa, mortadella, homemade pickles, olives, house-made focaccia, even some Australian cheeses, and more? Then pick between the scenic locations of the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens and go on a romantic picnic with your love. You don’t have to go through the hassle of picnic packing, as you’ll be provided with a premade gourmet picnic box.

DINING WITH A TWIST

Okay, we know we said that we won’t be listing any basic date night ideas, but hear us out! These restaurants offer something fresh and special. These aren’t your typical resutrants —these Sydney dinner date night ideas have unique twists that simply make them a must-try!

13. Wine, dine and watch the sunset from the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower

This isn’t your ordinary date night dinner—at Bar 83, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of Sydney's glittering cityscape on the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower! Enjoy a bold selection of cocktails and delectable oysters while watching the sunset for a truly romantic date night.

14. Dine alongside a 360-degree view of Sydney at Infinity Bar and Dining

A stunning 360-degree view of Sydney awaits you at Infinity Bar and Dining, situated on the 81st floor of Sydney Tower. The nighttime view of the city makes for a great backdrop during a romantic night out, but it’s equally stunning during the day! Your eyes and tastebuds will definitely be in for a treat!

15. Buffet with a sky-high view SkyFeast at Sydney Tower

Feast on a buffet high up at SkyFeast, a restaurant nestled on the 81st floor of the Sydney Tower with a breathtaking 360-degree revolving (yes, it revolves!) view of Sydney. You two will enjoy the scrumptious unlimited menu with delicacies from various parts of the world. Tip: if you want to snag the best views, book a ticket with a window guarantee!

16. Get the Luke Nguyen tasting menu experience

If you and your partner are absolute foodies who love to explore international cuisine, then you’ll enjoy indulging in a tasting menu curated by Luke Nguyen that marries South East Asian flavours, Australian produce, and native ingredients with a fresh and modern twist. Then, you can walk it off at the gardens and marvel at the view of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

17. Eat the freshest seafood and drink bottomless G.H. MUMM champagne

A luxurious Sydney Harbour cruise with a lovely view, a decadent three-tiered seafood high tea filled with freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters, and bottomless Mumm Grand Cordon champagne—it can’t get more romantic than this! Transform a typical dinner into a memorable cruise with the Sydney Harbour Bottomless G.H. MUMM Seafood High Tea Cruise.

STAYCATION

If Netflix and chill with a box of pizza is getting a little tired, then these staycation date ideas in Sydney are perfect for you!

18. Staycation in a tiny house in New South Wales

Booking a tiny house is perfect if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the great outdoors, especially when it’s a fully furnished house complete with everything you need—from cosy beds to kitchenware for cooking. It’s kind of like camping, but better. It’s a great chance to spend some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

19. Let your pooch tag along your staycation at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour

Bring your fluffy friends on a staycation at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, and enjoy the complimentary bottle of wine, the daily continental breakfast for 2, unlimited WiFi, minibar, and in-room entertainment that this fancy boutique hotel has to offer. It’s truly a hotel stay like no other!