The 7 Best Spots To Go On A Date In Sydney

When it comes to dating, Sydney is a great city to be in. The city has something for everyone – impressive restaurants, quirky bars, golden beaches, harbour cruises, stunning parks and gardens, and seasonal highlights.

If you’re in need of a little date inspiration, here are some great ideas you and your beau are guaranteed to love.

#1 – A picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Sydney is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located adjacent to the CBD and overlooking Sydney Harbour, the gardens boast a backdrop that encompasses the cityscape, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

It’s 30 hectares of heritage-listed beauty, with lush lawns, palm trees, flowers in bloom and water fountains. It’s a tranquil oasis in the buzzing city, making it a perfect place to have a romantic picnic or stroll. Wander down to the gardens with a picnic blanket, your favourite bottle of wine and some snacks, and enjoy the sunset.

#2 – A day trip to Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach in Manly is one of the city’s more quiet and secluded beaches, meaning it’s the perfect date spot. What’s more, getting the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is half the fun, and it only takes 30 minutes.

Pack your swimmers, a couple of towels and a picnic, and spend a long lazy summer’s day dipping in and out of the ocean. Relax on those golden sands, and the rest of the day will just fall into place…

And if your date goes swimmingly, it’s only a short walk to any of the beachside restaurants and bars in Manly where you can enjoy a meal and watch the sunset together.

Manly feeling too far? Hit up Bondi! From iconic Icerbergs to a bustling cafe and bar scene, this global icon has it all.

#3 – A paint and sip class

Sydney is home to many paint and sip classes, such as Cork and Canvas in Darlinghurst and Cork and Chroma in Surry Hills. The premise of a paint and sip class if this: you book into a session, and bring a bottle of wine (or two).

You then take your seat at a blank canvas, while the session leaders show you what you are painting. Your subject could be a cityscape, an animal, or a person. (Either way, you will be guided through the painting step-by-step.)

After explanation, you’ll be left to paint and flex your own creative prowess while you sip on wine, chat to your date and listen to music. And at the end of the evening, you get to take home your creation. It’s the perfect date night!

#4 – A night at Taronga Zoo

If you want to plan a date that’s a little bit unique, then “Roar and Snore” at Taronga Zoo is for you. “Roar and Snore” involves staying overnight in luxury “glamping” tents at Sydney’s “Zoo with a view”, whereby you fall asleep listening to the sounds of wild animals while overlooking the glorious views of Sydney Harbour. If you’re onto date #3 or beyond, this night could be one to remember.

#5 – A harbour cruise tour

When dating in Sydney, it would almost be remiss to not make the most of the city’s best asset – the harbour. So board a yacht and head off on a romantic harbour cruise around the city! Choose from various cruise options, including private dining cruises or even overnight cruises with breakfast in the morning. This is the perfect date when you are celebrating with a loved one, for example, a birthday, an anniversary or even a proposal!

#6 – Dinner for two

Dinner and drinks may seem a little pedestrian, but Sydney has so much food and wine on offer it’s hard to overlook it. And some of the best cuisines are found in places you mightn’t expect. For example, if you have a hankering for Asian, there’s no need to commute into Chinatown when there’s the famous Shanghai Chinese restaurant in Sydney’s west. Or, if you prefer Italian, there are plenty of options around the CBD and Surry Hills to check out if you don’t want to venture to the home of Italian cuisine in Sydney, Leichhardt. Whichever way, don’t forget to head to an impressive rooftop bar when the sun goes down to see the city light up.

#7 – St. George Open Air Cinema

Now, THIS open-air cinema is something special. Open throughout the summer, St George Open Air Cinema is positioned in a spectacular location, right beside the Royal Botanical Gardens. With impressive views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House behind the screen, it makes for an incredible viewing experience that every local should do at least once!

Arrive early to enjoy the food and drinks, and get yourselves a cocktail or two before the film starts. Then, take your seat, get cosy under a blanket and watch a great film as the sun goes down over the harbour. It will be an evening you won’t forget.