Sydney is an exciting world city! It’s diverse, exciting and fun, and it is a must do part of any trip to Australia. It has amazing experiences for travelers and locals alike. The trick to Sydney is getting deep into it and trying to be there an experience it like a local.
With its perfect location that ensures a sunny stay, proximity to impeccable beaches and even national parks at a stone's throw, Sydney is a top destination. Sydney as a city is a really pretty one, with all of sights to see and striking buildings. But it really is a good looking city. Even more so if you decide to hop on a boat to see the city, and take some pictures.
If you’ve always wanted to go to the Land Down Under, why not use this amazing opportunity to make your dreams come true and have an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with your significant other? We all know that Australia is one of the world leaders when it comes to wines so ensure your schedule allows you to experience some of the best that they have to offer on a super romantic date in a local winery.
Sydney is also huge when it comes to shopping, so why not surprise your loved one by getting them something romantic.
Finally, in case you’d rather stay in, certain hotels offer special V-Day spa packages for couples, including massages and exfoliation. But we also have to highlight the beauty of its bay, its beaches and the great cultural and gastronomic offer. You have New Year’s Eve and/or Australia Day in Sydney as huge highlights. Don’t even consider going into the hot red centre of the country, though.
So, if you too are to savor the taste of Australia with your loved one or otherwise, here are some of the most romantic things to do in Sydney to make your stay even more colorful.
1. New Year's Eve in Sydney Harbour Bridge
You’re going to spend a lot of time around the harbor. It’s a stunning place to just exist and feels like the epicenter the rest of the city has grown from. But make sure you make the most of it. If you’re feeling brave, try walking the Sydney Harbor Bridge. You’ll never have a better photo-op and it’s the best view of the city and bay. There are multiple options for your climb, from a standard walk to a behind-the-scenes tour.
Have you thought about what to do on New Year's Eve in Sydney? What about having an amazing time dancing the night away in some of the best parties in Sydney? A spectacular night in the harbour will surely lift your holiday spirit up.
The harbour is lit and decorated with many different lights and illuminations like a fireworks display. Buying a dress or a suit and visiting famous salons is a perfect way to prepare for the parties and glam up for the holidays. It will get you in the right mood and make your night magical.
If you want to marvel at the most iconic sights of Sydney, such as the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, your best bet is taking a romantic cruise in the harbor. You can opt for a luxury cruise that will not only give you marvelous views of the Sydney skyline at night but will also serve you all kinds of delicious treats and drinks.
You will be able to sip sparkling wine with your significant other while enjoying the breeze of the warm night. It’s expensive and a bit over rated but it’s still amazing to be at the top of the coat hanger with the wind in your hair and Sydney stretching out below you. If that’s too much there is a little-known alternative – a short walk up the Pylon lookout and that’s free.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can fly over Sydney Harbour in a helicopter, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or enjoy some Luna Park rides. You can do the guided Bridge Climb to the top (costs around A$200) or walk across the bridge on a special pedestrian walkway. The latter is great because you can stop at any time and take in the spectacular views (and a few selfies).
You can also ride across the bridge on a train. You can drive it but you don’t get to see much while negotiating the traffic.
Don’t skip a tour of the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and definitely hop on the Manly ferry to see the city from the water. The harbor itself is huge, and there are tonnes of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and bars located all over the place. Ask a local for their personal recommendation after you’ve ticked off the headlines.
2. New Year's Party in Luna Park
On the northern side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge there is a great lookout towards the famous Sydney Opera House, a nice park for a picnic, and the fun palace called Luna Park. Party in Luna Park that will surely make an impression on you, with activities like riding a Ferris wheel or any other rides in the park until 1am.
Even if your teenage years are behind the two of you, you can feel like children once again if you visit Sydney’s much-loved Luna Park and spend an evening of fun there, trying all the rides. Visiting this amusement park at night will guarantee a marvelous sight of bright, colorful lights, so make sure you take a ferry from Circular Quay and incorporate this place into your itinerary.
You can enjoy a romantic ride in the famous Ferris wheel and feel like you’re in the 80's movie!
3. New Year's Eve Soirée in the Sydney Opera House
If you don't want to mess up your new look, the New Year's Eve Soirée in the Sydney Opera House will be more to your taste. Fresh food, different drinks, and beautiful music will make your night special and memorable.
One of the essential visits in Sydney is the Opera House, a building that has become the symbol of the entire continent. Among the most instagram worthy places in Australia, the iconic Sydney Opera House building set in the Sydney harbor makes for a great picture. People will instantly know where you are, and it can look amazing set alongside the backdrop of stunning blue sky.
4. Take a Walk from Bondi to Coogee walk
There are more than 100 beaches in Sydney. That’s not a typo. The city’s unique location on the coast means there are beaches everywhere. The vast majority of them are super accessible from the city center using public transport. Make some time to visit some of the more famous spots, then go a little more off-grid to find your own favorite.
Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach, and it’s a must for visitors. The picturesque cove is packed most weekends so get there early if you can. Otherwise, just hang out at one of the many brunch spots until you spot a space. Ramble along the Bondi to Coogee cliff walk too.
Following said coastal path lead to Bronte Bay, a quieter surfer’s paradise that’s perfect to hang out even if you’re not catching a wave. Other brilliant spots include Manly, Balmoral Bay, and Palm Beach. All unique, and all worth a visit.
As mentioned, Sydney truly has some beautiful beaches that are right at your fingertips, so take some time to get away from the concrete and take a wonderful beach walk with your significant other. You can just go and explore the area yourself, or you can choose a walking trail such as the Bondi to Coogee walk.
Any given day you will find hundreds of locals and tourists alike doing this walk. It’s not too hard and it’s a beautiful way to experience the beaches of Sydney’s East. If you come in October or November you can find Sculpture by the Sea, which is amazing. This 6-km walk guarantees breathtaking views and the freedom to stop wherever you feel like to take a dip in the refreshing water.
Don’t forget to pack some snacks and you’ll be able to have a romantic picnic on the beach as well! Just about any local Bowls Club will have an evening or a day where they open their greens to everyone to take the shoes off, grab a beer and play, usually with stalwarts of the club there to help you if you really want to do it well.
5. Have Gourmet Meals in the Rocks Market
Gourmet travelers are always on the lookout for some of the best places to grab a bite during any trip. This becomes even more important if you want to make your stay extremely romantic. You will probably want to spend at least a few of your nights dining with a view, so be sure to make your reservations on time. Australia has some of the best food in the world.
Food is diverse, fresh and fantastic in this city. While you are here you must go to at least one Hatted restaurant. Go to the best one you can afford. One of the most renowned restaurants for romantic dining is Quay – overlooking the Sydney Opera House, its views are hard to compete with.
However, if you want to go a step further, you can also dine at the Opera House itself – make a reservation at Bennelong and the experience will be unforgettable. Sunset drinks at the Opera Bar is one of the most wonderful things you can do on a summer’s afternoon. But also take the time to do a back-stage tour of the Opera House – it has an amazing story.
Sydney has one of the most diverse populations on the planet. Approximately one-third of its inhabitants hail from distant shores and brought their food with them. It all adds up to make one of the world's best cities for dining out.
The Asian continent heavily influences Sydney, with plenty of Malaysian, Thai, Filipino, and Indian restaurants luring customers en masse. For an unbelievable fusion experience, try Ms. G's. Think Char Kuay Teow with Wagyu beef and Vietnamese Banh Mi packed with lemongrass katsu.
If you're feeling opulent, make another splash at Quay. Frequently listed as Sydney's finest restaurant, this fine-dining stronghold boasts unbeatable panoramic views of the harbor. Somehow, the food is impressive enough to distract you from the epic views. And, of course, you simply can't leave without trying some Sydney Rock oysters and a brunch over at Bondi.
6. Walk down King Street Wharf
For the best in experiences in Sydney (and elsewhere) use the guide the locals trust. Even outside the expensive restaurants you will find food to die for.
Walk down King Street in Newtown and find a Asian, vegetarian, burger, Ethiopian and every other type of food that is exotic, affordable and amazing. Please, for the love of God do not walk into a McDonalds. Bruch at Bills in Darlinghurst or Bondi is a quiescently Sydney experience but there are dozens of fantastic brunch spots as well that aren’t as busy or popular.
7. Watch a Movie overlooking the Mrs Macquarie's Chair
What's so special about that? you might be asking. Well, if you are visiting Sydney during the summer, you will have the chance to catch a movie at an outdoor cinema – a unique experience that will make you feel like you traveled back in time. And what's more, some of these venues boast amazing views – for instance, the St George OpenAir Cinema overlooks the Sydney Harbour, which means that the atmosphere at its showings is nothing short of magical.
8. Sea Plane to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Speaking of Glamour one of Sydney’s best experiences involves getting a seaplane to Palm Beach or any of the other great stops in the Northern Beaches. You get an amazing view of Sydney and get to hang out on the low key but glam places where the Sydney elite have their beach houses.
9. Attend an Auction in Paddington
This might sound ridiculous to suggest to a visitor but if you want to experience Sydney like a local go to an onsite property auction in the Eastern Suburbs. Sydney siders are obsessed with property. They talk about it all the time. At dinner parties, functions or any time two or more people get together property comes up. So get out there and see what it’s all about!
The coffee capital of Australia is Melbourne but don't tell them that because it's one of the few things they have over Sydney! Having said all that you will find amazing coffee in Sydney. The inner city suburbs of Darlinghurst and Surrey Hills will have the highest density of anywhere apart from the city and are probably more accessible.
10. Christmas at Sydney Townhall
One of the sure ways to have a great Christmas holiday in Sydney is to visit the city centre with its magical light, pop-up shops, and a giant Christmas tree. The Yuletide festivities traditionally start with lighting the Christmas tree. A visit to Santa Claus is a must, who you can see at the Enchanted Garden.
Around the whole city of Sydney in December, carols are very easy to come by, with singers spread out around the place, sharing the holiday spirit. Just taking a simple walk and enjoying the scenery and all of the colors and lights will surely get you ready for Christmas and New Year's Eve in Sydney.
One of the first and most fun traditions and activities is buying a holiday Christmas tree. Buying and decorating a tree is a great way to spend time with your family or friends, and an easy way to make your home beautiful during the holidays.
With many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect type of tree. Do you want a fresh pine tree or a potted plant that will last you a long time? The choice depends on how you want to decorate your house, and how much you are willing to clean. An easy fix is to buy a plastic tree that can come in a lot of colors and can last you forever, with making minor changes to decor.
During the holidays, Sydney is covered with beautiful lights and sparkles all around which will surely take your breath away. Everyone loves Christmas, so you will surely see families displaying all of the lights they have in the most beautiful ways.
Going on the light-hunting trip is a very fun way to entertain yourself during the holiday, and it will bring you a lot of joy and inspiration. Extravagant trees towering the city and spectacular light installations will make you want to decorate yourself and get into the holiday spirit.
Sydney is truly an amazing city where you won't be bored for a second. Try some of the aforementioned activities with your significant other and you’ll have the most romantic trip thus far!