In Sydney, lovers are spoiled with great spots for an evening of romance, but with lockdown continuing for at least another few weeks, date nights have largely been reduced to home-cooked meals and movie marathons.
And for those going through lockdown alone, swiping left and right might be taking its toll. But soon we’ll be free to hit the town and rediscover the beauty and excitement that the city provides. Until then, you can use this list of romantic Sydney date ideas as inspiration for your post-lockdown adventures.
© Destination NSW
Find stillness in shavasana
Sitting side by side not speaking for an hour may not be everyone’s idea of romance (or for some maybe it’s the dream). But we’ve all learned the importance of wellness over the last year, and there’s nowhere better to take care of mind and body than by the beach. Ease out the aches of working from home with a 60-minute session overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean at Bondi. As your instructor’s soothing voice blends with the rhythmic lull of the waves, you’ll find your inner peace in no time.
© Smash Splash
Smash your way through the city
For those looking for calamity instead of calm, a smash and splash room may be just the thing. You’ll be kitted out with safety equipment before choosing your weapon. Then, blast your favourite pump-up jams and get destructive. Printers, plates, televisions and blenders are all free game here. Expel the last of your adrenaline by hurling paint at the walls of the white room (you could even buy a commemorative canvas) and return home clean, dry and thoroughly stress busted.
© Red Balloon
Hop on a magical mystery flight
If, like us, you’re itching to get travelling again, why not let fate decide? A pricier date, but well worth it, mystery flight packages allow you a brief flirtation with a surprise location. One for the open minded (or indecisive), you could be sent to any of 18 exciting spots around Australia. The destination is set, the activities are up to you. Two nights of accommodation, airport transfers and return flights from Sydney are included in the package. Loosen the reins on your next couple’s getaway – a little spontaneity is good for the soul.
© Botanic House
Bite into Botanic House
An eight-course meal complete with two house cocktails and a bottle of wine. Need we go on? The delectable Southeast Asian-Australian fusions of the Botanic House tasting menu are the culinary creation of Chef Luke Nguyen. With more than two decades of experience under his belt, your tastebuds are in great hands. Tucked away in the botanical gardens, vibrant greenery provides the perfect backdrop to complement your meal. You really couldn’t ask for more. And after eight courses, you probably won’t want to.
© Jakub Kapusnak
Dish out a taste of Tuscany
If you’d rather recreate the fine dining experience – or at least attempt to – at home, opt for a cooking class instead. Over the course of two hours, you’ll learn how to cusinare as the Italians do before tucking into your DIY dish. Give your partner a pan-fried fish fillet and feed them for an evening. Teach them how to cook a fine Tuscan risotto? You’ll both be reaping the rewards for years to come.
Test your teamwork in a kayak
Away from the hubbub of the city, you can put your communication skills to a low-stakes test in a double kayak. At the serene Royal National Park, you’re provided with a map, kayaking instructions and a safety jacket. After that, you’re free to roam. Cruise around the waterway wherever your heart (or lack of direction) takes you, spotting local wildlife along the way. Hop off and stroll through the forest for some closer encounters, or chill on the beach with a lovingly crafted picnic. As far as laid-back dates go, it’s a pretty blissful way to spend a half-day.
© Destination NSW
Take a spine-tingling true crime tour
Hear us out here. This may sound a little unorthodox, but let’s face it, everyone loves a true crime podcast. Led by an expert on Sydney’s darker past, you’ll learn all about the murky underbelly of the city on a 90-minute guided tour. Those with a taste for the macabre will revel in this more sordid affair. And if things get a touch too creepy, it’s the perfect excuse to pull your loved one a little closer.
© Get Your Guide
Paint a thousand words with a personal photographer
A special occasion or holiday is best memorialised through an expert lens. Head on a tour through the city tailor-made for you and your partner with your own personal photographer. You could choose a fun theme – Hollywood glamour, outer space, childhood dream jobs – for a more unique album, or come just as you are. Strike a pose and get those keepsake photos you always swear you’ll take more of.
© Destination NSW
Embark on a Vivid cruise
Vivid Sydney is scheduled to take place September 17 – October 9 this year. The visual spectacle sees incredible projections and captivating installations showcased around the city. Musical performances and talks from bright-minded creatives take place throughout, and mesmerising illuminated pieces are free to admire in the evenings. For a truly magical experience, jump on a harbour cruise after the sun goes down. Take to the water at night, with drinks, canapes or full meals available, to see Sydney come alive in dazzling technicolour.
© Destination NSW
Bring the night to new heights at Sydney Tower
Round off your romantic Sydney date with drinks and sharing plates at Level 83 Sky Bar. 70s stylings meet chic modern cocktails in the city’s most elevated drinkery. Floor to ceiling windows provide a 260-degree view to enjoy alongside the extensive beverage menu. Book for sunset to drink in Sydney’s stunning cityscape at its best. The dress code is business casual, so it’s also a welcome excuse to ditch your loungewear. Blame it on the company or the cocktails, but no judgment from us if you start to feel a little giddy.
Hopefully this list offered some inspiration to step up your next date night. If you’re up for more (rom)antics in Sydney, take a look at some of the green spaces, rooftop bars and hotels around the city.
