12 Romantic Date Ideas Sydney that Keep Things Classy

Looking to keep things classy for your next planned date? It can be hard to come up with date ideas, especially if you have been around the block a few times. However, we have collected a list of fun date ideas in Sydney that are sure to delight you as much as it impresses your partner, making planning a lot easier on you.

So make the next date night a memorable one by organising one of the following classy date ideas.

1. Harbour Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney’s harbour is well-known and truly beloved by locals and tourists alike. The spectacular view of famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge makes it a must-see spot for any date night in the city. You can take it to the next step, however, by organising an evening cruise on the water.

With plenty of cruise lines offering a night drifting past the iconic landmarks, you can have your pick of what kind of date night you want to create. To keep things as classy as possible, we recommend looking out for the ships with a licensed bar on board – there is nothing quite like a cocktail in one hand, your date’s hand in the other, and a glittering view of the city’s skyline.

2. Fresh as a Daisy when Flower Arranging

Flowers are fairly common as a romantic gift, but how about a bouquet or arrangement you made yourself?

With the guidance of experienced florists, you and your date can create dazzling displays of floral beauty, and exchange them as a gift to one another. Whether it is through the more traditional Ikebana Flower Arranging Class, or something more lighthearted like a Flower Crown Workshop, nothing says classy with a modern twist quite like these classes.

Among the lessons on flower meanings and weaving techniques, you are sure to find quiet and thoughtful moments to share with your partner. This is an activity that thrives on relaxation and may be a perfect first date idea for those feeling nervous.

3. Overnight Stay in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are located away from the Sydney CBD, but the short trip is well worth it for the truly unique night you will have.

Hiking and exploring are not the only highlights of the Blue Mountains. Their hotels and B&Bs are some of the best in the Greater Sydney area, with the secluded atmosphere providing the space to invest quality time into your relationship.

While you can spend your time enjoying the local craft beers and wine, this romantic getaway is an especially great idea for those couples who love to be on their feet. Along the hiking trails, you can enjoy the iconic sights of the Three Sisters and Wentworth Falls, as well as explore the heights of Scenic World.

There is plenty to do across an overnight stay in the Blue Mountains, with the accessibility to add some adventure to an otherwise classically romantic date away from the city’s bustle.

4. A Walk on a Secluded Beach

First dates usually call for the asker to put on a show and dazzle their partner for the night. Even long-term partners are expected to spice things up occasionally with something fantastic (and often expensive).

Sometimes, however, keeping things simple is the classiest way to someone’s heart.

Sydney, and New South Wales in general, is home to seemingly endless beaches, with some of the most famous including Manly and Bondi Beach. However, it is hard to find a beach that is not well-known by locals and tourists alike. Having a peaceful walk along the beach where you and your partner feel like the only people in the world seems near impossible.

Luckily, we know of some hidden gems of hideaway beaches that are perfect date spots for a private romantic walk:

• Whale Beach, right by the more popular Palm Beach
• Milk Beach, found tucked away on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk in Vaucluse
• Collins Flat Beach, next door to the bustling Manly
• West Head Beach, right amid the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

If you already know of a secluded beach that you love, take the initiative to share that secret spot with your loved one; they’re sure to appreciate it.

5. See a Show at the Sydney Opera House

When listing off the most romantic date ideas in Sydney, it is impossible not to include the glitz and glamour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Even Sydney locals remain enraptured by the beauty of this monument and flock at the chance to see a show in the gorgeous theatre within.

Treat your date to a classic dinner and a show, starting the night at one of the nearby harbour restaurants. With a view of the Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, your partner is sure to realise this is one of the best date ideas you’ve had yet. When you surprise them with tickets to live music, theatre or dance performance at the Opera House, you’re almost guaranteed to be the king of date night ideas.

Make sure to check what’s on ahead of time to find something both you and your date are sure to enjoy!

6. Snorkelling Tour of Manly Coastline

If walking along the beach is not included in your list of fun date ideas, you can try jumping right into the waves and going snorkelling.

While Sydney Harbour is a bit too full of boats to safely snorkel, just a trip down the coastline will bring you to Manly and its adjacent cove of Shelly Beach. This area is well-known to be a fantastic diving spot full of interesting sea life, seagrass meadows, and the reefs of the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

The Manly and Shelly Beach Snorkelling Tour provides you and your partner with all the equipment needed to take the dive, as well as information on what native fauna to keep an eye out for. Take a plunge into this date idea the next time the sun comes out.

7. Hot Air Balloon Ride for Sunrise

If you are looking for a great date idea that showcases your ability to plan something romantic and classy, then look no further than a Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight in Camden Valley.

Located just a 60-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, you and your date can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Macarthur region from the comfort of an actual hot air balloon. While some may include this on a list of quirky date ideas, the truth is there is nothing more classy than a morning flight to watch the sunrise over the horizon from a vantage point few get to experience.

After your flight, you can enjoy a warm breakfast at the nearby Camden Valley Inn and gush all about the amazing experience you just shared.

8. Picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens

While it’s no secret garden, there’s something endlessly charming about Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The vast grounds are home to hidden seats and shady spots under blossoming native trees; perfect places for a classic romantic picnic.

Save the expensive and romantic dinner for the next date night. This time around, show off your culinary arts with a homemade lunch; your partner is sure to appreciate the time and effort that went into their meal.

If you’re not one for cooking, the Botanic Gardens has various cafes and restaurants hidden around the grounds. After viewing the flower displays, or enjoying one of the weekly events on the schedule, you can finish the date with one of the fantastic meals on offer and watch the sun go down over Sydney.

9. Dinner with a 360-Degree View

Shake things up on your next romantic dinner by including an unforgettable view.

Up on the 81st floor of Sydney Tower lies the Infinity Bar and Dining, a dining experience like no other. Not only will you be treating your date to a classy tasting menu of the best goods Australia has on offer, but the revolving platform means a 360-degree view of the entirety of Sydney.

If you’re looking for classy date ideas in Sydney restaurants, then this dinner spot is a must.

10. Booze Up Your Art Class

An art gallery seems far classier than a boozy art class, but it doesn’t give you the chance to create a masterpiece of your own. Luckily, Pinot & Picasso is here to ensure that you and your date have the chance to make memories and art all in one spot.

With a BYO and open arms policy, regardless of skill level, this art class is sure to be a fun date for anyone in the Sydney area. The purpose-built studios will provide everything you need to paint, including the guidance of local artists who will teach you all sorts of painting techniques that you can use in potential future art projects.

So sit back, relax, and have a drink with your date as you paint side-by-side in a studio near you. In the end, you can walk away with your new art piece, or swap it with your date to remember the fun night you had together.

11. Dirty Dancing? More Like Dirty Dance Class

We all dream of being Kevin Bacon or Baby, sweeping away the competition with some spectacular dance moves never seen before. However, most of us just don’t have that kind of training or experience. That’s why trying out a dance class may be one of this list’s most fulfilling date ideas.

From the wild whirling moves of swing at Swing Patrol, or the intimate atmosphere of William Maslin dance classes, there’s plenty of venues in Sydney that’ll provide a night of boogie and laughter.

12. Become a Gin Master at this Masterclass

A nice drink is often associated with romantic things to do in Sydney, especially when it comes to the best first date ideas. How about you take it up a notch, however, by going to a Gin Masterclass at Archie Rose?

You can see how gin is distilled at the Archie Rose facilities, as well as learn how to make your own gin cocktails. After impressing your date with your shaking skills, you can finish off the date by heading to the bar to try even more delicious gin concoctions on offer. The establishment leans into the classy feel of olden bars, with warm wood and mood lighting. The atmosphere could not be more romantic!

If your partner does not mind having a drink or two (or more) on their date night, then this may be the perfect pick for you.