Best date ideas in sydney feature

31 Fun Date Ideas in Sydney

If you’re stuck for fun date ideas in Sydney, look no further. Whether it’s your regular old date night with your significant other, or you’re looking for something fun to do with your new flame, Sydney has a slew of great options.

Trying to come up with out-of-the-box dating ideas is tough. There’s a fine line between originality and corny and while a regular dinner and a movie can get pretty stale, a couples massage might be a bit much for the first time. But keep your hair on. We’ve got you covered for your next big date. Have a look at our list of 30 Fun Date Ideas in Sydney:

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Fun Date Ideas in Sydney

Cork and Chroma

1. Take a Boozy Art Class

This one’s an absolute winner. A boozy art class really balances on that line of original while still being so out there that it’ll scare her off. These days there are a couple of paint and sip studios dotted around Sydney. We’re big fans of Bondi Paint Club, Cork & Chroma and Cork & Canvas. Sit back, drink some wine, paint something rubbish and chat away. This date will blow her socks off.

Cork & Chroma

Address: 55 Holt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (07) 3558 8430

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Cork & Canvas

Address: 106 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Phone:
0499 007 234

Check it out

man climbing wall at blochaus bouldering

2. Work Up a Sweat While Bouldering or Rock Climbing

Over the last couple of years, bouldering and rock climbing have skyrocketed in popularity. It’s a great way to work out, easy to do alone or in a small group and a helluva lot of fun. Personally, we reckon it’s one of the best date ideas ever. This might not be ideal for a first date but if you’re looking to shake things up take your new honey to your local climbing gym and get down and dirty.

For a full list of climbing gyms in Sydney, check out our list below.

Best Indoor Rock Climbing & Bouldering Gyms

BlocHaus Bouldering Sydney

Address: 49 Fitzroy St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Contact: (02) 8065 3299

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ClimbOz Blacktown

Address: Level 2, 40 Third Ave, Blacktown
Contact: (02) 9678 9635

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Holey Moley

3. Mini Golf

A number of mini-golf courses have opened up around Sydney recently, our favourite being the folks over at Holey Moley. These guys know how to make your night extra special, providing unrivalled experiences across Sydney. More than just a mini-golf course, they are a bar that turns traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of unique holes inspired by everything from your everyday to the fun of your childhood faves. With an atmosphere that resembles something of the 80s and 90s. This will be the craziest round of mini-golf you’ll ever play.

Best Mini Golf in Sydney

Holey Moley

Address: 82-94 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone:  (02) 7201 8316

Holey Moley

Putt Planet

Address: 1/205/213 Port Hacking Rd, Miranda NSW 2228
Phone: (02) 9522 7888

Putt Planet

Thornleigh Mini Golf

Address: 142-178 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Phone: (02) 9875 5445

Thornleigh Mini Golf

Show Your Romantic Side With a Picnic

4. Show Your Romantic Side With a Picnic

The secret is out: ladies love picnics. For a very simple but very romantic date night head down to your local lover’s corner at sunset with that special someone. Before you go pack yourself some cheese, crackers, and maybe some wine –  you’ll be in the good books for sure. Want to take it to the next level? Surprise your significant other by setting up the picnic ahead of time and then leading her to the vista with a blindfold. How good.

Our best picnic spots can be found at these Sydney Beaches and Lookouts linked below.

Best Beaches in Sydney Best Lookouts in Sydney

Bondi Beach

Area: 122 ha
Elevation: 21 m
Location: 7 km (4 mi) E of Sydney CBD

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Freshwater Beach

Area: 1.8km²
Postal code: 2096
Location: 17 km NE of Sydney CBD

Check it out

Palm Beach

Area: 2.6 km²
Elevation: 9 m
Location: 41 km (25 mi) north of Sydney CBD

Check it out

moorepark driving range with blue markings against city backdrop

5. Hit Some Bombs at the Driving Range

Most fun dates break the mould a little bit and have you and your girl doing something active. So, our next idea is the good old-fashioned driving range. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, a bucket of balls and a couple of clubs is a recipe for a good time. What’s more, if you head to Moore Park Golf Driving Range you can practice your swing under lights.

For a full list of Driving Ranges in Sydney check out our article below.

Best Golf Driving Ranges in Sydney

Moore Park Golf Driving Range

Address: Corner of Anzac Parade & Cleveland Street, Moore Park, Sydney NSW 2021
Phone: (02) 9663 1064

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Thornleigh Driving Range

Address: 142-178 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Phone: (02) 9875 5445

Check it out

Golf Paradise

Address: 1A/1B Myoora Rd, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Phone
: (02) 9450 0153

Check it out

Skyzone trampolining

6. Bounce on a Trampoline at Skyzone

It’s the first indoor trampoline park and a great way to inject a bit of fun into your date. Hundreds of trampolines connected will have you and your date bouncing off the walls and laughing all the way. Open til 10pm on Friday and Saturday, its also a really fun date night.

Skyzone

Address: 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Phone: +61 137599
Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-8pm
Price: 
starts at $10 AUD

Check it out

Secret Foodies

7. Eat at a Secret Dinner Party at Secret Foodies

This is definitely a date night for those who are a bit more outgoing. Secret Foodies allows you to buy tickets for a themed dinner party and then, on the night, you’ll be given a secret location via SMS. Meet new people, taste amazing unique foods and discover new places. It’s one of the most exciting dating ideas in Sydney if you’re after a bit of mystique.

Secret Foodies

Located in: Bedhead Design
Address: 300 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021
Hours: Tues-Sat 6am-12am
Phone: 0422 667 488

Check it out

Maniax 8

Image: Maniax

8. Axe Throwing

For a date that they’ll never forget bring your date along to Axe Throwing session. Channel your inner Viking and show your other half your skills as you compete in a one-on-one session. Don’t stress if it’s your first time, they’ll show you the ropes and help you get your groove to make you the best axe thrower possible. If you’re both pretty bold then this is the perfect ice-breaking date night in Sydney.

Maniax

Location: St Peters and Marrickville
Phone: 1300 217 583
Price: from $45pp

Check it out Maniax Review

Kiss My Axe

Location: Alexandria and Brookvale
Phone:1300 69 2937
Hours: Wed-Thurs 7:30-9:30pm
Price: from $55pp

Check it out Kiss My Axe Review

Swing Patrol

9. Sweep your Date off their feet with a Dance Class

Impress your date with your dance moves at Swing Patrol or William Maslin dance classes. At Swing Patrol, you can learn everything from the Lindy Hop to Balboa swing dance and get close to your partner with the perfect couples activity for those who love a boogie. If you’re looking for an intimate and exclusive dance night, you can’t go past William Maslin. They’ll include canapes, a glass of bubbly and even teach you a dance to your favourite song! We recommend a dance class for couples who know each other well. If you don’t know your partner too well then you might want to check if she’s comfortable before booking a class for two.

Swing Patrol North Sydney

Address: 181 Blues Point Rd, North Sydney NSW 2060
Phone: 1300 513 474
Price: from $18pp

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William Maslin Dance Studios

Address: 8 Spring St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9241 3959
Price: from $160

Check it out

iFly Indoor Skydiving

10. Skydive at iFLY Downunder

For a truly spectacular date that’s perfect for thrill-seekers, iFLY Downunder is the perfect dating idea Sydney has to offer. The simulated free-fall matches real conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. Get suited up in your very endearing onesies then step into the glass cylinders for an unforgettably fun date.

Located in: Panthers Penrith Rugby Leagues Club
Address
: 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone: 1300 435 966
Price: from $114pp

Check it out

Pottery Shed

11. Take a Pottery Class

A fun thing to do in Sydney for couples is a pottery class. There are a couple of venues around Sydney that offer date night pottery classes. Here you can learn clay throwing, glazing, trimming and more in just a few sessions. Our favourite is ClayGround in Rosebery which offers a date night option every Friday. You’ll even get a finished piece to take home four weeks later. The other place to go is The Pottery Shed. Each class is held in the beautiful rustic warehouse and they provide everything you need so you just have to show up with your date.

The Pottery Shed

Address: 7 Nickson Street, Surry Hills 2010
Phone: 0411 950 409
Price: from $49

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ClayGround

Address: 601 Botany Rd, Rosebery NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 8065 8985
Price: from $180

Check it out

Date Night Ideas

Sydney Lyric Theatre

12. Dinner and A Show

Is there anything quite like the theatre? Whether you’re after musicals, opera, theatre or even ballet there is a myriad of venues across Sydney that make for the perfect spot to take your better half for a romantic dinner and a show. Sydney boasts the fabulous Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont or the more humble Wharf Theatre down in Miller’s Point. Pair this with a nice dinner out and you’ll be out of the dog house and drowning in brownie points.

Sydney Lyric Theatre

Address: Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (02) 9509 3600

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The Wharf Theatre

Address: 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9250 1777

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Haunted Ghost Tour

13. Go on a Ghost Tour in Sydney

Here’s an idea that’ll truly test the strength of your relationship. There are two ghost tours in Sydney that are sure to have you shaking in your boots. Check out the spooky history of Sydney’s darker days on a haunted ghost tour of The Rocks. The 90-minute guided tour will take you through the past burial pits, haunted hot spots, opium dens and visit a haunted site not open to the general public. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more extreme, head over to the Q-Station in Manly and spend a night in one of Australia’s most haunted sites.

The Rocks Haunted Ghost Tour

Located in: Cadmans Cottage
Address: 110 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone: 0456 774 748
Price: from $45pp

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Ghost Tours at Quarantine Station

Address: 1 N Head Scenic Dr, Manly NSW 2095
Phone: from $55

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Archie Rose 2

14. Gin Masterclass at Archie Rose Distillery

Treat your date to a gin masterclass and tour at Archie Rose Distillery. See how gin is distilled, learn how to make gin cocktails, and then make your way to the bar to taste even more delicious concoctions.

Located in: The Cannery
Address: 85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 8458 2300
Price: from $49pp

Check it out

Art gallery of NSW at night

Every Wednesday the Art Gallery of NSW offers Art After Hours, where you and your date can partake in a gallery tour, live music, drawing workshops, film screenings, lectures and more all jam-packed into one fun date night.

Art After Hours

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Every Wednesday night until 10pm
Phone: (02) 9225 1700

Check it out

Daytime Date Ideas

Kayak to Goat Island

16. Kayak to Goat Island

Take a Kayaking trip to Goat Island at the heart of beautiful Sydney Harbour. Never heard of Goat Island before? Well, that’s even more reason to check it out, isn’t it? We reckon there’s nothing more romantic than exploring the harbour together, dodging ferries, and creating an unforgettable date on an 8ft long piece of plastic. Discover Goat Island’s secret cove and make memories with this exciting day dating idea Sydney has to offer.

Goat Island Kayaking

Duration: 4-hours
Location: Glebe
Price: from $125pp

Check it out

Seaplane Helicopter tour

17. Take a Seaplane or helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour

Really impress your date with a ride in a seaplane or helicopter over beautiful Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Northern Beaches, Hawkesbury and Pittwater. It will be a date they’ll never forget. With the reopening of Lilypad, Palm Beach’s luxurious floating villa, why not make it a weekend with your significant other? More information about Lilypad can be found in our feature article right here.

Sydney Seaplanes

Address: Rose Bay Seaplane Base, Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW
Hours: lasts from 20-30 minutes
Price: Varies depending on destination, which can be found here.

Check it out

Fishing at Rose Bay Ferry Wharf

18. Go For a Fish

For an outdoorsy duo, fishing is one of the best dating ideas Sydney has to offer. We’ve rounded up some of the best fishing spots in Sydney all inside our article linked below, but the best thing about fishing is that you’ll have dinner sorted as well, as long as it’s not caught west of the Harbour Bridge. Have a picnic in the park with your fresh catch and enjoy the sunset.

Best Fishing Spots in Sydney

Brighton-Le-Sands (Cooks River)

Type of fishing: Beach
Expect to find: Bream, Tarwhine, Flathead, Trevally, Snapper
Best time to go: Early evening
Rules: Bag size limits apply.

Manly Dam (Manly Vale)

Type of fishing: Freshwater
Expect to find: Australian Bass, Silver Perch, Carp, Redfin
Best Time to go: Sunset
Rules: Check opening hours before visiting.

Gunnamatta Bay (Port Hacking)

Type of fishing: Jetty
Expect to find: Flathead, Whiting, Bream
Best Time to go: Early morning
Rules: You’re prohibited from taking any worms, nippers, or shellfish from the area.

Date ideas in sydney whale watching

Image: Whale Watching Sydney

19. Set Sail for Whale Watching in Sydney

Go whale watching while on a sailboat with Whale Watching Sydney. Operating since 2000, the company offers an unforgettable whale watching experience for you and your date, plus magnificent harbour views. What’s the best time of year to go whale watching? The season starts in mid-May, and humpback whales begin passing Sydney on their northern migration from Antarctic waters. The peak months to sight are the end of June and the beginning of July.

Address: Circular Quay – Wharf 6, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Lasts approximately 4 hours
Phone: 1800 326 822
Price: from $90pp

Sydney Whale Watching

Ride a Bike Through Sydney

19. Ride a Bike through Sydney

If you’re not equipped with two bikes and a helmet of your own, you can always just go for a biking tour around Sydney. Check out some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, take in the harbour, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks precinct, Hyde Park and more. It’s a super fun way to spend a date for couples in Sydney.

Sydney Harbour Bike Tours

Address: 169 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
Price: from $98pp

Check it out

Romantic Date Ideas

Go On a Walk With a View

20. Go On a Walk With a View

Sydney has some of the best and most scenic walking trails in the whole world. So with that at your fingertips, why not take your date on a little stroll around the water taking in the views. We’ve rounded up the best walks in Sydney as well as the best coastal walks in Sydney below to make your decision as simple as possible. It’ll have you chomping at the bit to get out there for a stroll. Oh and, don’t forget your swimmers.

While we’re on the subject of walking trails in Sydney, we’ve rounded up the best walking trails in the Blue Mountains for those looking to make a weekend out of their adventure.

Best Walking Trails in Sydney Best Coastal Walks in Sydney

Love Cabins Blue Mountains

21. Go on a Weekend Getaway

When it comes to the most romantic getaways near Sydney you can’t go past our list linked below. We’ve rounded up the best from all corners of NSW that are sure to leave a lasting memory in the eyes of you and your partner, whether you’re looking for Emirates One&Only in Wolgan Valley, Tawillah Luxury Retreat in Milton, or the famous Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains. Those who are looking to really connect with nature should also check out our list of the best treehouse accommodation also linked below, yep treehouse accommodation.

Romantic Getaways Near Sydney Treehouse Accommodation Near Sydney

Live Music Venues in Sydney - Oxford Art Factory

22. Catch Some Live Music at Your Local

Some like to crown Melbourne as the cultural capital of Australia, but Sydney’s still alive and kicking in our eyes. While we wouldn’t call this the best first date idea, it’s still a great second or third date option. Few things get the good times rolling like heading down to your local and watching a band play some live music with a few cold drinks. A better vibe than just any old pub and our list of the best places to go see live music in Sydney is linked below to make your decision that much easier.

Best Live Music Venues in Sydney

mystery bay beach

23. Get Out of Sydney and Go Camping

Camping is a great date idea for any couple with an adventurous streak. Far from a first date idea, this is a fun way to spice up date night with the better half while doing something a bit different at the same time. Camping’s easy. All you need is a tent, swag or form of shelter. A bit of grub and a couple of bottles of wine. With that recipe, you’re sure to have a good time. Check out our list of the best beach camping, dog-friendly camping, and best of all ‘glamping’ listed below.

Best Beach Camping Near Sydney Best Dog-Friendly Camping Near Sydney Best Glamping Near Sydney

Essential Ingredient

24. Show Your Cooking Prowess with a Cooking Class

Add a little spice to your date and try a cooking class. You’ll learn something new while also cooking a meal together. Attending a few classes at VIVE Cooking School just after lockdown last year was a highlight of ours and we can’t wait to head back in soon to try the Barcelona class (paella, yum).

Located in: The Cannery
Address: 18/61-71 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018
Phone: 1300 848 388

VIVE Cooking School

Cheap Date Ideas

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

25. Get Up Close and Personal With a Koala in Sydney

If you’re dating a bit of an animal lover then this is sure to melt your date’s heart. Get up close and personal with a cuddly koala at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. After you’re done you’ll be treated to a hot breaky among nature and a chance to explore the zoo for as long as you like.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Located in: Darling Harbour
Address: 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Daily from 11am-3:30pm
Phone: 1800 195 650
Price: from $30

Check it out

Sydney Observatory

26. Go Stargazing at Sydney Observatory

Learn all about the stars, gazing at the southern sky together at Sydney Observatory. Tours include the planetarium, telescope viewing and a dome tour. See mars, a nebular, the moon and more on this exciting and inexpensive dating idea in Sydney.

Address: 1003 Upper Fort Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9217 0111
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 9pm-10:30pm
Price: $40 AUD/adult

Check it out

Lady Bay Beach

27. Visit a nudist beach – Lady Bay Beach

Enjoy nude bathing? Well, we’ve rounded up a list of the best nude beaches in Sydney that double as the perfect cheap date idea in Sydney. Take a skinny dip in the beautiful waters of Lady Bay Beach, or take a picnic at Cobbler’s and take in the scenic harbour views.

Best Nude Beaches in Sydney

Watch a Movie Outdoors

28. Watch a Movie Outdoors

Depending on the time of year, there are a number of great venues in Sydney that’ll have you and your date stargazing while watching blockbuster movies under the open sky. For a fun date night that we promise your better half is going to love, check out our list of the best outdoor cinemas in Sydney listed below.

Best Outdoor Cinemas in Sydney

Diego Bonetto

29. Forage for Wild foods

Forage for your own food with Diego Bonetto’s Foraging Workshops. Through Diego’s extensive and in-depth knowledge of wild food sources, you and your date will learn how to discover edible plants that are all around you every day.

Address: Richardson Crescent, Tempe NSW 2044
Phone: 0411 293 178
Price: from $25 AUD

Diego Bonetto’s

The Standard Bowl

30. Go Barefoot Bowling

Now we’re not talking about ten-pin bowling here, because quite frankly that’s for children. Instead, we highly recommend taking your date to the local bowlo and trying a spot of barefoot bowling. The best part? We’ve rounded up the best spots in Sydney.

Best Barefoot Bowling in Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art MCA

31. Visit an Art Gallery

You’d be surprised to know that the Art Gallery of NSW has a pretty incredible collection of artwork on display in the permanent collection. If that’s not a cute date idea then I don’t know what is. You could also head down to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay or poke your head into White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale for a more oriental art experience.

If you’re headed out for date night, it’s worth checking out Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW for a truly unique night out.

Art Gallery of NSW

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 679 278
Hours: Sunday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (Art After Hours from 5:30pm on Thursday)

Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Phone:
(02) 9245 2400
Hours:
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

White Rabbit Gallery

Address: 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: (02) 8399 2867
Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm

General FAQ

What should I do on a first date in Sydney?

First dates are for getting to know each other. Don't do anything to crazy, grab a coffee and go for a walk or swim. You can keep things short and sweet leading to an even more adventurous second date.

What to do when you're bored in Sydney?

Try something new that you’ve never done before like taking an art class, eating a cuisine you’ve never tried, learning a new hobby or skill. Sydney's full of fun experiences. You've just got to know where to look.

What are some fun date ideas?

Painting classes, axe throwing, bowling, outdoor movies and bouldering are all great ideas for a fun date night.

Where do you take dates?

Depending on whether it's your first date or you've been together for a while, that'll determine where you take your date. If you're just getting to know eachother keep it casual. If you're pretty close, feel free to then get a little more adventurous. Take them somewhere special or somewhere new for both of you. Try seeing a band you’ve been wanting to see, or go to a unique restaurant you’ve been wanting to try

Do you kiss on the first date?

As with a lot of these things, it depends. It’s always best if things come naturally, don’t go into a date expecting a guaranteed kiss but, usually, fortune favours the bold and if you're getting the signals then go ahead. Kiss the girl.

Where do you take a guy on a date?

If you're looking to go a first date with a guy, try opting for a bar or a daytime coffee date with a swim. If you're a little further down the road, try something more fun like a boozy painting class or

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CONTRIBUTOR

Lucy Stones

Lucy Stones is an experienced freelance writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She completed a Bachelor of Communication in Journalism & PR at Griffith University. Specialising in food, beverage and culture coverage, Lucy's work has been featured in publications such as AmsterDo Magazine B.V and Echoes & Dust.