When I visited Australia for the first time it’s fair to say I was expecting big things, especially as I was travelling with my husband who was going to be acting as my tour guide.
I expected to be shown all his favourite spots in the city, stunning secret viewpoints of Sydney Harbour, cute not-in-the guidebook restaurants that we could hold hands in and romantic day trips to nearby beaches. This is what I expected.
So what did we do? We explored five of his favourite romantic spots and now I’m offering them to you so you and your loved one can enjoy them too.
Here are my top romantic things to do in Sydney where you’ll get some stunning views of the city.
1. Taronga Zoo
Perhaps not your most obvious romantic activity but Taronga Zoo happens to be located across the water from Circular Quay and the CBD and its position lining the top of a small hill means that the views you get as you wander around this zoo, which also happens to be excellent, are among some of the best in the city. There are plenty of spots you can stop for a drink or a picnic and discuss how cute the penguins are, because they are. This is one of the best alternative and cheap date ideas in Sydney.
2. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
When the first Governor of Sydney commissioned this stone chair for his wife so she could enjoy her favourite view of Sydney, I’m sure they had no idea how many millions of bottoms would follow hers.
The walk leading up to it from the Opera House and along the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens also happens to be one of the most romantic in Sydney, particularly at sunset.
While you may have to wait your turn to have a seat on Mrs Macqaurie’s Chair, there are lots of other spots along the waterfront where you and someone special can perch alone.
3. Curl Curl Beach
While Bondi and Manly are the “must-see” (and “must be seen in”) beaches for most visitors to Sydney, there are numerous other beaches that are close enough for a day trip in the sunshine and will almost certainly have a fraction of the crowds. My husband took me to Curl Curl Beach for a day outing complete with romantic fish and chips sitting up on the sand dunes watching the waves crash.
4. Balls Head Reserve
Over on the North Shore is this open green space that was once the home of a BP reserve. Now it’s a public park with a stunning view of the Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, the Rocks and the CBD. Bring a blanket and a picnic as unlike other parks that have great views of the Harbour this one does actually stay fairly quiet with only a few locals walking dogs likely to interrupt a romantic lunch. This is also one of the most romantic viewpoints in Sydney at night.
5. Pylon Lookout at Sydney Harbour Bridge
Enjoy all the romance of the 360 degree view from the top from the (almost) top of the bridge without the steep and scary climb and the even steeper and scarier price tag of doing the Harbour Bridge Walk.
It would also be hard to look romantic when wearing one of those blue boiler suits they make you wear. Instead learn about the history of the bridge and share a romantic moment as you look out across all of Sydney and its Harbour by spending a few hours at the Pylon Lookout.
Be sure to also walk along the bridge where you’ll spot a few “love locks” showing you that romance is definitely not dead in Sydney. Probably in part thanks to my partner no longer living there!
There are so many amazing restaurants and other places to visit in this city, for more recommendations view my Sydney travel guide.
