Five Romantic Sydney Date Ideas for This Week From Budget to Blowout

Tired of the classic movie and dinner date night combo? Us too. That's why we're always on the hunt for new things to do, scouring the city for more inventive Sydney activities — ones that are guaranteed to extend your dating repertoire beyond beers at the pub.

Whether you're taking someone on a second date or doing the 100th with your significant other, we've got some stellar Sydney date ideas for this week, no matter your budget.

FREE

Destination NSW

HEAD OUT FOR A BREEZY WINTER WALK

What says simple-but-romantic date idea more than a scenic stroll together? Luckily we've got plenty of good treks to conquer (here's a list of our ten favourite walks in and around Sydney). Stretching your legs someplace new is always a good idea, whether that's through WWII batteries, over the Harbour Bridge or through the Royal National Park.

Some are simple journeys that can be ticked off over a couple of hours, while others — like the 26-kilometre coast track from Bundeena to Otford — will take you a couple of days. No matter the level of difficulty you're looking for, there's a dreamy path to traverse out there for you and your date in Sydney.

UNDER $50

Installation view of the 'Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2023' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, featuring Archibald Prize 2023 finalists (left to right) Charles Mouyat, Oliver Shepherd, Paul Newton and David Fenoglio, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

EXPLORE THIS YEAR'S ARCHIBALD, WYNNE AND SULMAN PRIZE NOMINEES

For 102 years the Archibald Prize has recognised exceptional works of portraiture by Australian artists. In 2023 from a field of 57 finalists, the coveted award has gone to Head in the sky, feet on the ground, a portrait of award-winning singer and Australian Eurovision representative Montaigne.

Other nominated works feature similarly famous faces such as Claudia Karvan, Sam Neill, Archie Roach, Noni Hazlehurst and Daniel Johns — all of which are now on show at the Art Gallery of NSW alongside the contenders for the Wynne and Sulman Prizes (the exhibition runs until Sunday, September 3).

A romantic trip to the gallery to wander through all three sets of nominees will set you back $25 per person. If you want to grab a drink after, you could head to the State Library of NSW's rooftop watering hole or wander down to Circular Quay where you'll find spots like Apollonia and the new Belle's Hot Chicken.

GET YOUR HEART RACING AT THIS SPINE-CHILLING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

After first spooking out Sydneysiders back in 2017, unsettling installation Séance is returning to the city. This time around, the set of shipping containers hosting the immersive experience will be set up on The Goods Line outside the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo — and it'll be joined by a new Sydney-first experience called Flight.

Once inside Séance or Flight, expect to be unnerved. If you're not familiar with the installations and didn't have the chance to visit last time, a word of warning: they're intending to mess with your senses. With Flight, the power is placed in your hands. Taking place in a recreation of an aeroplane cabin, the experience takes you through an unsettling experience where you're forced to make choices. At each step of the way, there are two possible outcomes, some worse than others.

The installation is open from 5.30pm, Tuesday–Friday and from 3pm on weekends. Tickets are available now and are $20 for concession or $25 for general admission.

UNDER $100

Wild Lights at Taronga, Destination NSW

PAIR LARGER-THAN-LIFE LUMINOUS ANIMALS WITH PANORAMIC HARBOUR VIEWS

Vivid is back and one Sydney icon that always gets involved in the celebrations is Taronga Zoo, utilising its unbeatable harbour views and a brand new light walk to create vibrant experiences during the festival while also shining a light on conservation. The zoo's Wild Lights series has once again returned to give visitors the opportunity to explore the zoo after dark.

As you explore the attractions and installations, you'll be greeted by lit-up emus, dingos and koalas among the lineup of illuminated animals. These sculptures celebrate native Australian fauna and have been created by First Nations artist Nathan Peckham of YURANA CREATIVE. Beyond the lights, guests can enjoy a cup of mulled wine alongside easy bites, First Nations-style snacks and koala-shaped fairy floss.

Open throughout Vivid until Saturday, June 17, tickets to Wild Lights will grant you entry at your choice of two ticketed entry times — 5.30pm or 7.30pm. Tickets are $30 for adults or $27 for concession passes.

If you're after more opportunities to get amongst the festival try our picks of the best free and affordable Vivid parties and pop-ups for under $50.

GO ALL OUT

TREAT YOURSELF TO A MAGICAL MEAL WITH NEL'S NEW DISNEY-THEMED DEGUSTATION

Back in 2019, Surry Hills fine-dining institution NEL introduced tastebuds to a whole new culinary world: a decadent Once Upon a Time degustation inspired by all things Disney. Unsurprisingly, it proved a massive hit, returning in 2020 and 2022 with themed dishes created by the restaurant's Executive Chef and namesake Nelly Robinson. And now it's back again for a fourth chapter.

The 11-course feast is serving up a new array of dishes riffing on the Mouse House's favourites. An alfredo linguini that nods to Ratatouille? Yes, that twist on the classic dish (and film) features a lasagne-style structure layered with confit vegetables, pasta sheets, béchamel, mozzarella cheese foam and basil dust is on the lineup. So is The Tugley Wood, which combines mushrooms and fresh Australian truffle to nod to Alice in Wonderland. And when things get sweet, there's a honey-soaked sponge with a nest of honey curd topped with bee pollen, then served in a honey pot, that the irrepressible pantsless sweet tooth Winnie the Pooh would covet dearly.

Price-wise, this childhood-inspired feast will require an adult salary, costing $185 per person, with beverages matched for an extra $165. Reserving a spot ASAP for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.15pm is recommended — this (unsurprisingly) always books out.

Top image: Destination NSW.