Things to do in Sydney at night : A destination guide for couples

Beaches are often the first thing that springs to mind when people talk about Sydney. Although they are known best for sunbathing and the surf, popular shorelines such as Bondi and Coogee are ideal spots for watching the sun come down and the sky change colour before your very eyes. Hearing the waves break close up and feeling the sand in your feet when you walk arm in arm with your partner of an evening is a relaxing and therapeutic thing to do at no cost. Sydney’s northern beaches each have their own character and the further up the coastline you travel the less crowded they are likely to be.

Treat your partner to a scenic adventure on the ocean waves by boarding a sunset cruise along the Sydney Harbour. Of the many romantic things to do in the city, taking in a sunset whilst dining out on a classy sea vessel is one you won’t forget in a hurry. Boat trips run daily from the main harbour docks and costs will vary depending on which vendor you book up with. Sunset tours like Captain Cook Cruises are a specialist in sightseeing, whereas others prioritise the dinner and drinks package – whichever you choose, you will feel value for money and can make it an evening to remember.

At the southern end of Bondi Beach, you will find a swimming club that overhangs the ocean. The amazing Olympic sized swimming pools at the Bondi Icebergs clubhouse are built as if they are a part of the ocean itself. Energetic waves crash around them and they are truly an amazing sight for anyone taking an evening swim or hanging out for drinks and dinner at the club. Icebergs is fairly easy to get to by car and public transport but can fill up fast in peak times so make sure you get there before the crowds.

The Sydney Opera House is a cliché attraction on any visitor’s list of things to do for obvious reasons: the high art theatrics, the glamour of the occasion, the majestic architecture of the building. Each of these ingredients and more adds to the quality of the overall experience that is hard to compete with. Take your partner on a walk around this creative art centre, behind the scenes tour, eat at the café or enjoy a drink at the Opera Bar. Choose from opera, ballet, plays, live music, symphonies, comedy, contemporary dance, musical theatre and more!

Step away from the traditional picture house experience and take in a movie outdoors. Sydney has a few special outdoor cinemas locations that elevate cinema evenings to the very next level. Of the things to do in Sydney that scream romance, this may top your list. Locations at St. George Open Air Cinema, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Centennial Park and North Sydney Oval have casual seating arrangements and facilities for food and drinks on offer on the premises. All your recreational needs are cared for so pick a film, lie back, and enjoy. New releases and old favorites are mixed together as part of a viewing schedule that will please people of all ages.

For a special nighttime experience together, head on over to the Sydney Observatory for a telescope viewing of the night sky. The observatory was essential to shipping, navigation, meteorology and astrology in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, it is a fantastic observatory and plays an important role in astronomy education and telescope viewing. The evening tour starts at 8:15 pm includes the Planetarium, telescope viewing and dome tour. From March 1, 2017 all night tours will feature a screening of National Geographic’s short film, Lost in Light, which will open your eyes to the night sky like you have never seen it before. Take your partner and make your wish upon a star for a truly romantic gesture in one of the world’s most breathtaking cities on earth.

The Art Gallery of NSW has a weekly Art After Hours event every Wednesday that adults with interests in art and culture should reserve a date in their diary for. The gallery presents a range of free and fun activities, such as live music, guided tours, celebrity talks and more. Displays are open until 10:00 pm and the café is open until 9:30 pm so you can treat you date to a hot drink or a bite to eat as you take in the exhibition features. A courtesy bus runs every 15 minutes from 7:00 pm until close from the gallery to surrounding car parks and Martin Place, so there’s no stress about getting home.

Taronga Zoo is a spectacular landmark that allows grown adults to roll back the years and find their inner child adventurer. As well as getting up close with rare and special animal species, there is an option to camp out at the zoo called Roar and Snore. Don’t worry, the spiders and snakes are kept locked away and won’t bite! The zoo looks out onto Opera House and Harbour Bridge which may twinkling in the evening light if you catch it right. So if you’re fond of nature’s great animals and enjoy making an evening of it in the open, then Taronga may be a great thing to do with your partner. The exclusive night safari offers campers gourmet nibbles, refreshments such as an all-you-can-eat buffet and educational lessons led by passionate guides. Finally, drift off to sleep in award-winning tent accommodation.

For the young at heart, Luna Park is the perfect date night. It’s open until late on the weekend so you can enjoy the lights and the thrill of it all. Whiz around on rollercoasters. Share fairy floss, visit a fun house and take in the view of the Harbour Bridge. On Sundays in the summer, the Ferris Wheel is transformed into a truly unique dining experience with a three-course meal and wine!

The Sydney Harbour is romantic with its beauty, lights, landmarks and boats. If you are visiting Sydney as a couple, dinner by the harbor is a must-do activity to end your day on a high. Both Circular Quay and Darling Harbour offer a wide range of dining options to choose from on the harbour. For those who enjoy something a little simpler, you could take a picnic complete with wine, cheese and a meal to one of the many secret hillside spots to watch the cruise liners and ferries pass by the bridge below.