With its stunning harbour, chic hotels, world-class dining and beautiful beaches, Sydney offers endless opportunities for a romantic getaway. Plan the perfect break for two and fall in love all over again.
Destination NSW
Jan 2025 -
4
min readHighlights
Highlights
- Stay at Sydney’s newest boutique hotel, The Eve
- See the sun rise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak
- Sip NSW wines at The Art Syndicate small bar
- Take a private cruise on a stylish Italian-style boat
- Dine at some of Sydney’s newest hatted restaurants
DAY ONE: CHECK IN TO ROMANCE
Afternoon
Check in to the city’s newest boutique luxury hotel, The Eve, which opens in February. Part of the new $500 million Wunderlich Lane dining precinct on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern, it’s an architectural gem with lush climbing gardens, rich textures, an impressive art collection and more than a handful of cool new restaurants and bars. Be sure to arrive early enough for a swim in the rooftop pool, surrounded by retro cabanas and palm trees. Toast the start of your romantic escape with a cocktail from the poolside bar.
Evening
It’s just a 10-minute stroll along Crown Street for dinner. The White Horse has been a Surry Hills landmark for decades, but a $6 million renovation has transformed it into something entirely new. The ground floor is now a fine dining restaurant that was awarded a coveted chef’s hat in the 2025 Good Food Guide. There’s a focus on ethically sourced produce and local flavours, but at a more reasonable price point than your usual hatted venue.
If you’re not ready for bed, it’s another short walk to The Art Syndicate, an innovative wine bar and gallery in Taylor Square. This intimate space seats just 25 and serves wine, beer and spirits only from NSW. It’s designed to cultivate community and conversation, so you may find yourself chatting to other guests about art, wine and everything in between.
DAY TWO: FALL IN LOVE WITH SYDNEY
DAY TWO KEY FACTS:
Capybara Bathing is located at:
- 235 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
- A 20-minute walk from The Eve
Morning
It’s a (very) early start this morning, but we promise it will be worth it. Be on the water as the city wakes with a sunrise kayak tour with Sydney by Kayak. Setting off from Lavender Bay boat ramp at 5am, you’ll paddle beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge just as the sun begins to peek above the horizon.
Afterwards, refuel with the fluffiest focaccias and exquisite pastries at AP Bakery on the rooftop of Paramount House Hotel. Our pick is the macadamia, honey and thyme twice baked croissant.
Soothe those paddling muscles with a visit to Capybara Bathing, a new wellness centre in Surry Hills. Sweat it out in the steam room or hot stone sauna, soak in the magnesium pool, then finishing with a bracing dip in the cold plunge.
Afternoon
Head into the city for some cultural connection this afternoon. Wander through the hallowed halls of the 150-year-old Art Gallery of NSW, then marvel at the contrast of the striking new Sydney Modern building, a masterpiece in itself. Or visit the harbourside Museum of Contemporary Art to see the country’s only public collection dedicated to living artists, with more than 4,500 works on display.
Evening
As the sun sets, grab a drink at The Library Bar. This open-air hidden gem on the roof of the State Library has gorgeous views over the harbour and Domain. For dinner, are you feeling fancy or looking for something a little more laid back? The two-hat Allta takes Korean food to a new level, serving a luxe 15-course degustation menu to just 12 guests each night. Or book a table at King Clarence, where the vibe is more relaxed and the menu playful. It also holds two hats, but expect dishes like fish finger bao buns and Vegemite toast with chicken liver skewers, plus a disco ball-lit private dining room and DJs from Wednesday to Sunday evenings.
There’s still time to catch a show or a live performance tonight. Sydney has a calendar jam packed with musicals, theatre, dance and music, held everywhere from iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House to underground jazz bars. Check our events calendar to find something you’ll love.
DAY THREE: CRUISING & CUISINE
DAY THREE KEY FACTS:
Midden by Mark Olive is located at:
- Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, NSW, 2000
- A 10-minute drive from The Eve
Morning
Enjoy a well-deserved sleep in this morning, then head to the roof for another swim. Bar Julius in The Eve’s hotel lobby is open early for coffee and breakfast.
Then it’s time to explore Sydney Harbour in the most romantic way possible. You’ll feel like an Italian movie star on a private cruise aboard a chic Venetian-style boat. Choose the MV Bel, operated by Sydney Luxury Cruise, or La Dolce Vita and zip past the city’s most famous sites while sipping a glass of bubbly.
Afternoon
Ask your captain to drop you off at Balmoral Beach, where it’s time for a quick dip and a long lunch at the heritage-listed Bathers’ Pavilion. Get a seat by the window at the relaxed Bathers’ Bistro and feast on freshly shucked oysters, grilled octopus, prawns with garlic butter and pan roasted barramundi fillet. Afterwards, pick up an artisan ice block from the kiosk and take a walk along the beach.
Evening
The weekend is almost over, but there’s time for one more showstopping dinner. Indigenous chef Mark Olive (also known as The Black Olive) has opened Midden restaurant on the western boardwalk of the Sydney Opera House. The views are to die for, but it’s what’s on the plate that makes this place really special. The unique menu highlights native ingredients like lemon myrtle, saltbush, wallaby and crocodile. Finish the meal with Mark’s signature bush pavlova topped with native fruit coulis and wattleseed cream.
Take a last stroll around the harbour, admiring the city lights glittering over the water – the perfect end to your romantic escape.
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