Finding gorgeous romantic things to do in Sydney is not difficult, but when you’re on a budget it can be disheartening looking for somewhere that won’t break the bank. Don’t worry though – you actually can spend Valentine’s Day in Sydney on much less than you think!
Date nights in Sydney can quickly add up, but you shouldn’t have to miss out just because money is tight.
Plan ahead, take advantage of BYO (yes, in Australia you can bring your own alcohol to many places!!) and enjoy one or more of these romantic things to do in Sydney without spending your life savings!
These fun things to do in Sydney for couples can be a one-off treat if you’re backpacking Australia, or if you’re short on time but feeling the love, why not try them all out?
Choosing the best couple experiences in Sydney doesn’t have to be difficult – just pick something fun and do it together!
Our Top Pick
Visit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House Area
Taking in the views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House ooze romance. You can expect to pay at least $200 AUD for the privilege of climbing the bridge and watching the city from above, or you can be clever and only pay $19AUD.
How?
Take the stairs to the Pylon Lookout next to the bridge. You’ll get stunning views of Sydney but for a fraction of the price, and you’ll probably feel safer up here too!
Visit a Secret Beach
One of the most romantic things to do in Sydney is to find your own secluded beach and just enjoy each other’s company. There are plenty of romantic restaurants in Sydney but there’s nothing like eating al fresco and watching the sun go down.
Well, Sydney is full of amazing beaches like that, and for many of them, you won’t even have to pay to be there.
You might need to pay an admission fee if the beach is in a National Park, but that also gives you access to more than just the beach too.
Pack up a picnic, bring some booze* and relax in your own little bubble.
*Safety hats on guys – enjoy a drink but don’t go swimming when you’ve had a few. These beaches won’t have lifeguards to help you out! Enjoying time on a secret beach is probably one of the most romantic things to do in the city but spending the night in a hospital certainly isn’t!
Go Camping
Something a little different from booking a swanky hotel, camping is great fun and can be really romantic once you’ve set up!
Cook yourselves a little stove dinner, enjoy your cheap goon and watch the sunset – who needs the Ritz?!
If you’re looking for free things to do in Sydney, you can find free camping spots all over, and some will even have (cold!) showers.
If you’re backpacking Australia then this won’t come as a shock, but if you’re just looking for a Sydney weekend getaway then you can still find some budget campsites with power and heated water that you can relax in!
There are plenty of places to either pitch up a tent or park up your homely campervan, so don’t miss out just because you think you haven’t got the right setup!
Go To an Outdoor Cinema
Snuggling up together (or not, depending on the temperature – Sydney in January is too hot for that!) and watching a film is pretty standard, but being at an outdoor cinema is so much fun!
It’s just a little bit different and being outdoors means that as your film is playing, you’ll be treated to some incredible colours in the skies as the sun sets over the city. Visiting an outdoor cinema is definitely one the best things to do for couples in Sydney!
Hire a Tandem Bike!
Sometimes being active is just as romantic as being wined and dined! Go to Centennial Park and hire a tandem bicycle for just $25AUD per hour.
Whether or not you’ll be able to balance and actually cycle is another thing but you’ll have fun trying! It’s definitely one of the top fun things to do for couples in Sydney.
Hire your bike here.
Go Kayaking
Another sporty activity, another chance to play around and work together! It’s fun and it’s a cheap day trip.
You can rent a double kayak on Sydney Harbour and see the Bridge and Opera House, this time from the water.
Hire your kayak in Sydney harbour here!
Watch the Stars
One of the most romantic things to do in Sydney at night is visit the Observatory, where you can use a telescope to view the moon and stars.
It is only $26AUD each, and you can impress your date/partner the next day with all of the astronomy you’ve learnt!
Take a nighttime tour and visit the Planetarium too.
Go Wine Tasting
This is understandable usually off-limits for travellers on a budget in Sydney. However, you can find fun activities like this for less, if you know where to look!!
You can take a short private wine tasting tour in Sydney, all for less money than a few glasses in the pub! Your guide will talk to you about the different wines too, and afterwards, you can go to the bar and test out your new knowledge!
It’s a short tour, but it means it’s perfect to enjoy just before a romantic dinner date in Sydney!
Click here to book your spaces.
Eat At The Rotating Buffet Restaurant
I won’t lie, buffets are usually not romantic activities. They are cheap though, and this restaurant offers insane 360-degree views of Sydney, so I think it’s a great place for date night!
You can fill up on some amazing dishes, ranging from the familiar options such as fish and chips, pasta and curry, to the more unusual emu, crocodile and camel! If you’re really looking to save any extra cash, take advantage of the whole 1.5-hour slot and skip your other meals for the day! You even get a welcome drink!
Take your camera and snap some beautiful photos of the skyline from wherever you are sitting!
Click here to book your table.
Explore Sydney’s Famous Attractions
A good way to discover what Sydney has to offer is to buy a multi-attraction pass. You get the flexibility of choosing what you want to see, with the bonus of saving money with the combo ticket.
With almost 30 choices, we think that this ticket gives the best value for money and options of things to do. Visit Madame Tussauds, jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or take a guided beach tour.
You can spend all day with your significant, never getting bored and enjoying each other’s company with these fun dates in Sydney!
Click here to buy your tickets.
Where To Find Romantic Hotels In Sydney
Finding a low-cost place to stay in Sydney can be difficult at the best of times. If you’ve got a special anniversary coming up, or you want to book a nice night away for Valentine’s Day, you’ll have to spend more than you usually would on a budget hotel. Don’t expect roses and wine on the bed, room service and a spa if you can only spend $50!
So, I’ve included some budget options for those of you who want romantic activities but are happy to spend their nights in a hostel. There are also some fancier hotels if you decide to splurge for that one special night!
Here are a few recommendations for romantic hotels in Sydney!
Summer House
This centrally located accommodation is a steal, with breakfast being included in the room prices.
There’s also free cancellation if you change your mind about staying 24 hours before your booking. You can get your laundry done, cook a homemade meal and easily walk to the main attractions in Sydney from here.
Click here to check prices and room availability.
Hilton Hotel
Staying in a Hilton is always going to be a great experience.
Sydney’s centrally located hotel is no different. With city views, a modern brasserie and a luxury day spa, the hotel oozes romance and luxury.
Click here to check prices and room availability.
Meriton Suites
The Meriton offers everything you’d need in a home away from home.
The suites are all fully equipped with a kitchenette for cosy homemade meals plus a washing machine and tumble dryer (perfect if you’ve been on the road for a while!). Make thee most of the sauna and hot tub whilst you’re here too!
Click here to check prices and room availability.
Swissotel
Relax in your full-sized bathtub or work up an appetite in the on-site gym before heading out to dinner.
Swissotel has an impressive outdoor pool that you’re going to love, plus some of the rooms have a balcony to show off the beautiful view of Sydney. Hats off to you if you can get upgraded to one of these rooms!
Click here to check prices and room availability.
Shangri-La Hotel
This hotel has the best location by far, although naturally, it’s also the most expensive on this list.
You can wake up and see the Opera House from your bed if you wish – how cool is that!! There’s a day spa, indoor pool and two restaurants to choose from. If you do something cheap during the day, then surely you can treat yourself to a room here for the evening?!
Click here to check prices and see room availability.
Have you got any tips on romantic things to do in Sydney on a budget? Where did you go? Let us know in the comments below!
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