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Celebrate in Sydney: 10 Date Ideas in Sydney

Find the perfect activities to celebrate love, birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions in the beautiful city of Sydney.

Sydney is a vibrant city, offering many ways to celebrate any special occasion - be it date ideas, anniversary celebrations, proposal and engagement ideas, valentine's or birthday, graduation and promotion surprises.   If you’re in the mood for celebrating and having a little fun, this list will put you in the right direction. Of course, not all special occasions celebrations need to revolve around food. Some of them are also meant for larger groups and a great atmosphere without burning a hole in the wallet. Here are 10 ways to celebrate a special occasion in Sydney that is sure to make you and your loved ones go home with your heart full.

Milk Beach, Vaucluse
Milk Beach, Vaucluse. Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW

1. Romantic picnic at Milk Beach

A picnic with your nearest and dearest is a superb way to honour a loving relationship. Pack yourself a bottle of bubbles, a cheeseboard and your picnic rug and head for the seaside. Milk Beach is a beautiful destination for a celebration given the seclusion and privacy it provides in comparison with other inner-city beaches. If you run out of date ideas in Sydney or Valentine’s day ideas, Milk Beach is a great one to add to that secret bucket list.
Patrons lining up to enter the Enmore Theatre, Enmore
Enmore Theatre, Enmore. Credit: Destination NSW

2. See a show at the theatre

For fabulous birthday ideas, Sydney has it all. Take the weekend by storm by visiting one of the world-class theatres nestled in the heart of the city. Various productions are showing year-round, including dance, opera, musicals or live music. Whether you’re 18 or 81, there’s no better occasion than a birthday to fully indulge your arty, cultured side. There is a different charm to a date night out at the theatre with your loved one, it never goes out of fashion.
Couple enjoying food and drink with a view at O Bar and Dining, Sydney
O Bar and Dining, Sydney. Credit: Destination NSW

3. Fine wining and dining at O Bar

360-degree panoramas on the 47th floor, do city views really get much better than this? O Bar and Dining is the ultimate destination to feed your senses. Expect to be impressed with remarkable sights, impressive drinks and mouth-watering food. An evening at O Bar is guaranteed to be a Sydney birthday dinner you’ll never forget.
View out to Sydney Harbour from Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel
View out to Sydney Harbour from Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel

4. Overnighter in a Sydney hotel

Make your wedding anniversary in Sydney special with a weekend away, staying at one of Sydney’s finest hotels. Instead of getting all dressed up for a night on the town, cosy up in hotel robes and slippers and opt to stay in. Order room service or have food delivered to your doorstep, switch on the movie channel, and top up the tub. You won’t want the weekend to end!
Family enjoying the Burrawa Indigenous Experience at BridgeClimb, Sydney.
BridgeClimb, Sydney. Credit: Destination NSW

5. Take in a new perspective on Sydney

What better way to connect with a loved one than an adrenaline rush plus gorgeous views? BridgeClimb Sydney is a popular Sydney activity for friends, families, and couples, so it's perfect for a romantic date or a friend date. Suit up and climb to the top of this iconic bridge, then take in views of the majestic harbour and the city skyline. 
Friends enjoying a visit to Spa facility in the Swissôtel Sydney
Friends enjoying a visit to Spa facility in the Swissôtel Sydney. Image credit: Destination NSW

6. Unwind at a Day Spa

Running out of ideas for a romantic day out? Step into one of Sydney's amazing day spas feeling drab and step out feeling fab. Most spas offer various packages and treatments that are sure to indulge. If you're looking for the perfect anniversary gift to show you care, or a destination for an epic day out with friends, a trip to the day spa will do the trick.
Scenic aerial view over Sydney Harbour, Sydney.
Scenic aerial view over Sydney Harbour, Sydney. Image credit: Destination NSW

7. Take your celebration to new heights on a Sea Plane

Have you always dreamt of seeing Sydney from hundreds of feet in the air? Your dreams can now be a reality with a Sea Plane excursion. This is a wonderful way to treat yourself or a loved one to the views of the city from a new perspective. It is an incredible birthday idea in Sydney as you get to have a birds-eye view of your everyday life - be it your 30th birthday, 21st or 40th! When you're in the air, fly along Sydney’s famous coastline watching Manly, Curl Curl and Palm Beach disappear into the distance. No matter if it's an anniversary, birthday or potential engagement, a seaplane journey promises to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.
Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour, Credit: Destination NSW

8. Harbour cruise by night or day

Step aboard the prestigious Captain Cook cruise line for a fun-filled day on the harbour. For date ideas in Sydney, you can't look past a Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise, or for a day out with the girls, high tea on the high sea is an excellent choice. Clink your glasses and toast to grand views and even grander times. 
Couple enjoying high tea at The Tea Room, QVB Sydney.
Shopping, QVB. Credit: Destination NSW

9. Shopping and high tea at the Queen Victoria Building

This late-nineteenth-century building in the centre of bustling Sydney city is a haven for shoppers and hides the most well-kept Sydney gift ideas to commemorate a special occasion. Browse hundreds of stores with high-end jewellery, clothes, homewares and more in the airy halls of the QVB. And remember, shopping is always a good idea, especially when it comes to surprise birthday and anniversary gifts.
And when you've had enough shopping the historic Tea Room at the QVB is one of the most popular high tea venues in Sydney. Freshly-baked scones, decadent sweet pastries, and a good cup of tea to go with it all.
Stall owners with beverages at The Rocks Friday Foodie Market.
Streetscapes, The Rocks. Credit: Destination NSW

10. Visit the local markets and buy each other something special

Sydney has some fantastic markets, each with unique moments and gifts that are the perfect way to remember a great date in Sydney. Head to The Rocks market for handmade wares, great food, and delicious gelato. Or visit the Bondi Markets for homemade candles and ocean-inspired prints. Or head to Carriageworks for the Carriageworks farmer's markets for some fresh and delicious food plus some ingredients to take home so that your fun date in Sydney continues, even once you're home.
Do not kick yourself trying to brainstorm unique special occasion celebration ideas in Sydney with friends and family. If you’re planning to fly interstate or international to Sydney for your special occasion, Accor has a range of Sydney accommodations to suit your next trip.

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