Exploring Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) with your significant other offers a world of fun and adventurous possibilities. From scenic harbor walks to museums or just a fantastic dining experience, this article will guide you through the best activities and places for couples to enjoy in the heart of Australia's largest city.
Swim in the harbour at Barangaroo
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- One of the most unique experiences to Sydney
- A brand new rock-pool has been opened in the harbour
- A truly different experience for singles, groups, couples
Free: Completely free
Duration: As long as you want to swim (15min to a few hours)
Location: Barangaroo, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Swimming at Barangaroo in the heart of the Sydney CBD is a truly unique Sydney experience. This pool has only recently opened at the start of 2023, and is already showing itself to be one of the best pools to swim in the world. It is walking distance from the main part of Sydney, and offers a netted harbour pool, bathrooms, showers, and rocks to sunbake on. Be careful though, because the rocks can be a bit slippery getting in and out.
Audio + Puzzle tour of Sydney's Highlights
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- Learn about Sydney history, Aboriginal culture, the Bridge and the Opera House
- Understand how the convicts came to Australia, and the impact colonisation had on the indigenous people
- This self-guided tour has audiobook quality commentary and puzzles to solve along the way
Paid: $39 per tour kit, suitable for up to 3 people
Duration: Approx 3 hours
Location: Start on the Harbour Bridge, and finish at the Opera House
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
The Sydney Highlights is a great introduction to Sydney and Australia, and takes you from the middle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House. You'll learn about Sydney Harbour and Australian History, the Bridge and Opera House, early Sydney settlement and convict life, and Aboriginal History. As you explore, you'll also solve puzzles that will encourage you to interact with your surroundings to solve the puzzles.
Grab an award winning burger at Bar Luca
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- Delicious, award winning burgers in a bar setting, offering drinks and sides
- A regular menu as well as having served 300 different weekly specials and a few of them have found their way onto the menu
- The standard go to for every is the The Blame Canada burger
Paid: Burgers range from $16-$22, sides and drinks extra
Duration: People typically spend an hour or so here
Location: 52 Phillip St, Sydney CBD (near Circular Quay(
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Known for their inventive and mouthwatering burger creations, Bar Luca offers a wide variety of options to tantalize your taste buds. The burgers are typically crafted with high-quality ingredients, juicy patties, and flavorful toppings. As you sink your teeth into one of their burgers, you'll likely encounter a burst of flavors that make each bite memorable. The casual yet vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant adds to the overall enjoyment, making it a popular spot for burger enthusiasts and foodies looking for a satisfying meal in Sydney.
Visit a gaming arcade like Timezone
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- Plenty of games to choose from
- Suitable for all ages, and in all weather
- See what prizes you can score from tickets
Paid: Games start from just $2
Duration: From 1 to a few hours
Location: Various locations accross Sydney (incl CBD)
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Professionals, Adults, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Tired of playing the same old video games at home? Why not up the ante with a trip to a Timezone arcade near you? It's video arcade games galore where you can smash some high scores! From arcade classics to next-level immersive virtual reality games, there’s something for everyone at Timezone.
Do a tour of the Opera House to lift the curtain behind the scenes
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- One of Sydney's most iconic buildings
- Gain an understanding what happens behind the scenes of the Opera
- Learn about the construction and problems the Opera House faced
Paid: Tickets are about $43 per adult, $23 per child
Duration: The tour takes approx 1 hour
Location: Sydney opera House, beside Circular Quay
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Be guided through the spaces and venues of the Opera House as your tour guide touches on the history and magical stories from the past fifty years and how the Opera House came to be. There is multiple tours available, including tours dedicated to historical, backstage and back of house, archtectural, food and school tours.
Visit/Picnic/Walk the Royal Botanical Gardens
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- Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens showcase a rich variety of plant species from around the world
- The gardens' stunning location by Sydney Harbor offers breathtaking views of the harbor
- The gardens host educational programs, workshops, and guided tours
Free: Entry to the gardens is completely free
Duration: From 1 to 3 hours
Location: Beside Circular Quay, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Visiting the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens is like stepping into a living encyclopedia of plants, where you can explore lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a diverse range of botanical wonders from around the world. As you meander through this scenic oasis by Sydney Harbor, you'll not only find tranquility but also enjoy sweeping views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House, making it a truly enriching experience.
Look out over the bridge and harbour from Observatory hill
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- Beautiful spot for sunrise, daytime, or sunset
- Close to the CBD and the historical Rocks area
- Book a night tour of the observatory and see the universe up close
Free: Going to Observatory Hill is free, going inside for a tour costs $36 adults / $24 children
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Location: Observatory Hill, Sydney
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Visiting the Sydney Observatory is a celestial journey that grants stargazers a chance to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about the wonders of the universe from knowledgeable astronomers. It's a captivating experience that combines education with awe-inspiring views of the cosmos, making it a favorite destination for both astronomy enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Do the Skywalk and walk on the edge of Sydney's tallest building
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- The highest outdoor viewpoint (268m) in Sydney
- The guides point out iconic landmarks in the area
- Access to the indoor Observation Deck before and after your tour
Paid: $89 per adult, $64 per child
Duration: 60 minute tour, but allow a few hours
Location: Sydney Eye Tower, Pitt St Mall
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
"Embark on a thrilling SKYWALK tour, where you'll step out onto the highest outdoor viewpoint in Sydney, standing at an impressive 268 meters above the ground. With the city's bustling CBD directly beneath you, our knowledgeable guides will highlight iconic landmarks and share captivating stories of Sydney. Extend your experience by exploring the indoor Observation Deck before and after your tour, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views at your own pace. Don't pass up this opportunity to check off Sydney's highest outdoor adventure from your bucket list!
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Visit the Sea Life Aquarium at Darling Harbour
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- Explore underwater ecosystems and witness a diverse range of marine life
- Interactive exhibits, touch pools, and immersive displays that allow for hands-on learning
- Family-friendly destination with a meaningful message around conservation
Paid: About $51 for adults, $38 for children
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Location: SEA Life Aquarium, Darling Harbour
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
A mesmerizing underwater adventure, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with a stunning array of marine creatures and gain a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation. Its engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, and commitment to marine education make it a popular and educational attraction for all ages. See sharks, coral, fish, eels, octopus plus ots more up close and personal!
Find some Geocaching puzzles
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- Challenge yours wits
- Explore new areas
- Easy to get started
Free: There is free caches, and can pay for premium for extra ones
Duration: From 30mins to 6 hours
Location: Available all over
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Geocaching is like a maintained, worldwide, community scavenger hunt, where people have hidden "caches" at various locations, and then your job is to use the app to go and try and find them. Geocaching is a great way to explore a new city or area. One of our favourite things to do is to set out to find a number of caches in a new area, as it often helps us find hidden spots as well!
Cycle your way around Sydney with HelloRide bike hire
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- Explore a city at your own pace, choose your route and stop wherever you please
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and environment, offering a closer connection to the city
- Reduce your carbon footprint while providing a healthy and active way for you to explore
Paid: We like HelloRide, who has day passes for as little as $9 or 3 day pass for $12
Duration: From 30min to a few hours
Location: Most parts of the CBD have Lime, HelloRide etc
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Renting a bike in Sydney is an excellent way to explore the city because it allows you to navigate through its vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks at your own pace, avoiding traffic congestion. Additionally, it provides a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation that lets you soak in Sydney's beauty and charm while staying active. The city is fairly flat as well, which makes it the perfect mode of low cost transport to get around on.
Explore some of Australias oldest pubs in The Rocks
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- Historical charm, offering a glimpse into Sydney's colonial past with their well-preserved architecture and rustic interior
- Many pubs host live music, comedy nights, and cultural events, providing a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere
- The Rocks' pubs often serve traditional Australian fare and craft beers, allowing patrons to savor the flavors of the region
Free: Free to explore and enter, beer/wine starts about $10, Meals start about $20
Duration: 1 hour to a couple of hours
Location: The Rocks, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Visiting a pub in The Rocks is like stepping into a living piece of Sydney's history. The charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and rustic interiors create a nostalgic atmosphere that immerses you in the city's colonial past. As you enjoy a pint of local craft beer or savor traditional Australian cuisine, you can't help but feel the warm and welcoming spirit of this iconic neighborhood, where locals and tourists come together to share stories and create memorable moments.
Visit the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) at Circular Quay
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- Showcases an ever-evolving collection of modern artworks
- Hosts thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge perspectives and spark conversations
- Situated by Sydney's iconic Circular Quay, the museum's prime location treats visitors to stunning harbor views
Free: Free to enter, although some exhibits have additional costs
Duration: Normally from 1 hour to a few hours
Location: Circular Quay
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney captivates visitors with its ever-evolving collection of cutting-edge artworks, offering a dynamic exploration of modern creativity across various mediums. Situated by Circular Quay, its prime location provides not only artistic inspiration but also breathtaking views of Sydney's iconic harbor.
Go and relax the muscles with a Thai Massage
- Relaxing way to spend time either alone, or together if you're with someone
- Perfect after a long week or day of exploring
- Thai massage has an invigorating effect on the body's energy pathways
Paid: Massages normally start about $70 per hour per person
Duration: Typically 1 or 1.5 hours
Location: Located in most suburbs of Sydney
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
People are drawn to Thai massages for their unique blend of relaxation and invigoration, with the combination of gentle stretches and rhythmic pressure providing a soothing yet energizing experience that promotes both physical and mental well-being. The massage's ability to release tension, improve flexibility, and enhance vitality makes it a cherished choice for relaxation and revitalization.
Walk over the Harbour Bridge
- Look out over the stunning Sydney Harbour
- Walk across the largest arch bridge in the world
- For a high up look, climb the bridge pylon
Free: Free to walk over the bridge (no tolls required :) )
Duration: Approx 1 hour
Location: Start at Milsons Point bridge stairs
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, Couples in the CBD, Visiting downtown Sydney
Walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a captivating experience that allows you to savor breathtaking views of Sydney's iconic skyline and the shimmering waters of the harbor below. As you stroll across this architectural marvel, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to the city's history and the vibrant energy of the bustling harbour beneath.