The Best Unusual Date Ideas in Sydney

Food Guide, Sydney / 5 October 2023

When it comes to dates, we think it’s about time we moved past the clichéd “let’s grab a drink at the pub” routine. Sydney is a city teeming with excitement and adventure, making it challenging to come up with something truly memorable for your date. But we’re here to help – we’ve gathered a collection of unusual date ideas that are sure to ignite a spark in your relationship!

Blend your own signature gin at Archie Rose 

A gin master class makes for an extraordinary and memorable date night. Instead of the usual dinner and a movie, cosy up to your partner at Archie Roses’ stylish Rosebery distillery. Together, you’ll learn the art of gin-making, from selecting botanicals to crafting your signature blend. Guided by the experts, you’ll experiment and taste to create the perfect concoction. Archie Rose also offers other experiences such as distillery tours, Whiskey Masterclasses and cocktail mixing sessions.

Price: $199pp
Location: 85 Dunning Ave., Rosebery 

Spice up your relationship with Middle Eastern flavours at Sunday Kitchen

You know what they say, food brings people together, and we guarantee this cooking class will bring you closer than ever! Sunday Kitchen provides beautiful and delicious Middle Eastern cooking classes to help inspire you both in the kitchen. Under the guidance of brilliant mother-daughter duo, Sivina and Karima, you’ll be making the likes of kibbeh nayyeh, spicy tahini fish or traditional Middle Eastern pasteries together. Choose a class between their three menus on offer – lamb, fish or breakfast.

Price: $230pp
Location: Harcourt Parade, Rosebery

Oyster Farm visit and a romantic meal for two

Embark on a one-of-a-kind date night with an oyster farm tour and a romantic meal for two. Start your date with a guided tour of Sydney Oyster Farms, where you’ll learn about the fascinating process of oyster cultivation. Explore the serene waterfront settings and try your hand at harvesting and shucking oysters. Finish your date, with a romantic meal of seafood and oysters. You’re familiar with the reputation oysters have as aphrodisiacs, right? Syndey Oyster Farms has three tours to choose from – Basic, Imerrsive and Elegance.

Price: Basic – $90pp
Immersive – $195pp
Elegance – $295pp

Location: Kangaroo Point Boat Ramp, 1420 Pacific Highway Brooklyn (1-1.5 drive from Sydney CBD)

Have a laugh at Happy Endings Comedy Club

For an evening filled with laughter and fun, why not visit Happy Endings Comedy Club? The ambience may be intimate and cosy but know that you’re in for a hilarious ride. Whether it’s stand-up comedians delivering punchlines or improv acts creating humour on the spot, the shared experience of laughing together is bound to deepen your connection. We’re sure you’ll create lasting inside jokes and unforgettable memories after a night at this club.

Price: $15 -$35pp
Location: Potts Point 

Enjoy the outdoors and forage for mushrooms

For a magical and adventurous date – explore the Penrose State Forrest floor and forage for mushrooms! We guarantee, that Experience Nature provide a uniquely exciting experience. Learn about local mushroom species – Slippery Jacks and Saffron Milk Caps – and even receive a guide to take home. After you harvest your mushrooms enjoy a cook-up in the forest where you learn how to cook as well as taste pine mushroom species with fresh local sourdough. You’ll get to take the rest of your harvest home.  End the day with homemade mushroom risotto for dinner, perhaps?

Experience Nature also have other bookable experiences such as star gazing, coastal foraging and canoe and canapes. Make sure you check out their website.

Price: N/A
Location: Penrose State Forest 

Cosy up together on a Ghost Tour of Sydney 

If you’re looking to get closer to your partner, step into the intriguing world of the supernatural with a Sydney Ghost tour for a unique and cosy date night. As you wander through the dimly lit historic streets of Sydney, guided by The Rocks Ghost Tours’ eerie tales and chilling anecdotes, you’ll find yourselves drawn closer together in the face of the unknown. The spine-tingling atmosphere and shared shivers are sure to make for an intimate experience like no other.

Price: $49pp
Location: The Rocks 

Get your hands dirty with The Fluid Project  

Explore your creative sides with a session at The Fluid Project. Their business has gone viral since launching in recent years – so you’ve probably seen them on TikTok! Create a cool art piece with your beau to display in your homes by painting, splattering and customising their iconic Fluid Bears. Have fun, make a mess and get creative.

Price: $70pp
Location: Homebush 


Plan the perfect picnic at your favourite spot

Create a unique and intimate experience with She Does Picnics to help plan an exquisite picnic date. This is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic day out. Let the pros take care of every detail, from arranging a delectable spread tailored to your preferences to setting the scene with fresh flowers and comfortable seats and rugs. Not only is this a thoughtful and romantic gesture, but you also get to enjoy Syndey’s beautiful scenery and the outdoors. Pick a spot that’s meaningful to you both and we’re sure you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.

Price: Please check their website for pricing details
Location: That’s completely up to you!

Take a trip to the magical glow worm caves

Embark on a truly enchanting date by visiting the Glow Worm Caves at the Blue Mountains. As the sun sets, explore the fascinating world of bio-luminescent discovery and wonder with Blue Mountain Glow Worms. Their tours may not be open all year round, however, you can download their guidebook to help you embark on a journey of your own. Just remember to be safe, follow any safety precautions and make memories that will glow in your hearts forever.

Price: N/A
Location: Blue Mountains (45 minute drive from Sydney CBD)

A kayak for two to Goat Island

Join Adrenaline Sydney for a thrilling and unique date in Sydney Harbour by taking a two-man kayak to Goat Island. Paddle together in a shared kayak, and take in the picturesque skyline and shimmering waters. Known as Me-mel by the local Cadigal people, Goat Island is filled with historical buildings and stunning views. After it was colonised the island was used to house convicts and quarry stones. Make the most of your hard efforts on the kayak and embark on a walking guided tour of the island if you’d like to learn more about its history. Remember to pack yourself a picnic to enjoy in the sun or wander down to the Goat Island Cafe for a bite to eat and a cup of coffee.

Price: $133pp
Location: Syndey Harbour 

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Take flight with Sydney Seaplanes 

Want to impress your date? A scenic flight on Sydney Sea Planes should do the trick! Experience a Sydney sunset from the skies with a 15-minute flight and finish your evening at the Empire Lounge with bubbles and a 3-course meal.  Yes, you could save it all for the proposal but why wait? Go nuts!

Price: $350pp
Location: Rose Bay 

Relax and unwind at a Japanese bathhouse

Escape the hustle and bustle of every day with a special and relaxing date and visit a Japanese bathhouse. Japanese Bath House is surrounded by the serene natural beauty of the Blue Mountains and is the perfect place to visit for a weekend escape.  Unwind in the peaceful ambience of this traditional oasis by soaking in rejuvenating hot springs and indulging in treatments. A weekend romantic escape where you can forget your worries and rekindle a connection.

Price: $90 for 3 hours
$190 for a day pass

Location: Blue Mountains (2 hour drive from Sydney CBD)

Make matching personalised rings 

Forge your love in gold (or silver) with a crafty and meaningful afternoon at Blonde. Learn the basics of silver or goldsmithing at their hands-on workshops. You’ll learn the fundamental techniques of rin-making like sawing, annealing, soldering, filing, and polishing, making it ideal for beginners. You have the freedom to fully customize the size, shape, and appearance of your rings, even adding personalized lettering or numbering to the inside or outside. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a personalised, wearable and meaningful keepsake.

Price:$199pp
Location: Darlinghurst 

A movie and curry at the iconic Govindas 

A bohemian-inspired cinema experience awaits you and your partner at Govindas. The simple rule of this establishment? “Keep your clothes on but take your shoes off!”  Upright seats and couches are available but for most, it is all about the lie-down cushions and the culinary feast which makes it a date night to remember. Choose to enjoy your meal before or after the screening and we promise you’ll leave feeling satisfied and content.

Price: $28pp
Location: Darlinghurst 

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Go to a secret dinner party with Secret Foodies 

Secret Foodies is a surprise dining experience you won’t forget! Buy tickets to a themed dinner party with a secret location – you’ll be notified two hours before when you and your date will be sent the address via SMS. Popping up in amazing restaurants across Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland as well as random locations including warehouses, laneways, parks and rooftops you’re in for a delicious surprise. Oh, and sometimes there are masks, making things ever so secret and mysterious for you and your date.

Price: Please visit the Secret Foodies Website for pricing details.
Location: Make a reservation and find out for yourselves!

Take your relationship to new heights with indoor rock climbing

Get hot and intimate on your next date with some indoor rock climbing at Climb Fit. It’s a unique and thrilling way to bond with your partner as you conquer a new activity together. It’s a great opportunity to challenge yourselves and scale to new heights with trust and teamwork. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, the rush of adrenaline and the sense of accomplishment is sure to make this date one for the Instagram feed.

Price: $33pp for entry, harness and shoes
Location: St Leonards 

Escape to Europe without the plane fare

Inspired by the Tuscan and Bellagio scenery of Italy, Guestlands is the perfect place to escape and impress. A boutique B&B with luxury accommodations, stunning European gardens and a private chef for hire if you wish. The establishment has multiple facilities to enjoy – such as the private La Trattoria breakfast & wine bar, sunset bar, pool & spa and La Cabana with an outdoor kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven, lounge and dining area. This ‘date’ pulls out all the stops. However, make sure to book in advance  – a minimum 2-night stay is required.

Price: Please visit the Guesylands website for pricing details
Location: Arcadia  (45 minute drive from Sydney CBD)

Want to play it safe and grab a drink instead? Check out Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars.