Want to celebrate Valentine’s day without breaking the bank? Here are our favourite cheap Sydney date ideas that are budget friendly, but still classy and romantic… they’ll never know that you didn’t spend a fortune.
These cheap date ideas in Sydney aren’t restricted to Valentine’s day though! Whether you’re heading on a first date or want to treat your loved one to something special on their birthday – or just because – these fun date ideas are sure to always be a hit!
Now, everyone’s budget is different and cheap/expensive is subjective. So this selection of cheap Sydney budget ideas includes a mix of free things to do, and more pricey ‘special’ treats that we think are cheap considering the experience you get from it.
Pylon Lookout
For $25 each Pylon Lookout on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the perfect way to get your valentine’s heart soaring. Whisk your loved one up above the Sydney Harbour and experience the views together – perfect if you can time it with sunset!
What makes this even better as a cheap date idea in Sydney though is how quiet it is here! Hold each other close and take it all in without a worry in the world!
Axe Throwing
Here’s something a little different for date night – Axe throwing! Take out those frustrations and bond over poor aim with a night at Alexandria’s Axe Throwing Experience.
For $50 per person, this hour-long session takes urban activities to a new extreme.
Sydney Tower
We really enjoyed our experience at the top of Sydney Tower. Whether you choose to dine at the rotating, top floor, infinity restaurant, head to the Sky Tower Lookout, or go for a more daring date with the Sky Tower Eye Sky Walk, there really is a way to experience the Sydney Tower in a way that suits your style best.
We opted for infinity dining just after the sunset, rotating while the city lights started switching on was really magical!
Kayak Around Manly
Hire a kayak and set off to explore the waters around Manly. You’ll probably want to give your date a heads up about this one beforehand, since it can be a bit of a soggy adventure depending on the weather and how good you are at paddling!
We Kayaked in New Zealand and it’s one of the best day out’s we’ve had so I highly recommend this as a cheap Sydney date idea. Kayak hire starts at around $30, you can book yours here!
BBQ In The Park
This next cheap Sydney date idea is not only cheap, it’s free… besides what you choose to spend on food, of course! Pack up a picnic, dig out the Esky and head to one of your nearby parks!
We love that Sydney has free BBQs in most of its parks and what better time to make the most of them than Valentine’s? Pack up a picnic, take a blanket, some music and some wine then sit back and enjoy each other’s company with this simple yet romantic date.
Want to go that little bit extra? Why not have a celebrity chef prepare one for you instead?
The Blue Mountains
If you haven’t been to the Blue Mountains yet, Valentine’s day is the perfect time to go! Spend the day exploring the mountain ranges then find a cosy lookout and watch the sun go down at the end of the day. Sunday’s are Sydney’s cheap travel day, you can get to the Blue Mountains for as little as $2.60! Pack a picnic, put your comfy shoes on and make a day of it!
Don’t drive? How about a guided tour that includes lunch?
Already been to the Blue Mountains? Why not visit Nelson Bay for the weekend instead!
Hunter Valley Wine Tasting
Here’s one for the wine lovers! Take a day trip from the city into hunter valley for a wine tasting tour. Prices start around $100 per person so admittedly it isn’t really a cheap date idea in Sydney but considering that’s typically for an 11 hour day trip with lunch and nibbles, we think it’s a fair price, especially for Valentine’s day.
Visit Catmosphere Cat Cafe
Got a cat lover in your life? This one’s for you! Treat your loved one to a date at this bundle of fun cat cafes. Located in Surry Hill Catmosphere is home to 20 adorable cats who are just dying to be loved this valentines day!
This cafe is run as a rescue/foster home for cats and kittens from the local rescue centres so there is a fee for entering the rooms where the cats are homed. For a modest $20 you can chill out with a coffee and cookie whilst giving these precious babies.. umm, and your date?… all the love they deserve. Money goes towards the upkeep of their care too so it’s a win-win in our eyes and a must do, even when you’re not looking for cheap Sydney date ideas!
Sydney Aquarium
Sydney Aquarium makes a great date day idea if you’re looking to spend the day as a family, or a rainy day date idea for a couple who haven’t already been.
Book your ticket online for a discount, and make it an even cheaper date!
For those who have never been to a SeaLife, inside you’ll find tropical reef fish, penguins, rays and sawfish, dugongs and sharks to name a few! If you’re not planning on heading further North in your Australia itinerary, it’s a great replacement for seeing them in the wild, while also contributing to conservation efforts
Sydney Opera
Want to treat your Valentine’s date to a bit of culture? A show at the Sydney Opera is a great choice! Admittedly this is something that has never been up out alley but we know a lot of people who have been to an Opera House show and really enjoyed it. Again, not a super cheap Sydney date option but if you’re on holiday in Sydney – it might be a once in a life time date.
Manly Penguins and Sunset Ferry
Ahh here’s a truly cheap Sydney date idea to help you recover from the pricey previous options!
After spending the day at Manly exploring its beaches, or kayaking the waters, head over to Manly Cove beach for 7 pm to see the colony of Fairy Penguins coming home to nest.
During mating season these little cuties come into Manly to lay their eggs and nurture their young. Now protected by volunteers this colony is one of Australia’s last that come inland to breed.
At around 8 pm catch the ferry back to Circular Quay and watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour Bridge as you reach the harbour. If you fancy a more secluded coastal escape for your date in Sydney, check out Watsons Bay to grab some fish and chips!!
Sydney has so many nice beaches, if you want to explore beyond many check out these top 10 Sydney beaches!
Sydney Escape Room
Who doesn’t love an Escape Room? Whether you’re having a date day as a couple, joining some friends or planning a family day out, the Escape Room Experience offers different levels depending on how much of a challenge you’re up for.
I think this is a great first date idea too because it leaves no room for awkward pauses and lets you suss each other out in a fun way!
Set aside a couple of hours for this fun date idea in the centre of Sydney CBD
Whale Watching
Let’s wrap up this list of cheap Sydney date ideas with perhaps my all time favourite thing to do in Sydney… Whale watching.
Everywhere we go we make a point of checking out the local whale watching tours but Sydney was our first and will always be remembered fondly. Whale watching tours leave circular quay on a regular basis during whale season and last for a few hours. During which you’re almost guaranteed to see humpbacks.
You can end the day with a meal at one of the many restaurants nearby or a picnic in the park.
Valentine’s day for us is the perfect excuse to experience something new from the city we’re in so I hope these cheap Sydney date ideas have provided some inspiration for you and your Valentines! Enjoy it and make the most of the quality time you have together – it’s not every year you find yourself in Sydney on Valentine’s day!
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