NSW is Sharing the Love This Valentine's Day
- Written by Natalie Miller
From a sunset hike to pasta making to luxury sports cars, there's something for every Valentine in Sydney and regional NSW
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and love is in the air throughout NSW. No matter your budget, Sydney and regional NSW offers an abundance of romance-filled activities that are sure to set every Valentine's heart aflutter.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres said that Valentine's Day is a great time to get out and explore the very best that the State has to offer.
“NSW is full of fantastic experiences for couples of all ages, both outdoors and indoors. There are so many ways to treat your loved one to a spectacular day, from adventurous hikes to world class dining. I encourage everyone to use the list below to get planning.”
Destination NSW has compiled a list of top spots for a loved-up Sunday on 14 February, including nature escapes, movie dates, amazing food and all-out luxury.
Nature explorers
- For those looking to escape and enjoy some serenity with their loved one, a Valentine's Day Sunset Walk at Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains ticks all the boxes. What could be more romantic than exploring the natural beauty of the Main Range, taking in spectacular views and watching the sun set as you stand on Australia's highest peak. After your walk, rest your tired feet at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel with a lovers-themed set menu, including complimentary champagne and chocolate for the ladies
- For a romantic start to Valentine's Day that won't hurt the wallet, grab a rug and pack a breakfast hamper to enjoy on the beach as the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean. For an even more swoon-worthy moment, be amongst the first in Australia to greet the sun on 14 February at the country's most easterly point - Cape Byron Headland and Lighthouse in Byron Bay
- Spoil your lover with a weekend getaway to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo and an overnight stay in one of the zoo's luxurious African-inspired lodges. The unique experience includes two-day zoo admission, meals and a one-night stay in a stunning lodge where you'll get an up close view of the neighbouring Giraffes and Antelope.
Movie buffs
- Perfect for a laid-back date night, the world's largest short film festival, Tropfest, will be held in Sydney's Centennial Park on Valentine's Day. Screening the world premiere of 16 incredible short films with free entry, bring a blanket, food and drinks for a cheap and cheerful outdoor date
- Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema is hosting a screening of comedy, Sisters, on 14 February. Grab a spot on the grass or go all out and impress your loved one with a private VIP Bell Tent. You won't need to lift a finger as you're waited on by your own private butler who will place all food and beverage orders on your behalf and deliver them to you at your tent
- Grab your car and FM radio for a romantic night cosied up with your true love in the comfort of your own car watching a latest blockbuster film at Heddon Greta Drive In. Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley, stop off during the day at Hunter Valley Cheese Company and Sabor in the Hunter to pick up some treats to enjoy during the movie.
Foodies
- Love food but don't fancy a sit-down formal dinner? Salt Meats Cheese in Alexandria is hosting a Valentine's Day Pasta & Ravioli Cooking Class. Kicking off with a glass of bubbles on arrival, in this three-hour class you'll learn to make pasta from scratch then sit back and enjoy your masterpiece with a glass of wine
- Indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert degustation at new KOI Dessert Bar in Chippendale. The brainchild of brothers, Masterchef Australia contestant Reynold Poernomo and Masterchef Indonesia judge Arnold Poernomo, KOI produces beautiful Indonesian-inspired dishes. Grab a decadent treat from the casual downstairs menu to enjoy in the open-air courtyard or take a seat upstairs for the more formal six-course degustation, which includes three savoury and three sweet dishes
- Breathe in the fresh country air with your Valentine on a Mudgee Food and Wine Trail. The third largest grape-producing region in NSW with around 30 cellar doors, there's something for every wine-lover in Mudgee. Start the day with a leisurely brunch at Pipeclay Pumphouse before taking in the spectacular views at local wineries Logan and Lowe Wines. End the day with dinner at hatted restaurant The Zin House for spectacular local produce.
Luxury lovers
- Sweep your partner off their feet with a romantic Sydney Seaplanes ride that will take you from Rose Bay, soaring over stunning Sydney Harbour and beyond. If you're looking to go that extra mile to impress, choose a Fly & Dine package that includes a delicious three-course lunch overlooking beautiful Whale Beach at Jonah's restaurant, followed by a return scenic afternoon flight
- For the ultimate Valentine's outdoor dining experience, treat your partner to The Deck Sydney's decadent three-course meal aboard Luna Park's iconic Ferris Wheel. With only 24 carriages, enjoy a private ride with your loved one and Sydney Harbour as the spectacular backdrop
- Valentine's Day need not only be about romantic dinner dates, rev-heads of both sexes will love a drive in a luxury sports car. There is no better way to sample some of NSW's most idyllic roads, venturing down the Grand Pacific Drive and into the tranquility of the Southern Highlands, than behind the wheel of a Porsche 911. Cliff To Coast offers half and full-day tours with your choice of porsches.
For Sydney's most romantic restaurants and other Valentine's day ideas, visit www.sydney.com