Skip Dinner and Drinks and Head to Sydney’s Best Outdoor Date Spots This Summer

Summer is all about fun and spontaneity, and your dates should be no different. For those of us on dating apps like Bumble, first date suggestions usually always involve drinks, dinner or coffee – often inside, in the comfort of aircon and flattering lighting. These dates are classics for a reason – short enough if you don’t hit it off straight away but just long enough to get a feel for the other person.

But if you’re looking to change it up and date differently this summer, a playful outdoor activity could be the way to go. It’ll break the ice faster and takes away some of the financial sting of dating, which definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. Recent research from Bumble found that 82 per cent of Australian singles prefer to save money with low-key date locations).

These are some of the best outdoor date ideas to try out with your next Bumble date.

Picnic at Milk Beach

Skip the chaos of Bondi or Manly and head to this secluded harbour beach in the heart of Vaucluse. To get there, start at Nielsen Park and walk around the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. You’ll know it when you see it: clear waters, city views and barely any kids in sight. Cool off with a quick dip before setting up your picnic rug with cheese, crackers and whatever else takes your fancy.

Sunset Picnic at Observatory Hill

For a sunset picnic, there’s nowhere better than Observatory Hill. This historic spot is Sydney’s highest natural vantage point. Expect panoramic views of the harbour and the city skyline. If all is going well, the city’s best restaurants and bars are only a walk away – or you could even head into the Observatory for a spot of stargazing.

Other great evening picnic spots include Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, Hornby Lighthouse and the Barangaroo Reserve.

The Bondi to Bronte Walk

If the lockdown era taught us anything about dating, it’s that you can hit it off straightaway on a good walk. For an easy inner-city option, you can’t go wrong with the famous Bondi to Coogee walk. Grab a coffee at Chapter One before making your way around Bondi Icebergs, Mackenzies Bay, Tamarama Beach and finally, Bronte (you can also extend the walk to Coogee). Yes, you might have done the walk a million times already, but does the view ever get old?

Before you set out from Bondi, be sure to check out the Bondi Beach Sea Wall. It’s full of ever-changing street and contemporary art from the past 40 years. Try and find two of the most impactful murals, both endorsed for long-term preservation: “the girl with a frangipani in her hair” which commemorates the 2002 Bali bombing, and the Anzac memorial mural.

Take a Dip at MacCallum Pool

This harbourside two-lane pool, tucked away along the Cremorne Point walking track, is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. It has exceptional ocean views, making it one of the most serene swimming spots in the city. Sunbake, swim, watch the ferries go by and get to know each other without worrying if you’ll run into someone. Best of all, it’s free.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Watsons Bay

Paddleboarding is a fun way to explore harbours, lakes and beaches, and is easy to pick up on the first go. It might take you out of your comfort zone but you will bond fast. One of the calmest spots to learn is Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling, which offers lessons for two for $90 per person. Or join the gentle Sunday morning sessions for $35 each, which covers a distance of around two kilometres.

Burgers at Clovelly Beach

Want to grab a bite without breaking the bank? Takeaway by the water as the sun goes down is always a winner. Clovelly’s Out of the Blue is a reliable classic, serving Australian-style tuckshop burgers and fish and chips (just be prepared to queue – it’s wildly popular). After you’ve politely debated who’s going to carry what before making your way down to Clovelly Beach, set up a towel or two on the concrete slabs and tuck in.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Bumble.