Are you lucky enough to have nabbed yourself a babysitter this Valentine's Day? Love is certainly in the air this Valentine's Day in Sydney, with oysters being shucked, white tablecloths getting pressed, yummy high tea menus being tested, and red carpets rolling out for the ultimate date night!

If you'll be spoiling the kids with a little romance this year, too, we've also got some great ideas on how to make Valentine's Day with the kids memorable. Who says romance is dead?!

Romantic Valentine's Day Events in Sydney 2026

1. Romantic Movies Under the Stars

What's more romantic than watching a love story under the twinkling stars? Moonlight Cinema is rolling out the romantic carpet with a series of rom-com movies under the stars this Valentine's Day in Sydney.

The romance kicks off with Pretty Woman on 10 February, Notting Hill on 11 February, 10 Things I Hate About You on the 12th, followed by Dirty Dancing (13th), Wuthering Heights (14th), and The Notebook (15th) - of course!

Where:  Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park
When:   Romantic movies starting from 10 February until 15 February 2026 | Movies start at 8.30 pm
Cost:     General Admission $20, Cinebuzz Members $18, Gold Grass $41, Family Pass $65

2. Lobster & Chablis at Shell House

For a romantic Valentine's Day that leans into old-world romance rather than clichés, Lobster & Chablis at Shell House feels almost cinematic — it's polished, indulgent and quietly theatrical.

Set high above the city in one of Sydney's most elegant dining rooms, this limited offering pairs butter-sweet lobster with crisp, mineral Chablis — a combination long associated with classic European romance. Lobster has always carried a certain symbolism: celebratory, luxurious and a little extravagant, the kind of dish reserved for moments worth lingering over. Our mouths are watering already!

Reservations are available for lunch and dinner.

Where:  37 Margaret St, Sydney
When:   Saturday, 14 February 2026 
Cost:     Set menu is $275 per person. A la carte menu also available.

3. Sensual Salsa Dancing

Turn up the romance this Valentine's Day in Sydney with a fun twist on date night — a lively salsa session made for two at Tropical Soul Dance Studio in Annandale.

Swap your usual dinner plans for something a little more memorable and share an experience that gets you laughing, moving and connecting. The Salsa Bootcamp is a relaxed, two-hour dance experience designed for couples who are beginners or keen to try something new together.

You'll be guided through easy, beginner-friendly salsa steps, building confidence as you move in sync. Along the way, enjoy a celebratory glass (or two) of champagne, indulge in gourmet chocolate pairings, and finish with a photo-worthy salsa dip to capture the moment.

Where:  205-207 Parramatta Rd, Annandale
When:   Friday, 13 February 2026 from 6.30-8.30 pm
Cost:     $103.36

4. Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton 

Lady Whistledown has spoken: the Valentine's event of the season has arrived! Treat your loved one to a live music performance with Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on 19 February.

Under the gentle glow of candlelight, a talented string ensemble will bring your favourite melodies from Shondaland's Bridgerton series to life. Ready to make unforgettable memories? Book your tickets today!

Where:  Grand Lodge at Sydney Masonic Centre
When:   Thursday, 19 February 2026, 8.30 pm 
Cost:     Tickets from $47

5. Sink Into Romance at Soak Bathhouse

For a Valentine's Day plan that feels calm, intimate and quietly indulgent, a visit to Soak Bathhouse — Alexandria or Bondi Junction — offers the perfect excuse to slow down together.

Designed as modern, wellness-focused bathhouses, Soak invites couples to step away from the rush of everyday life and sink into a shared ritual of warmth and stillness. Move between mineral pools, hot spas, and cold plunges, letting the temperature contrast relax tired muscles and clear busy minds. If you're after something extra soothing, the steam and sauna spaces create a cocoon of gentle heat — the kind of setting where conversation softens and time seems to stretch.

There's something inherently romantic about soaking side by side — unhurried, screen-free and quietly restorative. Heaven!

Where:  88 Ebley St, Bondi Junction or Ground Floor, 25 Bourke Rd, Alexandria
When:   Open daily
Cost:     Priced per pamper package

6. Five-Course Dinner at The Potting Shed

Treat your special someone to a Valentine's Day evening wrapped in greenery, glow, and garden-inspired charm at The Potting Shed at The Grounds.

This leafy dining space is setting the scene for romance with a beautifully curated five-course dinner celebrating fresh, seasonal flavours. Surrounded by cascading plants, warm lighting and that signature greenhouse atmosphere, it's an easy place to unwind, linger over each course and enjoy a relaxed, intimate night together. A selection of drinks will be available to complement the menu.

When dinner winds down, wander through the surrounding laneways, where vibrant colours, whimsical details and oversized florals create a dreamy backdrop for a post-dinner stroll. 

Where:  The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria
When:   Saturday, 14 February 2026 from 5 pm to 9.30 pm
Cost:     $130 per person

7. Outdoor Sip and Paint Class

What could be more fun on Valentine's Day than sipping champs and getting in touch with your creative side whilst enjoying the company of your loved one?

ClassBento's Sip and Paint Classes are held in a beautiful Harbour-side location and include instruction from artist Robertina Varga, who will guide you step-by-step through the artistic process. Bookings are essential.

Where:  Observatory Hill, Millers Point
When:   Bookings made by request
Cost:     $109 per guest when you book for 2+ guests

 8. Skyfeast at Sydney Tower

For a Valentine's Day to remember, whisk your sweetheart away to a culinary adventure featuring a diverse array of international flavours, all enjoyed 82 stories above the ground with Skyfeast at Sydney Tower Eye.

Indulge in a global menu and savour the added touch of one glass of Marlborough Mumm per person (or a non-alcoholic beverage), accompanied by an individually wrapped rose and a box of chocolates for each couple. It's a romantic feast in the sky that promises to elevate your Valentine's Day celebration to new heights!

Where:   Level 4/108 Market St, Sydney
When:    Saturday 14 February 2026
Cost:      Lunch - Window Seat: $180 per person; Standard Seat: $165 per person
               Dinner - Window Seat: $195 per person; Standard Seat: $180 per person

9. Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour

Celebrate love with a magical evening on the water this Valentine's Day in Sydney aboard a sparkling Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, where the city's most iconic sights set the scene for a truly memorable night.

As the sun fades and the harbour begins to shimmer, you'll glide across the water on the elegant Sydney 2000, soaking up sweeping views through wide panoramic windows before stepping out onto the open-air deck for a starlit moment together. With the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge glowing against the night sky, the backdrop alone feels like something special.

The evening pairs beautiful harbour scenery with a carefully curated four-course à la carte menu, showcasing fresh, contemporary Australian flavours. Live music enhances the relaxed, romantic atmosphere, while the spacious decks offer plenty of room to pause, take photos, and simply enjoy the moment side by side.

Where:  Darling Harbour's King Street Wharf
When:   Saturday, 14 February 2026
Cost:     $155 per person

10. ESQ at The QVB

Celebrate Valentine's Day with ESQ's decadent set menu featuring a selection of oysters, steak, and mouthwatering desserts.

Enhancing the romantic ambience, live jazz music provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate afternoon or evening. As an extra sweet touch, each couple will find a single rose nestled beside a box of chocolates. It's a wonderful way to indulge in a memorable dining experience and add a touch of romance to your Valentine's celebration at ESQ!

Where:   The QVB, 455 George St, Sydney
When:    Saturday, 14 February 2026 | Lunch: 12-3 pm; Dinner: 5-9.30 pm
Cost:      $160 per person

11. Get Your Swayze on at a Pottery Class

If Ghost is the most romantic movie you've seen, channel your inner Sam and Molly and book in for a couples pottery class.

Sydney has many pottery studios offering a range of pottery classes, including sip-and-clay classes. Family and kids' classes are also on offer if the kids will be joining in the romance this year.

12. Book a Romantic Getaway

There's no better time to book a romantic getaway than on Valentine's Day, particularly if the kids are cared for for the night!

Sydney is the place to be for a romantic getaway, with gorgeous accommodations dotted throughout. From waterfront suites to rural retreats, pamper packages and even a villa in an Italian-esque countryside, getting away from it all for a romantic night with your loved one comes easy in Sydney.

Check out the best romantic getaways in Sydney and beyond and start booking! 

13. Couples Massage

 

Experience the pinnacle of relaxation this Valentine's Day (you deserve it!) with a couples massage.

Sydney is a city that loves to be pampered, so much so that there are plenty of spas dotted around the city just waiting to make you feel as though you've melted into your massage table. 

Check out Sydney's best couples' massages and book some rest and relaxation with that special someone.

Valentine's Day Ideas With the Kids

14. Treat the Kids to a Special High Tea

Do something ultra sweet with the kids this year, and there's nothing more special than a delicious afternoon tea at a hotel.

Sydney is loaded with elegant venues for exquisite kids' high tea. From decadent high tea at the Four Seasons to a scrumptious soiree complete with harbour views at Gunner's Barracks, there's a high tea for all tastes to make the kids feel like absolute royalty this V-Day. 

15. Valentine's Day Picnic

Picnics are always a great way to spend the day, and the kids can run around while you get a few minutes of relaxation in one of Sydney’s stunning parks. Here's a list of the best picnic spots across Sydney that are the perfect inspiration for a Valentine’s Day Picnic.

16. Family Movie Night

If you're in the mood to relax and lounge around the house with a nice cuppa, then we've got a list of movies that the kids can watch with you! Grab some popcorn and a bag of Party Mix, and try one of these family favourites:

• Cinderella (or any of the live-action Disney films)
• Sound of Music
• The Greatest Showman
• Enchanted
• The Princess Bride
• Gnomeo and Juliet
• The Lorax

17. Valentine's Day Crafts and Cakes

Get crafty! Crack open up some paint and have some messy fun making Valentine cards with red hearts, do hand butterflies or finger decorations. Kids can trace their hand, cut it out and write a simple I love you.

Otherwise, you can dust off the cookbook and make some delicious meals and sweets. Try heart-shaped cakes, cookies or cupcakes with heart decorations, heart pancakes, or cut-out fruit with cookie cutters to get healthy heart-shaped morsels.

Here are some of our favourite Valentine's Day recipes for inspiration:

Romantic Valentine's Day Cookies
How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes
Pink Lemonade Scones
Chocolate Caramel Tarts
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Colourful Fruit Tray
Healthy V-Day Truffles

More Love-Filled Ideas in Sydney

Kid-Friendly Pubs in Sydney
Chocolate Cafes in Sydney
Sydney Best Dessert Deliveries

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