Sydney #LikeNeverBefore: 9 Experiences That Change How You See the City

Sydney is not a city that needs introduction. Its icons are known, its beauty well documented. Yet, for couples who have travelled far and wide, the true allure of Sydney lies not in what is seen, but in how it is experienced—through moments of impeccable timing, privacy, and quiet indulgence.

This is our considered edit of Sydney: a collection of experiences that feel personal rather than performative, curated for couples who value nuance over novelty. If you’re planning a journey where every detail matters, this is Sydney #LikeNeverBefore.

1. Sunset Dinner Flight Over Sydney Harbour

Take off from Rose Bay in a seaplane just before sunset and watch Sydney shift from daylight to dusk. From the air, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and coastline come together in a single, sweeping view. The experience ends with a water landing at a waterfront restaurant, where a relaxed three-course dinner and Champagne await. From take-off to table, the evening unfolds effortlessly.

2. Overnight Stay Inside Taronga Zoo

Spend the night at an eco-retreat located within Taronga’s protected bushland, inside the zoo grounds itself. Designed with sustainability at its core, the retreat offers comfortable rooms with large windows overlooking Sydney Harbour and surrounding bushland. After the zoo closes to the public, you’ll join small-group evening and morning tours led by experienced keepers, gaining insight into animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and behind-the-scenes routines rarely seen by visitors.

3. Blend Your Own Gin at an Australian Distillery

This guided experience introduces you to the fundamentals of Australian gin, including botanicals, flavour profiles, and balance. The session includes structured tastings and expert guidance throughout. You then create your own personalised gin blend, adjusting flavours to suit your preferences. Each couple bottles and labels two custom 200 ml bottles to take home, making this both an interactive experience and a lasting souvenir from the trip.

4. Twilight Climb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the twilight window, when the city begins to light up. The route follows the upper arches on the Opera House side, offering uninterrupted views across the harbour. The climb lasts up to two hours, with scheduled pauses for photographs and time to take in the changing skyline. Reaching the summit at this time of day offers a clear, expansive perspective of Sydney.

5. A Private Progressive Evening Out

This private evening experience explores Sydney’s inner-city neighbourhoods, such as Surry Hills or Darlinghurst. The itinerary includes three or more venues selected for their atmosphere, drinks, and local relevance. Drinks and light bites are included at each stop, with each venue offering a different view of the city’s nightlife. The experience is paced to allow conversation and discovery, rather than moving quickly from place to place.

6. A Private Night Afloat on Sydney’s Waters

Spend the night aboard a luxury floating villa anchored in calm waters near secluded coves and beaches. Designed to operate off-grid, the villa offers privacy, uninterrupted water views, and a strong sense of seclusion while remaining close to the city. Guests can explore the surrounding area by paddleboard or tender, relax on deck, and enjoy time on the water at their own pace. Arrival can be arranged by boat or seaplane, depending on preference.

7. Private Contemporary Art Tour

Discover Sydney’s contemporary art scene on a half-day private tour led by a local art expert. The experience focuses on inner-city suburbs and includes visits to up to three galleries.The itinerary is tailored to your interests and may include painting, photography, sculpture, Indigenous art, or digital works. A café stop is included for discussion before returning to your hotel.

8. Fire-Led Dining at Firedoor

Firedoor is one of Sydney’s most sought-after dining experiences, known for cooking entirely over live fire. There is no gas or electricity in the kitchen. Every dish is prepared using custom-built wood-fired ovens, grills, and a central hearth.The menu changes daily and is guided by seasonal produce and high-quality local ingredients, including dry-aged meats and seafood. Different types of wood are used to influence flavour, adding depth and precision to each dish. Led by chef Lennox Hastie, Firedoor requires reservations well in advance.

9. A Croissant Institution Worth the Stop

This bakery is dedicated entirely to the craft of croissants. Each batch is produced with a focus on technique, consistency, and precision, earning it a reputation well beyond Sydney.It is a simple stop, but one that stands out for doing one thing exceptionally well, making it a worthwhile addition to any city itinerary.

With the right balance of structure and spontaneity, the city opens up in unexpected ways.
If you’d like to experience Sydney #LikeNeverBefore, we’ll curate the details that make the journey feel effortless and well paced.