Sydney is officially one of the world's most romantic proposal spots

One Australian city rules them all. At least, when it comes to loved-up couples.

Oh Paris, city of love. City of romance. City of cheesy proposals. Well, it can move over, because there’s an Australian city in town and it’s the third most popular place in the world when it comes to dream proposal destinations.

The Bucket List Company analysed social media data to curate a list of the top destinations to pop the question. While Bali remains in top spot for yet another year, and London came in at number two, seaside Sydney took out third place (with an honourable mention to Byron Bay scraping in at number 10).

Imagine dropping to one knee with the world-famous Opera House or Harbour Bridge in the background (because many other couples did). Or planning a sunrise moment on Bondi Beach. Perhaps a special candlelit dinner with harbour views?

Keen for some romantic inspiration (whether there’s a proposal involved or not)? Here are some of our top picks around the city.

1. Sydney Opera House

I don’t think one can live in Sydney and not have seen a proposal on the steps of the Sydney Opera House . Often, I have seen this done by passers-by, seemingly stopping for a look during their early morning or sunset walks. And who can blame them? A world icon, surrounded by beautiful harbour views, plus the changing colour of the sky? It’s the stuff that rom-coms are made of.

Imagine kicking it up a notch, however, and including not only a show but also a meal at the famous Bennelong restaurant housed inside the Opera House. The decor here is truly beautiful, while views of Circular Quay form the backdrop. Of course, for a different view of the Opera House, jump on a ferry and propose to your loved one on the water.

ferries passing the Sydney Opera House — Catch a ferry and wait for it to pass the iconic Opera House. (Image: DNSW)

2. Quay Restaurant

Australian Traveller Co-founder, Quentin Long, recommends Quay Restaurant (just make sure there won’t be any cruise ships in port ruining the view), where he popped the question to his wife years ago.

“It was her birthday the next day. I waited until dessert and asked if she wanted her birthday present," he explained. “I gave her a photo album – it had pictures of her and us and notes from me about how much I loved her. Then the last photo was asking her to marry me."

“The thing is, while she was reading, I started crying. She didn’t look up, or say anything, and just went back to the start to read it again. Then she started crying and finally looked up to see me crying. She asked, ‘Are you sure?’ and I said something like, ‘Well your dad said it was alright.'"

“Meanwhile, the restaurant staff were all confused by this silly crying couple, and eventually, the matre de came over to ask if everything was okay with our desserts. When we explained we’d just gotten engaged, he seemed relieved and said usually proposals happen at the start of the meal, then sent us over champagne."

Quay Restaurant — Book dinner for a time when no cruise ships are docked, and try not to cry. (Image: Nikki To)

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Another classic Sydney icon that remains one of the most popular proposal sites in the city. You can walk across the bridge at pedestrian level, but for a truly memorable moment with on the the best views of the harbour, join a Bridge Climb experience, they’ve hosted over 5000 proposals (and counting).

Book one of their romance packages and let all the details be taken care of for you (including keeping the ring safe, and not dropped into the ocean below).

aerial view of sydney harbour bridge — Climb your way to love. (Image: DNSW)

4. Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

My best friend was proposed to after a very romantic picnic in this secret Sydney garden, which is possibly one of the most romantic places in the entire city – especially if your future spouse is a fan of the arts.

This small, romantic oasis is actually privately owned, but open to the public. Wendy (and her renowned artist husband, Brett Whiteley) lived in this spot in Lavender Bay for two decades. After Brett passed away, Wendy started tidying up the garden in front of their home as a way to cope with the grief. The result is a unique garden setting, driven by “aesthetics, colour, form, beauty and whimsy", and stunning views out to the Harbour Bridge.

It also remains a quiet pocket of the city, as not many people know about it, even now.

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is one of the most romantic places in sydney — Propose surrounded by love and greenery. (Image: DNSW)

5. The Royal Botanic Garden

Flowers are a universal symbol of romance, so it makes sense that the Royal Botanic Garden has also been the site of more than one proposal (and many couples taking wedding or engagement photos), including that of two good friends of mine.

A popular picnic spot just around the corner from the Opera House, and so large it’s easy to find a place to yourself even on a busy day, let the scent of the jacarandas fill the air as you share Champagne and start the rest of your lives together. Settle in amongst the wildflowers, or set up for a Harbour Bridge view.

Heck, you could even hold an intimate wedding here after you secure a ‘yes’, with several venues available for hire within the grounds.

woman walks under blooming jacaranda The Royal Botanic Garden sydney — Before going to the chapel, picnic in The Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: DNSW)

6. Callan Park Conservation Area & Buildings

A hidden gem of Sydney, heritage-listed Callan Park is a 60-hectare site in Lilyfield (Sydney’s Inner West) with not only beautiful heritage buildings, lush rolling lawns, remnant bushland and even evidence of Indigenous shell middens and engravings of the Wangal people. But it also houses some picturesque secret beaches.

It’s these beaches that create the perfect backdrop for a proposal, though take a word of warning from Australian Traveller Co-founder Nigel Herbert and avoid burying the ring.

“I buried the ring as treasure at a hidden beach in Callan Park. I meant to have a romantic picnic with my (now) wife and our son, then they’d build a sandcastle and find the ring. All went well until they started digging in the wrong place and promptly gave up digging before they found the ring."

“Not to mention a few dog walkers came by and their dogs were digging dangerously close to where the ring was. All in all quite stressful."

Callan Park Conservation Area & Buildings beach in sydney — Enjoy a secret beach, but beware of burying the ring. (Image: Phillip Marsh)

Find more romantic inspiration in our list of favourite Sydney restaurants and best beaches.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Guess which city is the Paris of Australia when it comes to romance?