Six Outdoor Dates to Enjoy with a Drink Before the Summer Sun Disappears

There can never be enough summertime barbecues, but why not make your next one something a little special? Sure, there are heaps of spots to fire up the barbie around Sydney, but — in the interest of making the most of it — trade in your usual go-to for someplace new. Our pick is down in the Sutherland Shire at Woronora’s Burnum Burnum Sanctuary. The reserve is pristine and remote, so you and a date can enjoy an exclusive getaway here. Its barbecue facilities and sheltered eating areas boast gorgeous riverside views — and you can soak it all in with snag in one hand and a local craft brew or glass of wine in the other. There are plenty of nearby bushwalking tracks to explore before or after you eat — check out Eagle Rock, which is also frequented by blue tongue lizards, miniature wrens and black cockatoos.

Pick up a bottle of Cat Amongst the Pigeons Fat Cat Eden Valley Riesling.

If you or your date is a dog parent, chances are your activity will need to include that furry friend. One of Sydney’s best dog walking arenas is the 40-hectare Bicentennial Park. Drinking alcohol is permitted, so you’re welcome to sip a few brews while your dog-child runs around with their friends — there’s a designated off-leash area near P5a car park for that purpose. Your doggo is also welcomed on a leash around much of the park (except the Badu Mangroves) — so you can hike up to Treillage Tower for expansive views of the wetlands, stroll along Homebush Bay or check out the boardwalks with your third wheel. If you’re hungry, you can grab a snack at Cafe at Waterview, or pre-pack a feast and enjoy it one of the barbecue or picnic areas.

Pick up a six-pack of Zytho Brewing Zesty Pale Ale. 

Centennial Park’s Moonlight Cinema has returned for its 2019–20 season until March 29, and the lineup is possibly its best yet. Lauded new releases Little Women, Jojo Rabbit and 1917 — all of which were nominated for and won a slew of Oscars — are on the docket, alongside old-school hits such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Dog owners are encouraged to bring their pooch along to any film, but especially during the Top Dog Film Festival ‘best of’ screenings on February 29. Each film is BYO food and booze, too — and, since it’s a date, be sure to rent a couple of bean bags while you’re at it for optimal moving-watching enjoyment.

Pick up a few cans of One Rosé Moscato Spritz. 

Nothing screams romance like a walk along the water at sunset, and Kamay Botany Bay National Park offers some of the best views near our city. Located in Kurnell, close to Cronulla, the park is bordered by Botany Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The region is steeped in Aboriginal cultural history and its coastal beauty will impress even the most seasoned trekker.

If you and your date are up for an easy walk, the 700m Banks-Solander loop showcases plenty of native plants — and it links to the longer Cape Baily and Yena tracks if you want more of a challenge. If you continue along the Cape Baily trail, you’ll reach the lighthouse. From there you can continue to Cape Solander, which offers epic views along the coast and back towards the city, and is considered one of the best whale-watching spots in Sydney. This might be a nice spot to pause for a drink and snack while you wait to catch a glimpse of some marine life (there’s a BWS in Kurnell that you can visit before your walk). Or, you could head back to one of the picnic areas — Yena or Commemoration Flat.

Pick up a six-pack of Gage Roads Single Fin Summer Ale.

Image: Destination NSW.

It’s time to change that classic picnic date up. One of Sydney’s most stunning spots for the occasion is Vaucluse’s Parsley Bay. The reserve is specifically set up for picnicking, with tables and plenty of grassy areas to settle into. Plus, there’s a 15-minute bushwalk circuit to enjoy pre- or post-picnic, which includes waterfall views. Or trek up to the headland bridge, which offers panoramic views of the bay. During summer, you can take a dip in the harbour to cool off after the walk, too. Summertime also welcomes Australian water dragons — they can be seen sunning themselves along the water. No doggos are allowed here, so be sure to leave your furry friend at home.

Pick up a bottle of Gerard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé.

Image: Destination NSW

Who says your date has to last just one evening? One of the best ways to enjoy a weekend is to book a camping trip, and you don’t have to go far from the city to do so. The picturesque Uloola Falls Campground within the Royal National Park is a great spot to set up for an evening under the stars with a date. The campsite is set directly next to the falls, which you will be able to hear from your tent. But be sure to pack your serious walking shoes — the campsite is only accessible by foot via the five-kilometre Karloo Walking Track or the 11-kilometre Uloola Walking Track. Along the way, you’ll walk through wildflower fields, past waterfalls and sandstone formations. Think ahead and bring along some snacks, water and maybe a few cheeky beers — just remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave the next day.

Pick up a six-pack of Coopers XPA.

Image: Andrew Harvey via Flickr.