A Summer Date Night Itinerary for When You Want to Make the Most of Longer Daylight Hours

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She's back. Sydney summer in all her glory has returned, and this year there's a thirst to soak up every drop of daylight and make the most of the long, languid days with that special someone. With the help of Captain Cook Cruises, we've put together the perfect summer date night itinerary so you can take advantage of the extra sunshine hours and stretch out the fun for as long as possible.

Lindy Lee, 'Listening to the Moon' (2018), installation view, 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop', Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2020. Image courtesy the artist and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Photo: Anna Kucera

2PM — GO SEE LINDY LEE'S EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

We think every date should start with a thought-starter; something to talk about as you continue on with your day. Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop is the MCA's blockbuster exhibition right now, which has the largest collection of works ever shown by the Australian Chinese artist and showcases the breadth of her long and brilliant career. The show is a meditation on what it means to belong and draws on the philosophies of Daoism and Buddhism — the name of the exhibition is a nod to the writings of the Zen philosopher Dogen. The striking stainless steel sculpture at the bottom of the MCA steps on the Circular Quay forecourt is a fitting taste of what's to come once you step inside.

3.30PM — VISIT HARBOUR BAR & RESTAURANT FOR PRE-DINNER DRINKS

From the MCA, mosey on over to Circular Quay where you can board Captain Cook Cruises' new hop-on, hop-off Harbour Bar & Restaurant. There's live music and plenty of top-notch cocktails to choose from — the most difficult thing to decide on is which direction to cast your eye. Unlike most bars, the view here changes as the boat moves around the harbour, so you can tick off the hit list of attractions together as you go: Opera House? Check. Harbour Bridge? Check. Luna Park? Check, check, check.

Destination NSW

7PM — DINE AT SMOKE, BARANGAROO HOUSE

You can choose to dine aboard the Harbour Bar & Restaurant, however if you choose to disembark with your beau at Darling Harbour, head to Smoke at Barangaroo House for dinner in the clouds. Smoke sits atop the spaceship-shaped, three-tiered building. The wrap-around balcony offers panoramic views of the harbour, with the city sitting pretty as a backdrop. The menu is designed to share so it's a good thing you've got company. Think smoky chicken skewers with lemon and a kick of cayenne or puffed beef crackers with spiced tomato salt. Better yet, get the cheese plate for two to fill up on fromage with the one you love.

Kimberley Low

8.30PM — HEAD TO CANTINA OK! FOR A SPICY MARGARITA

After you tear yourself away from the view at Smoke, make your way up the hill to Cantina OK! for a cocktail that will put a fire in your belly. This diminutive laneway mezcal bar in the CBD more than makes up for its size with the skill of its cocktail makers. Put yourselves in the very capable hands of the bartenders, who'll delight you both with their latest concoction. Or, if you're feeling traditional (which, here, is no bad thing), stick to a margarita made the OK way with half tequila and half mezcal. They're so good you'll want to stay for one more last one.

Whether you're keen for a cocktail cruise or dinner date, you can find out more about the Harbour Bar and Restaurant, here.

Top image: Captain Cook Cruises