In the culinary obsessed nation that is Australia, sending roses to your better half on Valentine’s Day just isn’t going to cut it anymore. The baseline for modern romantic celebration has become upscale dining, fine food and million dollar vistas. Restaurants with views have their Valentine’s Day bookings swallowed up months in advance, but you can still slip in at last minute by using our list below. If not, bookmark the page and use it for next year’s forward planning. Never let your forgetfulness mean a Mariachi band and bottle of bad retsina appearing in your near future.

Photo Credit

Blu Bar on 36, Sydney

Bars in Sydney hotels, done properly, can engender smugness and a much faster intoxication rate – due to the altitude of course. Discover the heady and dizzying heights of the Shangri-La Hotel’s premier cocktail bar with fantastic views of Sydney Harbour. 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney  - (02) 9250 6000

Café Sydney, Sydney

The immediate view may be of a major highway, but it’s the one behind it – the glorious and twinkling Sydney Harbour – that sees moneyed locals and tourists coming here in droves. Seafood platters and Sydney service done to perfection for the achingly hip clientele. 31 Alfred Street Sydney, NSW - (02) 9251 8683

The Summit Restaurant, Sydney

Turning the 70s revolving restaurant cliché on its head, this 47^th floored culinary adventure is manned by visionary Michael Moore. You will not find a better view of Sydney than here. The Dr No themed interior doesn’t hurt either. Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street Sydney, NSW – (02) 9247 9777

Fish ‘n’ chips at Watsons Bay, Sydney

If starched linen and attitude isn’t your bag, slum it elegantly and bunker down at Watson’s Bay with a blanket and some fish ‘n’ chips. Sydney’s posh beach vista has both bucolic and well heeled qualities to make for a perfect Valentine’s Day jaunt. 11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, NSW - (02) 9337 2007

Photo Credit

Stokehouse, Melbourne

Melbourne seaside glamour at its best, this St Kilda staple has arguably the best water views in the city. Anthony Musarra’s Mediterranean menu and the dramatic interiors are sure to impress the hardest culinary veterans. 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, VIC (03) 9525 5555

Siglo, Melbourne

European polish without the pretense, this rooftop bar steers away from flashy with an old world focus. Rustic furniture, gas heaters and a dramatic city view make for cosy and sophisticated Valentine’s Day dining. Shop 2, 161 Spring Street Melbourne, VIC (03) 9654 6300

Aria, Brisbane

With views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, the Queensland sister restaurant of Aria Sydney, serves Modern Australian fare in a relaxed and elegant environment. 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD – (07) 3233 2555

Book Your Bed

Accommodation in Sydney
Accommodation in Melbourne
Accommodation in Brisbane