Dating in Sydney: a local’s guide to meeting people (and where to go)

Sydney has beaches, a harbour and more great restaurants than you could try in a lifetime. It also has a reputation for being hard to meet people in. The city is spread out, people are busy, and friendship groups formed at school or uni can feel closed. The good news is that it gets much easier once you think local.

Think suburb first

A match who lives 40 minutes away by train is a match you’ll reschedule three times. getme shows you people in your suburb first, then the rest of Sydney. If you live in the Inner West, that means Newtown, Marrickville and Leichhardt before the Northern Beaches. If you’re out west, Parramatta has its own thriving food and bar scene, so you don’t have to cross the Harbour Bridge for a good night.

First dates Sydneysiders actually enjoy

• A coastal walk. Bondi to Coogee is the classic, but Spit Bridge to Manly or the Hermitage Foreshore track in Vaucluse are quieter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off eye contact.
• The Manly ferry. For the price of an Opal tap you get a harbour cruise past the Opera House. Grab a gelato at the other end.
• A small bar. Sydney’s small-bar scene, from the CBD laneways to Enmore Road, is perfect for one drink that can easily become two.
• Markets. Carriageworks Farmers Market on Saturday mornings or the Glebe markets make for a relaxed, wandering date.
• Free culture. The Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art have free general entry and plenty to talk about.

Tips for dating in Sydney

Be specific with plans. “Let’s grab a drink sometime” rarely happens. “Thursday, 6.30, the bar near Central?” usually does.

Keep first dates short. An hour for a coffee or a walk is enough to know if you want a second. Save the long dinner for date two.

Mind the transport. Check the last train or ferry home before you go, and always make your own way there and back.

Making friends too

Plenty of people move to Sydney for work and don’t know anyone. getme isn’t only for dating: set what you’re looking for to friends, follow people who share your interests and say yes to the trivia invite. Some of the best relationships start as friendships anyway.

Ready to meet people near you? Join getme free or browse dating in Sydney by suburb.