Often, deciding on the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or outing can be stressful due to the pressure to be romantic. But if you’re in Sydney on Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with your special someone. With the warm February weather, the beaches and the harbour, it’s the perfect place to organise a romantic date.  So if you’re in Sydney on the annual celebration of love, then make it a special occasion.

• Book a hotel room. If you live in Sydney and are looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day, then booking a hotel room for the night is as good as a holiday. You might live nearby, but spending the night in a hotel room is a novelty and the perfect mini-break! There’s something exciting and unique about spending the night in a nice hotel and enjoying room service and being in a new and exciting location.

• Picnic on the beach or harbour. The best thing about Valentine’s Day in Sydney is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it a memorable occasion. Sydney has parklands and beaches with views of some of the most spectacular scenery and vistas. If it’s a nice summer’s evening then head to a spot on the harbour or one of Sydney’s beaches with a picnic and enjoy the natural surrounds.

• Sydney restaurants. Sydney has a thriving food and dining industry that matches Sydneysiders love of fresh and quality food. If you’re visiting Sydney, then take advantage of its unique food culture by booking a special restaurant. There are a number of fine dining establishments in beautiful settings around the city just moments from your Sydney accommodation.

• Splurge! If you really want to go all-out this Valentine’s Day, then there are a number of unforgettable Sydney experiences to be had. Whether you want to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, take a sailing trip around Sydney Harbour, or see a show at the Opera House there are plenty of activities to choose from that will make this Valentine’s Day especially memorable.

As February rolls around, start thinking about how you can spend your Valentine’s Day in Sydney. Sometimes the best gifts or memories are those which don’t cost anything. Even if you stay in a budget hotel, Sydney offers you plenty of ways to get creative and take advantage of its natural beauty and attractions. Alternatively, make it a night to remember by splurging on something unforgettable.

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?

Every Australian knows that the silly season isn’t really officially “over” until Australia Day. This is the day we really get to show off our pride for the country and its unique heritage. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Australia’s national day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Australia Day falls on January 26, and commemorates the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788. This public holiday in the summer months is a chance for Aussies to celebrate everything they love about their country – their lifestyles, their history and their national pastimes. Backyards and pool sides around the country host Aussie barbecues and backyard cricket games. If the weather’s fine, then Australian beaches are also packed with those celebrating Australia’s love of the sun, sand and sea.

If you’re in Sydney on Australia Day, there are also a number of organised events for locals and visitors to get involved in. If you’re looking for accommodation, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and other inner city spots offer a number of options that will put you close to all the action. Here’s a rundown of what’s on at these nearby Sydney attractions.

-        Sydney Harbour. With thousands of boats on the water and a number of organised activities, Sydney Harbour swarms with activity on Australia Day. But you don’t have to be on the water to enjoy all the festivities. From any vantage point on the harbour foreshore onlookers can watch the annual Ferrython, where Sydney Ferries race to be the first to the finish line under the Harbour Bridge. There’s also the 17^5th Australia Day rowing regatta which is held throughout the afternoon.

-        The Rocks. This historic precinct on the harbour foreshore comes alive on Australia Day with 10 hours of free live music from more than 70 singers and songwriters across 6 open air stages. The festivities spill out from the cobbled laneways of one of the first settlements of Australia.

-        Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is one of the most popular places to celebrate Australia Day in Sydney. Throughout the day, the area holds children’s, film and music events. At nightfall, the party really gets started with the ‘Australia Day Spectacular’! There be an address from the Governor, boat parades and a symphony of light and music and the event will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display!

If you’re in Sydney for Australia Day this year, then celebrate like the locals do. Get yourself to one of these venues to join in the festivities. Make your Sydney visit a festive one, and book some funky accommodation to suit the occasion. There are a number of options to choose from.

Happy Australia Day!