Date Ideas in Brisbane Perfect for Any Romantic at Heart
From first-date jitters to the struggle of coming up with something new when you’ve been together for decades, there are plenty of reasons why you might struggle with coming up with fun date ideas. That’s why we’ve provided you with a list of unique date spots and activities in Brisbane that will set any romantic’s heart a-flutter. If you have a date night coming up, push the boundaries of your normal date ideas in Brisbane and get inventive!
Take The Whole Day Off For Love
Dinner or a movie not enough time to spend with your beau? Try whisking them away on a day-long date.
There are plenty of romantic day trips available in Brisbane, with the vast city not deterring the infrastructure’s ability to create secret getaways for those looking to spend time together. With little effort, you are sure to find something in Brisbane City that catches your eye. To give you a hand, however, you can try these romantic day-long ideas.
Secure a Spot in the City Botanic Gardens
On a sunny day, head on over to the City Botanic Gardens to make the most of the weather and the Garden’s beautiful surroundings. Roam the gardens or pre-book a couple’s picnic basket at The Gardens Club. Then, find the perfect spot to while the day away with good food and great company.
On a Sunday, don’t forget to stop by the Riverside Markets to peruse their selection of local artisan stalls. Take a part of Brisbane home together.
Roam the Laneways for a Hidden Treasure
A guarded secret of the locals, Brisbane’s laneways is a network of hidden treasure and unique finds. Take the time to explore the depths of these winding streets as, no matter if it’s day or night, there is sure to be something special to find.
Start bright and early by cutting edge of coffee at The New Black before seeking out the local artisan stores and history, or grabbing a laugh and delicious pastry and Cakes and Sh*t – it’s called “Brisbane’s Sassiest Bakery” for a reason, clearly! There’s more than a day’s worth of discovery scattered across these lanes, but make the most of it by ending the night with a visit to the numerous whisky or cocktail bars lighting up the shadowed alleys.
Classic First Date Ideas
First-date ideas are vital to beginning the wooing process on a high note. They set the impressions you will have for each other, as well as the tone of the relationship if everything is successful.
With so much riding on it, deciding on an idea that is sure to impress can seem scary at first. Luckily, Brisbane has plenty of unique date night ideas that are sure to knock the socks off your date mate.
There Are Sure to Be No Gutter Shots With This Idea
While a barefoot bowls club may be more classic Australian, there’s nothing that says “first date” quite like hitting the bowling alley. Particularly, Brisbane City’s Strike Bowling has truly raised the bar when it comes to the concept of bowling.
Located in Wintergarden, this Strike Bowling has pool tables, a laser tag arena, and private karaoke rooms alike to keep you entertained between games. You can also turn this night into a bowling and escape room date combination with any of the 3 unique escape rooms available.
Fun has no age and neither should your date night.
Go Vintage on Your First Date Night
Dinner and a movie are one of the simplest yet classiest first date night ideas, but you can put a little twist on your night out in Brisbane with the Elizabeth Picture Theatre. No matter what movie you pick, it is sure to be a luxurious night with the premium Royal Rooms on offer.
With a full menu of food and drinks in a fully restored vintage cinema, you are sure to impress your potential special someone with a classic first date.
Looking To Get off the Beaten Path?
For those who are interested in inserting a little thrill or physical effort into their dates, Brisbane City has plenty of unique date activities on offer. There’s no need to settle for a night in and board games when there are sights to be seen and challenges to concur – all in the name of love, of course!
Sunset Paddle on the Brisbane River
With Riverside’s Twilight Kayak Tour, you can set out on the Brisbane River at sunset to view the city from a new angle. Admire the sun’s setting rays as it’s reflected from the glittering glass towers or your partner’s smiling eyes as you set yourselves adrift. The sunset paddle is sure to work up an appetite, so don’t forget to head to shore to find a riverside marquee to enjoy dinner at after your twilight kayak adventure experience.
If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to spot some cheeky wild dolphins swimming up the river to see the city sights. Snap a pic and brag about this rare sight to all your friends!
Climb Your Way Into Their Heart
If you and your partner are adrenaline junkies, then you’re probably tired of your friends offering the same old-school dating activities time and time again. For your next date, truly experience the breadth of Brisbane City with a Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
By climbing the Story Bridge, you can see the spectacular city views, the length of the Brisbane River, and even the mountain ranges and Moreton Bay Islands in the distance. You may even catch a glimpse of the Gold Coast on a clear day. You and your loved one are sure to share some heart-pounding moments with this sky-high date activity.
Don’t Feel Bad for Being on a Budget
Date night does not have to mean blowing your budget on fancy restaurants or modern art shows. Some dates are happy with a few hours of arcade games or some craft beers at a local bar. Fortunately, there is no shortage of cheap date ideas in Brisbane, including these delightful activities.
Reach for the Stars (And Their Heart)
With the only charges being for the Cosmic Skydome shows, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is one of the best date ideas in Brisbane for those on a budget and looking to get away from planet Earth.
You can walk hand-in-hand through the dazzling displays of stars and planets, or pay to see one of the amazing shows regularly on offer in the Cosmic Skydome. If your love is out of this galaxy, show it by taking your date out to view the expanse of our universe. This place is so epic, we featured them on our best things to do in Brisbane list!
Guarantee a Hole-In-One on Date Night
The gleaming neon lights and sounds of laughter surrounding Brisbane’s Holey Moley Mini Golf Club and Cocktail Bar are sure to entice any competitive spirit. At only $19 per person for 9 holes and an assortment of pop culture-themed courses to look forward to, any date on a budget is going to feel like a million bucks.
If the Holey Moley Golf Club wasn’t enough, there’s a whole cocktail bar to enjoy yourself at. In between rounds, you and your date can relive the highlights over a fruity concoction that is sure to heighten the experience; so long as you’re over 18 years of age.
Keep a Look Out for These Lookouts
Lookouts and romance when said together may remind you of the make-out spots of your youth, but we swear that they become more romantic the older you get (although we won’t judge if you sneak a smooch or two in when no one’s looking).
Brisbane has multiple locations that afford you a great vantage point to the surrounding landscape, and you can make it a date with a packed lunch or dinner.
Skip the Hike, Come for the Views
While those adventurous couples who don’t mind working up a sweat may like to climb Mount Coot-tha as a date, there is an easier option for those who like their romance without noodle legs at the end.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout is one of the most notorious romantic spots in Brisbane, granting you a view of the entire river city. From the sandy beach to the curves of Story Bridge, you can get stunning views of everything as you set up a nice picnic for yourself and your loved one.
Nothing says romance like watching the sunset over the city. Or, for the early risers, you may be inclined to watch the sunrise; either way, the quiet golden hours are the perfect time to spend with your loved one.
Hungry for Something New?
It doesn’t matter if you’re getting fancy or keeping things on a budget, Brisbane is full of wonderful restaurants, cafes and bars that you can discover in your exploration of the city. However, if you’re looking for the secret corners where foodies go to dine, you might want to try some of these unique venues.
We Have to Include at Least One Dinner Date!
We know that a dinner date doesn’t seem like a revolutionary date idea, but the Deer Duck Bistro is the perfect place to have some fun with your food.
The restaurant is not only a delightful venue full of cosy antique armchairs and intimate corners, but it offers a full seven-course menu that is sure to tantalise the taste buds. Enjoy the wines that are paired with each course and take in the quirky decor, or your partner’s beautiful visage throughout the night. You are sure to feel the love blooming across the lengthy meal time.
The Way to the Heart Is Through the Stomach
Cooking classes seem like an odd choice for a date (after all, the whole point of going out is that someone else does the cooking), but Vanilla Zulu is a popular date activity for many happy couples in Brisbane.
Run by award-winning chef Ched Mel Alafaci, the workshops on offer are the perfect time to have some fun and get creative with your partner. After getting messy with the ingredients, you can enjoy the spoils of your date and bask in the sense of your combined success.
Let’s Keep Things Cosy Indoors
Not up for a city-wide adventure? Looking to keep things cosy and calm on your next date? Don’t worry, we get it.
Fun date ideas in Brisbane don’t stop at bridge climbs and competitive putt-putt golf. There are so many great indoor date ideas for Brisbane that it’s hard to choose! From the steam room of the Cenote Casa Bathhouse to a local bar offering a sit-down comedy club, there’s a range of activities perfect for even the rainiest day.
We’ve kept things simple and cosy indoors with these choices.
Cheers to Love and to the Love of Wine
Nothing says cosy more than cuddling up as you create wine together. With the guidance of an experienced Winemaker during City Wineries wine blending workshop, you and your partner can take the time to learn all about the art of wine – and even get to taste some delicious concoctions along the way!
One of the more mature rainy day date ideas in Brisbane, this class is sure to brew more than just a delicious blend.
Paint Your Perfect Date Idea Into Being
Grab your favourite bottle of wine and your messiest clothes for this date idea!
Pinot & Picasso prides itself on its Paint and Sip classes and BYO policy. With no artistic abilities required and the guidance of artistic experts, anyone, regardless of experience, can make something beautiful enough to memorialise such a fantastic date. With studios located close to Brisbane city, including South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley, there’s no lack of creative outlets nearby. So release your inner Picasso and treat your date to a drink and a laugh by booking with P&P today!
