19 Date Night Ideas In Brisbane For The Couple Who Wants To Branch Outside Of "Netflix And Chill"
There's only so many mountains you can climb.
1. Munch on a world of flavours at the Eat Street Markets.
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Price: $3 entry, plus any food purchases.
If you're both foodies, then you'll be in your element at The Eat Street Markets, which are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Indulge in vendor cuisine from all over the world and enjoy it with some live entertainment. It's a great spot for a couple photo-op too!
2. Immerse yourself in culture at the Gallery of Modern Art.
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Price: Free.
A quiet, relaxing date is always a good idea — especially if you both love art and modern creation. From intricate pieces, to exhibitions and even a lovely café for a coffee and a bite, this place is sure to keep you occupied for at least for a few hours.
3. Ride the Wheel of Brisbane with a VIP experience.
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Price: $20.90 per person for standard ride, or $140 per couple, for the romance package.
Ferris wheels always scream romance, and this one's no different. Take a ride above the cityscape, on The Wheel of Brisbane — it even has a VIP Sky High Romance Package, that you can enjoy with the company of some wine and a cheese board.
4. Enjoy a sunset paddle on the Brisbane River.
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Price: $90 per person.
The Brisbane River is great for two things — to gaze upon in ~wonder~ and to canoe on. The One Tree Canoe Company offers a sunset paddle tour perfect for an adventurous afternoon out. After a two-hour canoe on the river, relax and unwind with a gourmet picnic and let the sparks fly.
5. Take day-drinking to the next level with this swim-up bar.
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Price: Drinks purchases.
Just in time for summer, The Westin Brisbane has opened the city's first rooftop, swim-up bar. Escape the humidity while completely submerged, cocktail in hand. It sure beats sweating all over each other.
6. Get your hearts racing with a romantic bike ride.
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Price: Free, unless you need to hire a bike.
The city is full of great cycling trails and you can get a lot further in a shorter amount of time than you can hiking a mountain. Some notable mentions include Mt. Cootha Rocks Riverside, West End in South Brisbane and the Gateway Bridge. Cruise through the city with the wind in your hair and your S.O. by your side.
7. Take in the majesty of Queensland from above, with a hot air balloon ride.
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Price: $299 per person.
A bit more pricey than your usual date, but oh so worth it. Soar high over the Scenic Rim of Queensland for sunrise, eyeing out the city from afar. You'll then enjoy a complimentary breakfast with champagne included. Give in, you only live once.
8. Sip down some beers while performing a downward dog.
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Price: $15 per person.
Yes, you heard that right. Beer yoga! Ballistic Beer Co. has infused two of your favourite things and brewed them into one glorious dating opportunity. Ballistic Beer Yoga is offered fortnightly on Thursdays and and guarantees a date that won't soon be forgotten.
9. Netflix and chill at the Yatala Drive-In Theatre.
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Price: $15 per person.
Just south of the city you'll find a good ol' fashioned drive-in theatre for all the movie buffs. Catch the latest flicks while enjoying the great outdoors right from the comfort of your car — or a camp chair. How romantic.
10. Experience chills and thrills with a Haunted Brisbane Tour.
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Price: $45 per person.
If you and your date are horror fans and love a good ghost story, then this spooky date idea will be right up your alley. It's a unique experience to visit some of the most haunted sights in the city and to be told the stories behind the terror by local horror historian, Jack Sim.
11. A City Sounds Gig
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Price: Free.
You heard that correctly — free live gigs! City Sounds runs these musical events in the CBD, offering up everything from jazz and acoustic, to electro and indie acts, for a non-stop outdoor music festival right in the middle of the city. Be sure to check out the online gig guide and you may uncover your next favourite artist.
12. Cry with laughter over a stand-up comedy show.
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Price: $25-$50.
The Sit-Down Comedy Club showcases some of the best stand-up comedians in the country. Some will draw a mild giggle, whereas others will have you cackling uncontrollably in your seat. They do say laughter is the best medicine and it might be the way to break the ice with your date.
13. Bond over your love of animals with a pet-friendly picnic.
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Price: $65, plus wine (optional).
It's date night, but you don't want to leave the furry kid(s) at home by themselves. Not to worry. Go grab a tasty ready-made cheese hamper from The Cheese Pleaser and head on down to Riverside Dog Park for some southside fun by the sunset.
14. Get back to basics with barefoot bowls.
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Price: $10 per person.
Barefoot bowls is no longer just for the 'oldies', especially at Merthyr Bowls Club. Top off a two-hour session with a barbecue by the riverside. Grow old together, barefoot and care-free.
15. Spark intellectual stimulation at the Sciencentre.
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Price: Free.
The museum and Sciencentre is home to exciting and educational kinetic and interactive displays and experiments — sure to satisfy your ~inner nerds~. It's a great place for a date of intellectual conversation on history in the making and the world we live in.
16. Get up close and personal with nature at Lone Pine Sanctuary.
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Price: $37.80 per person.
This is one for the animal lovers, because sometimes the best bonds are shared over furry friends. This sanctuary is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary and is home to an array of native Australian animals such as kangaroos, dingos and platypus too.
17. Catch a game at Suncorp Stadium.
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Price: $15 per person.
Whether you're a sport fanatic or just want to experience the bright lights of a game, Suncorp Stadium will accommodate. They also cater to some of the bigger music acts, so be sure to check out the events guide to plan your date in advance.
18. Create your own pub crawl in Paddington.
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Price: Drinks purchases.
As far as the best pubs in Brisbane go, it doesn't get much better than those dotted along Caxton Street and Latrobe Terrace in Paddington. If you're looking for more of a dance vibe, be sure to stop by Fortitude Valley for a top-notch selection of clubs.
19. And finally, take a day trip to Moreton Island.
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Price: $100 per person.
This gorgeous island just off Brisbane's coast has it all for an adventure-seeking couple's day out. Experience it all, with swimming, snorkelling and sandboarding. Relax for a day in paradise before returning to the hustle and bustle of the city.