Raise your hand if you can remember the worst date you’ve ever been on. Now, we bet that date idea from hell also happened to feature some variant of the traditional dinner and a show that left you feeling like Netflix and takeaway would have been a much better option than whatever the heck just happened.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. If you really want to win over your beau, it’s time to step up your date game. Luckily, we’re here with the best alternative date ideas in Brisbane/Meanjin that’ll blow your dinner plans straight out of the water. Just think of Urban List like your fairy godmother, but one that knows where they keep the good wine. Date night coming up? Here are the best date ideas Brisbane wide that aren’t dinner and a show.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Brisbane again—get us in your inbox here.
Sail The River In A Picnic Boat
Want to live out that scene from The Notebook? You know, the one where Ryan Gosling is paddling a canoe while gazing romantically into Rachel McAdams’ eyes. Except instead of a canoe, it’s an electric GoBoat puttering down the Brisbane River. Without the hard work of paddling, you and your SO can cruise along with a picnic and some drinks. No boating licence required as these eco-friendly babies go slow and are easy to drive.
Try Your Hand At Darts
If you've got a competitive streak, and aren't afraid to let your date see it, Oche is the place to test your dart throwing skills over G&Ts and delicious bar food. The classic game has had a high tech makeover here, with electronic dartboards that keep score for you to put a stop to any arguements—because we don't want that on date night. Not only is it a heap of fun, but Oche also boasts a menu where everything is designed to be eaten with one hand, so you won't go hungry trying to hit that high score.
Be Big Kids At An Indoor Playground
Forget being grown ups for a night and instead embrace your inner child at Area 51 in Underwood, where on the last Friday of every month, they open their doors after dark for an adults only night. You can hit the jumping castle, rocket around the flying fox, tackle the high ropes course and whizz down huge slides, without having to worry that you're going to run over any small fry. It's pretty popular so bookings are recommended—check it out here.
Get Loved Up At A Candlelight Concert
Image credit: Fever Up Candlelight | Facebook
Add candles to anything and it instantly feels romantic. So it should come as no surprise at all that when you pair hundreds of flickering candles and a live orchestra, something pretty damn magical happens: suddenly the urge to blurt out your first 'I love you' goes waaaayyyy up. Fever is known for throwing the dreamiest Candlelight Concerts in Brisbane, with a string of different musical-themed nights. From Queen to Coldplay, Amy Winehouse to Fleetwood Mac—you're bound to find something that'll make your partner feel super special.
Eat Your Way Through A 7-Course Dego
Ok, this one is a dinner date—but it’s a dinner date with a difference. Instead of just sitting down to your typical entree, main, dessert, you’ll sip and sup your way through seven delectable courses from Milton’s Deer Duck Bistro. The restaurant itself is as unique as the experience, full of cosy corners and antique armchairs, so if you need talking points, the quirky lamps and odd paintings surrounding you are a good place to start. Or just ask for matched wines with each course and really loosen those tongues—you’ll be deep in conversation by dish three at the latest. Book here.
You might also like:
- Brisbane's Most Romantic Getaways
- Brisbane's Most Romantic Restaurants
- Where To Get A Romantic Dinner For Two For Under $50
Book In A Boujee Hotel Staycay
Nothing says romance quite like breaking out of your day-to-day routine. Why not a complete location switch-up with a night away at a hotel with your squeeze? Say hello to a night of luxury, mini bar treats and fluffy oversized robes. For the full boujee influencer experience we’d suggest The Calile on James Street or Crystalbrook Vincent at Howard Smith Wharves, but you can fund a full list of the most luxurious hotels in Brisbane here.
Soak And Steam An Afternoon Away
Image credit: Soak Bathhouse | Facebook
For a date that requires minimal movement, and definitely zero stress, Soak Bathhouse is the place to go. This stunning outdoor bathhouse will have you stripping down and soaking in the warm massaging bubbles of a hydrotherapy spa, taking a refreshing dip in a cold plunge pool, sweating it up in a private infrared sauna and blissing out with a private massage. In between, you can relax in the multiple inviting lounge areas, sipping on herbal tea in the shade or basking in the sunshine.
Go On A Mystery Picnic Hunt
While a park picnic with your partner always hits the spot, why not add a little adventure into the equation? Mystery picnics reimagine a classic date activity. If you both love a bit of puzzle-solving and some healthy teamwork, this experience is for you. You’ll be sent a series of riddles and clues to solve, each of which will send you to a different location around New Farm to pick up a stunning picnic spread of artisanal products. Romantic AND entertaining. Just tailor your picnic to your dietary requirements, and you’re all done. Read more about this prime date idea right here. There's also a Mt Tamborine version if you want to turn it into a full day affair.
Seek Thrills Rock Climbing
We’ve got two words for you: Extreme dating. While it’s already exhilarating taking your crush out on the town, why not up the thrill factor. Rock climbing dates are the perfect way to step up your relationship whilst also getting a good workout in. We can’t think of a better way to bond with your S/O and show you’ve got their back… literally. And great news, you won’t need to hike out to Mount Barney. You can reach new heights right here in Brisbane at one of the city’s many rock climbing gyms. Check out our favourites here.
Get Competitive Over Cocktails
Image credit: Hijinx Hotel | Supplied
Prepare to be puzzled with this multi-level challenge room utopia. The Hijinx Hotel is an immersive experience with 10 different quick play rooms that will test your skills in four minute rounds. Once you're done racing the clock, there'll be loads of Instagrammable moments and immersive experiences to explore in the quirky setting—think Wes Anderson and Willy Wonka combined. You can also head to the bar between games to sip on cocktails like the Bubble & Pop or the Penthouse Party, and order up a range of snacks to refuel once you're done.
Cook Your Way To Their Heart
If you ask us, there’s no better skill in life than that of cooking, which is why Vanilla Zulu is one of our top picks for the perfect date idea in Brisbane. Run by award-winning Ched Mel Alafaci, this place is a one-stop-shop for learning everything there is to know about cooking. Choose from team-building cooking classes, traditional classes, or a six-week chef skills course to really get you in check. With a focus on fresh, fast, and delicious meals, you’ll be raring to get home and test out your newly acquired skills. Book yourself a class here.
Don A Blindfold For Dinner
Calling all culinary daredevils, this new experience at a Brissie favourite will test your limits of trust. Dining in the Dark, hosted by C’est Bon in Woolloongabba is a blindfolded dining experience, with a top secret three course menu crafted by the team. The concept behind this experience is that by eliminating your sense of sight, you will be able to enjoy your meal on a more intense level. The entire night is an interactive experience and with a seafood, vegetarian and meat option, there is a menu available to suit everyone.
Shake Things Up At A Cocktail Class
Image credit: Cobbler | Facebook
Forget dinner and a show—drinks and a masterclass is where it’s at. At Cobbler’s Cocktail Masterclass, you and your date will learn to make four crowd-pleasing cocktails to an award-winning standard. Your top-quality tutorial will be backdropped by the cool moody vibes of Cobbler, West End’s Whiskey heaven. The guys and gals at Cobbler know their way around the bar and can whip you and your date up into master mixologists faster than you can say “can we get another round?”. There are also four delicious cocktails in it for you both—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Double Date With Koalas And Wombats
Nothing beats a classic romantic stroll, watching the sunset with that special someone—except a walk that is accompanied by Australia’s cutest creatures. Take your date on a local adventure to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary after dark, where their enchanting Nocturnal Night Tours offer you the chance to get up close and personal with our native nocturnal wildlife. Of course, you can also visit Lone Pine during the day if you’re not a night owl.
Hit The Trails On A Hike
We love to be wined and dined just as much as the next person, but it's all about balance and living in the sunshine state means we do have to try and enjoy said sunshine as much as possible. The best way to do that? Heading for some of the best hiking spots around Brisbane for your next wholesome weekend date. Whether you’re more a beginner in the hiking department or you’re getting ready to climb to Base Camp, there’s something for every skill level. Check out our full list of hiking spots here.
Paint And Sip A Masterpiece
Image credit: Pinot & Picasso | Instagram
This one is for all you ‘louvrers’ out there. Paint and sip studios are the perfect date destination if you feel dinner and a movie is just a little too predictable. Plus, most of the studios are BYO, if you needed any more convincing. Walk away with a masterpiece that both commemorates your date and spruces up your wall decor. You don’t have to be a proficient painter to join in—artists of all aptitude are welcome to join in, whether you're Pablo Picasso or pre-school Picasso. And with so many studios sprinkled over Brisbane, you and your beau won’t have travel far to unleash your inner creative. Check out our favourite paint and sip studios here.
See Brisbane From New Heights
Explore Brisbane with a completely different perspective when you book this Scenic Helicopter Ride. Glide above the glorious Brisbane River, fly past the Story Bridge and admire the city in all its glory before tracing your way to the Mount Coot-tha area. Your pilot will guide you through the entire flight, pointing out memorable sights and well known areas, making this special experience one to treasure, perfect for a birthday gift or an anniversary experience.
Tackle An Escape Room
Calling all wannabe Sherlock Holmes’, it's time to grab your Watson because we’ve got the activity for you. Brisbane is home to some of the best escape rooms in the country, if you’re brave enough to test your skills. If you’re chasing a horror experience (interesting date night vibes, but we got you), Escape Manor might be for you, but if prefer an end of the world action theme, Fox In The Box has your back. We’ve got a full list of the best escape rooms in town right here.
Tee Off At Putt Putt
Image credit: Holey Moley | Instagram
There's so many great places to play mini golf in Brisbane, but we can’t go past Holey Moley for its crazy putt putt challenges and great vibes, especially for groups. Not only is the course full of quirks and tricky shots (and fully licensed, might we add), but there’s also multiple locations, including one in the heart of the Valley, just a short walk to some great bars and restaurants, so you can keep the good vibes going long after the nine holes are done. Though we have to warn you now, the competition can get pretty intense and cheating is almost always involved.
Get Spooked On A Ghost Tour
Prepare to be scared (and hopefully running into each other's arms) on this Ghost Tour of Queensland’s largest burial site, Toowong Cemetery. Listen to real ghost stories from around Brisbane and explore the haunted grounds, learning about the history that makes this place so spooky—we hear there's been murders, and sightings of moving statues among lots of other creepy encounters. We should add that it only takes place on Friday and Saturday nights, so we hope you’re not afraid of the dark.
Cosy Up With A Picnic Sunset
Whether you’re into glistening city lights, warm sunsets over Jacaranda trees or skies adorned with stars, you’ve got your pick of scenery for a picnic date with Brisbane’s array of lookouts. Grab some drinks, nibbles, and a picnic blanket and set up camp at one of the many mountain and park lookouts found around Brisbane—the perfect option for all those dating on a dime. Between gazing into your lover’s eyes and out over the beautiful landscape, you’ll be in visual heaven. Check out our list of amazing lookouts across Brisbane here.
Frock Up For Dinner And A Show
Image credit: Pink Flamingo | Supplied
The classic dinner and a show date has gotten a spicy makeover, and we’re loving it. Taking inspiration from New York cabaret clubs, Pink Flamingo is here to fill your evening with laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping acrobatics and now, a delicious dinner thanks to their new Dinner & Show Packages. Start the night at one of three scrumptious Portside restaurants, then head to Pink Flamingo’s SUAVÉ, a dazzling show which effortlessly combines the glitz and glamour of Vegas with the artistry of burlesque.
Watch A Movie Under The Stars
There’s nothing quite like laying under the stars. Oh, you thought we meant the stars in the sky? Actually, we mean the ones on the big screen, because Dendy Cinemas has blessed Brisbane with its first ever permanent outdoor cinema and the perfect date destination for all the cinephile couples out there. They’ve got an impressive line-up of movies scheduled to show, so whether you’re into the classics or itching to catch the new releases, you need to head down to New Farm for your next date night.
Put A Ring On It
Looking for a Brisbane date idea that is not only unique but totally romantic? Look no further than Vin Moulds and Sons Make Your Own Ring Workshop. This bespoke workshop invites you to unleash your inner jeweller and transform raw materials into coveted, customised rings for you and your partner (don’t worry commitment phobes, they’re not that kind). You can either join a public class or book your own private session, with just the two of you or a few other friends or couples. Leave with prized pieces of jewellery the pair of you will cherish forever.
Looking for more romantic date night inspiration? Check here:
Image credit: GoBoat | Facebook
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.