Before you book that same restaurant for this year’s Valentine’s Day dinner, stop. Step away from the keypad. What if we told you there’s more to Valentine’s Day than eating out? What if we told you there are all sorts of cool events across our lovely city that don’t include shovelling pasta in your mouth by candlelight?
If you’re sick of bubbles and restaurants and chocolate, then read on. ‘Cause here are 10 date ideas to do around Perth this Valentine’s Day that aren’t dinner and drinks. In the immortal words of Drake: thank me later.
Get Racy At PowerPlay Perth
Unleash your competitive side this Valentine’s Day with PowerPlay Perth’s Date Night Package for two. The state-of-the-art electric Sodi karts are imported from France (how romantic), and you’ll be able to race them around the super cool two-level track twice each as part of the package—which also includes two racing balaclavas and $10 worth of arcade tokens for you to keep the friendly rivalry going all night.
Check Out An Acoustic Gig At Perth Zoo
This Valentine’s Day weekend, Perth Zoo is hosting Zoocoustics and putting on two dreamy acoustic gigs set to a romantic backdrop of lush, roaring gardens. Jordy Maxwell, Lyndell Harbeck and Nick Cunningham will be taking the stage on the Saturday, and on Sunday, Perth local Riley Pearce will be sending hearts aflutter. All that’s left for you to do is grab a ticket here and get ready to feast on gourmet eats from the epic lineup of food trucks.
Splash Out On A Couples Submersion Spa Package
We’ve already sung the praises of the Ritz-Carlton spa and now’s your chance to experience it for yourself with this Valentine’s Day pamper package. The Couples Submersion includes a luxurious 120-minute treatment with bespoke facial, full body signature massage and scrub, followed by a bath submersion in a private, secluded spa suite, all individually tailored to create the ultimate indulgence for you and your bae. Book this blissful adventure here.
Do A Beginners Tarot Card Reading
House of Hobby hosts some of Perth’s best workshops to get your creative juices flowing, and this special Valentine’s Day Tarot Card Reading Workshop is no exception. Bring your lover along and get ready to learn everything you need to know about the mystical art of Tarot. At the end of this three-hour workshop, you’ll leave all the wiser, with your very own Tarot deck and booklet. Even better? Throughout the night you’ll be able to sip on bubbles, wine and mimosas while snacking on a gourmet grazing platter.
Check Out The Swan Valley
While drinking wine might not sound like an 'activity' date, we reckon it counts if you head to the Swan Valley and make a day of it. If no one is willing to be designated driver, jump on the train with your bikes and check out the Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail. There are three routes ranging from four to 32 kilometres and you can go as quick or as slow as you like, but be sure to stop and enjoy some wine and local produce along the way. While you're out there, you should definitely check out 10 of our favourite Swan Valley Wineries.
Go For A Hike And A Swim
For those that have half a day and don’t mind going on a little mission, Serpentine Falls is less than an hour east of Perth and a pretty beautiful way to spend Valentine’s day. Bring some snacks and a pair of runners and hike one of the three trails—we recommend the Kitty Gorge Walk as it only takes a few hours to do the return trip. And hot tip, make sure you pack your bathers cos you’ll want to dive head-first into the falls after working up a sweat on the trail.
Head To Rottnest
If you really want to impress the pants off your date, head straight to Rottnest. Hire a couple of bikes (or take your own) and ride around the island, making sure you tick off this list of eleven awesome things to do while you’re there. When you've had enough riding and swimming, head to the pub and grab a drink and a feed before jumping on the ferry to come home.
Mix Up Your Mini Golf
It looks like regular mini-golf just won’t cut in 2021, with Glowing Rooms' out-of-this-world mini-golf course, designed by two German artists using glow in the dark paint and 3D special effects. Pro or novice, you’re sure to have a killer time here with hidden courses, and spectacularly themed rooms that will have you putting in space, under the sea, next to superheroes and even in Australian landscapes.
Hit The Ice And Cosy Up
It may be hot outside, but inside Perth's ice skating arenas it's nice and frosty, which just happens to be the perfect temperature for cuddling. So why not head to the Sunday social session (you know, the ones with the disco lights and DJ) and hit the ice with your squeeze. If it all gets too much you can always grab some hot chocolates and cosy up on the sidelines. As to which rink to hit, we suggest you head to Cockburn Ice Arena—there's a rinkside bar attached so you can enjoy a well-earned post-skate beverage.
Indulge In A Boujee Staycay
With a quick trip to Bali off the cards, there’s never been a better time to become a tourist in your own city with a staycay in some of Perth’s best hotels. From boutique beauties such as Quay Perth, the heritage charm, and sophistication of the COMO The Treasury or the uber-trendy Alex Hotel, there’s no denying Perth has an irresistible selection on offer.
Prefer to stick to dinner and drinks? We got you. Here's where to find all Perth's most romantic Valentine's Day dinners.
Image credit: Glowing Rooms