When it comes to planning the perfect date, you need a guide to the most romantic things to do in Brisbane. We’re here to help you find all the best spots to smooch with your sweetheart, from beautiful riverside walks to cozy cafés. Read on to discover all the best date ideas in Brisbane.
Central Business District
Many of Brisbane's most exciting things to do are in the Central Business District. Head to the lively heart of the city for a fun date with someone special.
1. City Botanic Gardens
Nothing compares to a romantic stroll with your beloved in the City Botanic Gardens. There are plenty of interesting sights to see, including a sculpture of James Morrill, the sole survivor of a shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef in 1846. The ornamental ponds offer a beautiful spot to enjoy an intimate moment.
Situated along the banks of the Brisbane River, the City Botanic Gardens offer breathtaking views and add an extra touch of coziness to your date. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, you may find yourself swept away by the romance of it all.
South Bank
Make the most of your date with a trip to South Bank. These attractions will cast a romantic spell on you and your sweetheart.
2. Queensland Art Gallery
Stroll through Queensland Art Gallery holding hands as you admire the diverse collection of artworks on display. The gallery focuses on contemporary work from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, including a significant collection of Indigenous Australian art.
Take a break from your gallery exploration to unwind over coffee and treats at the QAG Cafe. Reflect on your favorite artworks in the leafy courtyard as you forge a deeper bond with your date.
You can also opt for Chef Aaron Holt's farm-to-table dining experience. You and your date can share an intimate conversation as you savor a two- or three-course meal complemented by fine Australian wines.
3. Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art is on the same site as the Queensland Art Gallery, so why not make a day of appreciating art with your date? GOMA opened in 2006 and celebrates all forms of modern art with a focus on international cinema. Catch a showing or take a guided tour of the galleries to see the highlights.
Both galleries are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. That gives you plenty of time to explore the collections and share your thoughts with your date. Fascinating artworks by groundbreaking artists, such as Judy Watson, are sure to spark conversation and help you forge a connection.
4. The Wheel of Brisbane
Slowly somersaulting on the banks of the Brisbane River, the Wheel of Brisbane offers an enchanting setting for a romantic escapade. Drink in panoramic views of the city as you catch sight of local landmarks. Ride the wheel at sunset to watch rich colors spread across the sky.
For a date with a difference, book the Cupid’s Gondola Package. You’ll get a private pod with custom decorations and a beverage of your choice to enjoy during a 25- to 30-minute ride. Food is available as an optional extra. If you’ve been considering popping an important question—yes, that question—this is the perfect place to do it.
5. South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands has plenty of picturesque spots for a romantic picnic. River Quay Green offers stunning views of the Brisbane River and is often a little quieter than the family-friendly Picnic Island Green. Another option is to head to the Liana Lounge, where you can sit on a beautiful plant-inspired art piece to enjoy your meal for two.
These parklands are open 365 days a year. The Wheel of Brisbane is located here, and the Queensland Art Gallery is next door. Incorporate all three places into your date to create a perfect day. Why not round off the date of a lifetime with a visit to one of our incredible Brisbane shows?
6. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers - South Bank
Dinner is a classic date idea, but picking the right restaurant is important for setting the mood.
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in South Bank invites couples to savor the simple pleasures of good food and even better company. The team is passionate about gnocchi, enthusiastic about service, and determined to ensure you and your date have a fantastic time!
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is located on Little Stanley Street, close to the South Bank Parklands. There’s no shortage of ways to keep your honey entertained during your potato-fueled date!
Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley offers possibilities for an electrifying date night. Begin your adventure with these Brisbane secrets; play a round of bowling then head to a club to dance the night away.
7. Valley Laneway Markets
You never know what treasures you’ll find at Valley Laneway Markets. Could love be on the table? We can’t say for sure, but the market is certainly the perfect place to get to know your date. Stroll hand in hand through the maze of stalls, discovering handmade crafts, sustainable fashion, delicate jewelry, and more.
Some stallholders offer workshops, teaching their crafts and skills to small groups, while others are happy to chat about their creative process. Be sure to check the website to find out when the next market opens.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Brisbane experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
8. Strike Bowling
Get ready to strike a connection with your date at Strike Bowling in Brisbane City. Embrace the competitive spirit as you challenge each other to a friendly match, or work together to break out of one of the three on-site escape rooms.
Hunt each other down in the laser tag arena, or sing your hearts out in a private karaoke room. However you like to have fun, you can share it with a special someone at Strike.
After you build up an appetite, check out the food options. Pizza, burgers, and shared plates fire up your taste buds and fuel your date to last all evening. It also has a fully equipped cocktail bar offering fruity, spicy, and sophisticated drinks, along with zero-alcohol versions.
9. The Beat Megaclub
Turn up the romance on a date night at The Beat Megaclub. Founded in 1983, this iconic hot spot is open five nights a week. The electrifying atmosphere is perfect for dancing the night away with your sweetheart.
Put on your dancing shoes and groove to the pulsating rhythms. Various styles of music are featured here, from old-school retro, R&B, and hip-hop to big-room EDM and Future House.
If you want your date to last late into the night, this is the perfect place to do it.
Paddington
Paddington is a historic district that offers a myriad of fun date ideas. From delicious food to old-school antique shopping, you'll find a way to connect with your loved one in this part of the city.
10. Sassafras of Paddington
Sassafras of Paddington is a sustainably focused café that exudes charm and sets the stage for a cozy date in Brisbane. It serves breakfast goodies until 2 p.m., so it's a great place for a brunch date. You can drop in for coffee, cake, smoothies, or shakes at any time of day.
Make your date special by opting for the bottomless brunch option at Sassafras, which is available every day. You’ll be served the highlights of the café's regular brunch menu, along with unlimited mimosas. Another romantic option is the high tea, which comes with prosecco and all the tea and coffee you can drink.
11. Cinebar Rosalie Village
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the silver screen at Cinebar Rosalie Village. There’s nothing quite as romantic as cuddling up in comfortable seats as you settle down to watch a movie unfold on the big screen. The venue has stunning sound quality, allowing you both to get caught up in the emotions of the story.
Cinebar Rosalie Village offers restaurant-style meals delivered right to your seat. Enjoy great food, delicious drinks, and a romantic movie with your sweetheart, all in the heart of Paddington.
Do you prefer live-action performances? Why not wow your lover with tickets to one of our Brisbane shows? We’d love to make your second date extra special with our thrilling acrobatics, soul-touching stories, and mesmerizing musical scores.
12. Antique Shopping
If you’re dating someone passionate about antiques, the best Brisbane date idea is a trip to Empire Revival. Previously known as Paddington Antique Centre, this unique retail space is home to numerous old-school antique dealers and local artisans, jewelers, and designers.
It’s a collectors’ paradise and an ideal place to get caught up in nostalgia. We’re sure you’ll have fun browsing for the perfect memento of your special date.
New Farm
Set the stage for a romantic rendezvous in New Farm. We encourage you to explore this part of the city before heading to one of our shows to ensure your date ends on a high note.
13. New Farm Park
As one of Brisbane’s biggest and oldest parks, New Farm Park is ideal for soaking up the city's history. It’s also where you can enjoy connecting with that special someone.
The park has a classic Edwardian design, with sweeping paths to walk along as you hold hands and gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. Admire the mature fig, palm, and coral trees, as well as the elegant rose gardens and the rainforest area behind the library.
New Farm Park is always a peaceful and pleasant place to visit, but it’s even more exciting during the regular events that are held here. Check the calendar for farmers' markets, moonlight cinema nights, and live arts events.
14. Jan Powers Farmers Markets
Jan Powers Farmers Markets showcase local farmers' produce, connecting people with the paddocks and pastures that supply their food. These regular markets take place in Powerhouse, New Farm, Manly, and Mitchelton.
Bring your honey here to sample delicious treats, meet the friendly stallholders, and learn about Queensland's food-producing culture. It’s a chill, fun date idea for both established couples and those still getting to know each other.
15. The Brisbane Riverwalk
Looking for a date idea that’s both active and fun? Say hello to the Brisbane Riverwalk. It’s the ultimate pathway for a romantic stroll or bike ride between two of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods—and it’s got easy access to Brisbane’s beaches.
As you travel between trendy New Farm and the bustling Central Business District, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the Brisbane River to Kangaroo Point. You’ll see the city in a whole new light. And perhaps your date will get a new perspective on you, too.
The Brisbane Riverwalk has survived hard times. The original pathway was washed away during the floods of 2011. In 2014, it reopened with a stronger design built to withstand even the deepest floods. If you want to refresh your relationship, why not lace up your best walking shoes and take a riverside stroll to talk things through?
Endless Romance: Discovering Brisbane's Date Ideas
While Brisbane offers a variety of romantic date night ideas, we believe the ultimate experience awaits you in our theater.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of acrobatic feats, mesmerizing music, and breathtaking artistry that will leave you and your sweetheart spellbound.
Why settle for an ordinary date night when you can take your experience to new heights with one of our shows in Brisbane? With any luck, you and your date will be talking about the show for years to come. Book your tickets now to celebrate love in all its forms.