With its picturesque waterfront settings, breathtaking nature escapes and fast-developing coffee culture, Brisbane is a prime spot for couples planning a romantic getaway. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, getting down one knee, or surprising your other half with a spontaneous date night, read on as we go through 10 romantic things to do in Brisbane.
10 Romantic Date Ideas in Brisbane
- Fancy Date: Nibble On High Tea
- Camping Date: Glamp At Moreton Island
- Foodie Date: Explore Eat Street Markets
- Adventurous Date: Tackle The Story Bridge Climb
- Picnic Date: Wine and Dine at Coot-tha Lookout
- Dinner Date: Dine at South Bank
- Walking Date: Stroll The City Botanical Gardens
- Luxury Date: Dine and Cruise on the Brisbane River
- Bar Hopping Date: Say ‘Cheers’ At Brisbane’s Local Watering-Holes
- Movie Date: Settle In At Yatala Drive-In
Fancy Date: Nibble on High Tea
Brisbane has a handful of gorgeous high tea offerings, catering to any occasion that calls for a slightly fancier affair than usual. From sipping a cup of tea while gazing across waterfront views, to enjoying a few ribbon sandwiches in a beautiful heritage building, sometimes there’s nothing nicer than being pampered.
There are numerous high teas to visit for a fancy date in Brisbane, but some of the best ones include Passionfruit Velvet, Room With Roses, Belle Epoque and Spicers Balfour.
Camping Date: Glamp At Moreton Island
The third-largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island is a great spot for a romantic escape, no matter if you’re seeking an adventurous hike or a picnic on a scenic stretch of golden sands.
For a spot of wildlife watching, Moreton Island is home to dolphins, turtles, dugongs and more. Glamping in luxury safari tents can take your romantic beach escape up a level, and some stays also provide activity equipment for you to use during your stay.
Foodie Date: Explore Eat Street Markets
A staple destination for foodies, Eat Street Markets are held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night along Hamilton Wharf. Inspired by Asian style hawker markets, Eat Street is a melting pot of international cuisines, locally made handicrafts and live music sets.
Make sure you arrive with your appetite in tow and pick up fare at this weekend market, including calamari, dumplings, bao, and South American barbecue. Sweet-tooths can get their sugar fix with doughnuts, gelato, and soft-serve cones.
Adventurous Date: Tackle The Story Bridge Climb
If you’re looking to impress with panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline, book the Story Bridge Climb at twilight. The summit of the bridge is an unsurprisingly popular spot to pop the question, but even if an engagement isn’t on your mind there are still beautiful views to admire.
The perfect date idea for adventurous couples, the bridge is around 74m high. Once you reach the top, you can cast your gaze out over the stunning city backdrop and Brisbane River as the sunsets. Once you make it back down to ground, finish your date in comfort with a romantic dinner or waterfront stroll.
Picnic Date: Wine and Dine at Coot-tha Lookout
One of Brisbane’s most scenic spots, Brisbane’s Coot-tha lookout has long been a favourite picnic perch for couples. Renowned for its sweeping views and often idyllic sunsets, this spot is particularly popular on a warm spring or summer night.
Pack a hamper with a bottle of bubbly, some glasses and all your favourite nibbles, and choose the best spot to settle in and admire the sun as it goes down.
Dinner Date: Dine at Southbank
Visit South Bank: one of Brisbane’s most vibrant dining precincts. With deliciously diverse cuisines served at diners and restaurants, helmed by some of Queensland’s most acclaimed chefs.
Those with a penchant for fine dining should book ahead to experience Signature or Aquitaine Brasserie. Or take your tastebuds on a world tour with Caribbean flavours from Barbossa, Creole-inspired dishes at Bourbon Street, Mucho Mexicano for modern Mexican cuisine, or traditional Japanese at San Kai Japanese.
Walking Date: Stroll The City Botanical Gardens
The riverside City Botanical Gardens are one of Brisbane’s many green spaces. Some of the draws of the Gardens include a Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, and ornamental ponds and sculptures.
Those who want to learn more about the Gardens can download the route map for a self-guided walk. Whenever you want to take a break and marvel at the greenery, there are a number of grassy picnic areas with tables and seats, or you could stretch out your blanket or rug on a patch of lawn.
Luxury Date: Dine and Cruise on the Brisbane River
For dinner with a difference, take your dining to Brisbane River on an evening cruise. These excursions usually last about two hours and may include welcome drinks, canapes, onboard entertainment, and delicious buffet fare. Cruises will take you past a variety of sights, such as the Botanic Gardens, the Wheel of Brisbane, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. This will be a unique date in Brisbane that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Bar Hopping Date: Say ‘Cheers’ At Brisbane’s Local Watering-Holes
Head to the Loft West End for a New York-style village bar with a relaxed vibe and open deck; make your way to Cloudland for a four-level open-air bar and restaurant great for dancing; or admire the spectacular harbour views at the Riverbar & Kitchen.
And your bar-hopping options don’t end there. Other top drinking dens in Brisbane include: The Matriarch, Brooklyn Standard, Savile Row, At Sixes and Sevens, and Mr Percival.
Movie Date: Settle In At Yatala Drive-In
Channel nostalgic romance vibes at the drive-in. With cheap tickets you can buy upon arrival, The Yatala Drive-In is the perfect spot for a romantic date on a budget.
The drive-in is open seven nights a week, with three massive screens and double features. There is also a 1950s style American diner on-site where you can grab a hotdog or burger to make an old-school date idea even more on-theme.
Start planning your romantic escape to Brisbane with the help of Webjet’s cheap flights and great range of accommodation options.
Hero image: Brisbane Local Marketing on Unsplash
