Contrary to what some may say, you really don’t need to spend all your hard-earned savings on treating that someone special to a fancy date… especially with everything Brisbane has to offer! However we understand that sometimes it can be hard to come up with an idea with little-to-no time to spare beforehand, but still wanting it to be special. To help you out, we have compiled a list of five relatively cheap date ideas that won’t break the bank and will still keep the romance alive.
Enjoy a movie under the stars
Rather than seeing a regular movie at the cinemas, pack a picnic blanket this summer and take your date to see a movie under the stars at Moonlight Cinema Brisbane. You can even pay for Gold Grass tickets and be treated like royalty as you watch the film and get service right to your Bean Bed! Alternatively, you have the option of watching the movie from the Connoisseur Lounge or to hire a cushion for $5. To see when movies are showing and to book click here.
Please note Moonlight Cinema Brisbane, located at The Amphitheatre in Roma Street Parkland, is cashless.
You can also escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time together at Yatala Drive In movies. Located about 30 minutes outside of Brisbane, Yatala drive in is a great way to spend a date night with that someone special. Don’t forget to pack the outdoor chairs, blankets and pillows for ultimate comfort! To see what movies are being aired and to book click here.
Have a swing at putt putt
Whether you’ve just started dating or have been dating for years, this is some of the best fun you can have on a date in Brisbane. Day or night, putt putt at Victoria Park or Holey Moley is where it’s at. If you’re after putt putt with a view, Victoria Park’s 18-hole course boasts stunning views of Brisbane city which will definitely not disappoint. And if you swing by between 11.30am-3pm on a weekday, you can score a Pizza & Putt Putt special for $29pp! If you’re looking for a true entertainment experience, Holey Moley could be the one for you. You can even enjoy a cocktail or two from their new cocktail menu at Fortitude Valley or grab a bite to eat at The Caddyshack in Wintergarden.
Go on a winery tour and tasting
Believe it or not, for just $25 per person you can take your date on a winery tour and tasting at City Winery – Brisbane’s first urban winery to launch in the city since 1860! The hour-long tour includes a cellar door tasting and a guided walk through the barrel room while learning about the wine making process. Included in the price, you will also be treated to a wine tasting to conclude the tour.
The tours are run at City Winery Brisbane, 11 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley at 11am and 3pm, seven days a week. For more information and to book visit citywinery.com.au/experiences.
Sit back, have a drink and paint a picture
Guided by an artist at Cork and Chroma, you and your date can enjoy a drink while painting on canvas and secretly (or not so secretly) comparing artworks. Regardless, this is a date sure to be filled with laughter and is a must-do date experience for everyone – creative or not! Brisbane’s Cork and Chroma is located on Montague Road and Little Stanley Street. To see available session times and to book visit corkandchroma.com.au.
Some other paint and sip classes worth checking out in Brisbane include Montague Hotel, Brush and Barrel, Paint ‘n Pour, The Paint Bar, Life With Paint and pop-up classes with The Blank Canvas.
Soak up the ambience of a jazz bar
If you’re on the hunt for something that is more laid back and less time-restrictive, checking out Brisbane’s jazz scene is definitely an option. Nothing beats a night out spent sitting in a jazz bar with dimmed lights, chatting over a drink while listening to some live music. Here are some of Brisbane’s fantastic jazz bars where you can do just that:
- Brisbane Jazz Club: performances every Thursday-Sunday. Located at 1 Annie St, Kangaroo Point
- Doo-Bop Bar: Live music (featuring jazz) every Tuesday-Saturday. Located at 101 Edward St, Brisbane City
- JMI Live: live jazz every Thursday night from 8pm. Located at 10 Exhibition St, Bowen Hills
