Brisbane’s best budget-friendly date ideas
Memories are priceless but making them shouldn’t break your budget. Treat your special someone to a night – or day – on the town with our guide to free and cheap ways to plan an unforgettable date. No matter if it’s your first date or your 50th, Brisbane is filled with romantic destinations and experiences guaranteed to fill your heart without emptying your wallet.
A date for the foodie
Teneriffe is home to arguably the best pizza this side of Italy. Beccofino’s prosciutto pizza with added rocket is perfect to share. Across the road at La Macelleria, the endless list of gelato flavours may present a difficult choice but no matter what you choose, expect greatness. Take your gelato – and your date – for a stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk towards The City where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Story Bridge. If you're going to enjoy dinner and a show at South Bank, stop in at Julius and ask for the arancini. They're not on the menu, so your date will definitely be impressed.
Photography date
Work on your photography (or selfie) skills together at some of Brisbane's best photography spots. For an extra dose of romance, take some shots from Wilson's Outlook above Howard Smith Wharves then relax and enjoy the sunset together – it's one of Brisbane's best-kept secrets.
The Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank
Get to know one another over a cheese board
The way to anyone's heart is usually through their stomach and you can learn a lot about a person based on their cheese preferences thanks to this well-researched Buzzfeed quiz. Once you know what you both want out of a cheese board, hit up Brisbane’s markets to compile your dream date platter.
Explore Brisbane’s best vistas
Walk (or drive) up to Mt Coot-Tha or Mt Gravatt to enjoy a magical sunrise or sunset from the lookouts at each summit. Both have cafes at the top so you can linger over a latte as you admire the view.
Adventure sports at Riverlife
Hire a couple of bicycles, rollerblades or e-scooters from Riverlife and experience the meandering Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point to South Bank by rolling along the picturesque Clem Jones Promenade.
Chow down on a food bucket list
Compile a bucket list of Brisbane’s must-sample dishes and work through the menu together – a guaranteed way to score second, third and many more dates! Include some of the city’s more affordable options and bond over your shared love of food. Budget-friendly additions could include a decadent brownie from Dello Mano or a classic cheeseburger from Ben’s Burgers. Need help getting started? Check out Brisbane’s culinary bucket list for inspiration.
Explore New Farm
The Jan Powers Farmers Markets are on every Saturday at the Powerhouse from 6am to noon. Why not take your delicious treats to nearby New Farm Park for a riverside picnic, followed by a visit to the Brisbane Powerhouse to browse the latest free art exhibition?
Plan a romantic riverside picnic
Picnics will always be romantic for the guy or girl who appreciates a no-fuss date. Gather some local cheese and organic salads from Harris Farm Market at West Village and take them down to Orleigh Park in West End. Don’t forget the rug.
Strike it lucky
Harness the power of nostalgia with a game of bowling at Strike Wintergarden. This classic date move all but guarantees a good time. If you’ve been there and done that, give the adrenaline-packed laser tag experience a try. Duck and weave your way around a replica airport, featuring a flight bridge, lounge and control tower.
Drive home your golfing skills (or lack thereof)
Work your way through classic putt putt courses at Brisbane Mini Golf at Hillstone, St Lucia and Victoria Park Put Putt where you’ll be treated to fun in the sun. The series of slopes, hills, curves and bends throw some curve-balls – think bridges, ricochet walls, mountainous rocks and swinging poles, just to keep it interesting.
A second round of golf for a second date
Leave a lasting impression on your date and head to Holey Moley in Fortitude Valley for a nine-hole round of mini-golf. Inject an element of friendly competition into the date and see who takes their place on the Iron Throne.
Scale to new heights
Experience a whole new level of trust with your partner as you clamber your way up a wall at Urban Climb, Rocksports or Crank Indoor Climbing. And best of all, no experience is necessary.
Cheap city eats
Brisbane City has some affordable restaurants that don’t skimp on big flavours. Try Betty's Burgers for your burger fix or Fat Noodle for a warming bowl of beef pho. Head off on foot to explore The City – a stroll through the City Botanic Gardens is a must. Looking for more ideas? We’ve got a whole menu of them for you to try.
Sink it like it’s hot at Fat Louie’s
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bar in The City, Fat Louie’s is dimly lit while inviting you to show your competitive side with a game of pool. If you’ve got a decent set of pipes on you, or are just feeling ultra-brave, give karaoke a blast.
Serious brunching in Paddington
Paddington locals know a good brunch spot when they see it. Simply walk up and down Given and Latrobe Terraces for a plethora of options. Our picks? Middle Eastern-inspired Naim for the shakshuka, Chapter IV for the signature soft shell crab benedict or Sassafras for moreish homemade baked treats.
Serious brunching in general
Expand your appetites and explore Brisbane at the same time with the best brunch spots in Brisbane. Wander down Brisbane’s hidden laneways for a healthy breakfast bowl at Felix for Goodness or visit Brisbane’s leafy west for native flavours at Wild Canary Botanical Bistro.
Dating a film buff?
The awesome folks at Cineplex have kept prices low so you can lock in a casual dinner-and-a-movie date on the cheap. Catch the latest blockbuster flicks at Balmoral, Hawthorne, South Bank or Victoria Point before heading to Grill'd or Betty’s Burgers for a feed and post-film debrief.
See a live show
Brisbane has a renowned and eclectic live music scene. The city is not only a destination on many touring artists’ schedules but is also home to a fantastic variety of local bands and musicians who play regularly. Bars, pubs and dedicated live music venues throughout The City, Fortitude Valley, South Bank, West End and further afield have packed calendars of live music, year-round.
How much pizza and pasta can you eat?
Make weeknights your favourite date nights at Salt Meats Cheese. Its venues have a range of weekly activations and theme nights to satisfy your Italian cravings. From all-you-can-eat Mondays to cheese wheel Wednesdays and weekday lunch specials, your date will be drooling.
Ain’t no mountain high enough
A 16km hike over nine hours at 1351m above sea level? Challenge accepted. Lace-up your most comfortable runners for a day spent climbing some of the most challenging mountains around Brisbane. Looking for something easier? Why not start slowly with a gentle walk up Mt Coot-Tha or Mt Gravatt?
Hit the trails
If the sound of climbing mountains has you weak at the knees (and not in a good way) then try to plan a walk or hike near Brisbane. You’ll be rewarded with some outstanding views and picture-perfect moments.
Keep it cool
The notoriously hot and humid Queensland weather sometimes calls for extreme cooling-off measures. Keep your power bill down and resist pestering your neighbours for a dip in their pool by cooling off at Enoggera Reservoir, Streets Beach at South Bank or one of Brisbane City Council’s network of inner-city and suburban pools.
All-you-can-eat in one street
All of the food, in one handy location. Eat Street Northshore has gone from strength to strength since opening at Hamilton in November 2013. It’s the perfect place to grab a few bites to share while you kick back and listen to the free live music. You’ll no doubt need to schedule a second date to sample all the stalls you missed.
Do go chasing waterfalls
Perfect for when the weather heats up, Brisbane’s waterfalls, lakes and water holes are waiting to be explored. A lakeside picnic is the order of the day or hike through lush rainforests to discover cascading waterfalls.
Find your way to their heart via their stomach
Summer, winter, whatever – Brisbane has the perfect temperature any time of year to tuck into a delicious frozen dessert. Head to one of Brisbane’s many ice cream and gelato vendors and work your way through their rotating flavours. Any excuse for a tub of mango and macadamia ice cream will do.
Be spontaneous
Not sure where to go next? Why not give these day trip ideas a try? You could be beach bums one day and museum nerds the next – the choice is yours.
Get cultured
Art galleries may sometimes seem a little unapproachable but with the right attitude, they can be a great date idea. Catch world-class art exhibitions at QAGOMA followed by lunch at the Queensland Art Gallery Café, GOMA Restaurant or café bistro.
Have car, will travel
Escape to the country where the air is clearer and the grass is greener. We’ve got a map book full of scenic drives for you to take. Nothing tests the strength of a relationship more than a road trip. You’ve been warned.
Explore Brisbane’s laneway gems
Venture off the beaten track and wander through The City’s hidden laneways to discover a wealth of glistening gems. These venues are perfect for a quick bite, drink with friends or a gastronomic delight surrounded by some of Brisbane’s best architecture and street art. Try Brooklyn Standard for a burger and boogie or Felix For Goodness for a smooth coffee.
Head back to nature
Camping trips are the ultimate way to get to know your other half. Roll up the swag, pack the billy and pitch a tent at one of Brisbane’s best camping spots for a weekend away to enjoy nature and each other’s company.
Extra cute and cuddly
Get up close with adorable koalas at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, then head around the corner to the Chung Tian Temple for a walk around the gardens, temple, art gallery and tearoom. If you've seen one too many koalas, try one of Brisbane’s many wildlife parks, zoos and farms where you can even picnic with alpacas!
Take a romantic stroll through an inner-city oasis
Pre-book a couple’s picnic basket at The Gardens Club and enjoy the serenity of the lush City Botanic Gardens. The quaint cottage also houses a café if you want to grab a bite before a walk around the gardens. Every Sunday, you can pick up homemade wares, savour barista-made coffee and peruse artisan stalls at the Riverside Markets at the Gardens.
Get fishy
Feel the salty air in your hair as you stroll hand-in-hand along the Manly foreshore. Pick up some fresh-wrapped fish and chips (and a few cheeky scallops) from Corner House Fish & Chips in Manly.
All aboard the Brisbane River
Pack a picnic and captain a GoBoat for a self-paced scenic cruise along the Brisbane River. Split the hire costs and organise a double – or triple – date with each electric boat capable of holding up to eight passengers. Adventure, ahoy!
Tourist Brisbane
When was the last time you cruised down the river on a CityCat? Disembark at South Bank and go for a dip at Streets Beach – it’s quieter in the evenings. Swing by Happy Pops afterwards for a DIY ice cream pop.
You spin me right round, baby
Ride the Wheel of Brisbane. Just do it.
Game on!
Channel your inner child and the nostalgia of your misspent youth by destroying each other's high scores at Netherworld Arcade on the pinball machines.
Bookworms
Be the cute couple you know you are and buy each other a book from Avid Reader in West End. Get lost in your own little nook in the onsite café.
BYO – bottle at the ready
If payday is a little bit too far off but you're still keen to impress your date, try one of Brisbane's many quality BYO restaurants. We recommend Giardinetto in Fortitude Valley and Caravanserai at West End.
BYO – up your bar food game
Brisbane is home to a fabulous small bar scene that not only allows but actively encourages you to BYO food. Let the talented bar staff take care of your drinks while you lay out a feast or order in your favourite takeaway. Check out The End and Bosc at West End, The Scratch Bar at Milton, Junk Bar at Ashgrove, Can You Keep a Secret at Woolloongabba and Cardigan Bar at Sandgate.
Get crafty at a micro-brewery
Brisbane’s craft beer brewers are among the most progressive and passionate in Australia. Share that passion with your date and find your favourite styles with a tasting flight at some of Brisbane’s best micro-breweries. South of the river, try Catchment Brewing Co, Brisbane Brewing Co and Parched Brewery at West End, Slipstream Brewing at Yeerongpilly or Ballistic Beer Co. at Salisbury. On the northside, try Range Brewing in Fortitude Valley, Green Beacon at Newstead or Aether Brewing at Northgate.
