No matter your status, planning a date can be fraught. What message are you trying to send? Do you go full romance or take it easy-breezy casual? Who is paying (hint: it’s both, of course!)? We don’t have all the answers, but we can help in the ‘what to do on your date’ department.

Take the stress out of planning for your paramour or new with these simple (yet incredibly fun!) South Bank date ideas.

Picnic with a view

Did you know that South Bank’s stunning River Quay is licensed between 10am and 8pm daily? Head along with a picnic blanket, a cheese platter and a bottle of wine for a casual but classy date with wow factor. Score bonus points if you head along on a Sunday to hear local artists play as part of Sunday Social on the Green.

Dine progressively

Add a quirky twist to your dinner date and make it a progressive experience through a few different eateries. We suggest you start with drinks at The Sangria Bar, Barbossa, Soleil Bar; then venture to Vici, Popolo, OTTO or San Kai for a main; followed by dessert at Max Brenner or Ben & Jerry's. If you want an aesthetic snack to share, why not try Nodo for a pretty pop of gluten-free donut. Explore your dining options with our eat and drink page.

Walk, talk and treat

There are plenty of scenic walks at South Bank – our pick is the riverfront Clem Jones Promenade. Add in some good conversation, the cool street and public art around the precinct, a spot of people-watching and an ice-cream from Cold Rock, Gelare or New Zealand Natural, and you have a slam dunk of a date.

Catch a flick

It’s an oldie but a goodie: cuddle up during a movie at the South Bank Cineplex. Tickets are among the cheapest in town, and it’s also the perfect excuse to indulge in a bucket of hot, buttery popcorn and a choc-top.

Wander the markets

South Bank is home to ever-popular The Collective Markets, held Friday evenings through to Sunday evening. Night or day, a casual stroll through the markets with your date makes for a great activity whether it’s first or a fiftieth date. Explore cool clothes, handcrafted jewellery, and all manner of trinkets and homewares. Keep an eye on the event calendar too as there are a couple of seasonal markets that pop-up during the year.

Flex your creative muscles

Does culture, creativity and deep conversations about art, science and world history make you swoon? The Cultural Precinct and take in an exhibition at QAGOMA or the Queensland Museum. Not only will it give you something interesting to talk about, you’ll have fun and get to see a different side of your lover.

Paint a picture while you sip

Want to really put your date to the creative test? A session at Cork and Chroma (on Little Stanley Street and on Montague Street, South Brisbane) is a novel way to break the ice with a new date, or an excellent bonding opportunity with your life partner. Not only will you learn something about your lover’s personality, you’ll get to walk away with a cool new artwork – even if the date is a bust.

Grab a coffee

Is that a romance-induced heart flutter or just too much caffeine? You may never know on a coffee date at South Bank. Particularly good for first date plans – casual, quick and easy to bail on – a coffee or hot drink of some kind should not be overlooked. There’s a plethora of places to pick from – our top choices are Denim Co, Poppies and Lost Bean – but if you’re looking for a spark of inspiration, head to our cafés page.

Enjoy cocktail hour

We’re firm believers that you can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned drink and some nibbles – just some of the South Bank bars we recommend include Soleil Pool Bar, Olé, The Margarita Bar, OTTO and Southbank Beer Garden. Emporium’s rooftop bar obviously has swanky vibes and wow-factor if you’re really looking to impress.