Budget-friendly date ideas in Brisbane
Discover the best places and activities for an unforgettable date in Brisbane. Whether it’s day or night and whatever your budget, we have a round-up of free and low-cost date ideas.
From first dates to soulmates, budding bromances or solo dates, planning the perfect date night on a budget can stump the best of us. If you're wondering where to go for date night in Brisbane, the good news is you don't have to spend much money. Whether it's Valentine's Day or any day, we have a list of the best free and low-cost date night ideas in Brisbane.
Take in Brisbane's best public art displays
Does your special someone have a love of art? Take a stroll through the city and explore some of the best public art on offer.
The Paddington Terraces Kooka! Trail , featuring 16 cement kookaburra artworks, is as captivating during the day as it is at night. Impress your date by sharing the unique story behind each one.
Plenty of places to pause for a drink, meal, or share plate exist along the way. Use the Brisbane app to find the perfect spot for dinner as you stroll.
If cool kookaburras aren't your thing, take a stroll along one of the city's public art trails. The trails have something for everyone, from riverfront installations to historical and heritage trails.
Watch a movie under the stars
You might think of the cinema as an ordinary date night. What if you put a new twist on this classic date option with Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs events?
As another option, Manly Harbour Village has a free movies in the park series. Spend the night watching a movie in the spectacular, waterfront Little Bayside Park, Manly. If you're feeling hungry, get a romantic platter for two at Shucks Oyster Bar and Kitchen.
Blossoming love
A guided walk through some of Brisbane's most eye-catching gardens is a perfect way to spend a day with your date.
To show off your knowledge of plants and the best restaurants and bars in Brisbane, visit the City Botanic Gardens! Why not spend the whole day exploring, including a walk by the river. Use the Brisbane app to find a nice place to eat and drink. End your day by enjoying a concert at Riverstage.
You will feel like the star of your own romantic comedy at Sherwood Arboretum. Imagine strolling among the tall pines with your date. With 15 hectares to explore, there's plenty to see and do. Pack a picnic and bring Fido for a dog-friendly day out.
Many people consider the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha to be Queensland's best subtropical gardens. This makes the gardens a great date spot for plant lovers. You can enjoy the fun beyond botanical wonders! Visit the Richard Randall Art Studio and/or Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium as well.
Views worth sharing
Speaking of Mt Coot-tha, the views from Mt Coot-tha Lookout are unbeatable. This is true no matter what time of day it is. A trip to the lookout is one of the best free date ideas in Brisbane, night or day.
Looking for the perfect spot for a date night picnic? You won't find a place in Brisbane that captures the majesty of the Story Bridge quite like Wilson Outlook Reserve in New Farm.
Use the Brisbane app to find the best local fish and chips place. Then, show your 'bae' the bay, on a romantic walk down Shorncliffe Pier.
Cruise through the night
Ahoy there! You and your first mate can board a double-decker CityCat at West End ferry terminal for a romantic cruise down Brisbane river.
Take in the sparkling lights of the city as you cruise towards dinner in New Farm. Opt for a coffee and a bite to eat at Blue Bear Coffeehouse or go for dinner at Chai Thai, New Farm. After dinner, it's anchors aweigh as you set sail for dessert at Eat Street Northshore.
Heart smart dates
If you love adventure, we have fun date ideas for you. These activities will keep your heart healthy and give you and your date a rush of endorphins.
Take a hike through the Toohey Forest Park in Nathan or Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve. Finish your hike with a picnic at the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve picnic area.
Slow things down with a scenic leisurely ride through the city or suburbs with the Brisbane app as your own personal tour guide.
Picnic perfection
Looking for a more laid-back date? Victoria Park has plenty of perfect locations to lay a picnic blanket and relax.
You can enjoy the shade of the beautiful jacaranda in the park's tree-lined gully. You can also relax by a waterhole in York's Hollow.
The park has new picnic tables and shelters for you to enjoy a picnic or charcuterie board. Barbecue facilities are also available if you prefer to cook.
Don't forget to hike the hills dotted across the park for sweeping city views and to take in the sunset from the Spring Hill side of the park.
Perfect spots for photos
Ready to share your love on social media? Capture a picture-perfect memory with your date at some of Brisbane's most iconic backdrops. Visit Mt Coot-tha Lookout, New Farm Park, Roma Street Parkland, and the Grand Arbor at South Bank Parklands.
Need more inspiration?
Download the Brisbane app for more date day/night inspiration for the best places to go on a date. This pocket-sized guide on your smartphone offers plenty of suggestions to help get you started finding cheap date ideas in Brisbane.