Budget-friendly Brisbane date ideas

From first dates to soulmates, budding bromances or solo dates, planning the perfect date night can stump the best of us. But you don't need to break the bank every date night, as we've put together a list of Brisbane's best free and low-cost ideas for date days or nights.

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. There are plenty of places to pause for a drink, meal or share plate along the way. Use the Brisbane app to find the perfect spot for dinner as you stroll.

*Care* (2022) & *At night* (2022), Tori-Jay Mordey

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.

See a movie under the stars

Put a new twist on a classic date option – keep an eye on our upcoming Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs events.

Alternatively, Manly Harbour Village has you covered with their free movies in the park series. Spend the night watching a movie in the spectacular, waterfront Little Bayside Park, Manly. If you're feeling peckish, grab a romantic platter for two from Shucks Oyster Bar and Kitchen or stop in at SeaVibes Manly for dinner as the sun goes down.

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.

If you're looking for a way to flex your plant credentials and knowledge of Brisbane's best restaurants and bars, then the City Botanic Gardens are for you! Make a day of it and explore the gardens, take a river walk, use the Brisbane app to find a place to wine and dine at, and then top off the day by enjoying a concert at Riverstage.

You'll feel like the main character in your very own rom-com if you head to Sherwood and stroll amongst the huge pines at Sherwood Arboretum. With 15 hectares to explore, there's plenty to see and do. Pack a picnic and bring Fido for a dog-friendly day out.

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are widely regarded as Queensland's premier subtropical gardens, making it the perfect date spot for the plant lover in your life. The fun doesn't have to be limited to 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 some of the most stunning in Brisbane, regardless of the time of day.

It's hard to find a place in Brisbane that captures the majesty of the Story Bridge quite like Wilson Outlook Reserve in New Farm. It's the perfect spot for a date night picnic.

Use the Brisbane app to find the best local fish and chips spot before showing your 'bae' the bay with a romantic walk down Shorncliffe Pier.

Cruise through the night

Ahoy there! Grab your first mate and head to West End ferry terminal to board one of the double-decker CityCats for a romantic cruise down the 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.

The art of the heart smart date

If you have a love of adventure, we have some date ideas that 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.

Alternatively, 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 could bask in the shade of the magnificent jacaranda in the tree-lined gully running through the park or relax by a waterhole along York's Hollow.

There are new picnic tables and shelters throughout the park for you to share a picnic or charcuterie board together, as well as barbecue facilities if you'd rather cook up a storm.

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? Nab a picture-perfect memory with your date at some of Brisbane's most iconic backdrops including Mt Coot-tha Lookout, New Farm Park, Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands' Grand Arbor.

Need more inspiration?

Download the Brisbane app for more date day/night inspiration. This pocket-sized guide on your smartphone has plenty of suggestions to get started.