First dates can be tricky. There’s a lot of pressure to ‘make an impression’ and, despite what people claim, first impressions do count! In modern dating, when you can find someone at the swipe of a finger on dating apps, it’s vital to make your first date stand out from the crowd.
Below are some fun, flirty and unique ideas for the perfect first date! The ideas range in price, locations, and vibe (covering dates for introverts & extroverts), but all equal to the same result – romance and uniqueness that allows your date to stand out from the rest!
OUR TOP PICKS FOR FIRST DATE IDEAS IN BRISBANE
1) CLAY AND SIP & WESLEY TAYLOR ART STUIDOS
A cute and creative first date at Wesley Taylor Art Studios. Though this date will cost a little extra than some of the date ideas listed below, this is the kind of date that someone remembers for a lifetime. This date idea can be a fun and playful way to get to know each other – you can make it flirty as you create your art and even take home the memory you created together by keeping (or gifting each other) your masterpiece that you made on the day.
The best part is, there’s no training required – even people who haven’t ever painted before can partake in this fun and exciting experience. Just book your session, sit down with your date, and drink wine as you create art together. This is a great way to break the ice and have a chuckle together, loosening up over a glass of wine.
This date idea is perfect for the introverted artsy types.
2) DELTA FORCE PAINTBALL
It may seem silly, but nothing screams, ‘remember this’ better than playfully shooting your date with a paintball. This date idea is perfect for a silly, playful themed date that doesn’t involve much “serious talking,” more jokative banter and “the chase.”
It’s not as costly as you’d think – no more than a nice dinner, just make sure to take some water and (if you’re not planning to get food) some light snacks. Your date will be thankful for it!
This date is perfect for adrenaline junkies and movie-goers – if they’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You – they’ll really appreciate the romantic gesture!
3) SCUBA WORLD (SCUBA DIVING)
Deep dive into the world of dating by sweeping your date off their feet and into the world. This date is more on the pricey side, but it’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression, and you can hire all the materials you need for the day.
Fun and safe, explore shipwrecks or even go snorkeling (if that’s preferred). The sea is a romantic and captivating place. This can be a very intimate experience, exploring the ocean together and meeting sea life. Try and take an underwater camera if possible!
Just make sure your date knows how to swim before making any plans!
This date idea is perfect for water signs, anyone who loves swimming/the ocean, and animals.
4) NO MORE KNOTS (COUPLES MASSAGE)
Again, this date is a little more on the pricey side, but first dates can be so stressful – what’s better than starting it off with a relaxing massage? No words needed, just lay in tranquility near your date and feel the tension fade from your skin.
Afterward, you can go for a coffee and start your date completely tension free!
Avoid those first date jitters by relaxing first.
This date idea is perfect for introverts or anyone who works high-pressure jobs.
5) LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY
Show your softer side by taking your date out for a day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I mean, who doesn’t love koalas? They’re cute and cuddly–which can reflect on your inner “soft side,” but the sanctuary offers way more than just koalas.
Get there early to watch the lorikeet feeding, bird shows, show your brave/dangerous side by taking a memorable photo with a snake, and also enjoy the free range feeding.
This date idea is great for animal lovers and tourists.
6) AFTERNOON PICNIC AT BOTANIC GARDENS
Bring on the romance with a cute picnic date in the amazing botanic gardens. Not only is this location rich with history, but it’s beautiful to look at (the perfect setting to drop some cheesy and flirty pick up lines) and memorable, too – the perfect place to set the mood for a romantic day/afternoon. For this date, I would suggest casually working, “what’s your favourite foods?” into the conversation, and surprising them by bringing it along. Paying attention to those small details can earn major bonus points! Just be sure to take a picnic blanket and bring something sweet for dessert. Your date is sure to love it!
Bonus, it’s free!
This date idea is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.
7) NIGHT PICNIC AT SUTTONS BEACH
Love the picnic idea, but your date is only available at night? We have the perfect solution for you! Get some artificial candles (fake candles are better than real ones because the wind may blow them out and mood lighting is key) and set them up around a picnic blanket. Again, you will get bonus points if you know and prepare their favourite food. A date at the beach also leaves open the prospect for a sexy night swim.
Just be sure to place some heavy items around the corners of the picnic blanket, to ensure the picnic blanket doesn’t blow away!
Bonus, it’s free!
This date idea is perfect for beach bodies and water signs (cancer, scorpio and pisces).
8) HIKE THROUGH LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
We all know Brisbane is the place for beaches, but there’s also many great lakes and beautiful park locations, such as Lamington National Park. Venture through the hike paths and trails, getting in touch with nature and wildlife and your inner explorer.
This is a great date idea when you’re nervous – similar to watching a movie in the theater, but more interactive. As you walk and go on a mini adventure with your date, you’ll be able to have conversation starters depending on what you see (e.g., “look at those clouds, it’s shaped like a ____!” or a smooth picking of a flower to give to your date for extra romance). It’s easier to have things to discuss when you’re doing something – it allows you to start conversations based on what you see/experience, rather than being seated across from someone you just met at a café or dinner setting.
You can also camp at Lamington National Park – this gives you the option to set up a romantic camp area, with a telescope and battery-operated fake candles for mood lighting. You don’t need to spend the night, but a late picnic and some stargazing will definitely make you stand out from the crowd!
This is the perfect date for animal lovers, someone “outdoorsy” and active.
9) BUSH WALK THROUGH MOUNT GLORIOUS
If you’re looking for a beautiful view – Mount Glorious is the place to go. Breathtaking and filled with glorious greenery, this date location is perfect to set a romantic day/afternoon. Go for a romantic stroll through the gorgeous setting, get in touch with nature and wildlife while also getting to know your date in a low-pressure setting.
You can take binoculars with you for bird watching.
This date idea is perfect for active earthy signs, nature and wildlife lovers!
10) MINI GOLF AT MT GRAVATT
Get a hole in one by this cute date idea. It’s cute, fun and creative. Whether you’ve golfed before or are a novice, this date idea is a playful way to break the ice and get to know each other in an interactive environment.
You can also make it flirty – if they haven’t golfed before by showing/teaching them how to hold the golf club. Or at an element of competition by placing a playful wager on who wins (e.g., “if I land this shot, coffee is on you afterward!” or “if I land this shot, you need to go out with me again next weekend”) This date idea can show confidence and possibly extend the date or even lead to a follow date if you’re a good shot and play your cards right!
This date idea is perfect for competitive types, Aries or other fire signs, or outdoorsy people.
11) 1UP ARCADE
This is a cute/interactive way to get to know each other, by playing classic arcade games together. It’s a good way to spend time by also not having the pressure of talking too intimately. You can laugh together, focus on the game play, and even throw in some flirty banter.
This date is perfect for any weather and competitive/gamer types.
12) GO TO SEA WORLD MARINE PARK
Perhaps this is a little more on the expensive side, but there is never a dull moment at a theme park! What better way to leave an impression than going on rides with your date? You can watch the dolphins, or other animal shows, get a bite to eat, and also get your hearts pumping together by going on some adrenaline-inducing rides. This is such a playful and fun way to get to know someone, even if you’re splitting the bill. You can get photos together to commemorate your day or even swim with the dolphins if you’re up for the challenge!
For bonus points, try and win them a prize or buy them something from the store to remember your time together – not that a date like this is easily forgotten!
This date idea is perfect for water lovers, adrenaline junkies, animal lovers, and tourists.
13) BRISBANE MUSEUM AND SCIENCE CENTRE
Come rain or shine, this date location is quirky and fun. It’ll make you look smart and sophisticated, especially if you do your research, brush up on your facts, and/or visit the museum prior to the date to get a feel for the location and exhibits.
There’s a café on site, so you can walk around with your date, take in the exhibitions and then sit down and chat – getting to know each other. This date is good for extroverted-introverts. You can start slowly, walking around and focus on the museum, and then sit down face to face and talk over a coffee when you’re both more comfortable.
Just make sure to check the website regularly, as they always have new and exciting exhibitions on and nothing’s worse than an unplanned/uninformed date.
This date idea is perfect for history buffs and science lovers!
14) BIKE RIDING AT MT COOT-THA LOOKOUT
Can you say breathtaking? This location is known to be one of the most beautiful and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brisbane (showing just how great it is). Set at the highest point in Brisbane – blow your date’s mind by taking them on a date to the highest point of Brisbane and overlooking the city.
There is a café on location, so you can get food and drinks, and also bike tracks to follow – which is an opportunity to make your date extra unique and special. Create a romantic setting by following the bike trail, staring over the city (perhaps at sunset) and having a drink and chat at the cafe. Cost-effective and beautiful, it’s sure to le
Good for exploring types, who like to be active & in nature.
15) LITTLE GNOME BOOK & CAFE DATE
Cost effective and romantic, book and café dates are terribly underrated! At Little Gnome you can do both in the one location. This environment can be very relaxing for a book lover – offering many great subjects/topics to discuss as you’re surrounded by worlds of books.
To commemorate your perfect day/afternoon, you could buy your date a book of their choosing or (if you’re a reader yourself) buy a book you think they’ll like. This can create a nice little tradition of book store dates. And if you buy them a book, it’s a cute little gift that they’ll have to remember you and your date forever.
This date idea is perfect for introverts and book lovers.
