There’s so much to worry about and stress over when planning your first date with someone, but we have you covered!
Get ready to shake those first date jitters by checking out 15 of the BEST first date ideas in Hobart – for all different types of people and weather, ranging in price (from cost effective to pricey) and ready for various levels of romance – whatever you’re looking for, we are guaranteed to have something special planned for you and your date.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR FIRST DATE IDEAS IN HOBART
1) WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SUMMIT OF KUNANYI AT MOUNT WELLINGTON
Beautiful and romantic – this location was voted one of the most beautiful places in all of Tasmania. It has AMAZING views and a cafe available, along with a BBQ area in case you want to grab a bite to eat during your date.
This location is also good for taking photographs together.
A romantic gift idea: you could also later print the photo for an anniversary/present if you both decide to continue dating.
Pro: it’s free and has a breath-taking view – guaranteed to set the mood and give you and your date lots to talk about and bond over.
Con: it’s a long walk, can be tiring, and is preferable in good weather…
This is the ideal date for outdoorsy types, nature lovers, and people who are fond of heights.
2) PICNIC AT BRUNY ISLAND
What’s better than a mini island getaway for your first date? You can get a picnic blanket, along with some tealights (preferably lit with batteries to avoid fire hazards), and a bottle of wine and their favourite foods/snack foods and prepare a nice, romantic and unforgettable first date. It’s even better if you go around the afternoon to watch the sunset over the water.
Note: this date idea is more like a “day trip.”
This location is also good for taking photographs together.
Pro: it’s very clean and private.
Con: it is preferable in good weather…
This is the ideal date for nature/water lovers, quiet types, and introverts.
3) TAKE A WALK AT ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS
Picturesque and beautiful, this location is guaranteed to set the mood to romance. As you walk around the beautiful botanical gardens, you’ll have lots to talk about – bonding over the beautiful mood-setting scenery. You could have a picnic there, too! Bonus points if you prepare their favourite food/snacks.
This location is also good for taking photographs together with all the beautiful plants/flowers.
Pro: gorgeous location with a serene/calm vibe.
Con: can involve a lot of walking and get tiring.
This date idea is best for a laid back date type, nature lovers, and plant/garden enthusiasts.
4) VISIT PORT ARTHUR
This historical site is a great place to have a coffee, walk around, and get to know each other. The environment is quiet/serene and the place itself is lovely to look at – especially if you’re into architecture and history. It’s not your typical ‘dinner and a movie’ date which is why it’s the perfect way to go to suggest something outside the box that makes you stand out from the rest.
Better in good weather, but a flexible location if it starts to rain.
Pro: The website is really informative for planning your visit, with lots of information handy, and it’s not too pricey. Also, the tours there are interesting (they also have ghost tours if you’re looking for a late night date).
Con: pre-bookings are essential.
This date idea is best for history buffs, architecture lovers, tourists and explorers.
5) VISIT TASMANIAN MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Two in one. This location is perfect because it’s versatile. If you don’t like the museum, go to the art gallery and vice versa. Either way, you have a lot to see and do. Also there’s a nice little café inside giving you and your date a cozy spot to get to know each other and talk about the exhibits.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: you can talk about what you see – or use it as conversation starters.
Con: if you don’t know much about art or history, it may be hard to keep conversations going – unless you make some jokes or are eager/keen to learn. Either way, you’d impress your date by stepping out of your comfort zone!
This date is ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and creative types.
6) VISIT THE MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART
Fun and quirky, this location has a lot to offer! With a ton of different shows and exhibitions, there’s lots to choose from. You can even get accommodation here. Just be sure to check the website prior to planning your visit, as what they have on regularly changes.
Also, there’s food and drinks available on site, so after walking around and looking at the art, you and your date can sit down and get to know each other.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: not too pricey.
Con: can be busy on weekends or holidays.
This date is ideal for introverts, art lovers, and creative types.
7) VISIT MARITIME MUSEUM OF TASMANIA
This location is rich with history, giving you and your date lots to discuss and talk about as you walk around and check out the museum. They have different things on (so be sure to check the website prior to planning your visit) and have tours available.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: not too pricey.
Con: can involve a lot of walking/be tiring.
This date idea is best for tourists, history buffs and knowledge seekers.
8) VISIT MAWSON’S HUTS REPLICA MUSEUM
This award winning location may not seem like much at first, but it’s like travelling back in time – which is really cool. There’s so much here to see and discuss, and it’s situated in the heart of Hobart, meaning that there’s lots to do nearby if you’re wanting to extend the date longer. E.g., after looking at the museum you and your date could go find somewhere to get an ice cream or coffee.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: trendy location (not too pricey).
Con: a small location.
This date is perfect for a casual/low maintenance date, tourists and history buffs.
9) GO TO THE ZOO
Show your softer side by taking your date to the zoo.
With lots of animals and shows to watch, there won’t be a dull moment or a loss of things to discuss – the animals will help provide you with conversation starters, lowering the odds for awkward pauses.
Plus, the food here is nice (if you decide to get lunch).
Pro: you can make a day of it.
Con: better in decent weather and can be busy & involve lots of walking.
This date is best for longer dates, tourists & animal lovers.
10) GO BOWLING
Don’t strike out! Take your date to this epic bowling alley and bust a move! Back in the day, bowling was all the rage with date-locations, and with Zone Bowling we definitely see why! It’s a great way to bond and get to know each other. You could even make a game out of this competitive sport – asking each other questions as you take your shot (e.g., “if I make this shot then you need to tell me your deepest secret and vice versa).
There’s also food and drinks available.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: good way to show teamwork and build up healthy competition and/or playful banter.
Con: can get loud/busy, particularly on weekends.
This date idea is best for activity lovers or competitive star signs (Aries, Leo and Scorpio).
11) GO MINI GOLFING
Get your groove on by going mini golfing with your date. This obstacle course won’t only give you both something to do and talk about, but also, it will let you know right off the bat how compatible you are – which is important. Much like above with bowling, you could even make a game out of this competitive sport – asking each other questions as you take your shot (e.g., “if I make this shot then you need to tell me your deepest secret and vice versa).
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: fun and conversation-provoking.
Con: games can take a while if you’re a bad shot.
This date idea is best for activity lovers or competitive star signs (Aries, Leo and Scorpio).
12) EAT A DELICIOUS MEAL AT URBAN GREEK
Sometimes, the classics are better…
At this tasty restaurant, you can relax, sit down and get to know each other. This location is aesthetically pleasing, with good food (and lots to choose from) and it’s a nice location/setting for taking photos too.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: simple and elegant. Also this restaurant has a TON of positive reviews.
Con: can be costly (depending on what you order).
This date idea is best for foodies or Taurus star signs.
13) GET A MASSAGE TOGETHER
Maybe this is an unusual date idea, but that’s exactly why you should suggest it! With the stressors of modern society, what better way to leave a good impression than to unwind and get a couple’s massage together?
Even better than the health benefits of reduced stress and blood flow through your muscles, psychologically your date will relate their time with you as ‘relaxing,’ which is a great first impression.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pro: there’s a lot of health benefits with getting massages.
Con: won’t give you much room for talking.
This date is best for people working high pressure jobs.
14) GO KARTING
Race to their heart! Go Karting is a fun and savvy way to bond with someone, going around the track together, and laughing/bonding about the experience after. At Hyperdrive there’s good 80s music, with a cafe so you can your date can sit down and chat before or after racing together. Whether you go there to race or race and eat afterward, it’s guaranteed to be a good experience.
Bonus – good for any type of weather!
Pros: it’s a cute and cost effective first date.
Cons: this location does get busy and might be loud, but that just means you need to speak/lean closer to each other’s ears.
This date idea is best for adrenaline junkies & car lovers.
15) GO HOT AIR BALLOONING TOGETHER
So you met the one and you really want to make an impression? Well, you know what they say – go big or go home. At Hot Air Balloon Tasmania, you can be on top of the world with your date, giving them a date they’ll never forget! This is the kind of date that people go back to their friends and tell them about – seeing the beauty of Hobart from above, especially if you go during morning or afternoon, will be such a memorable experience.
This date idea will sweep your date off their feet. Literally.
Just make sure you check the flight information prior about what to wear. They do warn that depending on the weather you might get dirty/muddy – which is important to take note of, but even then, you can make it playful and fun.
Pro: beautiful views – romance is guaranteed.
Con: is a little pricey, better in good weather.
This date idea is best for people who love heights, exploring, and unusual first dates.
