Planning your first date can be stressful – knowing what to wear, where to go, and how to stand out from the crowd and make an impression. In this day and age, dating can seem like an impossible task and that’s why we have you covered with 15 of our best date ideas to do in the Sunshine Coast – tailored for all budgets, weather, and different types of people…. Whether extrovert or introvert – indoorsy or outdoorsy, we have somewhere great for you!
With great local/fresh seafood and amazing scenery the Sunshine Coast is hands down one of the best locations to plan the best first date!
OUR TOP PICKS FOR FIRST DATE IDEAS IN THE SUNSHINE COAST
1) WATCH THE SUNRISE AT MOOLOOLABA BEACH
As they say, the early bird gets the worm!
Honestly, how many times can you honestly say you’ve been invited to watch a sunrise for a first date? How many times have you heard someone else say it? Simple, cost effective, elegant and RARE – let the beauty of nature do the hard yards for you. Simply meet your date at Mooloolaba Beach, perhaps take something to sit on, and get cozy as you watch the sunrise together and get to know one another.
Bonus – you can go for a swim or grab breakfast together if you’re feeling like extending the date.
Pro: it’s free!
Con: needs to be good weather.
This is the ideal date for beach lovers, early risers, and nature lovers.
2) PICNIC AT NOOSA MAIN BEACH
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner…. A picnic is 10/10 guaranteed for romance. Not many people do picnics nowadays – it’s often easier to just go eat at a restaurant but that’s ‘exactly’ why picnics are such a special experience and Noosa Main beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Sunshine Coast. Also, if it’s late, you can add tea lights (preferably with a fake flame for safety due to possible wind) that way it ‘really’ sets the mood to romance!
Bonus points if you prepare their favourite snacks or meal.
Pro: cost effective and romantic.
Con: it must be good weather!
This is the ideal date for beach lovers, foodies and sea/water/nature lovers.
3) GO FOR A WALK AT NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
There is something so iconic and ageless about getting to know someone during a walk. It’s simple, effortless and doesn’t come across like you’re trying too hard. Simply go for a hike along these beautiful bush trails, take in the sights, and get to know one another. Dates don’t always need to be over the top, sometimes less is more (depending on who you’re dating) – especially with a great location such as this.
Pro: you get a work out, fresh air and can get in touch with nature. There’s also lots of food places nearby in case you or your date want to get something to eat afterward.
Con: better in good weather and can be tiring (can involve a lot of walking).
This date idea is best for laid back/active & outdoorsy types.
4) GO FOR A HIKE AT MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE
Similar to Noosa National Park, this location is beautiful and has many bush trails, but at Mary Caircross you can also get a great view of the mountains. Just make sure to take lots of water with you, as the trail can be deceptively long.
Bonus – if you time it right, you can enjoy a nice sunset together!
Pro: you get a work out, fresh air and can get in touch with nature.
Con: better in good weather and can be tiring (can involve a lot of walking).
This date idea is best for people who like heights, active & outdoorsy types.
5) VISIT AUSTRALIA ZOO
Many people take the zoo for granted, not realizing what a special and unique experience it can be going to the zoo for a first date – especially Australia Zoo (with all its history, fame, and acres of land for the animals to freely roam) it’s such a magical experience! Get there early, watch the shows and events together, and take lots of photos. It’s guaranteed to break the ice and give you both a lot of things to discuss.
Pro: it’s guaranteed to be a fun day out!
Con: can be busy & costly (depending on if you pre-pack food and drinks to take or not).
This date is ideal for tourists, nature lovers, zoo enthusiasts, and animals lovers.
6) VISIT SEA LIFE
Much like Australia Zoo, Sea Life at the Sunshine Coast is a magical experience – with all the beautiful underwater creatures and coral reefs to look at, there’s lots of things to talk about and see. There’s also a café onsite, meaning you and your date can sit down, grab something to eat and/or have a drink and chat.
Bonus – it’s good for any weather!
Pro: when you’re doing an activity such as this, it’s easy to make conversation.
Con: can be busy – sometimes lots of kids.
This date is ideal for tourists, sea & animals lovers.
7) GO SKATING AT ROLLER DOME
Make your move at Roller Dome – a great place to spark up conversation, make fun memories, and get playful with your date. They also have special event nights for adults which can help turn up the romance.
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: it’s playful and romantic.
Con: can be busy, particularly on weekends.
This date is perfect for active types.
8) DO AN ESCAPE ROOM TOGETHER
Not only is this a fun and exciting date idea, but it helps show you both (nice and early) how you work together in problem solving and as a team.
Bonus – it’s good for all kinds of weather.
Pro: it’s not too costly.
Con: you could end up stuck in a room the entire time (though maybe that isn’t such a bad thing!)
This date is best for people who enjoy competition & activities.
9) BARBECUE AT KONDALILLA NATIONAL PARK
What’s more traditionally Australian than having a good old barbecue? At Kondalilla Park they have picnic tables and a barbecue area ready, so why not take some snags and fresh rolls and have a sausage sizzle with your date? It’s a low-pressure date, which is sometimes the best kind. After eating, you can go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors together. Kondalilla National Park is said to be one of the most beautiful parks in the Sunshine Coast – let nature do the romance for you!
Pro: it’s a beautiful location and a simple date idea – also if you’re good at barbecuing you could make an awesome meal and impress your date with your cooking skills.
Con: it must be good weather!
This date idea is best for laid back, outdoorsy types.
10) HIKE AT TUCHEKOI NATIONAL PARK
This is a great way to bond – climbing a mountain together! Plus, if you can make it to the top, this view is AMAZING! Whether it’s sunrise, sunset or the middle of the day – this view is guaranteed to make your date’s mouth drop. Definitely recommend taking food, snacks and lots of drinks, though!
This location is also good for taking photographs together.
Pro: it’s not only a beautiful location, but also a good work out!
Con: can be very tiring – the trail is steep.
This date idea is best for active types and nature lovers.
11) VISIT MAPLETON OBSERVATORY
Often when people think of romance, they think of the night sky and that’s why this location is the perfect way to ‘set the mood’ for a romantic evening. Gaze at the night sky together, taking in the beauty of the universe.
This location can also set you up for some great star/moon pick up lines! Perhaps cheesy, but also a great way to make your date laugh.
Pro: it’s guaranteed romance!
Con: must be a clear night to get a good view.
This date idea is best for space lovers, science types, and knowledge seekers.
12) RELAX AND FLOAT TOGETHER
Different and quirky, this date idea is perhaps a bit of a bizarre suggestion, but that’s exactly why it’s unique and will make you stand out from the crowd. Simply book an appointment and go with your date into the relaxation of the float space. Perhaps it’s a strange first date idea, but that’s exactly why you should do it. How many people have had a first date like this?
Afterward, you can go get something to eat together or simply grab a coffee and talk about your experience (a good conversation starter and ice breaker).
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: It’s relaxing.
Con: you’ll be separated a lot and not really talking. Think of this as the gateway before the date – the way to break the ice and start your date on a quirky/relaxed note. A pre-date appetizer, if you will).
This date is best for introverts and spiritual types.
13) VISIT THE RELAXING SALT CAVES
With many great packages available, the Salt Caves is a great place to relax and unwind after a stressful week. Perhaps you could grab a coffee beforehand or after, but even if you just go for the massage – it’s a “two birds one stone” kind of deal. You both get to relax, avoiding the pressure and added stress of a first date, while also getting to meet and spend some quality time together. Even if it’s just for a standard neck and shoulder massage, the Salt Caves is guaranteed to help you both unwind.
Bonus – even if you decide you don’t want to go on a second date, you leave refreshed and relaxed, and your date will remember you and your time together as relaxing.
Double bonus – good for all types of weather!
Pro: a massage is also good for your health.
Con: can be expensive.
This date is best for people working high pressure jobs.
14) TAKE A COOKING CLASS AT LIFE’S A FEAST
Sure, you could always just go to a restaurant, but typically the key to a best first date is in the experience. Anyone can book a reservation at a restaurant, but not everyone has the patience to learn to cook themselves. This can be a fun, playful and quirky way to get to know each other.
Bonus – good for all types of weather.
Pros: you’ll also learn how to cook some good meals.
Cons: classes can book out, so make sure you book well in advance.
This date idea is perfect for foodies and Taurus star signs.
15) SCUBA DIVING AT MOOLOOLABA CORAL REEF
What’s more beautiful and romantic than the majestic coral reef up in the Sunshine Coast? With the beautiful ocean setting the mood, the fish, and gorgeous scenery – it’s a date unlike any other!
Note: you need to have experience diving from a boat to qualify for this. If you don’t have experience, you and your date could take scuba diving classes together – it’s something fun and educational. Plus, it pretty much guarantees a second date if you’re signing up for classes together. Then, when you’ve had some training, you can go diving together – it will be super romantic and memorable!
Pro: it’s such a memorable experience.
Con: can be pricey if you don’t have the equipment. Must be good weather.
This date idea is best for strong swimmers, introverts, active types & ocean/water lovers.
