Looking for date ideas in Brisbane to dial up the romance, but don’t know where to start? 

The River City is brimming with good food, fun activities, and scenic locales for you to impress your date.

With locations dotted along the Brisbane River, the cultural hub of Fortitude Valley, or in natural areas not far from the CBD… you have many options to choose from. 

But we’ve done the work for you by listing 7 of the best date ideas in and around Brisbane.    

1. Dinner Date at Happy Boy

Treat your date to dinner at one of Brisbane’s most celebrated restaurants, Happy Boy. They’re located on East Street in Fortitude Valley, which is lined with fairy-lit trees at night. 

Happy Boy has been dishing up authentic Chinese cuisine in an uber-cool modern setting since 2014. 

You and your date can grab a seat under the Jacaranda trees, or dine inside in the sleek minimalist indoor dining area. 

And if you feel like a nightcap, take a peek at the extensive wine list next door at Snack Man.

2. Wine Blending Workshop at City Winery

Channel your inner vintner and take a Wine Blending Workshop at City Winery. 

Located in Fortitude Valley, City Winery is an urban micro-winery that sources the best grapes from Aussie-growing regions. 

In their 1.5-hour long class, you’ll learn all about wine tasting and blending, and get to bottle your creation to take home.

If you want to make a day of it, have a look at our Brisbane Artisan Food and Drink tour. 

You’ll take a trip to the best food and drink venues that Brisbane has to offer. And you can select the wine blending workshop as an add-on activity. 

3. Brisbane River Cruise 

A classic date idea in Brisbane is to cruise along the river. And if you’re after an intimate affair rather than a group cruise, GoBoat offers private boat hire.

Their boats are perfectly set up for a romantic picnic on the water with a table and sunshade. You can even bring along your pooch. 

These electric, eco-conscious craft require no boating license as they are a piece of cake to operate. 

All you need to do is BYO your picnic and the romantic vibes. 

4. Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers a natural oasis just 12km from Brisbane CBD.

Experience cuteness overload by cuddling a koala, feeding the kangaroos, and checking out the plethora of animals that call the sanctuary home.

They have an on-site cafe to discuss your favourite furry friends over a coffee. 

And by visiting, you’re contributing to the wonderful conservation work they do for our native critters. 

5. Cooking Class at the Golden Pig

Tucked away in a brick warehouse in Newstead you’ll find the local foodie haven, the Golden Pig.

They’re the experts in serving up pan-Asian delights in Brisbane. And they also run chef-led, hands-on cooking classes on Sundays and Mondays.

You and your date can try your hand at whipping up some top-notch cuisine. And the best part is you get to sample all your hard work with a nice glass of something afterwards.  

6. Sunset Story Bridge Climb 

For a breathtaking Brisbane date idea, book a Story Bridge Twilight Climb. Watch the sun dip and the city lights come alive from the best vantage point in town.

The professional crew will take you and your date up the iconic Brisbane landmark as she starts to light up.

The 80-metre-high climb is sure to give your quads a workout. But well worth it with panoramic views of the city skyline, mountain ranges, and waterways. 

And with the Story Bridge Hotel nearby, you can toast to your successful climb afterwards. 

If you’re looking for more date ideas in Brisbane and beyond, take a look at our half-day and day tours. Take a spin in our air-conditioned van to sample food, drink, and adventure in Brisbane and beyond. 

Image Credit: GoBoat Brisbane via Instagram, Lone Pine Koala via Instagram, The Golden Pig via Instagram & Story Bridge Adventure Climb via Instagram