Let sparks fly with 30 first date ideas in Brisbane

1. Heat things up with a cooking class. The Golden Pig in Newstead promises fun while learning a thing or two in the kitchen, and there's classes for everything from authentic Chinese cooking to French, Greek, Thai and Argentinian BBQ.

2. Make an impression and splash out on a degustation - the best way to get to know someone is over many, many courses.

3. Head to City Winery for a blend-your-own-wine workshop, then take your unique creation on a picnic by the river - New Farm Park is a short drive (or scooter ride) away.

4. Bar hop your way around eclectic West End, where you'll find 300+ whiskies at Cobbler, tiki delights at Jungle Bar, and cosy cocktails at The End. 

5. Bring your date - and your appetite - to Eat Street Northshore for a smorgasbord of street food flavours from around the world at this vibrant night market.

6. Kick off your weekend with brunch at one of these local favourite cafes.

7. Get hands on with a gin making class at West End's Brisbane Distillery.

8. Take a behind-the-scenes tour at one of Brisbane's breweries. Traditionalists should beeline to iconic XXX Brewery while Felons at Howard Smith Wharves is ideal for those looking for a meal afterwards. Or, make a day of it on a tour of local craft spots with Hop On Brewery Tours.

For the adventure-seeker

9. Start on a high note and head straight for Riverlife Adventure Centre. Abseil down Kangaroo Point Cliffs together, before you glide along the Brisbane River by kayak - there's a twilight paddle option for those wanting a little more romance.

10. Set sail for Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) where you can spend the day sand-tobogganing, feeding wild dolphins and snorkelling the famed Tangalooma Wrecks.

11. Soak in city views from the ultimate vantage point: Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The two-hour round trip will see you ascend the 80-metre-summit, treated to uninterrupted 360-degree views of the city and neighbouring natural wonders.

For the outdoors enthusiast

12. Pull out your best activewear and hike up Mount Coot-tha, there's 50km of trails to choose from but if you take one to the summit you’ll be gifted a glimpse of stunning views of the Brisbane city skyline and beyond. Dog lovers take note; four-legged friends are welcome.

13. Get out on the water with Redlands Kayak Tours to explore Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

14. Lace up your sneakers for a hike in one of our nearby national parks. D'Aguilar National Park is very accessible from Brisbane, with the cafes and galleries of Samford right nearby for afterward.

15. Bid hello to the giants of the deep with a whale watching tour in nearby Moreton Bay.

For a touch of culture

16. Treat your date to a night out at the theatre at QPAC, there's everything from musicals to opera and ballet - and you're just a short stroll from the bars and eateries of Fish Lane for a pre- or post-show bite: it's home to some of the city's hottest spots. 

17. The artistically inclined will swoon at the sight of QAGOMA’s 17,000-strong art collection. With a duo of galleries to choose from, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art provide something for everyone, with thought-provoking exhibitions alongside a solid permanent collection.

18. If you can't go past the classic dinner and movie, spice it up a bit. Nab tickets to Moonlight Cinema in Roma Street Parklands, go a little vintage at heritage-listed Elizabeth Picture Theatre in the city (it's got a great bar menu), or kick it old school at Yatala Drive In. 

19. There’s little that can’t be seen within the walls of the Brisbane Powerhouse. The New Farm institution harbours an overflowing calendar of comedy, cabaret, exhibitions, and more for a creative-type crush - while Bar Alto is the perfect stop for a pre-show Aperol Spritz by the river. 

20. Time it right and set your date for one of Brisbane's lively events: BIGSOUND, Riverfire and Brisbane Festival are among the best.

For the fun-loving

21. Get a little wild meeting the animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest sanctuary of its kind.

22. Dip your toes into the city's history with a side of spooky on a ghost tour.

23. Indulge in some friendly competition: there's retro arcade games and craft beer at Netherworld, carnival rides and games at Archie Brothers in Toombul (UPSTAIRS has live music Thursday - Sunday), or go for classic putt-putt and cocktails at Holey Moley.

24. Brisbane’s live music scene is something worth shouting about - and you can impress your date with a live gig at one of the city’s many iconic venues, like The Zoo, The Tivoli and Brooklyn Standard.

25. Wander down Brisbane’s many laneways laden with bars, restaurants and boutiques. Try Fish, Winn, and Burnett Lanes to start.

For the hopeless romantic

26. Unfurl a picnic blanket in iconic New Farm Park and spend an afternoon nibbling on cheese and Champagne whilst basking in Brisbane’s famed sunshine - pop by New Farm Deli to pick up goodies on the way.

27. Take things a step further and take your picnic on the water instead of next to it. GoBoat offers eco-friendly electric picnic boat hire from Kangaroo Point - no boating license required.

28. Watch the sunset turn into sparkling city lights from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. A barbecue there comes accompanied with one of the best views of Brisbane’s cityscape - or BYO and grab fish and chips from nearby local favourite, One Fish Two Fish.

29. Combine a scenic drive with wineries, lavender farms and farm stands in the Scenic Rim.

30. Ferris wheels and romance go hand-in-hand: take your love to new heights  with a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane in South Bank.

Looking for more ideas? Plan your romantic getaway with these things to do in Queensland.