Date night: 14 things for couples to do in Brisbane

Romance abounds in the Queensland capital, and we have proof. The River City of Brisbane isn’t just a haven of eating, drinking, and doing, but for couples, of date ideas. When it comes to doing something special with that someone special, Brisbane has your back - here are some of the best things to do for couples in Brisbane.

For the foodies

1. Expand your wine knowledge at City Winery

Queensland’s only urban vineyard can be found on James Street. City Winery is a place to wine and dine, and indulge in one of many immersive experiences. Among these is a tasting and two-course lunch, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process, and taste vino straight from the barrel.

2. Drop by Gin School at Brisbane Distillery

One of the best things for couples to do in Brisbane (if they are a fan of a tipple) is to pay a visit to Australia’s only registered gin school. Open daily, it’s at this drinking destination where you can learn more about ‘mother’s ruin’ and make your own unique spirit.

3. Cook up a storm at The Golden Pig

Newstead’s The Golden Pig is considered one of the best cooking schools in the city. Test out your cheffing skills alongside a significant other with one of the hub’s many tutorials - there’s everything from modern Greek to bao buns. There’s conveniently an adjoining restaurant too post-cook up.

4. Visit a fine diner

Brisbane is overflowing with celebrated fine dining eateries, like the Nordic-inspired Elska. Partake in a special degustation experience, a lengthy two hour meal with matching wines, and a menu which celebrates hyper-seasonal produce.

5. Escape to the Scenic Rim

Make for the wine country of the Scenic Rim for a weekend away. After a day’s exploration of O’Reilly’s, drop by the adjoining vineyard for a bite to eat and a swill of something locally made. Rest your head nearby at Pethers Rainforest Retreat or glamping at Nightfall, one of the best things for couples to do in Brisbane.

For the adventurous

6. Climb the Story Bridge

Among the outdoors-focused things to do for couples in Brisbane, you can pay a visit to one of the city’s icons via the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The journey will see you clamber your way to the top of an 80-metre summit, rewarded with 360 degree views of Brisbane City, and the surrounding river, mountain ranges and islands.

7. Cruise the Brisbane River at sunset

Grab a paddle and meander your way down the Brisbane River alongside your special someone. Riverlife Adventure Centre runs a twilight kayak expedition, the ultimate date night, which will see you cruise your way under city bridges and along Southbank in a 90-minute journey in the early evening light.

8. Paddle around Moreton Bay

Or venture a little further afield into stunning Moreton Bay. You can explore the esteemed islands around here as a part of Redlands Kayak Tours, eco-friendly excursions which wander around the Redlands Coast, visiting Tingalpa Creek, Stradbroke Island and Coochiemudlo Island, on short, half, or full day tours.

9. Visit Minjerribah

Minjerribah or North Stradbroke Island makes for an ideal place to spend some time in the great outdoors. If the surfing, camping or bushwalks don’t appeal the chance to whale watch might - including Yura Tours, which offers a Whale Watching Cultural Picnic experience for two between June and September.

For the romantics

10. Embrace a staycation

Stay nearby with a city staycation at one of the best spots in town. Spend the evening indulging at elegant French brasserie Bisou Bisou before rooftop drinks at your home for the night, the boutique Hotel X in the heart of Fortitude Valley.

11. Catch a show at QPAC

Among the things for couples to do in Brisbane is to call on the illustrious Queensland Performing Arts Centre, host to a rotating calendar of performances from around the globe. You’ll find everything from ballet to musicals are hosted here.

12. Take a hot air balloon ride

Soar over the cityspace with a hot air balloon ride with your loved one. There are a handful of companies who specialise in the airborne expedition - most recommended are Floating Images, Hot Air Brisbane and Balloons over Brisbane.

13. GoBoat picnic boat from Kangaroo Point

Captain your own boat down the iconic Brisbane River aboard GoBoat. One of the best things for couples to do in Brisbane, the electric boats are eco-friendly and welcome you to BYO food and drink to enjoy along the way. The best part? You don’t need a boat license to run them.

14. Stroll the galleries

Art enthusiast? Then one of the best things for couples to do in Brisbane (or your couple, anyway) is to make the most of the growing population of galleries within the city’s borders. QAGOMA is considered the city’s (and the state’s, and even one of the country’s) leading art gallery; or head to repurposed tram station by the river Brisbane Powerhouse, where a large collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions are on display.