Skip dinner and a movie – here are Brisbane’s best date night ideas
Date nights should be something you look forward to, not a chore to plan. If dinner and a movie just isn’t cutting it anymore, then it’s time to branch out and try some of our city’s best pastimes. We’ve searched Brisbane high and low for the best rendezvous alternatives, and take it from us, they’re just the thing if you’re looking for a date night shake-up.
Nestle in for some intimate listening at a moody vinyl bar
Enter the doors at Stan’s Lounge and step into old-world Hong Kong. The dark and moody parlour at Howard Smith Wharves has everything you need for the perfect date night, with its Cantonese-inspired snacks, modern takes on classic cocktails and shelves stacked with vinyl records. Every Wednesday at Stan’s, it’s phones away, lights low and sound up, as Front 2 Back begins – a music series dedicated to the culture of deep listening. Each session pairs two albums bound by a commonality, whether it’s era, influence or genre, and then does what it says on the tin – plays them front to back. If, for you, date night is more about getting cosy and experiencing something special with your someone special, then this one is for you.
Honour the human form with some life drawing
Maybe observing and drawing live human models isn’t your first thought for a date night outing, but the organisers of Brisbane’s favourite life drawing studio say it’s a lot more common than people think. Every Thursday at Flying Colours in West End, Studio Maverik hosts private life drawing classes where couples make regular appearances – sometimes even sharing paper and drawing together. The studio has also just launched pop-up sessions at ceramics studio Our Space in Wilston on select Tuesday nights, if making something practical together is more your speed.
Test your aim with axe throwing
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Whether it’s a first date or the fiftieth, the desire to perform feats of strength and skill in front of your honey never really goes away. At MANIAX Axe Throwing in the The City and Newstead, flaunting your prowess has never been easier, or more fun. Take your pick from one to two hour sessions before a quick but thorough safety briefing and coaching session gives you all you need to hit the bullseye. Then it’s non-stop axe throwing until you and your partner are adequately chuffed. As a fully licensed venue, it’s surprisingly legal to throw axes and quench your thirst with a viking-inspired cocktail, mead paddle or craft beer at the same time – and take it from us, it’s much easier than it looks.
Charter a boat for a floating picnic
Getting out on the water has literally never been easier. With no boating licence necessary, GoBoat offers private boat hire from its Brisbane location at Breakfast Creek. Just select your preferred length of time (one, two or three hours), and then set sail along the Brisbane River, with views of historic sights like Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence, Newstead Park, Teneriffe Woolstores, Capricorn Wharf, Brisbane Powerhouse and much more. A range of optional extras are also on hand, including Bluetooth speakers and iced Esky hire, grazing boxes and Captain’s hats if you feel like looking the part. BYO food and drink is allowed on board the shaded, pet-friendly vessel, which can accommodate up to eight people if you want to double date and save.
Catch some laughs at a comedy club
It’s a simple fact that laughter is best when it’s shared, and when it’s shared with someone you love? Even better. Beneath the Raven Hotel in West End, Brisbane Comedy Cellar gets serious about comedy, with its 60-seat underground cellar room inspired by New York’s Village Underground and late-night piano bars. Merging standup comedy with live music, the venue showcases comedy the way it was meant to be experienced – up close, personal and alive. From midweek Cellar Sessions and Thursday’s themed Crowd Control shows to weekends dedicated to solo showcases, Brisbane Comedy Cellar always has something in the works for the next time date night needs a quick fix.
Create something beautiful together
If you’re in a relationship, the chances are one of you has a fantasy of recreating the Ghost pottery scene, and this Morningside studio has all the ingredients to make it come true. Mud 2 Mug is all about exploring your creativity, unwinding and getting muddy, with a fun range of sessions on offer throughout the week. From novice sculptors to intermediate potters, Mud 2 Mug has something for everyone. Pottery classes for both hand-building and wheel throwing are available, along with pottery painting sessions for those hoping to keep things clean, while workshops teaching advanced skills and techniques await the real potheads.
Make a mess in a splatter room
As a very wise woman once said, ‘release your inhibitions, feel the rain on your skin’. If you live in sunny Queensland, we’re pretty sure paint makes a good substitute for rain, and at Brisbane’s first splatter room, it’s pretty much guaranteed to get on your skin. Rosé Soiree is more than happy for visitors to let loose with the paint – in fact, its entire philosophy is centred around the fact that the best creations come from getting a little wild. Each session in the Splatter Room comes with a 50-minute session in the paint-splattered studio, along with one 40x50cm canvas, all the paints and tools needed, plus protective gear. Afterwards, you can take your chaotic creations home with you to commemorate your immersive, high-energy art experience.
Go boot scootin til the cows come home
Pick up your cowboy boots and leave your cool at the door – Distillery Road Market’s monthly line dancing sessions are all about throwing your cares aside and joining in on the fun. Known for drawing a crowd, the event is hosted by country sensation Gilly’s Line Dancing, so you can be sure you and your partner won’t be the only beginners in attendance – or if you’ve already got the moves, you can show them off together. Keep your eye on Distillery Road Market’s events page to catch when this rotating event jumps on the schedule, but with free entry, you don’t have to worry about booking. Just grab your hat and show up for the hoedown.
Build a kinetic sculpture with Brisbane’s best artists
If you or your partner love supporting local, drinking champagne and exploring the magical world of puppets, then Dead Puppets Society has something that was made for you – literally. The production company regularly hosts its Sculptures & Sips sessions in its Fabrication Workshop, where bottles are popped, benches are pushed together and the company’s highly-skilled artisans guide you through building your very own kinetic sculpture. Past sessions have built flying birds and fruit bats, flapping butterflies, mechanical reefs and swimming whales – in the workshop, the possibilities are endless, and so is the fun.
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