Romantic [and affordable] Valentine’s Day or Date Night Ideas

In the spirit of Saint V, we’ve put together some romantic and fun Valentine’s Day ideas that double perfectly as date-night inspiration or a memorable day out.

Shelve the wedding planning and cost stress for a moment. Leave the seating plans in the rearview and focus on your engagement era. After all, it’s the little moments together that count the most.

Photos: Tourism and Events Queensland, except where noted

#1. Breakfast in bed

Spoiling your love starts at sunrise. Brew a steaming cup of coffee, stack fluffy pancakes or pile up your favourite pastries, and snuggle in for a slow, delicious morning together. There is no better way to start the day!

#2. Watch the Sunset

It’s the best free entertainment around: watching the sun melt into the horizon with your love. Top spots to take in Queensland’s golden hour include historic Redcliffe Jetty, Burleigh Hill on the Gold Coast, Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast, Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim, and atop Castle Hill in Townsville. One of the best places to see the sunset in Brisbane is undoubtedly the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, directly facing the CBD skyline. Adventurous souls can also try abseiling down the cliff face here! Or head to the top of Mount Coot-tha for soul-stirring views across the city.

#3. Cruising together

Don your captain’s hat and ply the waters of the Brisbane with GoBoat Australia — no boating licence required! Their adorable Danish-designed electric picnic boats are easy to drive, perfect for a picnic, and priced from just $99/hour. When it comes to cruising the Noosa River, you could hire a boat or organise a private charter. But we love the Sunset Cruise with Noosa Ferry. It’s BYO (or you can purchase drinks and nibbles on board), and you’ll glide past some of Noosa’s best sights as the river is dipped in a golden glow.

#4. Picnic in the park

Shake out a blanket, unpack a feast, and enjoy a classic picnic in the park. Brisbane’s New Farm Park is a fave for its river views and proximity to New Farm Deli, where you can stock up on gourmet cheeses, nibbles and treats. Not keen on self-catering? Try one of the gourmet hamper gift sets from Catering by Ana. For something extra special, let Lady Brisbane Picnics style your very own picnic … just arrive and enjoy! Think rugs, cushions, faux flowers, a set table, and a picnic basket loaded with tasty grazing goodies. BYO drinks.

#5. Movie Night

You don’t have to leave the house for a memorable date night. Scroll through your streaming services for a favourite film or a new-release blockbuster, chill the Drumsticks, pass the popcorn, and enjoy. Just remember: phones go on silent! Our faves to get the ideas rolling:

#01 The Holiday – Cosy and escapist.

#02 The Notebook – Yes, it’s obvious (but we’re including it anyway!)

#03 Bridget Jones, Mad About The Boy – Witty, charming, and full of heart

#04 Dirty Dancing – Say no more!

#05 Palm Springs – A rom-com with a twist. Great if you want romance without predictability.

#06 Crazy, Stupid, Love – Funny, flirty, and heartfelt

#07 A Star Is Born (2018) – Big feelings, music and  romance

#08 Titanic – Iconic!

#09 La La Land – If you both like modern musicals

#10 Love Actually – Too soon after Christmas? We think not.

#6. A romantic dinner

Treat yourselves to a romantic night out at Brisbane’s premier bar & grill, Rothwells. For $185 per person, enjoy a four-course set menu, including a glass of Champagne on arrival. It’s perfect for a date night that feels extra special.

What’s not to love about a free hit of culture (and aircon) in one of the state’s many gorgeous galleries? QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art) makes an iconic starting point — did you know they host weddings in their breathtaking Watermall space?

#08. Escape to an island

Island vibes, anyone? Even if you can’t plump for an overnight stay, you can still enjoy a day trip of sun, sand, and adventures on some of Queensland’s most beautiful islands. For the best islands close to Brisbane, set sail for Mulgumpin/Moreton Island and catch the Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island passenger ferry, then hop aboard the island bus to explore.

But if you can steal away for a night (or two), head to Kingfisher Bay Resort on K’gari, Fraser Island, which offers an excellent Bed and Breakfast package from $277 per night, twin share.

#09. Take a hike

Lace up your boots and explore the state’s endless map of super-scenic walking trails, experiencing the ancient landscapes, rainforest and ocean vistas we’re lucky enough to have in our backyard. Some of our faves that won’t raise too much of a sweat include Mary Cairncross Park in Maleny, the Burleigh Head Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit, and the Tallebudgera Creek Walking Trail at the David Fleay Wildlife Park (check out their incredible wedding venue while you’re there). Active couples will love taking on some of the more challenging trails, including the 10.8 km Coastal Walk through Noosa National Park, the 28 km Conway Circuit in The Whitsundays, the 54 km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk or the 87 km Carnarvon Great Walk. All glorious.

#10. Start your engines for a Sunday drive

Plan a weekend escape to the country (or maybe wrangle the day off for a sneaky mid-week spin?). Jump in the car and head to the spectacular Scenic Rim region, around an hour south of Brisbane, at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range (why not explore some venues while you’re there!). From Tamborine Mountain and Kalbar to Beechmont and Boonah, the region’s charming townships and breathtaking vistas will have you planning a return visit pronto. And if you happen to see a few possible wedding locales along the way, what’s the harm?

#11. Explore the Noosa Everglades

As one of only two Everglades ecosystems on earth (the other is in Florida, USA), the Noosa Everglades make for a very special romantic adventure. Around 40 minutes from Noosa Heads, explore this unique 60-km stretch of pristine narrow waterways and vibrant flora and fauna on a guided or self-guided kayak or boat tour

#12. Put down your devices

You’ll be surprised by what can happen when you simply switch off for the night.

No matter how you spend it, Valentine’s is all about carving out time for each other, so pick your perfect plan and make it a night to remember.