Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and Brisbane has plenty of dreamy options to impress your loved one. From quiet picnics, a romantic movie, or an active hike, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the exciting options that Valentine’s Day in Brisbane has to offer, so you can give your date a day to remember in the romantic River City.

Movie date

There’s nothing that says ‘romantic date’ than a trip to the movies. Brisbane has a range of theatres across the suburbs, but you can make it a night to remember by choosing an option that’s a little bit special. The Elizabeth Picture Theatre has a beautiful vintage feel, or head to the Palace Barracks theatre which specialises in indie and foreign film.

Alternatively, go true retro and head over to a Drive-in. Yatala and Tivoli are Brisbane’s fantastic outdoor options so you can park your car and snuggle under the silver screen.

Picnic date

Avoid the formality of a restaurant and treat your date to a scenic picnic. Your hardest choice will be picking a location – Brisbane has so many beautiful spots where you can lay out a blanket and sit under the stars. The Kangaroo Point cliffs offer beautiful river and city views crossed by the Story Bridge. You could also check out the Roma Street Parklands, where you can set your picnic up surrounded by greenery.

Southbank offers countless places to sit and take in the scenery, or you could try New Farm park for the established trees, beautiful gardens, and winding river views. Alternatively, head up the hill and check out the breathtaking views of the city from Mt Coot-tha look out.

Active date

If you prefer a more active celebration, ditch the car and make your way up Mt Coot-tha on foot. The tracks from JC Slaughter falls to the summit offer spectacular scenery and a moderately challenging walk. For a more relaxed outing, walk out to King Island from Wellington Point at low tide and explore the tiny island.

Offering a memorable experience with breathtaking views, try the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, complete with 360 degree view of Brisbane city and surrounds, and photos with a sparkling beverage at the summit.

Riverlife at the bottom of the Kangaroo Point cliffs have plenty of action-packed options, such as kayaking the Brisbane river, abseiling the cliffs, and bike hire. They’ll even send you on your way with a picnic.

Fun date

Experience a blast from the past with a retro-style bowling date – you can’t go past Strike Wintergarden. Along with the 12 bowling lanes, try the laser tag arena, karaoke rooms, and escape rooms.

It’s a bit out of Brisbane, but the many theme parks on offer in the nearby Gold Coast are an exciting way to spend your day. Try Dreamworld or Movieworld for the thrills, Wet ‘n Wild for some water fun, or visit Seaworld or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to see some incredible wildlife. Finish strong at one of the many beautiful beaches within close distance.

Treat your date to a day of retail therapy – Brisbane has plenty of shopping options where your loved one can shop to their heart’s content. Try the Queen Street Mall for literally hundreds of retailers, or track down a bargain at Harbourtown, Australia’s largest outlet shopping destination.

For a classy outing, check out the Gallery of Modern Art for its wide range of inspiring artworks. Once you’ve wandered among the exhibits, head to the Queensland museum – and then you’re perfectly placed in the heart of Southbank for a riverside walk.

Dining date

You can’t go wrong with a classic dining experience, and Brisbane has a vast range of restaurants offering cuisines from all around the globe. From fine dining to quirky take out, you’ll be spoiled for choice. West End and the Southbank precinct are popular choices for people looking for something delicious and exciting.

Brisbane’s food culture is worth checking out, and the famous foodie districts are a great place to start. Pair top notch food with fantastic drinks at one of the restaurants, breweries and bars at the Howard Smith Wharves. Or head to Fish Lane, where you’ll find a range of restaurants celebrating authenticity, creativity, and flavour.

Getting Around in Brisbane City

Airtrain will get you quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.

Brisbane is a beautiful city for walking, and many fantastic destinations are within an easy stroll along attractive walkways. To get to your destination faster or to see more of the sights, Brisbane is connected by an extensive bus network and the river is crisscrossed by the CityCat ferries.

All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.

River City Romance

Brisbane is the perfect place to treat your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. With naturally beautiful scenery complimented by the range of exciting dining and entertainment options, explore our beautiful city and make this Valentine’s Day an occasion to remember.