Home » Things to do » Family Fun Days Out » Leisure Attractions

10 Dates under $20 for Brisbane Couples

Looking for affordable date night (or day) ideas for you and your partner? We’ve got you covered with 10 of Brisbane’s best dates all under $20 per person! Check out these things to do in Brisbane at night. (We’ve not included drinks in our prices… that, my friend, is up to you and your ‘booze budget‘ to reconcile!)

As well as the awesome list of ideas below, we love the ongoing offers on Scoopon. At the time of writing there were wine tasting date nights, drive in movies, cinema tickets, city treasure hunts, escape rooms, cooking classes and sunset cruises that all fit into the under $20 per person categories. Find all the Scoopon deals by clicking here. Looking for vouchers for things to do in Brisbane at night? You can also check the Groupon deals here.

Hire a Brisbane Greeter

Whether you’re new to the area or a Brisbane local, hiring a Brisbane Greeter will introduce you to the city from a different angle. There is a greeter’s choice option to introduce you to Brisbane Hotspots that the tour guide finds interesting, or you can personalise your tour based on your interests or a particular area of your choice. Best of all, hiring a Brisbane Greeter is free! They offer day tours and night toours so you can find your perfect things to do in Brisbane at night! To book a tour, register here.

GOMA

Zoo animals at water hole GOMA - date night under $20

Located at South Bank, The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art holds a collection of over 17 000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art. Entry to the gallery and selected exhibitions are free, however some exhibitions have an entry fee. After admiring the myriad of artworks, be sure to stop off at the onsite restaurant, bistro or café for a bite to eat.

Markets at South Bank & Brisbane Wheel

Chinese Lanterns at South Bank date night under $20

For a picture perfect date night with your significant other why not attend the South Bank markets followed by a romantic trip on the Brisbane Wheel. The South Bank Collective Markets operate every Friday from 5pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 9am-4pm at Stanley Street Plaza. Finish off the afternoon or evening by enjoying a ride on The Wheel of Brisbane which towers 60 metres over the South Bank Parklands overlooking panoramic views of the Brisbane River and City Skyline. Heavily discounted tickets can often be purchased on Groupon – check here.

Dendy Sundate

Feel like seeing a romantic movie with for date night? Why not make it a ‘Sundate’ by seeing a movie at Dendy’s for just 2 for $20 every Sunday after 4pm. Grab something to eat from the retro candy bar, including two-for-one choc tops or a combo with a wine, beer or soft drink. It’s a classic, stable date night that’s AFFORDABLE. Check! Click here for more information.

Mt Coot-tha

View of Brisbane from Mt Cootha date night under $20

Just 7km from the CBD, Mt Coot-tha makes for the perfect date night under $20. Mt Coot-tha Lookout boasts panoramic views over the CBD all the way across to Moreton Bay. You may like to plan your date for a night that the Astronomical Society are proving free viewing nights so you can use their telescopes. Once you’ve admired the breathtaking lookout and snacked on your pre-packed picnic, you can go for a stroll on one of the abundance of walking tracks hand in hand enjoying each others company and the beautiful surrounds and views. The view from the top is one our our favourite things to do in Brisbane at night!

Eat Street Markets

Held every Friday and Saturday night from 4pm-10pm and every Sunday 11am-3pm, Eat Street Markets is the ultimate food experience for your date night. Costing just $2.50 entry, Eat Street Markets is set on an old disused container wharf. They offer a range of international cuisines, boutique beers and have live performers playing. The markets are held at Northshore, Hamilton and you can get there by driving with free parking available, or alternatively you can take the CityCat or a Taxi. Another firm favourite when we are looking for things to do in Brisbane at night – date night or otherwise! 

Walk along the Bay

For a completely cost-free date that allows you to soak up the sun and experience the outdoors, why not go for a walk along the Bay on one of Brisbane’s Cycleways. Recommended tracks include Sandgate to Shorncliffe for Northsiders and Wynnum to Manly to Cleveland for Southsiders.

Roma Street Parkland & a Frisbee

Roma Street Parklands date night under $20

Another great date idea that allows you to experience the great outdoors is to simply take a frisbee to Roma Street Parkland to spend some quality time with your significant other. Located on the northern side of the CBD, Roma Street Parkland is considered to be one of the two best examples of contemporary display gardens in Australia. With a large lawn for frisbee playing, lake with fountain for ambience and ample walking paths there is something here for everyone. Pack a picnic or check out the food trucks with your date on the weekends!

Indoor Rock Climbing

Seeking an adrenaline pumping adventure for your special night out? Indoor rock climbing may be the perfect date activity for you. Rocksports Indoor Climbing in Fortitude Valley costs just $17 each with an unlimited time limit. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, Rocksports Indoor Climbing have the experience for you with over 100 possible climbs. For more information check out our overview of choices.

Brunch at Doug’s

date-night
Doug’s Seafood Cafe

Technically not a date ‘night’, Doug’s Seafood Café makes for the perfect location for brunch. Offering picturesque views and a cool sea breeze to enjoy with their delicious food and great coffee, Doug’s Seafood is a great choice. The Café is located at Sandgate and is open weekdays from 8am and weekends from 7:30am. You can enjoy eggs benedict for just $11.50 and pancakes for only $6.50, amongst other delicious breakfast options.

This article was published in Issue 20 of our print magazine, February/March 2017.

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

Leave a comment