Romantic Evenings and Day Dates in Brisbane

October 30, 2026

Date ideas for two in Brisbane

Couples do well in Brisbane when they follow the daylight: a late afternoon on a hill, dusk on the river and dinner beside the Story Bridge. These ideas are free or modest, and the figures are Australian dollars from listings at the time of writing.

Evening at Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves is a riverside precinct under the Story Bridge. Felons Brewing Co. is a brewery, Mr Percival’s is an overwater bar whose 2026 status is not specifically confirmed, and Stanley serves Cantonese food in the heritage-listed building and has traded since 2019. Greca and the Landing Bar are unconfirmed for 2026, so leave them off a firm plan. The precinct has an approved expansion with works before 2032, so expect some change. Browse the current venues at Howard Smith Wharves .

Wilson Outlook Reserve at golden hour

This small park at 231 Bowen Terrace, New Farm, faces the Story Bridge from a cliff top. It is free and informal, which makes it a good place for a picnic with a short walk to the Wharves afterwards.

A summit table at Mt Coot-tha

Reach the lookout for sunset, then think about dinner at the Summit Restaurant & Bar, which Mantle Group reopened in May 2025. The lookout itself is free. Council gives route 471 from Ann Street, though numbers changed in 2025, so check the TransLink journey planner. There is no cable car.

Riding the river at dusk

CityCats cost 50 cents a journey and the CityHopper is free, so a ride at dusk is the cheapest date in town. The CityHopper calls at North Quay, South Bank, the Maritime Museum, Riverside, Holman Street, Howard Smith Wharves and Sydney Street in New Farm, running about every 30 minutes by the 2024 timetable, so confirm the current service. Keep to the boat, because bull sharks are recorded in the river and swimming is not safe.

Twilight at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Riverlife lists twilight kayaking from $99, with a listed minimum age of 18, and another listing shows $139. Twilight abseiling is $99 as well. The Riverlife site has current prices.

A day on Tamborine Mountain

You need a car or a tour for the 70 km trip. Wine tastings at Witches Falls Winery on Main Western Road and Cedar Creek Estate sit alongside the Curtis Falls walk, so pick a designated driver or go with a tour. Do not plan on rock-pool swimming at Cedar Creek Falls, which close after rain.

High-level drinks at Queen’s Wharf

Rooftop bars sit on the Sky Deck level at Queen’s Wharf. The deck is free to enter, and only the venues cost money.

A place to stay

Compare Brisbane hotels on Booking.com if you want a base near the river.