First dates, and dates in general, can create a lot of tension. You are going out with a person you barely know. You are not sure whether you will have the same interests or not. Some conversation topics just seem forced and unnatural. You want to impress the person you are with.
It’s no wonder that many people decide to go to an expensive restaurant to make the best impression. However, this can create an opposite effect, because you might be even tenser. Casual dates on the other hand, relieve some of that pressure and can be pure magic if you plan them right.
Here are some awesome date night ideas for Aussies:
Watch a movie under the stars
Going to the movies is a classic date choice, but you can make it even more romantic, by watching a movie in one of the many Australian outdoor cinemas, such as Brisbane’s Moonlight Cinema. Some of them are completely free, while for some you will have to pay a couple of bucks.
Watch the stars together
Most of the major cities have an observatory (Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarian, Sydney Observatory etc) and it is one of the most amazing places to take your date to. Nothing beats the romance of watching the stars together. While you will have to pay for entry tickets – the price is close to nothing.
Go fishing
If your date likes fishing, this is the perfect chance to get some alone time and spend a peaceful day. Besides, you can catch some delicious dinner.
A tour to a secluded beach
Even if you have lived in a coastal city for years, you probably didn’t have the chance to discover all of its beaches, other than the most popular ones. Ask your date to accept that challenge with you and find a lovely secluded beach together.
Go cycling
Or if you are up for a more active adventure, grab your bikes and go cycling around the city. This is not exactly the ideal date for talking and getting to know each other, but it’s a great way to burn off the nerves.
Visit historic landmarks
Try to see your city from a tourist’s point of view and tour its most famous historic landmarks. While there, try to get to know the story behind these places and buildings.
Take a free class
Learning new things is always fun. Google to see whether there are some free classes (e.g. cooking, yoga, painting…) offered on the day you have a date and go into that endeavour together. You can search for events near you on Eventbrite.
Enjoy the street performances
Watching a play, opera or a ballet is beautiful, but sometimes you should experience raw art. One of the best ways of doing this is by listening and watching street performers.
Or listen to music in a record store
Remember the scene from “Before Sunrise” when the couple listened to a song in a listening booth? Well, do something similar by finding a record store that has an option of listening to albums before you buy them.
Cook dinner at your place
Even if you don’t know how to cook, there are many simple and cheap meals you can prepare and wow your date.
Or… Netflix and chill…
TV shows have become a modern-day obsession, and that’s not as bad as it sometimes looks. Start watching a new TV show with your date, and you will always have something to talk about.
A picnic in the park
Sydney has Hyde Park, Melbourne has Fawkner Park, and basically, every other Australian city has an amazing outdoor space, where you can set up a blanket, bring a bottle of wine and a picnic basket, and chit-chat.
Play video games
We were all kids once, and video games are an excellent conversation-starter if you want to bring back childhood memories. Super Mario, anyone?
Attend a trivia night
Many Aussie bars have open trivia nights. Join the fun with your date. Use this evening full of questions and sneak in your own list of good first date questions to get to know your potential partner better.
Volunteer together
This is a bit unconventional, but it will show your date that you are a caring person who likes to help other people. Sharing that experience together will create a deep connection between you.
Not all dates are meant to be the same dinner-and-wine combo. Sometimes you need to think outside that box and be original. Also, have in mind that the best things in life are usually free…
Hey I actually posted something kinda similar yesterday 🙂
http://livinggaybrisbane.com/2017/10/20/take-me-on-a-date/
Thanks for sharing. More ideas are always good.
no worries. I need all the ideas I can get haha