Overview
Tired of the classic movie and dinner date night combo? Us too. That's why we're always on the hunt for new things to do, scouring the city for not-boring Brisbane activities — ones that are guaranteed to take your next date way beyond done-before beers at the pub.
Whether you're taking someone on a second date or doing your 100th with your significant other, we've got some killer (and, yes, cute) ideas for dates to go on this week, no matter how much money you've got to spend.
Just think of us as your cultural wingman. You're welcome.
Free
Add a Riverside Backdrop to Your Festive Film Viewing
Last-minute shopping, over-indulging at celebratory shindigs and pretending not to be annoyed about receiving another pair of socks: they're all a part of every Christmas. For kids and adults alike, so is many a seasonal-themed film. If it has Santa or Christmas in the title, it's optimal viewing at this time of year.
The folks at South Bank certainly think so, and are putting together their yearly Christmas Cinema Series to add movie merriment to the precinct's seasonal festivities. But these free films are never just for families. Any yuletide movie held under Brisbane's starry skies and by the water at South Bank's Cultural Forecourt at this summery time of the season is perfect for, well, everyone — including you and your other half.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a flick every night from Friday, December 14–Sunday, December 22. On the movie lineup: Elf, A Christmas Carol, The Holiday, Love Actually, The Grinch and more.
Attending is free, with the films kicking off at 7pm. From 4pm, there'll also be live music, as well as food trucks serving up bites to eat.
Under $50
Tourism and Events Queensland
Hit the Road for an Adventure Out of Town — Just for the Day
There's something about the onset of sunnier weather and the urge to stray past our comfort zones. Once the brief spell that Brisbanites call winter passes each year, our feet start itching to range beyond the city limits, down winding highways and in search of adventure. And when summer hits, the road starts calling.
Thankfully, southeast Queensland — and northern New South Wales, too — delivers plenty of places that trekkers should and do journey to for a day of fun in the sun. For those with a bad case of wanderlust, we've compiled a list of top picks. Be warned: you probably won't be able to stop at just one.
A suggestion to start with: if you and your special someone have lived in Brisbane long enough, you've been to Minjerribah, aka North Stradbroke Island, at least once — and there's a reason it's a day-tripper's favourite destination, especially when the weather is fine. The second-largest sand island in the world (after nearby K'gari, aka Fraser Island) offers variety that defies its island status, spanning five main beaches for surfing and sunbathing, plus freshwater lakes for paddling through, wetlands to stomp around in and a lookout to spot whales from.
Plus, the two-kilometre Mount Vane walking track boasts plenty of highlights, including 360-degree views of Moreton Bay and Quandamooka country. Once all that frolicking around in nature has you seeking a brief sojourn, a stopover at the famous local pub — Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel — is a must.
Under $100
Shop for Secondhand Threads Together
Brisbanites love a market — especially one that specialises in top-notch pre-loved clothing. There's nothing like finding a quality item at a clothing market. There's the thrill of searching through the racks to stumble upon the piece, plus shopping secondhand and upcycled clothing is more sustainable than buying your clothes new. If this all sounds entirely relatable to you and you're doing your festive shopping, head to the Second Life Markets when it hits Brisbane for Christmas on Saturday, December 14–Sunday, December 15 2024.
Taking place at Superordinary — and expanding across two days — the event will host pop-up stores boasting vintage, secondhand and upcycled clothing. The stalls will span all ranges of clothing, including masculine, feminine and unisex pieces. There's your gifts covered, whether you're each buying for the other or someone else (or yourself).
The Second Life Markets run successful quarterly events across Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, London and, of course, Brisbane. The seasonal events bring together local sellers and independent designers, as well as a heavy dose of good vibes. Brisbane's Christmas market will run from 11am–4pm on both days. Entry varies from free to $30 depending on what time you'd like to head by (the later, the cheaper) and if you're keen to hit up both days.
In the sustainable spirit of the market, it's asked that you bring your own reusable shopping bag(s) with you. There'll also tunes and snacks options onsite, because shopping is hungry work.
Under $200
Get Your Love Actually Fix at a Cabaret
This Christmas, all you and your significant other need is love — plus a festive little cabaret that showcases all of the hit tunes from Love Actually. It's the way to celebrate the season when you're not just leaving the seasonal favourite flick on repeat at home. Yep, that's Christmas Actually.
Created by the folks behind Rumour Has It and Lady Beatle, Christmas Actually features all of the tracks that've become synonymous with this merry time of year — including Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', naturally.
Songs by Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, The Beach Boys and The Beatles are all on the bill as well — and, to help belt them out, Price will be joined by Luke Kennedy, Irena Lysiuk, Doron Chester, Scott French, Mik Easterman, OJ Newcomb and Luke Volker.
There'll even be more than one nativity lobster, plus a jolly mood and a whole room full of festive cheer. That room is Brisbane Powerhouse, where Christmas Actually plays its 2024 season from Tuesday, December 10–Sunday, December 15.
One Big Blowout
Escape the Heat — and the Christmas Chaos — in a Day Spa
There's a sensation that sweeps over you when you and your favourite person enter one of the best spas in Brisbane, or near enough to head to on a day trip. It feels strange at first — probably because it's not something that you both treat yourselves to that often. Your phones are out of reach, your bodies are encased in a soft robe, calming scents waft through your nostrils and the loudest sound you'll hear is your own content exhalations. It's called relaxation.
Thankfully, there are plenty of day spa and bathhouse experiences in and around Brisbane for indulgent stints of tranquillity — you just need to know where to look. Whatever your budget, skin type or preferred massage style, there's a place just waiting to wash all your stresses away. Don't wait until someone buys you a gift voucher to share or leave it for your next holiday; pamper yourselves whenever you want and for whatever reason.
Both The Bathhouse Albion and Contro Wellness in Lutwyche only opened in 2024, if you're looking to kick back somewhere new. At the former, which is located on Nariel Street as part the Albion Fine Trades precinct, you need to make some choices. Will a soak help ease your stresses? Would a cold plunge revitalise your senses? Maybe you'd prefer to float away your troubles? Is getting steamy — in a steam room, that is — your path to unwinding? Would you prefer a sauna instead?
At the latter, you'll find tranquility, pastels and a Mediterranean-style look — plus escaping life's chaos in saunas, steam rooms and ice baths. With its soft and calming hues, Contro Wellness has gone dreamy with its bathhouse setup. Get excited about both traditional and infrared saunas, float therapy, mineral soaks, red-light therapy and salt therapy inside, too. Also, if you're keen on not just relaxation, but some alone time for the two of you, all services are private.