14 unconventional dates to try in your city

Tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie date night? In this article, Citro explores unique activities to connect with your beloved partner, or even just some good friends. Whether you’re learning a new skill, or exploring a lesser-known spot, these ideas allow you to get closer together while having the time of your lives.

Get ready to be known as that couple who are never boring.

Australia-wide ideas for a different date or outing

Escape room

Being stuck in a room with your date, and using clues to find your way out might be just the thing to get hearts racing in tandem. You can even choose your own escape, perhaps from prison, or from the apocalypse. And don’t worry if you can’t find the exit. Help is at hand to ensure you see the light of day once more. Is it time for your first challenge together? 

Pottery class

So, you want to get down and dirty and you don’t mind if someone laughs at your failures? You would also like to sip on a beverage while doing it? We think you must be talking about a pottery class. Throwing a couple of pots together and taking them home with you as keepsakes of your memorably messy night out will be too much fun.

Axe throwing

If throwing a pot doesn’t do it for you, you might like to throw an axe or three, all Viking like, while you sample ye olde mead, and munch on a pizza. If medi-evil fermented honey and hops is not your preferred tipple, more refined tastes are catered for. What better way to recover from a little relationship tiff than to throw a few axes at a target. Be energised, have fun, and bury the hatchet.

Paint and sip

Just about everyone says they can’t draw or paint. Clearly, they haven’t been to Paint and Sip. Following a competent artist’s instructions, you will each produce an artwork for your walls you’ll be proud to put your names to. Check whether your chosen location provides the sips and nibbles or if it’s BYO. Maybe you can paint each other, well, not literally, although …!

Birdwatching

Pack a picnic, sunscreen and maybe a few bottles of wine and get a close-up view of nature near you. There are fantastic birdwatching locations all around our capital cities, and into our regional areas as well. Whether you head to a tranquil lakeside, a scenic forest trail, or a coastal haven, Australia's best birdwatching environments can enhance the romantic ambiance of the outing. The bonus is that birdwatching encourages teamwork and cooperation, and perhaps a sense of shared accomplishment when you spot something rare and delightful.

Sydney

Movies and Magnums at Restaurant Hubert

Forget what we said earlier about the stereotypical dinner and movie date night, because this is not that. Hubert’s is a très chic French bistro with 3 bars, several rooms, including a theatre room, live jazz, and much much more. On a Movies & Magnums night, you’ll start in the theatre room with an exclusive screening of an old classic film - and then be treated to a buffet during the interval. And did we mention there’s free flowing champagne, canapes and popcorn all night? 

Blend your own gin at Archie Rose

A gin masterclass… Who’d have thought! You get to take home two 200ml personalised bottles of gin of your own creation, made under expert guidance of course. Those bottles will be a sure conversation starter with your friends, or something to enjoy at a future anniversary. Archie also offers martini masterclasses, a gin appreciation class, and a whole lot of other gin things.

Cocktail and dumpling making class

Lychee cocktail, popo trio cocktail, pork and lemongrass dumplings, mushroom and vegetable dumplings. Making these 4 yummies will be your assignment together. And the reward? Those wonderfully slurpy cocktails and a hearty feast of dumplings that will more than tickle your tastebuds, all while you chat and giggle.

Melbourne

Lantern ghost tour

If you like your history dished up with a side of fright, this company offers tours of various locations. You’ll be on the lookout for things that go bump in the night as you visit abandoned historic sites where strange stuff is purported to happen. Just beware of dead-end streets and ghosts riding horses, they might be nightmares. Boo!

Glassblowing workshop

Imagine creating something beautiful together. No experience necessary. Yes, we’re talking about distinctive art glass creations, made by you and your partner, with full support and guidance, in a fascinating art studio. It’s fun, it’s memorable, and you’ll be learning a new skill that you might want to continue perfecting together. You’ll be blown away by this one!

Old school, open bar karaoke at Heroes Bar

With fun on 5 floors, including the urban jungle rooftop bar, there’s plenty here to attract: burgers, bbq, south-east Asian hawker food, booze, karaoke, open mic, all wrapped up in a cyberpunk theme. Crazy confusion that works – a great place to let your hair down and get your boogie on.

Brisbane

Make your own scent with Libertine Parfumerie’s masterclass

Here’s a date with a difference. From the comfort of your home, you can create a perfume together that will become your signature piece. Once you sign up for the online masterclass, you’ll be sent all you need for your perfume making. And because the course is delivered by video, you can replay as often as you like. You provide the drinks and snacks.

Get competitive with darts at Oche

We all have it, so why not show it! Get a peek at your partner’s competitive side and share a glimpse of your own. Fancy a game of good old darts, with an electronic component, with some decent cocktails and other drinks and food to share? Don’t be surprised if you hit the bullseye.

Blend your own bottle of wine at City Winery Brisbane

The art of blending … it sounds rather a lot like dating really, but we’re talking now about wine. Your grape expectations will be met as you learn about the tastes and textures that work, and create your own perfect combo to take home, perchance to keep. The food offerings are also quite delightful. You’re sure to w(h)ine with joy.