Australians spend $18.5 billion a year on date nights, inspired by The Bachelor

Aussies are spending billions a year on dating, with TV shows like The Bachelor playing a role in what they do. HOW MUCH ARE YOUR DATES? HAVE YOUR SAY

Exclusive: Australians are spending $18.5 billion a year on wining and dining their partners, with TV shows like The Bachelor and First Dates affecting their date night choices.

New data obtained by News Corp from online restaurant reservation platform OpenTable and YouGov, has found that out of more than 1000 people, 70 per cent of Australian couples believe date nights bring their relationships happiness and relaxation.

Just over 50 per cent of people said date nights made them feel more “in love” with their partner.

On average, Australians in relationships in NSW spend an average of $202 per month on dinner dates while those in Victoria spend $201 per month.

In Queensland, couples put an average of $155 per month aside for dinner dates.

Almost one third (32 per cent) of Australians in relationships said dating shows such as The Bachelor and First Dates have shaped their date night decisions.

‘WE LOVE A GOOD DEGUSTATION’

Sydneysiders Ruby Madden, 23 and Josh Starr, 21, from Chatswood, met at university more than a year ago — but they still like to splurge on date nights.

The young couple said they do date night up to three nights a week and spend around $150-$200 each time.

They said they love “a good degustation” meal — their favourite one being at Sake in The Rocks.

Ms Madden said they did the art class that former Bachelor Matty J and his partner Laura Byrne did in the TV series.

Ruby Madden, 23 and Josh Starr, 21 at Alibi restaurant in Sydney. They are big fans of The Bachelor and have been previously inspired by The Bachelor dates, booking a Cork and Chroma wine and paint session after seeing it in last season series. Picture: Richard Dobson

They were also inspired by current Bachelor Matt Agnew’s date that involved going to a chocolate tempering class.

“We always have to get dessert,” Ms Madden said.

“We both have massive sweet tooths and after seeing the class on the show recently, we ordered a nutella pizza at an Italian restaurant we went to,” she said.

The most they have spent on a date was for their one-year anniversary which was a degustation dinner at Poly in Surry Hills.

“That day we also climbed the Harbour Bridge at sunset as well, so it was easily over that amount,” Mr Starr added.

‘WE’RE OUT FOR NEARLY EVERY MEAL’

Engaged Queensland couple Sia Cambaclis, 24, and Savva Koulouris, 25, who’ve known each other since they were just 13 years of age, dine out three to four times a week.

Ms Cambaclis, from Kangaroo Point, said they are “massive foodies” and are always trying new restaurants within the first month of them opening their doors.

“We spend probably $400 a week dining out, and that’ll include two mains, entrees and wine,” she said.

“On the weekend, we are out for nearly every meal.”

Sia Cambaclis and Savva Koulouris at Massimo Restaurant and Bar at Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane CBD. Picture: AAP

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She said her wedding proposal was in Byron Bay, and totally inspired by a scene from The Bachelor.

“When Savva proposed to me he got an event company to set up wine and cheese on the beach, which is something Richie Strachan did on a date when he was a Bachelor on the show,” she said.

She added that she did not believe the more you spend, the more romantic the date becomes.

“I think it depends on the occasion itself, we like to do things around food and always take time for each other,” she said.

“It can be special no matter where that is.”

Originally published as Australians spend $18.5 billion a year on date nights, inspired by The Bachelor