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Last minute ideas for Valentine’s Day in South East Queensland

If you are one of those people that like to leave things to the last minute, here are some ideas which could save you on Valentine’s Day.

Jack Law and Sophie Radunz snuggle up for Valentines Day on the Green at Southbank. Pics Adam Head
Jack Law and Sophie Radunz snuggle up for Valentines Day on the Green at Southbank. Pics Adam Head

If you are one of those people that like to leave things to the last minute, here are some ideas which could save you on Valentine’s Day.

February 14, also known as Valentine’s Day, is a date that holds special meaning for some, while for others it is just another day.

For businesses, it is an opportunity for them to cash in on loved up couples, hopeless romantics, or people trying their luck in the world of modern-day dating.

While trying not to judge your lack of preparation, if you haven’t made any plans and have left your organising to the last minute, here are some ideas which could save you.

Wine and dine the night away with Brisbane’s best restaurants

It might be the most predictable Valentine’s Day date-night option, but it’s a classic for a reason- good food, beautiful venues, and even better company.

Brisbane is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, and we think, the most romantic too, with many putting on stunning set dining options for the easiest romantic evening.

Even at the last minute, venues like Donna Chang, Byblos, Stanley and Greca have availability, and if a set-meal isn’t your style, check out our top recommendations for southeast Queensland’s most romantic restaurants.

Cruise the picturesque Brisbane River on an exclusive, private boat 

There is nothing more romantic than taking a cruise on the scenic Brisbane River with GoBoat Brisbane on Valentine’s Day.

A leisurely picnic boat, the Go Boat is an easy and safe way to travel on the Brisbane River, while providing a very instagrammable experience for long-term lovers or those meticulously planning the hard launch of a relationship.

The vessel is easy to commandeer, with no boat licence required, and perfect for picnics, with the opportunity to hire an esky and bluetooth speaker.

Spots are available on Valentine’s Day but you will need to get in fast.

Tara Carroll and Tess Alexander go seaboard. Picture: Jerad Williams
Tara Carroll and Tess Alexander go seaboard. Picture: Jerad Williams

Rise into the skies of SEQ in a hot air balloon 

Take a hot air balloon ride and immerse yourself in the romance of floating above Queensland with your significant other.

Hot Air Balloon Brisbane offers early morning balloon rides across South East Queensland.

Following your flight, indulge in a romantic Champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.

Meeting points for the hot air balloon experience are at Nerang and Canungra.

Book today to secure your spot for tomorrow or over the weekend.

Hot air balloon across Brisbane. Picture: Supplied
Hot air balloon across Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Indulge yourself in culture and art at the Gallery of Modern Art 

If you are into art, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)’s Friday Nights is back for one night only on Valentine’s Day.

Wander through the captivating exhibition spaces at the Asia-Pacific Triennial to the backdrop of live music, take part in art-making workshops, and grab a cocktail and delightful bite to eat from the pop-up bar.

Gallery of Modern Art at South Bank in Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard
Gallery of Modern Art at South Bank in Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard

Check in with your partner at AWAY Spa at W Brisbane

Treat your loved one to the ultimate spa experience at AWAY Spa at W Brisbane this Valentine’s Day.

Indulge in two 90-minute MELT AWAY massages, followed by a 30-minute self-service Instant Glow Face Mask each, while enjoying a bottle of Rose (375ml), strawberry chocolate dip plus a box of W chocolates.

This package also includes access to AWAY Spa, Steam, Sauna, and Vitality Pools, as well as the WET Deck Pool and FIT Gym.

A treatment room at W Brisbane's Away Spa offers views over the Brisbane River.
A treatment room at W Brisbane's Away Spa offers views over the Brisbane River.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day on the green at South Bank

Pack a picnic rug and head on down to River Quay Green at South Bank this Valentine’s Day.
Kicking off from 6pm–9pm both nights, you’ll be vibing to the sounds of some of Brisbane’s best local artists.
Enjoy riverside hangs with freshly shucked oysters, cocktails, chocolate-covered strawberries, cherry pie, and charcuterie boards—available for the first time ever from The Jetty’s pop-up.

Jack Law and Sophie Radunz snuggle up for Valentines Day on the Green at Southbank. Pics Adam Head
Jack Law and Sophie Radunz snuggle up for Valentines Day on the Green at Southbank. Pics Adam Head

Choose to buy local flowers for your love  

While you can buy flowers to show appreciation for your partner on most days of the year, if you only do it on Valentine’s Day, consider visiting a local florist and picking Australian-grown flowers.

Australian-grown varieties that are in season include dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, hydrangea, snap dragons, chrysanthemums, banksias, and lisianthus.

Valentine’s Day lovers are expected to spend a record $535 million on gifts for their loved ones this year, with flowers a popular choice for those trying to impress.

Award-winning florist Bart Hassam at Maison Fleur. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Award-winning florist Bart Hassam at Maison Fleur. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Procure some decadent chocolates for your sweetheart 

Nothing is sweeter than gifting your sweetheart some chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

Chocolates have been gifted on Valentine’s Day since the 1800s and despite rising global cocoa prices are set to be a popular gift of choice this year.

If buying decadent chocolates will save you this Valentine’s Day, it might be worth your while to head to the Noosa Chocolate Factory’s newly expanded Brisbane city and store cafe.

The store on 156 Adelaide St has opened just in time for February 14, with a bigger, better space for you to enjoy the brand’s premium handmade chocolate creations.

The exquisite chocolate creations at Max Brenner at South Bank may also be able to help you out.

A Lindt chocolate bar or box may also save you if you are strapped for time.

Chocolate always says I love you.
Chocolate always says I love you.

Forget flowers, talk about super  

If financial planning is your love language, why not put superannuation on the agenda this Valentine’s Day, with new research revealing it’s a forgotten topic when it comes to financial conversations amongst couples.

New research commissioned by AustralianSuper reveals that while 82 per cent of loved-up Australians believe discussing superannuation with their partner is key to a healthy relationship, it’s often overlooked.

While it might not sound romantic, couples who talk about superannuation can strengthen their bond, better plan for life’s big milestones, and build a secure financial future together.

Ooh La La! Preview the Alliance Française French Film Festival

What could be more romantic than an evening soaking in an astounding cinematic masterpiece in the language of love.

Palace Barracks and Palace James St are hosting special preview screenings of L’AMour Ouf (Beating Hearts) from 6:30pm this Valentine’s Day, as the film’s Australian premiere.

The epic genre-spanning romance starring two of France’s brightest young talents, Adèle Exarchopoulos and François Civil is set in 1980s Northern France and explores teenage infatuation marred by class imbalances, familial challenges and tragedy.

While the Alliance Française French Film Festival doesn’t formally kick off until early March, the preview screening of Beating Hearts is a must-do this V-Day.

What to do if i haven’t planned anything?

If you would like to exert the minimal amount of effort possible, pick some flowers on the way home from work, grab some take-away or Uber Eats, and summon the level of patience required to park yourself on the couch with your loved one and catch up on all the bombshell drama from Married at First Sight this week, ahead of the most explosive commitment ceremony yet on Sunday.

Originally published as Last minute ideas for Valentine’s Day in South East Queensland

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/queensland/last-minute-ideas-for-valentines-day-in-south-east-queensland/news-story/837e5193db7143e774075adff81fb764