21 unique date ideas for you to try in 2021
Bored at home? Here is a list of 21 unique date ideas for you and your loved ones to explore this year. Can you get through the whole list?
Toowoomba
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After a year of lockdowns, business closures and the global pandemic ruining plans for couples across the region, it’s no wonder everyone is keen to get out and about and re-explore the region again.
Lucky for you, we have created a list of 21 date ideas for you and your loved one to take advantage of in the wake of the pandemic.
1. Get bendy
A local yoga studio has opened up their second location after experiencing huge success when they first opened their doors in Toowoomba.
What better way to bond with your partner and get some exercise than to head down to Arise Yoga for a class or two.
And when you really get comfortable, there’s always naked yoga.
2. Flex your painting and sipping skills
Brooke Hughes might be the smartest woman in Toowoomba for bringing a wildly popular concept for entertainment to the city.
Heading down to The Sip Studio for a night of culture and copious amounts of alcohol is the perfect date, and better yet – you’re supporting an awesome local business.
3. It’s wine time
Get your drink on at one of two brand new wine bars, Uva and Cork and Lever.
Both successful businesses opened up during peak COVID but that hasn’t stopped them from making waves in the community.
The two wine bars boast an excellent list of wine, spirits and cocktails, and there’s nothing like heading to a wine bar for a first date – a bit of liquid courage could do you wonders.
4. Picnic at (you guessed it) Picnic Point
It’s clearly called Picnic Point for a reason, and with a brand-spanking new lookout this is the perfect place for a date.
The location seen many a nervous couple meeting for their first dates and many a tearful proposal.
Head up there with a neat little food package, like one from Amy’s Sweet Treats and enjoy a sunset at one of Toowoomba’s most scenic locations.
5. Obvious, but effective
There is no shortage of coffee shops and cafes in Toowoomba, and that’s a fact.
Why not head to one of our local coffee shops, support a small business, and get to know someone new over a cup of coffee.
If you’re looking for a great spot to start, Pump 123 has been named Toowoomba’s best cafe as voted by readers of The Chronicle.
6. Winner winner, chicken dinner
Another obvious, yet effective date idea – Dinner and a drink!
Just as the city has no shortage of coffee shops, the restaurants out here are diverse and all worth a try.
The Indian Tree opened up last year and is always happy to see new customers through the doors – they’re a small business and the food is second to none.
7. Drink up on date night
If you’re looking for something a little stronger than a glass of vino, one of Toowoomba’s cocktail bars would be the place to start.
Sante Cocktail Bar opened in 2019 and still boasts an expansive customer base, and when you see the menu you’ll know exactly why.
If you need any more convincing just head to their Instagram.
8. Culture on demand
If you’re not a keen talker or a bit shy on a first date, then the Empire Theatre is where you belong.
After a hectic year in 2020, the Empire Theatre has come back better than ever with a spectacular line-up of shows.
Australia’s most controversial puppet, Agro, will be heading into town next week, while Melinda Schneider will be coming out west for her ‘A Farewell to Doris’ show – something for everyone!
9. Get your movie fix
It’s the ultimate cinema experience, it’s in Toowoomba, and it’s ready to host your next date night.
The new V-Max theatre at Event Cinemas is the perfect way to see a film while you cuddle up next to your date.
Complete with a cafe and bar, it’s pretty much everything you’d ever want in date.
10. Scenic Stroll
Another obvious, yet perfect choice – the Japanese Gardens have seen many a loved up couple walk through its gates and is therefore the perfect place for a date.
If you needed any more convincing, the mastermind behind the Japanese Gardens was posthumously awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
11. Float and forget your troubles
City Caves has just opened up and yes, couples floats are a thing.
The float therapy service opened its doors in January and was nearly booked out for its first week.
The activity is good for lowering stress levels and is beneficial for those suffering from anxiety and depression.
12. Do your bit and shop local
A trip to the Farmers Markets could be one of the best starts to the weekend, and a great way to support small local businesses.
Held in front of Cobb & Co, the markets are one of the pandemic’s greatest success stories, having adapted their business model to suit harsh restrictions and a stressful lockdown period.
At the Farmers Markets you can visit stallholders like Hammy from Hammy’s Cupcakes, who was a well-deserved recipient of a Business Excellence Award.
13. Pub grub
If you ask us, there’s nothing better in this world than a pub feed on a weekend – and if there’s something better, feel free to let us know.
Prior to their opening night, the owners offered a sneak peak into the $1.5 million renovations, which you can find right here.
14. Support your local artists and performers
Summer Tunes is always a family favourite, so why couldn’t it be a favourite for couples looking for a relaxing but entertaining date?
The beauty of this event is they’re running all over the region, and celebrates the talent of some of our local artists who had a rough year in 2020.
Okay, this is a stretch.
But health and wellbeing is important for you and your partner, so getting your COVID vaccine might be the greatest move of self-care and love you ever make.
If your partner is, for some reason, an anti-vaxxer: a) why are you with them? And, b) direct them here so they can hear, from a doctor himself, why the COVID vaccine will be so important for us in Toowoomba.
And if you’re scared of needles you have a loved one to cling onto for dear life.
16. Hit balls, win big
We’re stating the obvious again here but why not give mini golf a go for a date?
It’s fun, it’s a form of exercise (I guess) and Toowoomba has an excellent mini golf course at the City Golf Club, open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9am to 9pm.
BOOK HERE
17. Fit couples of Toowoomba
How romantic – a sunrise or sunset hike up to one of the most scenic locations in Toowoomba.
It’s a half-hour hike if you’re fast and the reward at the top is the incredible view overlooking the region.
The hike back to the car is all downhill too.
You can walk, run, or roll your way back down the hill and treat yourself to a coffee and a croissant after.
You’ve earned it!
18. Luxury escape … To a massage parlour
You might need this after your Table Top hike.
Couples massages are the ultimate luxury date idea, and the best way to recover from heavy exercise.
19. BOO-tiful date idea
A very unwise person once told me you should take your partner to a scary movie on a date because it gives them a reason to cuddle up to you when they’re scared.
Ridiculous.
Take them on a ghost tour for the ultimate bonding experience.
It’s a bit of a gamble – they might love you or hate your for taking them on this experience but it’s all part of the fun.
Paranormal investigations resumed at the Royal Bull’s Head this month if you love a scare and you’re looking for your next date idea.
20. Therapy … but salty
Need a bit of healing in your life?
Head to Toowoomba Salt Cave for your next date.
Yes, it’s essentially just sitting in a salty room for a couple of hours but the health benefits are well worth it.
Learn more about Toowoomba Salt Cave here.
21. Learning + walking = great date idea
Are you a fan of exercise? No? Do this anyway.
Guided walking tours through the CBD are led by long-time locals and Garden City experts who will give you their fascinating take on the city, and how Toowoomba came to be.
This experience is relatively new in town but so worth a try, even if you’re a local who thinks they know everything there is to know about Toowoomba.
Wear your Fitbit too, because your step count will be through the roof.
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