The Gold Coast is considered one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, and with its abundant sunshine, lengthy shoreline and laid-back lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why.
During the day, you can enjoy all the Coast has to offer: swimming, surfing, sunbathing and exploring. But when the sun goes down, what then?
If you’re looking for ideas for a romantic night out, or just a fun night with a really close friend, we got you covered. Here are some of the best date night ideas on the Gold Coast.
1. Take a stroll along Surfers Paradise Beach
Fancy a moonlit walk along the beach? Surfers Paradise beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast and makes for a romantic stroll any time of day or night.
The great thing about strolling at night is that there’s a lot fewer people around, so you can really take in the natural beauty of the Coast. While we don’t recommend swimming as there aren’t many lifeguards around, the beach is still a great place to relax and unwind, especially during sunset hours.
2. Prepare for an indoor date night
You don’t have to brave the dark and cold to have a romantic date night. The Gold Coast has plenty of indoor options that are perfect for a cosy night in.
One way to do just that is by impressing your date with a home cooked meal. If you’re not as skilled at cooking, you can either order in from one of the Coast’s many fantastic restaurants or order catering through Gathar. For the homebodies and introverts out there, this is the perfect way to spend quality time together without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
3. Shop at the many chic boutiques or markets
The Gold Coast isn’t all about its spectacular local beaches; there’s also a great shopping scene in the city.
You can browse through chic boutiques, pick up some souvenirs at the local markets or do some people-watching at one of the Gold Coast’s many fashionable malls with your partner.
The city is ripe with several esteemed designer brands that rival the quality of other luxury cosmopolitan brands, so you’re sure to find something eye-catching in each corner-side shop you come across.
5. Dine at one of the Gold Coast’s restaurants
If you’re in dire need of date night ideas, there’s no better way than to connect with your partner over some good food. Fortunately, the Gold Coast is a foodie’s paradise with plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from.
For those fancying a romantic dinner date, we recommend heading to one of the Gold Coast’s many fine-dining establishments like Kiyomi or Restaurant Labart. For a more casual night out, there are also great multicultural pub stops that can satisfy any hungry belly. These range from Vietnamese Pho to Indian curries.
No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to find it on the Gold Coast. So go ahead and explore all the great dining options the city has to offer!
6. Catch a show at The Star Gold Coast Casino
The Star Gold Coast Casino is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and for good reason. Not only does it offer a wide range of gaming options, but there’s also plenty of great live entertainment and concerts that occur frequently that can make for a fun date night.
From comedy shows and musicals to dance performances and acrobatics, there’s sure to be a show that you and your partner will enjoy. The casino also has several bars and restaurants, so you can make a night of it and enjoy some drinks and dinner before the show.
And as the night winds down, you can even try your luck at the casino! Who knows, you might just walk away with some extra cash in your pocket. Just be sure not to show your overly-passionate side if you happen to get a losing streak.
7. Take a dip in one of the Gold Coast’s many swimming holes or pools
You may be pleasantly surprised to know that the Gold Coast’s various swimming spots don’t just include its world-famous shoreline.
The city is also home to several natural swimming holes like Currumbin Rock Pools and Tallebudgera Creek that are perfect for a refreshing dip. These swimming holes are open to the public 24/7, so you can even take a midnight swim under the stars with your partner.
If you’re not one for braving the cold, there are also several man-made pools like the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre that is open for an hour every night, typically between 7:00-8:00 PM. Just be sure to check their website for schedule changes or closures before heading over.
8. Enjoy the local theme park scene
There are three world-class theme parks located on the Gold Coast: DreamWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild. While these theme parks are great fun, they’re usually only open during the daytime.
But every few months, these theme parks will open up for special “after-hours” events that can turn an average night into an unforgettable date experience. These events, such as DreamWorld’s Park After Dark event, usually include extended park hours, exclusive ride access and a variety of activities and entertainment options.
So if you and your partner are looking for a fun and unique date night, don’t miss out on the next after-hours event at one of the Gold Coast’s theme parks!