Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, and it’s time to start preparing. Are you happily coupled up? In a new and exciting relationship? You better have a plan ready— you simply can’t ignore the most romantic day of the year.
Valentine’s Day (as the story goes) began when Saint Valentine, a Catholic Priest in 4th century Rome, secretly married dozens of young couples on February 14th. Emperor Claudius II had criminalised marriage for young people, believing it made the men better soldiers, but Saint Valentine had other ideas.
Fast forward several centuries later, and we’re still celebrating this most romantic of days. Unlike other holidays, Valentine’s Day is just between you and your better half - no one else gets a say in how you celebrate.
That being said, we know it’s a tricky holiday to navigate. And Brisbane is a city teeming with options. What should you do? Where should you stay? Do you need a gift? And if so, what?
That’s where we come in. Welcome to your handy-dandy guide for all things Valentine’s Day in Brisbane. Where else in Australia will you find world-class shopping, fine dining, hidden bars, adrenaline-filled theme parks, and luxury hotels, all in a sublime climate?
So many options, so little time.
Valentine's Day City Guides Brisbane
Table of contents
Why Brisbane for Valentine’s Day?
How to spend your Valentine’s Day in Brisbane
Shop online for Valentine’s Day gifts
Where to stay in Brisbane on Valentine’s Day
Current deals and specials for Valentine’s Day Brisbane
Why shop at finder.com.au for Valentine's Day?
Why Brisbane for Valentine’s Day?
Brisbane is a thriving sub-tropical hub of things to do, eat, drink and see.
In the heart of the city you have acclaimed shopping district Queen Street Mall, the luscious gardens of South Bank, and the leisurely Brisbane River with it’s endless river-front dining.
Venture further, and you’ll find a thriving live music scene in Fortitude Valley and farmers markets in New Farm Park. Why not plan a day trip to the picturesque (and sandy) Moreton Island?
An ideal way to see the city is with a good old-fashioned pub crawl. Brisbane’s bar scene has definitely kicked it up a notch in recent years. For a homage to all things Americana head to Lefty’s OId Time Music Hall, where you can grab a hot dog, a whiskey, and a dance to Johnny Cash. Check out the Avocado Daiquiris at Toro Bar in the city’s west, or head along the Yard Bird Ale House’s Sunday Crafternoon sessions in Fortitude Valley for $5 schooners and 50c chicken wings.
Perhaps eating your way around the city is more your speed, in which case head along to Yum Cha Tuesdays at Francie Mays for $5 pork buns and spring rolls. Feeling romantic and just a little bit fancy? High tea at Customs House should do the trick, where a three-tiered stand of sandwiches, scones and desserts is served on the terrace overlooking Brisbane River. On the hunt for superb coffee and delicious goods? Look no further than Gramercy, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with their red laced Turkish delight meringue, or get a little healthy with a refreshing green juice.
Maybe you’re all about adventure and activities. In that case, you’re in luck, because Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild are all nearby, as is surfing at Kings Beach or tobogganing down the world’s tallest sand dune.
Then again, you might be feeling super romantic. Embark on a Brisbane River cruise aboard a majestic paddle steamer, with a glass of bubbly in one hand and your loved one in the other.
How to spend your Valentine’s Day in Brisbane
Food
Bacchus are putting on an eight course degustation especially for Valentine’s Day - complete with a long stemmed rose and a Cupid’s Bellini on arrival.
A waterfront meal, a two course meal, French champagne… and it’s just $59 per person at Watt Restaurant & Bar.
Customs House are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a three course meal for $90. Choose from dining on the waterfront terrace or in the elegant dining room.
Theme parks
DreamWorld has it all: thrill rides, zombie laser combat, tiger island, and even the Big Brother house.
SeaWorld is part theme park, part aquatic zoo. Jump on a roller coaster before catching the seal show - all in a day’s visit.
To cool down, you can’t go past Wet ‘n’ Wild, with dozens of thrilling water slides and relaxing pools.
Tours
You can feed the dolphins. We repeat: you can actually feed the dolphins. It’s all part of the Tangalooma Island Day Tour
Ride a hot air balloon over Brisbane’s hinterland - after your champagne breakfast, of course.
Cruise down the Brisbane River on an elegant paddle boat. The Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise includes bubbly on arrival and a seafood buffet.
Buy Valentine’s Day gifts online
Romantic gifts
A romantic day calls for a romantic gift. Roses, hearts and chocolate… wine may also be necessary if the rest of the day doesn’t work out.
Saks Fifth AVenue - Cartier | Tank Anglais Stainless Steel and 18k Rose Gold Bracelet Watch
Flowers for Everyone - 24 Long Stemmed Red Roses
Different Drop - 2012 Marq Malbec - Six Pack
Charlie Brown - ‘You Love Me’ Bracelet
The Men's Shop - Burberry | Brit 50ml Fragrance Spray
Beautiful gifts
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but beautiful gifts for her extend far beyond putting a ring on it.
Blooms Boutique - Kuku Alexa Dress
Saks Fifth Avenue - Alexis Bittar | Citrine and Mother-of-Pearl Doublet Drop Earrings
Living Styles - Set of Two Aqua Ceramic Designer Vases
Flowers for Everyone - Paris Pink Roses
InSitchu - Striped Tie
Bellucci Collections - Necklace N 3068 GLD
Quirky gifts
For the person that refuses to conform to social norms, but would still like a gift anyway, thank you very much.
Bellucci Collection - Earrings E 32153 GLD CLR
The Men's Shop - Ben Sherman | Red Stripe Bow Tie
Saks Fifth Avenue - Saint Laurent | Goldtone Arty Ovale Ring
WeWood Jupiter Beige
Zanui - Escape to Paradise Palm Tree Cushion
eCufflinks - R2D2 Cufflinks and Tie Bar Gift Set
Sentimental gifts
What’s sentimental to you may not be sentimental to someone else, but the trick here is to go for something long lasting (or Instagram-worthy). We’ve got you started with a little inspiration.
Flowers for Everyone - Red Roses, Chocolates and Teddy Bear
Saks Fifth Avenue - David Yurman | Diamond & Sterling Silver Heart Stack Ring
Hallenstein Brothers - Chicago Blues Necklace
eCufflinks - Engravable Round Infinity Cufflinks and Tie Bar Gift Set
Living Styles - Assorted Pastel Ceramic Candle Holder Cups in a Box
Petals.com.au - I Love You Flowers
Where to stay in Brisbane on Valentine’s Day
A rooftop pool, a thriving restaurant, luxurious accommodation… what more could you want from the Pullman Brisbane? How about being seconds away from galleries, shopping and Suncorp Stadium? Done.
The sleek and edgy Limes Hotel wins fans for its rooftop bar, excellent service and a much appreciated espresso bar. It’s prime location next to drinking and shopping on James Street doesn’t hurt, either.
The Marriott Brisbane is right in the heart of the city, with views of the river and walking distance from riverside bars and dining - options for a Valentine’s meal, perhaps?
The Mantra South Bank is seconds away from galleries, markets, shopping and restaurants, but why not take the time out to relax by the heated lap pool?
The Sofitel Brisbane is everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel: centrally located, plush bedrooms, elegant touches, a day spa, a bar, two restaurants and a pool - perfect for a romantic city getaway.
Walk out of The Hilton Brisbane and find yourself straight in the renowned shopping district of Queen Street Mall. Or turn around and head to the Vintaged Bar + Grill for exceptional cuts of meat and fine wines in the wine room.
Current deals and specials for Valentine’s Day Brisbane
Amazon - Valentines Day Ideas
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Amazon - Beautiful flower bouquets from $9.99
Choose from a wide variety of flowers from Amazon, delivered straight to you door.
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Flowers for Everyone - 10% Discount with Signup
Get 10% off your first order at Flowers for Everyone. Simply signup now to get your discount.
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Why shop at finder.com.au for Valentine’s Day?
Voucher coupons. You’ll find plenty of special offers and discounts on finder.com.au, which means more to splurge on Valentine’s Day itself.
Competitive shipping charges. Plenty of our retailers offer free shipping within Australia, and there’s still time to order before the big day!
Returns and exchanges. Our featured online retailers offer a minimum of seven days to return or exchange your gift. Not sure she (or he) will like what you picked? No worries.
Warranty. Shop with peace of mind with warranties on many of our retailers’ products.
Earn points. Want to save even more money? Accumulate points as you shop for greater discounts.
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