Forget the days of your stock standard restaurant meal followed by a movie, I’ve uncovered some truly great first date ideas in Perth City.

There’s something for everyone in this list! All you need to do is pick your favourite – then concentrate on enjoying the company and the possibility that this might be the first date you have of many more to come.

NOSTALGIA BOX

For only $15 per person, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the modern day world in a gaming oasis.

The Nostalgia Box is a Northbridge hub that offers a trip down memory lane while you visit their museum of consoles (remember the good old Atari days?) before settling in with a variety of different games to play.

As far as first dates go, I really think this one is sure to pull on anyone’s heartstrings a little as you perch on stools and battle it out one on one in games like Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Crash Bandicoot.

If you’re anything like me, you spent more time than you’d like to admit as a child playing Bubble Bobble and Pac-Man, and so it’s time to bring back those skills you once honed in to impress your companion.

After all, it’s the age of the nerd! Just remember – no one likes a sore loser, so keep it light, fun and enjoy this little hidden gem.

Venue Name: The Nostalgia Box
Location: 3/16 Aberdeen Street, Perth
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10.30am-5.00pm
The Nostalgia Box 

LITTLE FERRY CO

While sailing on the Titanic didn’t end so well for Jack and Rose, the Little Ferry Co is definitely a unique date idea to enjoy in Perth.

Departing from Elizabeth Quay three times during the day at only $18.00 return per adult, it’s a great way to enjoy the Swan River while getting to know your companion more.

If you’re partial to a stolen moment of romance, a little cuddle during the cooler times won’t go astray! Though if that’s moving too quick, you can order a cup of coffee or tea instead to warm your bones.

While the view itself is worth the trip, the skippers also are on board providing historical facts on Perth and pointing out some of the real highlights that pass by.

Once you depart the ferry, if the date’s still going well you can kick on with a meal at one of Elizabeth Quay’s venues – but I actually think that renting About Bike Hire’s quad cycles is an even better alternative.

Sitting side by side you can cycle along the river, enjoying some of our city’s best natural sights.

Renting the quads is only $27.00 per hour and a lovely way to stay active while not being so puffed conversation is out of the question.

Venue: Little Ferry Co
Location: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9.00am-5.00pm
Little Ferry Co 

Venue: About Bike Hire
Location: 305 Riverside Drive, East Perth
Hours: Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm, Saturday-Sunday 8.00am-5.00pm
About Bike Hire

POST

These days, health really is wealth. And Perth’s yoga scene has just exploded – with one particular venue in town attracting quite a lot of attention.

COMO Shambhala in the State Buildings is not only a gorgeous space, it offers yoga classes and spa appointments.

Start the day with a morning date that includes downward facing dog pose, while enjoying the venue and your company.

When you’ve finished, follow your soul restoring morning with a trip to Post. Situated in the Postal Hall’s original franking room, here you’ll find balanced, nutritious and delicious menu items.

My favourite? The nut and seed “real toast” with avocado, tomato and cucumber – it’s a guilt free flavour bomb.

While it might be too early for the glow of love, your insides and outsides will feel amazing with this combination of yoga and breakfast.

Namaste.

Venue: COMO Shambhala
Location: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Square, Perth
Hours: Classes start from 7.00am
Cathederal Square 

Venue: Post
Location: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Square, Perth
Hours: Monday-Sunday 6.30am-10.00pm
Post

HIPPOCAMPUS

If gin and tonic is your drink of choice, then Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery’s Spirit School is a must try for you and your date.

Held every second Wednesday night from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at $35 per person, it’s a wonderful way to appreciate this local WA distillery’s gin and vodka.

With a guided spirit tasting, information on the distillation process and a Q&A segment, it’s a great way to break the ice in the comfort of an intimate group.

While this might not be the most conventional of first dates, it’s a fun way to mix things up (literally as you sip on your vodka mixer) and sure to be a memorable introduction to someone new in your life.

Best of all, you’re supporting one of WA’s most celebrated local businesses in the food and beverage industry. Cheers to that!

Venue: Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery
Location: 19 Gordon Street, West Perth
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 1pm
Hippocampus 

BIVOUAC

Love hip-hop? Thursday nights at The Bird are time to get your inner rap star on!

But before you get ready to drop mike, stop by one of Northbridge’s favourite restaurants – Bivouac.

With a mediterranean feel to the food on offer, it encourages a share food approach which is pretty darn cute for a first date.

Just thinking about those accidental hand grazes as you both reach for the black barley (which I insist you order) makes me smile.

When you’re done, take a leisurely stroll across the road to The Bird and start planning what song you’ll be busting out on stage when it comes your turn.

Are you a Kanye kind of rapper, or would you rather some old school NWA? The choices are endless.

If you’d rather save your vocals for solo car rides, there’s no harm in watching from the audience.

Everyone there has a supportive nature, a love of music and end up singing along from down below. There’s a real community vibe that makes it a guaranteed good night with an easy, comfortable air about it. No pressure, just fun.

Lose yourself in this moment and take a chance. After all, as Eminem said, opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

Venue: Bivouac
Location: 198 William Street, Northbridge
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-late
Bivoauc 

Venue: The Bird
Location: 181 William Street, Northbridge
Hours: Monday-Saturday 12.00pm-12.00am, Sunday 12.00pm-11.00pm
The Bird

MOONLIGHT CINEMA

Dancing in the moonlight has moved over and now it’s all about picnicking under the stars. Think plush rugs, pillows to lean back on and a basket full of goodies to devour.

King’s Park Moonlight Cinema offers a range of different movie options when showing, and the menu is really only limited to your imagination and time.

I highly recommend that you stop by the Re Store in Northbridge before to stock up on your dream dinner to share with your date.

For me, I’m partial to piles of freshly sliced jamon, wedges of oozy brie, sundried tomatoes and some olive oil crackers.

But because my eyes are always bigger than my stomach, I often like to grab a couple freshly made rolls too which are somewhat beastly in size, and are a stack of ingredients housed in crusty continental buns.

On the way to the checkout pick up some chocolate and Italian sodas to complete your swoon worthy smorgasbord and you’re all set!

The gates open way before sessions start which means you can set your picnic up, munch away while learning more about one another.

In the slightly cooler evenings bring an extra rug so you can snuggle together underneath as the sun sets and the night air starts to descend.

It’s dinner and a movie, but completely turned on it’s head. Full of romance and potential – just like you’d want for your first date.

Venue: Moonlight Cinema
Location: Synergy Parkland, May Drive, Kings Park
Hours: Check sessions guide
Moonlight

Venue: The Re Store
Location: 72 Lake Street, Northbridge
Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm, Saturday 8.00am-12.30pm
The Re Store

ARTHOUSE

Daytime dates are all the rage right now. After all, brunch is the best meal of the day I like to think, and during the day it’s all about minimal makeup and cute outfits that don’t include sky high heels or the need to wear a tie.

But the key to a great first date that includes brunch is finding a venue that doesn’t have hour-long lines out the door, yet still have phenomenal food.

So that’s where Arthouse comes into the picture – it’s a beautiful new venue with bistro style food by Chef Chase Weber (you may know him as the Head Chef of The Standard).

Order a dish each, or if you’re feeling bold then a couple to share.

Then stroll through the Art Gallery and soak in the exhibitions currently on show. It’s a great way to work off the food you’ve just gobbled down as you chat (in hushed tones of course).

Venue: Arthouse
Location: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 10.00am-5.00pm, Friday-Saturday dinner
Art Gallery

Venue: Art Gallery of Western Australia
Location: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10.00am-6.00pm, Friday-Saturday 10.00am-11.00pm
Art Gallery of WA

[button color=”” size=”” type=”square” target=”” link=”https://soperth.com.au/category/lifestyle/food-beverage”]Can you handle more top Perth drinks and eats? Click here[/button]

This is a sponsored post by City of Perth – endorsed by So Perth. We value your feedback so please contact us with any thoughts in regards to our sponsored post. Thank you for supporting So Perth and our sponsors.