9 Date Ideas Around Perth That Won’t Break The Bank

A cheap date doesn’t have to be a bad date with these thrifty (but romantic) ideas. Here’s 10 ideas to try out in and around Perth.

Get the heart pumping on a hike

With a combination of a great coastline, the Darling Scarp and some amazing national parks, Perth has some great hiking trails to explore. Plus nothing will test the strength of an established relationship, or the future prospects of a blossoming one, like tackling a hike through some beautiful landscapes. You’ll find out who wears the pants and whose happy to take the lead, a bonding experience that’ll leave you stronger than ever! Check out 20 of the best hikes near Perth here.

Become star crossed lovers at the Perth Observatory

Located in Bickley just a short 25km out of the city, the Perth Observatory will provide the perfect backdrop for a couple of dreamers to look upwards into the fresh night air and ponder the universe. There’s plenty of night tour options, head to their website for more info.

Find love at a Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets can be an excellent way to get to know someone, specifically what they’re into food wise. Fresh fruit and veg? Gluten free treats? Breakfast burritos? Crepes? Nothing beats a chilled weekend morning walk around one of Perth’s many great Farmer’s Markets. It’s also an awesome way to support local suppliers directly and get yourself some fresh produce in the process. Pro-tip: Buy all the bits and pieces to put together a mean brunch or picnic with your date, and keep the good times rolling! Here’s our guide to all the best Farmer’s Markets around Perth.

Get spooooky in the Freo Prison

The Fremantle Jail hosts Torchlight Tours every Wednesday and Friday night, providing the perfect opportunity to test your date’s bravery. Plus, you’ll get a ghoulish history lesson from one of their experienced guides, and ample opportunity to provide a comforting hug should things get extra haunting down there. Tickets are $28 for adults, and cheaper for students.

Test your skills with some retro gaming

Want to impress your upcoming date with your awesome gaming skills? Of course you do! No we’re not talking about parking up on your couch forcing them to watch you play GTA 5, get out there and fiddle some joysticks together at one of a few potential places: Nostalgia Box (pictured, below). It’s Australia’s only video game console museum, and it’s an awesome place to visit with over 100 consoles on exhibit, with a heap of them available to play. Alternatively Palace Arcade in Northbridge and Victoria Park are awesome late night bars filled with excellent booze, food and dozens of old school arcade machines! Pro tip: Head there on a Wednesday and spend just $20 on the bar to get unlimited gaming.

Hit a (mini) hole in one

Thanks to being a nice fun, outdoor activity instead of an indoor, germ-ridden one, mini golf is all the rage once again and there’s new courses popping up all over the place. There’s courses of all different kinds, and many of them make for excellent date day/night options. Like the rolling open greens of Wembley’s huge course, Wanneroo’s expansive Botanic Gardens, booze-fuelled Holy Moly or even the tripped out Glowing Rooms in South Freo, there’s something to suit any dating occasion. Read to our full Perth mini golf guide here.

Flex your art knowledge (or lack thereof) at AGWA

So you’ve conquered the new WA Museum Boola Bardip (if not you should – it’s free!) and are looking for somewhere else to flex that big old brain muscle of yours in front of a special someone. The Art Gallery Of WA should be just the ticket; access to the majority of the exhibitions will only cost you a small donation, and you get to wander around scratching your chin and pretending you know what it all means. They’ve just gone through a massive re-brand, and have a beautiful rooftop bar for some spectacular city night sky views.

Send down some sexy strikes at Ten Pin Bowling

Ten Pin Bowling has had a bit of a comeback in recent years, with venues like The Lookout and Amplifier installing them as an added value element to drinking and music. We also challenge you to take a trip down memory lane and head to the one of the classics – nothing will get your date in the mood like the nostalgic sounds of glam 80s and 90s rock’n’roll, the clanging of pinball machines and the smell of succulent, chicken salt-coated hot chips on offer at old school bowling lanes like Rosemount Bowl in North Perth or Super Bowl in Melville. Read to our full Perth bowling alley guide here.

Romantic Dinner for two

Alright so just because we’re pinching pennies doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a nice meal out. Perth is filled with plenty of great dining options that aren’t too expensive and can still bring the romance… Northbridge is filled with some great – and cheap – Vietnamese options, while Peoples Cafeteria is a new(ish) option that is free BYO and delicious. Read more here.