Valentine's Day is a Wednesday this year but that doesn't mean you've gotten out of it! Take some time off work or turn the weekend into your Valentine's Day with these romantic date ideas.
Enjoy a sleep in and head to your favourite local café for a delicious, local-produce focused brunch. Keep it comfy and casual, no need to wear your heels, and enjoy a crispy pork belly dish or maple syrup-covered pancakes with your significant other. Guaranteed to get you some brownie points!
Try: The Windmill Café Bargara's mouth-watering 'Windmill Stack' with seared haloumi, Barritts' local bacon, Bronnie's Worcestershire glazed roasted mushrooms with a poached free-range egg all rustically atop toasted ciabatta and drizzled with Bronnie's well-loved Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, go down the sweeter path and gorge yourself on a delectable 'Bombaloni Bowl' from Indulge Café with stewed apples, meringue, vanilla bean custard and macadamia crumble.
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Take your lover to witness the miracle of life at the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter. Watch as the baby hatchlings scurry their way to the sea in the most adorable fashion.
Try: The Mon Repos Turtle Encounter can be quite a wait with hatchlings working to a schedule of their own. We recommend bringing your laptop or tablet, a romantic movie and some chocolate covered strawberries to pass the time.
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A V-Day classic you can't go wrong with a romantic dinner for two. Get dressed up and go out or stay in with a cosy home-cooked meal and a movie.
Try: Enjoy a night out at Grunske's By the River Seafood Restaurant and Market and grab a platter to share with a glass of wine... or two. Become My Kitchen Rules contestants for the night and whip up a three-course meal of your own. Hint: Use fresh local produce to elevate your dish like prosciutto wrapped figs, honey-roasted macadamias and succulent strawberries.
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Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go somewhere out-of-this-world. Snorkel, swim and dive into the Southern Great Barrier Reef and spend Valentine's Day with the ladies of the reef, Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island.
Try: Take a day trip out to Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience and swim with the turtles amongst the coral cays or take a scenic flight to Lady Elliot Island with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, swim with the manta rays and sleep on the reef.
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5. The I-Don't-Have-A-Date Date
For some, V-Day isn't the best time of the year (well, it would be if it was a public holiday #makevalentinesdayapublicholiday). Never fear, we have something for your too so when that certain someone you've been hinting at to ask you out finally asks you last minute you can say "no sorry, I already have plans" and make a dramatic exit in a puff of smoke.
Try: Grab your single friends and head to Bargara Brewing Company's the Brewhouse for some good vibes and good beers. Try a tasting platter of local produce and a delicious pizza, grab a tasting paddle of beer and compete against your friends in Jenga and ping pong.
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Take some time off work and getaway to the beach. Rent out a beach house, book into a hotel with an ocean view and enjoy room service, takeaway and good company.
Try: Be surrounded by breath-taking ocean views at Manta Bargara and relax on your balcony while watching the sun go down over the water. Hire out a house for the weekend at Woodgate Beach and enjoy a secluded getaway with some genuine one-on-one time.
Take love to new heights in the North Burnett. Be swept off your feet by panoramic views after a rewarding climb or take in the natural beauty of the national parks dotting the region. With hikes suitable for all different ages and fitness levels you're sure to find something for you and your partner.
Try: Enjoy an early morning hike to watch the sunrise at Mount Walsh or Castle Lookout at Cania Gorge.
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8. The Laid-Back Picnic Date
Picnics are a cute and easy way to treat your S.O this Valentine's Day. Set up in the picturesque Botanic Gardens or smell the salty air at Elliot Heads Beach with stunning outlooks of the estuary. Enjoy a homemade picnic hamper, pick up your favourite treats along the way or just go for some classic fish and chips.
Try: Atop the Hummock is romance goals and the sunsets are just as beautiful as your partner. Pack a picnic of sweet treats from your favourite bakery, Bunda Ginga pickler ginger, lemon myrtle macadamias from macadamias Australia, grab some cheese and crackers and your favourite Bundaberg Brewed Drink.
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Venture out to the wineries of Childers and spend your time hopping from one winery to another. Spend a weekend in a quaint cottage or hit all the bubbly hotspots on a winery trail tour. Stop in to Childers main street while you are there and soak up the relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere.
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10. The We-Have-To-Bring-The-Kids Date
Kids can be such a third-wheel when it comes to dating (ugh, I know, how dare they), but you can still enjoy a romantic night out or an afternoon with your significant lover even if they kids are tagging along.
Try: Have dinner at The Waves Sports Club and let the kids run wild in the kid's zone leaving you alone for some peace and quiet (almost as if it's just dinner for two). Pile into the car and head to Alowishus Delicious for some homemade gelato. Sample all the flavours then pick your favourite to take to Alexandra Park with the little ones.
(Credit: Wldavis73)