The year is 2019 and dating has never been more…convoluted? And those meticulously-crafted on-line profiles, workshopped opening lines and deciding how long to leave someone left on “seen” all count for nothing if you line up a terrible first date. The old dinner and a movie is so passé – if you want to get ahead in the dating world you gotta think outside the box and veer away from the beaten path. And fortunately for you Perth is home to an influencer’s flooded story bar’s worth of options to impress that special someone, here’s a few of selections:
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 pondering of the universe. There’s plenty of night tour options, and for the more adventurous folks out there you can abseil down the Telescope Dome during the month of June – head to their website for more info.
Going to the movies has traditionally been a stock standard dating idea, which is weird when you think about it – why go somewhere with someone to not talk for two hours? At Perth’s only drive-in theatre you can have the best of both worlds as you watch movies while getting to know your date in the intimate surrounds of your (presumably-not-falling-apart) car. Weekends are for double-header showings, or drop by during the week for just a single movie, and establish early your all important film compatibility.
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.
The Perth Mess Hall has just opened up, taking over the Heritage-listed Old Swan Barracks in Northbridge with a rotating band of food trucks to choose from every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during winter. There’s over 60 different trucks in the mix, so you’re not short on options and will surely avoid any menu disagreements.
Casa Bianchi‘s eclectic layout, lush gardens, koi ponds and cane furniture all combine for a splendid late morning date with that potential future significant other. It’s also dog friendly, if you wanna show your puppy pal off early in proceedings, and the casual atmosphere will keep it breezy.
For those more sporting inclined, how could you argue with the combination of some casual hoop-shooting followed by a tasty taco or two at Donnie Taco in West Perth? The perfect spot for a brekky or lunch date, show off your skills (or lack there of) with a few hoops afterwards. They have some great deals during the week as well – just head to the website and make your first date a slam-dunk.
Okay so this might be more of a traditional date night spot, but as we head towards the colder months its hard to go past Mrs Brown Bar’s indoor or outdoor fireplaces for a cosy, get-to-know bottle of vino. Plus it puts you in the centre of the action in North Freo, with some great food options nearby or cop some live music at one of the best, Mojos Bar.
If the bright neon lights and pop culture panache of Holy Moly feels like a bit too much, why not head to Oasis Supa Golf in the Swan Valley and upgrade to the (super) big boys league. With oversized clubs and balls along a shorter course it’s a lot easier than normal golf, along with being an excellent chance to get outdoors and get some fresh air.
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, both of which are good options if you want to combine your bowl with a boogie and booze. 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.