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Sitting down to dinner or watching a movie can be a sweet way to spend Valentine's Day.
If you're looking to switch things up this year, there are plenty of other options to liven up the day and step out of your comfort zone.
We've put together this guide to help you think outside of the box. These will earn you the tick of approval from your Valentine.
Valentine's Day ideas
1. Have a picnic – but make it luxe
Forget packing a rug, basket and some sandwiches and order a curated luxury picnic experience instead.
Your Valentine will be blown away by the set-up, which could be anything from a low picnic table and cushions to an igloo overlooking the water.
Channel your inner Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze at a pottery workshop, shake up cocktails together, make his and hers rugs and more.
4. Go on a road trip
Why not surprise your Valentine with a day trip on the Saturday or Sunday before 14 February? You can create great memories and it's a gift your partner won't expect.
Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Adventure
Schedule in an hour or 2 of total relaxation with your date without needing to return the favour. You'll still get all the brownie points for helping them unwind without lifting a finger.
If you're up for a challenge, try something new like a hot stone or Thai massage.
Couples Day Spa Package with Massage, Mini Facial and More
Shop local and head to your nearest market for all the ingredients you'll need to make a romantic, home-cooked meal.
Or, take some notes from the experts at a couples cooking class where you can learn to make authentic Italian, Japanese, Thai, Singaporean or Lebanese dishes.
Check out what you can book at RedBalloon, Groupon or ClassBento where you'll leave with recipes to recreate the magic at home.
8. Test out your mixology skills with a cocktail-making class
Cocktails go hand in hand with a good dining experience. Why not stretch out the celebrations on Valentine's Day and head to a cocktail-making class after your Valentine's Day meal?
You can opt for a class with a dining element too.
Nothing brings people closer together than a surge of adrenaline. Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to go all out for your partner, so go big or go home with the ultimate skydiving adventure.
Whether you want to cosy up in a traditional cinema or make the most of the last weeks of summer with an outdoor cinema experience, it's the perfect date night activity.
Add a twist to the traditional dinner date by booking a dining experience instead. We're talking themed nights, dinner with a show or an experimental event such as dinner in the dark.
12. Sail away on a twilight, sunset or private cruise
Nothing screams romance like the golden hour. Witness it over the harbour with your date by your side – or make it even more special by booking a cruise just for the 2 of you.
Romancing on a budget? These sweet and unique ideas won't cost you a cent.
Have a park or beach date: A classic that never goes out of date. Spend some quality time together strolling or cycling through a park or walking along a beach. Personalise it by heading somewhere special to the two of you or pick somewhere your Valentine has always wanted to go.
Recreate a moment: From your first date to the first time you met – turn back the time, recreate a memory and yes, take a snap of it.
Snuggle in for a movie night at home: Valentine's Day is on a weekday and if you aren't really up for going out, Netflix is your best friend.
Go live and local: Local pubs constantly have free live music.
Crack open the karaoke machine: A duet or power ballad is a must.
Make a TikTok: Have some fun and make a TikTok to the tune of a couple-themed trend.
Give your partner an at-home massage: No explanation necessary.
Go stargazing: Drive out to a quiet spot with a blanket and spend the evening spotting constellations.
Watch the sun set: Mark a spot on the beach, cliffside, mountainside or water and catch the golden hour and the sun setting over the horizon.
Sign up for a free online class: Learn yoga, meditation, dancing and more. There are loads of online classes on YouTube and beyond that are free to access and, depending on what you choose, won't require anything more than a bit of enthusiasm.
Get sweaty: Whether it's the gym or the tennis court, harness your love of sports and yes, feel free to get competitive if you like.
Whip up dinner together: Stay in and work together to cook up a storm. Yes, you may have to buy ingredients, but if you feel like getting creative, why not work with what's in the fridge and see what you can come up with?
Shake up some cocktails: Pull out the bar cart and shake (or stir) your loved one a cocktail. There are loads of recipes online and who knows, you might discover a new favourite drink.
Write love notes: Super sweet and something you can keep with you throughout your relationship.
Unleash the board games: Spend the night in with the best 2-player games you can find.
Spend the night at the museum: Some galleries and museums do late-night sessions for adults and yes, entry is still free.
Build a music playlist: Fill it with all your favourite tunes to listen to on special occasions.
Volunteer for a mutual cause: Choose a charity or organisation you both care about and help out together. Ideas include volunteering at soup kitchens and chatting with the elderly at aged care facilities.
Swap books: Avid readers can share their top reads with one another.
Search for treasure: Download a geocaching app and work together to follow the clues and find the "treasure".
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Looking for inspiration on things to do in your area? We've got heaps! Read our city-specific guides for the best things to do in cities across Australia:
Available on hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, jet boat rides and attraction passes on Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $350 is required. T&Cs apply.
Up to 90% off on select international Klook Passes and Value Packs
Available on select tour packages. Sample discount is for All-in-One Taiwan Value Pack. Other tour packages include Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea and Europe. T&Cs apply.
Signup to get the latest offers, travel deals & more, and grab the chance win 1 of 20 Intrepid trips globally for two, plus return flights valued at $2,000 per person. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy mini golf with friends at Holey Moley. They have 9, 18, and 27 holes, plus karaoke and a food bar. Available in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA and SA. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities like hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, passes to attractions including Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Contiki's biggest sale of the year! Save up to 25% on selected trips which include accommodation, transport, and epic experiences. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
10% cashback + up to 50% off select Australia activities
Enjoy up to 50% discount on selected experiences and activities in Australia, and get 10% cashback on your bookings at Travello. Available until sold out. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, jet ski rides, whale watching cruises, day tours, rally driving and scenic helicopter flights. Minimum spend of $250 required. Destinations include Cairns, Sydney and Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Save up to 95% on beauty and spa, health and fitness, food and drink, goods, and other experiences with Groupon. Offers valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include winery tours in Adelaide Hills and tandem skydives. Sample price is for the River Torrens sightseeing cruise. T&Cs apply.
Extra 10% off Northern Territory activities with code
Available on select dates and activities, including sightseeing tours, zoo and wildlife experience, spas, sailings, hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Minimum spend of $300 required. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include winery tours, getaways, high teas, spas, sightseeing cruises and helicopter flights. T&Cs apply.
Up to $320 off on a 5-night stay at the Mantra Legends Hotel
Ends
Available for booking until 11 December 2023. It includes 5 nights accommodation at the Mantra Legends Hotel, breakfast daily, AUD$20* SkyPoint Bistro + bar voucher, 1 day pass to SkyPoint observation deck. T&Cs apply.
Up to $535 off on a 7-night stay at the Centara Villas Phuket
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Available for booking until 11 December 2023. It includes 7 nights of accommodation at the Centara Villas Phuket SHA Plus, breakfast daily, return private airport transfers, and Phi Phi Island by speedboat tour. T&Cs apply.
Up to $600 off on a 4-night stay at the 5-star Pan Pacific Singapore
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Available for booking until 11 December 2023. It includes 4 nights of accommodation at the Pan Pacific Singapore, daily breakfast, taste of a Chinatown tour. T&Cs apply.
Up to $140 off 3-night stay at the 4-star Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Suites
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Available for travel until 4 December 2023. It includes 3 nights’ accommodation at the 4-star Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Suites and a short Helicopter Flight over Niagara & Horseshoe Falls. T&Cs apply.
Up to $740 off 4-night stay at the Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn
Ends
Available for travel until 4 December 2023. It includes 4 nights’ accommodation at the best Western Plus Stovall's Inn, daily breakfast, and a 3-day, 1 park per day Disneyland resort ticket. T&Cs apply.
Up to $622 off 8-night stay at the 4-star Away Bali Legian Camakila Resort
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Available for travel until 4 December 2023. It includes 8 nights’ accommodation at the 4-star Away Bali Legian Camakila Resort, Masons Whitewater rafting tour, 30-minute Spa Session for two and more. T&Cs apply.
Big Indochina Adventure Tour: Up to $1,300 off Asia trips
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Don't miss the most epic adventure in South East Asia from Bangkok to Hanoi for a 27-day trip. Available for travel until 30 September 2024. T&Cs apply.
Stephanie Yip was the shopping editor at Finder. Previously she was Finder’s travel editor and before that was our lifestyle writer. She has been writing in the travel, shopping and lifestyle space for over 15 years. During her time at Finder she was featured in a number of publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian Australia, Travel Weekly, Escape and KarryOn. Before joining Finder, her previous jobs include editor for kids' magazine DMAG and writer for Thomas Cook and Wizz Air's in-flight magazine. Stephanie previously studied a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
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