7 Actually Great Perth Date Ideas That Won’t Break The Budget
Cancel your plans. You’ve got places to be and people to see in the city.
Hi, we’ve been expecting you.
Yes, you.
We know you’ve locked in a date with a Tinder match/uni friend/Contiki buddy and suddenly but frantically realised that, oh MY GOD: you have no idea where to take them.
That date stress is real. As is that dire bank balance. But when both you and (probably) your date are accustomed to shows like The Bachelor and MAFS – where the bar is literally set to “helicopter ride over a stunning harbour” – what in the heckin’ can-of-tuna-for-lunch do you do?
Look! They may not be Osher Gunsberg-approved (nothing could be so perfect), but Perth has a tonne of fun, glorious things to do that won’t cost you much (if anything).
Here are a few cheap, unique date ideas that are sure to impress. Stop fretting, start reading.
#1 Game At The Palace Arcade
Nothing says “I like you but it’s chill” better than a date in an arcade.
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If you’re enjoying the date, you can sidle up next to them in a booth with some pizza ($6 a slice!). If they’re a bit of a snore, occupy yourself with a game of Mortal Combat until the whole disaster is over. Foolproof.
#2 Picnic At Matilda Bay
The most beautiful thing about picnics is that they’re simultaneously romantic and cheap – perfect first-date fodder. In fact, they’re Bachy approved, too. (What do you think the producers do when they’re low on budget?!)
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Raid your mum’s fridge for the most impressive-looking leftovers, chuck them in a wicker basket and head down to Matilda Bay. Throw a soft blanket under your date’s cute butt and ooft: you got yourself a one-way ticket to date number two.
#3 Catch A Movie At Northbridge Piazza
The only thing better than a movie is an outdoor movie, and the only thing better than an outdoor movie is a free outdoor movie.
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Northbridge Piazza is always putting on free (and actually good) movies, so take your date to one. At the very least, they’ll think you’re tres alternative.
#4 Meet At A Market
Here’s what no one admits about markets but I WILL because I have NOTHING to lose. Markets are the perfect place to take a date because they’re an ~experience~ that’s ~fun~ and involves food… but costs you literally nothing if you don’t want it to.
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Even if you’re so broke that you can only afford a single taco, markets have a divide-and-conquer mentality that is perfect for going Dutch.
Events like the Home Grown Market or the Perth Upmarket are a done deal.
#5 Go Dog-Friendly
Nothing breaks the ice faster than your dog smelling your date’s dog’s butt.
Grab a coffee at one of Perth’s famous dog-friendly cafés like Toast Café or Gordon Street Garage and introduce your woofer to their floofer. All it’ll cost you is a cup of coffee and the deep satisfaction that you’ll have something to talk about when the conversation falters.
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And if they don’t have a dog? Well, we’re not biased or anything, but it’s probably not going to work out.
#6 See A Comedy Show
Little bit different, this one. But every single person likes to laugh, meaning a cute lil comedy show is a guaranteed good time.
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The Comedy Lounge always has shows on, with tickets starting at an appropriate-considering-your-financial-status price of $20. That’s nothing to laugh at!
#7 When In Doubt, BYO
Little do many people know, BYO restaurants were actually created for struggling single people to meet suitors and not go bankrupt! The more you know!
Places like Francoforte Spaghetti Bar and Viet Hoa have got your back. As an added bonus, they’re delicious and cool places that’ll make your date say things like, “Wow this food is delicious and also, you’re cool”.
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Or, you know, just take them to a beach (any beach) and tell them it’s Bachy in Paradise cosplay.
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(Lead image: freestocks.org)
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Cancel your plans. You’ve got places to be and people to see in the city.