Date Night in Rhodes: 10 Unconventional Date Ideas
Just a few kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, Rhodes offers countless possibilities for a romantic date night. Whether you prefer the ambience of outdoor locations or the comforts of home, the suburb has something for every couple.
Whether you’re searching for first date ideas or ways to celebrate a special occasion, you and your partner will have lots of fun and romantic things to do in Rhodes!
Outdoor date night ideas in Rhodes
1. Get an endorphin boost together
The perfect date night in Rhodes doesn’t require making reservations at a fine dining restaurant (unless that’s your preference, of course). When you’re with the right person, a simple activity like working out already becomes date night-worthy.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for you to choose from, such as a romantic bike ride, a light jog, or a relaxing walk. Whatever you decide on, it’s sure to be a good workout and a great bonding experience, all in one!
Date night tips:
- Wear something functional and stylish! For date night-worthy activewear, check out the selection at Cotton On.
- Remember, this is still a date! Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and some perfume to freshen up after your workout.
2. Plan a romantic camping trip for two
Are you keen to escape the daily rat race and getaway with your S/O? If so, a camping trip together might be perfect for you. Just be the two of you, surrounded by nature — a romantic idea for sure.
While some couples would be content cuddling up in a tent under a sky full of stars, others might not enjoy roughing it in the wilderness. Fortunately, glamping (short for glamorous camping) has become popular in recent years. This means you can rent a tent at a campsite that offers luxuries like comfortable mattresses and clean restrooms. You read that right – no port-a-potties or sleeping bags needed!
Date night tips:
- Before your trip, visit Coles to get all the food and snacks you’ll need on your trip.
- Check out Sydney’s popular camping spots near Rhodes, such as Cockatoo Island Camping or Euroka Campground, for your outdoor adventure!
- Ensure that you prepare a first aid kit with items like band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic, itch cream, and the like. Head to Priceline Pharmacy to pick up these items.
3. Spice up your picnic with a splash of booze
Picnics are a timeless and romantic date idea – they require effort and planning, no matter how simple they may appear. However, if you’re looking to spice up the usual daytime picnic, consider an evening picnic with some cocktails and games.
In addition to snacks or a full dinner, pack some pre-made cocktails or wine in your picnic basket – just enough to create a relaxed atmosphere. Bring along a few of your favourite board games to add some fun and competition to the evening. Who knows, tipsy board game nights at the park could become your new favourite date night activity!
Date night tips:
- Choose a picturesque outdoor destination such as Brays Bay Reserve for your picnic.
- Elevate your setup with a cute picnic basket and mat from Kmart.
- Visit Liquorland for pre-made cocktails like gin and tonic, double lemon shochu, or passion fruit martini to complement your picnic experience.
Fun date night activities in Rhodes
4. Explore the best restaurants Rhodes has to offer
Instead of having a regular dinner date, consider going on a restaurant-hopping adventure with your significant other! From the best cafes in Rhodes to some of the tastiest Asian food in Sydney, you can try everything that tickles your taste buds in one night.
Visit each restaurant for a limited time, sample their best dishes, and then move on to the next spot. This will definitely mix up your usual routine – plus, you’re likely to find out which restaurants in Rhodes you'd like to return to for future dates!
Date night tips:
- To make the night exciting, make sure to pick a variety of restaurants! You could begin with a romantic restaurant in Rhodes, followed by a lesser-known hidden gem, and finish at a popular bar in the area.
- Find an outfit that’s both fashionable and comfy by browsing through Cotton On's collection.
- Save time by arranging your schedule and booking your reservations ahead of time.
5. Indulge in the ultimate cinematic experience on your date
Do you and your significant other share a deep passion for movies? If so, deciding what to do on your next date night in Rhodes becomes an effortless task – the timeless movie date is sure to charm both of you!
Surprise your beloved with tickets to a film they've been eagerly anticipating, or seize the opportunity to introduce them to your cherished film series. When both of you speak the language of cinema, movie nights are always an exhilarating prospect.
Date night suggestions:
- Choose a cosy cinema like Reading Cinemas Rhodes, where you can tailor your movie experience to suit your preferences, be it first-class, extra-wide screens, boutique style, 4DX, and more.
- Indulge in a delightful dinner before or after your movie date – Rhodes Waterside offers a plethora of dining options to cater to your taste.
- No movie date is complete without popcorn or candy! Remember to grab your favourite snacks in advance.
6. Join forces at an escape room
Test your ability to work together on your next date! Head to an escape room and spend your date night deciphering clues, solving riddles, and cracking codes.
This activity is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and make a lasting impression on your partner! Plus points: Whether or not you succeed in escaping the room, the most important thing is spending quality time with each other.
Date night tips:
- Make sure to wear comfortable clothing as you might be crawling through tight spaces! Cotton On has a great selection of comfortable, casual, and stylish outfits for both men and women.
- Although it’s natural to feel competitive, remember to keep things light and fun – it’s still a date, after all!
DIY date night ideas in Rhodes
7. Create your very own masterpiece with air-dry clay
Channel Ghost’s Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze by hosting a pottery class at home. Although it won’t be as steamy as the film, it will surely still be a fun experience. It’s also a chance to make personalised gifts for each other!
Worried about being a beginner? Don’t sweat it – the excitement of learning together is part of the adventure!
Date night tips:
- Head to Kmart to pick up an air-dry clay kit. It could get messy, so make sure to pick up some paper towels or cloth to wipe up any mess.
- Dress in comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Make sure your hair is tied back and your nails are trimmed before attending the class.
8. Tap into your inner Van Gogh with a paint and sip session
Show off your artistic skills and make a thoughtful gift for your significant other by hosting a paint and sip class. If you don’t consider yourself the most talented artist, don’t worry. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials, online guides or videos you can watch to help you get started.
If you’re still too nervous about watching a video and creating something, you can let someone else do the work for you with Paint by Numbers. This is the perfect at-home activity!
Date night tips:
- Drip Splash offers paint and sip classes on a regular basis.
- Paint and Sip wouldn’t be the same without your favourite beverage or cocktail -- so be sure to stop by Liquorland beforehand (or if alcohol isn’t your thing, head to Coles to pick up some soft drinks or non-alcoholic drinks!)
- Paint splatters are likely to happen, so keep this in mind when planning your outfit!
Indoor date night ideas in Rhodes
9. Put your chef hats on and prepare your own dinner
They say mundane tasks like grocery shopping become an exciting experience when done with someone special. Rather than going out to eat for your next date night, why not go grocery shopping instead? You and your partner can shop for ingredients and prepare dinner together from scratch.
Participating in the entire process, from selecting the ingredients to preparing the meal, will make your date night all the more meaningful and enjoyable. Who knows, your dinner might even taste better! (The secret ingredient? Love, of course!)
Date night tips:
- Look for dinner and dessert ideas by searching through your preferred recipe website, cookbook, or TikTok account.
- Jumpstart your date night by heading to Coles for fresh ingredients.
- Put together the picture-perfect dinner table setting with placemats and coasters from Adairs.
10. Create your own cinema experience at home
Do you ever long for the times you’d build blanket forts as a kid? We have some good news for you: you're never too old to enjoy them. On top of that, they might even be more enjoyable now!
Level up blanket fort experience by transforming it into an at-home cinema. With a laptop and projector, you’re in for the perfect Netflix and chill setting. It's the perfect way to spend a cosy evening with your significant other!
Date night tips:
- Pretty up your blanket fort with some lovely new throw blankets and pillows from Bed Bath N’ Table.
- Transform your room into a home theatre with a projector from Kmart.
- Complete your movie night with some delicious deli snacks from Farmers Fresh!
You’re guaranteed to have a fantastic date night in Rhodes no matter which activity you choose. To make your future dates even more exciting, why not give all the ideas on this list a try?