Surprise your partner with the 8 best last-minute date ideas you can do in Adelaide!
- Join the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
- Have a picnic date in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
- Get a chance to encounter dolphins with Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
- Have a fun and lively date night in NOLA
- Go on a gelato date at Gelato Messina
- Star gaze in Adelaide Planetarium
- Book a couple’s massage at Longview Vineyard Day Spa
- Cook together in a class at Casa Carboni
There’s something thrilling about spontaneous romantic dates. It could be a last-minute plan, a change of schedule, or a way to celebrate something special. Whatever the reason, it’s a great way to show you care.
But what if you’re out of ideas? I’ve been there heaps of times, wondering where to go or what to do for a special night with my wife. Thinking on the spot isn’t always easy.
No need to stress. I’ve put together some top last-minute date ideas right here in Adelaide. You’ll never be short of options again!
Join the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
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Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide
Phone: +61 883 315 222
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: https://roofclimb.com.au/
Price:
- Standard – $109 per person
- Twilight – $119
For a spur-of-the-moment romantic date with stunning views, book an Adelaide Oval RoofClimb. Over two hours, you and your partner will walk along the stadium’s roof, guided by experienced staff. You’ll make your way across specially designed walkways while soaking in the city from above.
You’ll climb the curved roof of the Western Stand and step onto a platform 50 metres up. It’s a mix of adventure and unbeatable panoramic views of Adelaide, from the skyline to the hills. Along the way, you’ll also hear stories about the stadium’s history.
Back when my wife and I were dating, I surprised her with a twilight climb. We watched the sun dip below the horizon as the city lights flickered on. It was a memorable experience, and she absolutely loved it!
Tip: Try the LeanOut challenge, where you lean out 50 metres above the ground—perfect for thrill-seeking couples!
Have a picnic date in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
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Address: North Terrace
Phone: +61 882 229 311
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/
Price: Free
Get away from the hustle and bustle with a picnic date at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Just find a quiet spot under a tree or near a flowerbed, lay out a picnic blanket, and tuck into some homemade or shop-bought food. With its peaceful setting, it’s easy to relax, have a chat, and enjoy each other’s company without any distractions.
Before settling in, take a wander through the themed gardens, like the Rose Garden or the Palm House. You can also pop into the Bicentennial Conservatory to check out exotic plants and soak up the calm atmosphere inside the stunning glasshouse.
I thought of this idea when I found out my now-wife was into plants. One Sunday arvo, I brought her here for a picnic, and we ended up sharing our first kiss in the Rose Garden. Safe to say, it was a pretty special day.
Tip: For a quieter, more private spot, set up in the Sunken Garden. There’s a peaceful pond surrounded by greenery and water lilies, and it’s usually less crowded—perfect for a cosy chat while soaking up the scenery.
Get a chance to encounter dolphins with Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
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Address: Lot 204 Garden Island Rd, Port Adelaide
Phone: +61 419 022 354
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://dolphinsanctuarykayaktours.com.au/
Price:
- Adult – $79
- Double Kayak – $80
Paddle through the calm waters of the Dolphin Sanctuary, weaving past mangroves and spotting local wildlife with Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours. It’s a great way to get outdoors and soak up nature while sharing the experience with someone special. And if you’re lucky, a dolphin might pop up right beside your kayak!
Kayaking together is a fun way to work as a team, and the peaceful setting makes for some great chats. They’ve got flexible booking options, and you don’t need any experience to give it a go.
This was a last-minute plan after my wife mentioned she’d love to see dolphins. I booked us in, and luckily, a few dolphins cruised right by our kayak. I’ll never forget her face lighting up as one popped its head out and gave us a cheeky splash.
Tip: For land-based dolphin spotting, check out the Anna-Rennie Loop Path.
Have a fun and lively date night in NOLA
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Address: 28 Vardon Ave
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Website: http://www.nolaadelaide.com/
Price Range: $$
A date at NOLA means soaking up the lively vibe of this East End spot. Kick things off with Cajun and Creole favourites like gumbo or jambalaya. While you eat, sip on a well-made cocktail all while enjoying the live tunes that set the mood for the night.
It’s a great choice for a last-minute date since they only do walk-ins. No need to stress about booking. Just rock up and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and top-notch drinks.
The New Orleans theme adds a unique touch, making it feel like a quick escape without leaving Adelaide.
We headed there last Friday to celebrate my wife’s promotion. The Louisiana hot shrimp dip set us back $20—a solid choice for a spontaneous date night. The shrimp was juicy, and the rich, spicy cheese sauce hit the spot.
Tip: Pair the Louisiana hot shrimp dip with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. The crisp acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the flavours nicely.
Go on a gelato date at Gelato Messina
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Address: 44 The Parade W, Kent Town
Phone: +61 489 943 270
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: http://gelatomessina.com/
Price Range: $
Sample over 40 flavours of gelato at Gelato Messina. You and your partner can take your time tasting different options—maybe even sharing a few scoops to try more. It’s a laid-back, easygoing experience, perfect for a casual catch-up over some top-notch gelato.
Sharing gelato is a fun way to bond, letting you chat and laugh as you pick your favourites. The relaxed vibe means there’s no need for a big plan. Just pop in when the mood strikes. No fuss, just good gelato and good company.
Our go-to is the pistachio. Three scoops will only set you back $10.90—spot-on for a quick date. It’s rich and nutty, with crisp praline adding a satisfying crunch that rounds out the flavour beautifully.
Tip: Try their special flavour, I KNOW THE OWNERS—a custard tart gelato with tart base and iced coffee fudge. It’s a ripper choice for first-timers.
Star gaze in Adelaide Planetarium
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Address: Building P, Mawson Lakes
Phone: +61 883 023 138
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.unisa.edu.au/planetarium/
Price:
- General Admission – $15
- Private Session – $200
Head to the Adelaide Planetarium for a date night under the stars. Sit back in comfy reclining chairs inside a dark dome and take in the projected night sky above. Over the hour, an astronomer will guide you through the universe, sharing stories about planets, stars, and beyond.
It’s a great last-minute date idea that mixes learning with a bit of romance. The cosy setting makes it easy to connect while discovering the wonders of space together. Plus, the experience creates the perfect atmosphere for meaningful moments.
This is where I proposed to my wife. It hit me during the Night Sky presentation that the timing was right. Luckily, I had the ring on me. The setting made it even more special.
Tip: Book a private session for a more personal touch, ideal for proposals or special occasions.
Book a couple’s massage at Longview Vineyard Day Spa
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Address: 154 Pound Rd, Macclesfield
Phone: +61 883 889 769
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/spa/
Price: $695 per couple
Enjoy a relaxing day together at Longview Vineyard Day Spa. With soothing treatments and stunning vineyard views and delicious food, it’s a great way to unwind and spend quality time.
It’s perfect for a last-minute date, offering a mix of relaxation, good food, and a peaceful setting. The calm atmosphere makes it easy to switch off and enjoy the moment. Plus, booking is a breeze, so it’s great for a spontaneous treat.
I surprised my wife with a visit, and we both loved it. Our couples’ package included a full-body massage with a hot stone back massage, a petit facial, and a scalp massage. We finished with a glass of wine and an antipasto platter on the balcony, soaking in the views.
Tip: Take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the fresh air.
Cook together in a class at Casa Carboni
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Address: 67 Murray St, Angaston
Phone: +61 415 157 669
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://www.casacarboni.com.au/
Price: $250 per couple
Why not have a crack at a spontaneous cook-up with your partner at Casa Carboni? With hands-on guidance from experienced chefs, you’ll team up to whip up a seasonal four-course meal using fresh, local produce straight from the Barossa.
The class is hands-on, so you’ll be mixing, rolling, and cutting pasta while picking up some handy cooking skills along the way.
It’s a ripper idea because it’s a mix of good food, learning, and a laid-back vibe. The interactive setup makes it easy to work together and have a laugh while you cook.
Plus, with sessions running a few times a week and flexible bookings, it’s easy to tee up a spot last minute.
We did this for our third anniversary, and it was a top day out. We got stuck into making pasta from scratch, and the hands-on approach made it heaps of fun. The tagliatelle we made was surprisingly good—not bad for a couple of newbies!
Tip: You can bring wine for a $35 corkage fee.
