Five groovy dates in Perth you need to try (that aren’t just the movies)

In the summertime, a date under the stars is the perfect choice. It’s just like a night at the cinemas, but better. And there’s no better location than the renowned Kings Park and Botanic Garden; one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. Grab a bean bag and picnic, and snuggle up to your lover in front of the big screen, while you soak in the natural surroundings. Movie-goers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (including alcohol), or there are onsite caterers, if you prefer to leave it to the professionals. Perth’s Moonlight Cinema typically runs from late November to the end of March, featuring a rotating mix of Hollywood classics and the latest blockbuster releases.

For something a little creative, a Cabernet and Canvas class might just be the perfect date for you. It’s all about letting your hair down and having fun with an evening of painting, tunes, laughter and a couple of drinks to get the inspiration flowing. Your artist instructor will guide you through each stage, providing extra inspo on colour blending and brushing techniques. Classes run for two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the painting and the rowdyness of the group. All you need to do is show up and get ready to unleash your artistic flair.

Home to rainbow reefs, exquisite marine life, stunning sheltered coves, and the quokka, Rottnest Island is Western Australia’s favourite island getaway. Head here with your better half to explore the natural beauty and rich tapestry of this little island oasis, located 19km off the coast of Perth. Hire bikes – or bring your own – and embark on a day of beach hopping, island exploration and indulging in delicious food and drinks. You can’t go wrong by ending your day at The Rottnest Hotel with prawn tacos, crayfish sliders, or classic fish and chips.

This self-guided adventure is far from your traditional date night. It’ll require you and your lover to solve clues and riddles, which will guide you to local artisan producers where you can collect premium picnic ingredients to enjoy at a surprise picnic spot. The experience is available any day of the week; all you have to do is choose a date and a region, with locations including Kalamunda, Chittering, the Swan Valley, Fremantle, Kings Park and more.

If you and your partner are partial to thrills, this ones is for you. Jump aboard this exhilarating joy ride of high-speed manoeuvres and 270-degree spins in the open ocean off Fremantle. Thrill Rides depart from the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for twenty minutes of adrenaline-pumping, bordering on frightening fun, which will have you doing fishtails, slide-outs, power stops and wave surfing. Warning: You’ll get wet, so it’s a good idea to wear bathers – or just embrace the ocean sprays.