Romantic Valentine’s Day dates on a budget

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Fun and cheap ways to spoil your Valentine

So you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner, without feeling like cheapskate? Listen up! We’ve got some great ways you can spoil your special someone with an impressive and romantic date that won’t break the bank.

These budget-friendly date ideas will tick all the boxes, especially if you’re on a tight budget, a low income or receiving Centrelink payments.

3 easy cash-saving Valentine’s Day date tips

  1. Dine in and enjoy the peace and quiet
  • Don’t splash a load of cash on an over-priced meal in a fancy restaurant. Be a real romantic and create your Valentine a beautiful and romantic home-cooked dinner for two at home.
  • Check out these yummy Valentine’s Day recipe ideas for inspiration.
  • By eating in you’ll not only save a load of cash, you’ll also avoid the crowds and lengthy waiting times for service.
  1. Go BYO

If you do dine out for Valentine’s Day, remember that alcohol can easily double your restaurant bill.

  • Save cash by heading to a restaurant that lets you BYO wine. Just remember to check corkage costs first!
  1. Be savvy with your restaurant choice
  • Hunt through your local paper, discount coupons and online for the best Valentine’s Day dining deal.
  • Beware of fixed price menus. These usually help the restaurant serve you faster, but often offer much less value for money.

Looking for other Valentine’s Day date ideas?

Celebrate at the cinema

  • Take advantage of Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday. It’s cheap ticket day at most cinemas!

Picnic under the stars

  • Pack a romantic picnic and head to a nearby lookout, park or special spot, and have a cheap and hassle free outing enjoying each other’s company.

Give your Valentine some alone time

  • This is a good one if you know your Valentine needs some time out from it all.
  • Surprise them with a tranquil and relaxing bubble bath, and their favourite book or magazine to unwind with.

Or try this state by state guide to discount Valentine’s Day dates

NSW – Take your Valentine on this super-cheap stand up paddle boarding lesson and safari deal in Kuring Gai Chase National Park.

QLD – Dine in luxury at EAST Broadbeach, with a two course meal (including cocktails!) for you and your Valentine for just $59.

SA – Treat your Valentine to a 3 course Chinese meal – with wine! – at Modern Chinese Restaurant in Adelaide for just $39 for two.

TAS – Take your Valentine on a date to remember and see a one-night-only performance of the Chinese Music Orchestra’s ‘Treaures of a Nation’ at the super-cheap special price of just $25 per person.

VIC – for a date with a real difference, grab this great deal on an ‘Escape Room’ challenge in Melbourne for you and your Valentine, just $64 including refreshments.

WA – Get your skates on and hit the Perth Ice Arena with your Valentine with this super cheap deal –just $18 for 2 people, including skate hire.

NT – You can’t beat a romantic sunset dinner cruise for two for the ultimate romantic date for you and your Valentine in Darwin.

ACT – Enjoy the cinema under the stars this Valentine’s Day with a screening of Dirty Dancing at the Open Air Cinema in Canberra.