It doesn’t need to be Valentine’s Day for you to go on a date – you don’t even need a partner to go with. Frankly, life’s too damn short to put off doing the things you really want to, simply because you’re scared to do them alone. In the spirit of self-love, here are a few ideas for solo dates on the Gold Coast.
This one probably won’t take much convincing. Book yourself into one of the many day spas we have here on the Goldy, be it for a facial, a massage or a full-body refresh. Not into day spas? No worries – bathhouses are all the rage right now, and we have a couple (like Soak in Mermaid, Ground Currumbin and Greenhouse) to choose from. Lucky us.
You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate the tranquillity of strolling through a bookshop. Browsing the shelves, noticing new releases, old favourites or forgotten gems – it’s meditative. Check out one of these independent bookstores, then take your new read to a local café (or bar) and get stuck into it.
It’s easy to fall into the same old boring routine when it comes to exercise – but sometimes all it takes is a class at a new place (or a new class at your current place) to freshen things up. Sign up for a free trial at a new pilates studio, join a run club, or give an app like ClassPass a try.
Feeling adventurous? Hit the hinterland – specifically, a hinterland town. There are plenty to choose from, from weird and wonderful Tamborine (with its clock shop and heavenly fudge) to cute Canungra (like something out of a Western). Visit the local pub, browse the shops or find a local park to relax in. Just see where the day takes you.
Did you know there are more than 36 beaches on the Gold Coast? Chances are, you haven’t been to all of them – but there’s no time like the present. Pick a beach you’ve never visited before, pack a bag and hit the sand. You might end up finding your new favourite surf break, a great café nearby or even just something cool in the sand (and all just because you went somewhere you hadn’t been before).
Hitting the cinema solo will either excite or terrify you, but you should try it all the same. Why wait to catch a movie you really want to see on streaming, missing out on that all-important cinema experience, simply because you don’t want to go alone? You’ll probably get a lot more out of it than just ticking a movie off your ‘want to watch’ list.
Some activities are best enjoyed alone – we tend to think that silently strolling through a gallery or museum is one of them. You can take all the time in the world reading about the pieces that interest you or exploring different wings, all without worrying about taking up someone else’s time. HOTA, with so many things to see and do, is the perfect place to start.
Just as there are so many beaches to discover on the Gold Coast, there are an impressive 65 scenic trails (according to the hiking app AllTrails) to explore, too. Hit the trails solo and enjoy soaking up the nature in silence. Of course, safety is key – tell someone exactly where you’re going and bring plenty of water, snacks, a small first aid kit and maybe even a portable charger. Happy hiking!
Have you always wanted to try pottery, but never had anyone to go with? You do now – yourself. The crafting community is an incredibly welcoming one, whether you want to try your hand at pottery, crochet or painting. Join a local Facebook to find classes near you or try one of these pottery studios out. For other crafts, check out The Craft Parlour – they have a range of sessions on offer.
There are so many reasons to go to a bar or restaurant by yourself. One: people watching. Two: ordering whatever you want (without having to share). Three: there’s almost always availability, even if it’s at the bar. Feeling shy? Bring a book – suddenly, being solo is mysterious. It’s romantic. Better yet… it’s French. Here are the Gold Coast’s latest openings.
Looking for more things to do on the Gold Coast? Check out our ‘Adventure’ category.
