First Date Ideas for Over 60s in Australia

Nobody needs a grand gesture on a first date. What helps is a relaxed couple of hours, enough quiet to talk, and an easy way to say goodbye whichever way it goes. Meet somewhere public, make your own way there and back, and let a friend or family member know where you will be. With those basics sorted, here are six ideas that suit the Australian way of life.

A Quiet Meal, Maybe at Lunchtime

Sharing a meal is the classic choice for a reason, but think about lunch rather than dinner. Daylight takes some of the pressure off, the drive home is simpler, and a weekday lunch spot is usually calmer than a packed Saturday night. Choose somewhere with tables set well apart and no live band, so you are not lip reading across the cutlery. Pick a place roughly halfway between you, and settle in advance how you will handle the bill.

A Stroll by the Water

Australia is well served for easy walks, from city foreshores and river paths to botanic gardens and coastal tracks with a bench every so often. Walking side by side feels far less like an interview than sitting face to face, and the view keeps the chat going. In summer go early or late, carry water and a hat, and slop on the sunscreen. Finish at a cafe and you have a natural point to linger or to wrap things up.

Be Tourists in Your Own Town

Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart all have hop on hop off sightseeing buses, and the commentary often surprises people who have lived there for decades. Playing tourist together is fun, and the passing sights supply a steady stream of things to talk about. Where your city has ferries or trams, a ride does much the same job for the price of a fare. Check what your state Seniors Card covers, as it can bring cheaper public transport.

An Afternoon at the Pictures

A film hands you a ready made topic, so the conversation afterwards takes care of itself. Plan a coffee or an early meal nearby for when the credits roll. Weekday daytime sessions tend to be cheaper and quieter, and some cinemas run seniors deals on certain days, so look before you book. If the film turns out to be a dud, even better. Agreeing that something was dreadful is a fine way to find common ground.

Messing About in a Rowboat

A few boathouses on Australian rivers and lakes still hire out rowboats, canoes or paddle boats, and an hour on the water is a gentle way to break the ice. It is hard to stay formal while trying to row in a straight line, and the mild chaos gives you both something to laugh about. Wear clothes you do not mind splashing, check the hire times before you set off, and leave the good shoes at home.

Wander Round a Plant Nursery

A big plant nursery with a cafe on site makes a surprisingly good first outing. Browsing costs nothing, there is plenty to look at, and the talking points are endless, from which plants survive a hot summer to whose garden suffers most from the possums. If things are going well, a coffee stretches the visit out. If not, you can admire the succulents, say a polite goodbye and head home with a new fern.

Whichever You Choose

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it is fine to leave early, and if you are ever in danger call 000. Our guide to staying safe when dating over 60 has more on meeting someone new. Not a member yet? It is free to join and browse singles near you.