How to recreate The Bachelor-style romantic dates on the Gold Coast

By now, we know the drill when it comes to dating shows like The Bachelor.

There are certain staples that appear in almost every season: dramatic catfights at the cocktail parties, endless slow-mo kisses and so many roses that the franchise is probably single-handedly keeping their local florists in business.

And of course, one major element The Bachelor could never do away with is the romantic dates.

While the Australian version has its own swoon-worthy dates, the US incarnation has a much bigger budget and last February just before COVID hit, Bachelor Peter Weber’s final three women were flown Down Under to film Fantasy Suite Week on the Gold Coast in Queensland (watch in player above).

And if you’re looking to recreate some of the special dates yourself, my friend Kara and I tested them out so you can plan a date just like on TV (BYO camera crew optional).

Bachelor contestants often describe the show as “dating on steroids” and this is due in no small part to the out-of-this-world first date activities.

Luckily, the Gold Coast has an abundance of these activities, which made it perfect for romantic, TV-worthy Bachelor dates.

Kara and I took to the skies thanks to Gold Coast Heli Tours for scenic helicopter ride over the spectacular shoreline. We soaked up views of pristine beaches, sprawling landscapes and felt worlds above even the tallest of the city’s skyscrapers.

WATCH: See a helicopter date on The Bachelorette Australia with Angie Kent and Jackson Garlick. Story continues below…

Add a touch of romance with an intimate picnic stopover at South Stradbroke Island where, complete with a bottle of bubbles straight from a picnic basket. After landing in Sanctuary Cove, some wine and modern Italian and Mediterranean food at Ioesco is an ideal way to come down from the exhilaration of being sky-high.

Or if you like to get to know your new beau with an adrenaline-pumping activity (or just want something fun to mix it up with a long-term partner), perhaps a jetski adventure would be more your scene.

Jet Ski Safaris on Seaworld Drive in Main Beach gets the tick approval from Kara and I. We were guided by instructor Jono who – as well as teaching us how to ride a jetski – led us through glistening waters into Couran Cove Island Resort’s Sunset Beach bar where we enjoyed a refreshing drink by the ocean. Despite the overcast weather on the day we visited, the scenery was still gorgeous and would only be accentuated more with a sun-drenched view or sunset.

A short walk from the Sunset Beach bar is the resort itself with a lush landscape and an abundance of animals – we witnessed crabs on the shoreline as well as wallabies bouncing around. There’s plenty of on-site accommodation and should your date go so well that you want to take things to the next level, there’s a chapel and outdoor wedding ceremony available for lovebirds to walk down the aisle.

It wouldn’t be a Bachelor-style date without locking eyes over mouth-watering dishes.

For lovers of seafood, try Omeros Bros at Marina Mirage. The waterfront location is a treat in itself but the stellar food is clearly what has diners coming back for more. Starting with calamari and Harvey Bay scallops, we trusted our waiter when he recommended the fresh Australian snapper and Moreton Bay Bug Tails and he didn’t let us – or our tastebuds – down.

Over in Broadbeach, Orzo is perfect for a simple and stylish date night.

While it’s only been open since late December 2019, the restaurant is already earning a reputation thanks to its simple flavours done extremely well. We ordered the housemade focaccia, the burrata and fried zucchini blossoms then shared a spaghetti main featuring local seafood, chilli, garlic, lemon and bottarga and were begging our stomachs for more room so we could fit in more.

If you and your partner are into a variety of food, the QT’s Bazaar Brunch is the way to go. Welcomed with glasses of Chandon Rosé on arrival, Kara and I proceeded to make our way through seemingly endless brunch options. Waffles, soft cheeses, seafood, bagels, cold and hot meat, fresh fruit and more not only tasted great but were a feast for our eyes.

Meanwhile, if you’re hoping for an ideal dinner option close to accommodation, make your way to the Instagram-worthy Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star and stay in a luxurious room at The Star Gold Coast. Order the Chef’s Abundance option at dinner for cherry-picked entrees, mains and desserts which are cherry-picked by the chef, then head upstairs for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

For more romantic couple ideas on the Gold Coast, visit Destination Gold Coast