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Silly season has officially begun, and with it comes beach days and late summer nights. Summer is also the time of the year when Australia’s food scene comes alive, and you’re able to take advantage of the great dining experiences our cities have. Pair that with an artsy activity, and you’ve got yourself a killer first date night that’ll surely get you a second one.
Melbourne has been regarded as Australia’s dining capital in the past, but Sydney has been working hard to compete for the title. Meanwhile, Brisbane has been doing its own thing, serving up some solid dining picks for date nights or yap sessions with friends.
And with The American Express® Platinum Card, paying with your Card while dining out and enjoying all the cool things you can do in your city could earn you frequent flyer points and rewards through Amex Offers. Card Members can also enrol for a Dining Credit, where they could receive $200 back per redemption period when dining at participating local restaurants.* (T&Cs apply).
Here are our picks for the best dining and entertainment experiences to start your summer right. You can also claim Amex Offers at these venues, which may help to stretch your dollar further.
Hamilton (Sydney)
@annalisepringle I 100% cried during the room where it happens I just love it so much #hamiltonmusical #openingnight #australia
♬ Mother (Meridian Remix) – Charlie Puth
If you’re one of the few people in Australia who has yet to see Hamilton, there is no better time than now. The Lin Manuel-Miranda musical is set to leave Australia on January 25th 2025, so this is literally your last shot to catch it live before it goes.
For those unfamiliar, Hamilton is about Alexander Hamilton and his role in the American Revolutionary War. The musical blends hip-hop, pop and classic Broadway-style show tunes that’ll stick with you for months. Even if you’re not a “musical person” and cringe whenever someone breaks out into song around you, you’ll still come away impressed. And you don’t have to take it from me, take it from the shows 11 Tony Awards including Best musical.
Amex Card Members also get exclusive access to reserved seats, so if you book early, you can pick out where you want to sit.
Address: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Greca (Brisbane)
@brisbanefoodadventure Brisbane have you tried their Saganaki? 🤤🤤 #brisbane #brisbanefood #brisbanefoodie #brisbanefoodblogger #greekfood #greekfoodtok #greekrestaurant #greca #howardsmithwharves #brisbane_australia #bristok #foodtok
♬ original sound –
Greek dining doesn’t get better than this in Brisbane. Serving a wide selection of seafood with a Mediterranean twist, Greca stands out among plenty of excellent dining options in Fortitude Valley.
The menu is filled with shared food items, making it a solid choice if you’re looking for a yap sesh with friends. If your knees go weak whenever you see pita bread as well, you’ll find yourself launched to heaven after trying Greca’s.
Address: Howard Smith Wharf Precinct, 3/5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Van Gogh Exhibition (Melbourne)
@getawaycarbs had the most therapeutic time ♡ #vangogh #vangoghexhibition #vangoghimmersiveexhibition #singapore
♬ original sound – ⌯𓂅﹅ – getawaycarbs
The famous Van Gogh exhibition is coming back to Lume this December through to April, so if you missed your chance at snapping an aesthetic pic for the grid last time, now’s your opportunity.
If you’re unfamiliar with the event, the Van Gogh exhibition is a multisensory journey through the life and works of artist Vincent Van Gogh. Everywhere you walk, you’ll be immersed in his artwork as the walls and floor extend his designs around you.
Address: The LUME Melbourne, 5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006.
Mr Wong (Sydney)
@agreekable You can’t go wrong 😝 Peking duck heaven! Also did I say dim sum in the right context verse dim sims? 🙈#sydney #sydneyfood
♬ Unholy – Sam Smith & Kim Petras
Cantonese-style food is one of the hardest cuisines to perfect, but Mr Wong does it justice. With over 80 dishes and some of the best dim sum in Sydney, you’ll be treated to one of the most varied menus you can get.
The venue also scores some bonus points for having a jazz-fusion aesthetic, which will make you feel like you’re living out a scene from In The Mood For Love. And who doesn’t want to feel like they give off a cool vibe when they eat?
Address: 3 Bridge Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
SK Steak & Oysters (Brisbane)
@wanderingelsewhere_ I don’t think oysters can get much fresher than that – have you been to this steak restaurant yet? 📍 Fatcow, James Street. #brisbanefoodblogger #brisbanefoodie #brisbanefood #brisbane #invite
♬ kendrick x radiohead – dwells
Steak, oysters, and margaritas, do I need to say more?
Located at the heart of Fortitude Valley, this steakhouse is a perfect stop for any tourist or local wanting to cap their day out with a bang. The venue also sells a tiramisu martini, so what are you even waiting for? Get your group together, chomp down on some shrimp and settle into the cozy environment before the Sunday Scaries get you.
Address: The Calile Hotel, G.12/48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Go thrifting (Australia)
@bethany_angharads Melbourne thrift crawl! At my pace it takes me about 3 hours taking my time. There’s also a bunch of cute cafes and drink stops so you can make a whole day of it ✨👏 #thrifting #thriftmelbourne #secondhandshopping #thrift #thriftshopping #melbourne #melbournethrift
♬ original sound – bethany_angharads
The best part about the new season is that everyone slowly starts to clean out their wardrobes. And, if you head in right before the heat starts to pick up, you’re bound to find some great summer fits before they all get snatched.
The best part about thrifting is that there isn’t an exact “best store” around; there’s always something to find no matter where you go. That’s why it’s best just to set a day with someone and map out a variety of different stores to check out.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for a white Square terminal, where you can use your Amex Card in more places than ever.
Address: Pop-up stores and retailers all across Melbourne.
Sports at Allianz Stadium
Get ready to break out your team sports jersey because the footy season is starting up real soon.
If you’re an Amex Card Member and you attend a game at the Allianz Stadium, you’ll have access to the entertainment lounge where you can grab some food and bevs before the big game. You’ll also get Pre-Sale access to matches during the season.
Stay connected with on any Pre-Sales coming up on @amexau Instagram and Facebook.
Machu Pichu and the Golden Empires of Peru Exhibition (Sydney)
For ancient history buffs, this exhibit is sure to be a treat. The Machu Pichu exhibit has finally made its way to Sydney, bringing with it one of the largest gold collections in the world.
You’ll be able to check out over 130 artefacts that tell the story of the daily lives, spiritual practices and achievements of ancient Peru.
Address: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.
Etta (Melbourne)
@be.tam 10/10 so worth to try I loved it 🥲 #etta #fyp #fypシ #melbourne #foodie #food #melbournefoodie #melbournefood #datenight #dateideas #desserts #finedining #winepairingfood #brunswick #melbournerestaurants
♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus
This restaurant is a solid pick for anyone looking for a date spot with some wow factor. You’ll look so cultured, so sensitive and most importantly, like someone with good taste.
Located in a tucked away part of Lygon Street, Etta is an intimate wine bar that’s been flipped from an old fish’n’chips shop. Tables are closely packed together and the food menu is fairly snack-heavy, designed to share.
The restaurant also stocks an impressive 250-bottle wine list, so you’re bound to find something you both like.
Address: 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Armorica (Sydney)
@sydneyummy We be vibin’ w this swanky new fave ✨ 📍 𝘼𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 – 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 🥩 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 ($26) 🐠 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙤 ($26) 🍝 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞 ($39) 🍟 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙧𝙤𝙣 ($39) 🍄 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙨 ($12) . . . #sydneyummy #sydney #fyp #sydneyfoodie #sydneyrestaurant #sydneyfoodies
♬ BANANA SHAKE (SPED UP) – HUS
Looking for some of the best French cuisine you can find in Sydney? Well, look no further. Armorica is the closest you’ll get to a modern-day French restaurant without flying over there yourself.
The menu is stacked with elegant choices, including a seafood tower, five different steak frites, whole lobsters and most importantly, the richest dessert menu you can find.
Armorica is a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into fine dining and French cuisine, and show you that the hype is well deserved.
Address: Shop 1 & 2/490 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Pinot & Picasso Paint & Sip (Australia)
@the.wanderlust.times @Pinot & Picasso I had so much fun and am seriously considering a painting career now 😂 they have locations all across Australia! Highly recommend. You can hire for group functions or pick a class on their website (and you can choose between a lot of different paintings). #paintandsip #pinotandpicasso #melbournethingstodo #whatsonmelbourne #melbournetiktok #girldatenight #girlsdateidea #melbournepartyideas #henspartyideas #birthdaypartyideas
♬ Southern Nights – Glen Campbell
Why go through the hassle of making small talk the next night out with friends when you can turn dinner into an activity?
Pinot & Picasso runs a variety of different paint classes, including painting night skies, sunflowers, your own pet, and more. Events are also catered by Grazing with Stella, which serves up Greek-inspired grazing platters to munch on throughout the session.
Address: Venues all across Australia.
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The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. You should obtain independent financial advice before making any financial decisions.
* Global Dining Credit. See full T&Cs here.
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