Dating in Brisbane: Best Free Sites & Apps

Brisbane dating at a glance

Brisbane has grown quickly, and many of the people you meet will have moved from interstate or overseas. That makes the city fairly easy for newcomers: people are used to new faces, and the laid-back Queensland attitude means first dates tend to be casual and friendly rather than formal.

The Brisbane River snakes through the city and ties its neighbourhoods together. The University of Queensland in St Lucia, QUT in the CBD and Kelvin Grove, and Griffith University bring in a large student population, while government, health, construction and mining-related offices employ many professionals.

Choosing a site or app in Brisbane

See our Australia ranking for the full comparison. Brisbane singles most often choose between:

• eHarmony, our top-rated site for a long-term relationship. The questionnaire and match suggestions are free; messaging is paid.
• Academic Singles, for graduates and professionals.
• 40sDating and 60sDating, if you would rather meet people your own age.
• FWB (Friends With Benefits), for something casual.

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble are the free options, with free chat once you match. In Brisbane they are busy in the inner suburbs and around the universities, and a little quieter in the outer suburbs.

The Valley, West End and the river

Fortitude Valley, or simply “the Valley”, is Brisbane’s main nightlife area, with bars, clubs and live music venues. West End has a more alternative feel, with cafés, small bars and a diverse crowd. New Farm and Paddington are leafy and calm, good for a relaxed dinner.

South Bank is the city’s favourite free date spot: the parklands, the lagoon at Streets Beach and the river walk make an easy afternoon. Take a CityCat ferry along the river, walk up to the lookout at Mount Coot-tha, or head to Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge for a drink by the water.

Brisbane’s warm weather means outdoor activities are popular all year: running clubs, social touch football and netball, bushwalking groups and Meetup events are all easy ways to meet people. In summer, plan first dates for the morning or evening to avoid the worst of the heat and the afternoon storms.

Tips for staying safe

• Meet somewhere public and busy, such as a café at South Bank or a bar in the Valley.
• Check the last ferry or train if you are relying on public transport.
• Do not share your address or workplace until you trust the person.
• Never send money to someone you met online, and report scams to Scamwatch.

Which site fits you in Brisbane?

All the services in our ranking work in English. In Brisbane, your age and what you want decide where to start.

Physiotherapist, 30, just moved up from Sydney to Paddington

Hinge is good for meeting people nearby with free chat, and eHarmony helps if you want something serious. Free tip: a CityCat ride along the river is a cheap first date with great views.

UQ researcher, 35, in St Lucia

Academic Singles focuses on graduates and professionals. Free tip: suggest a walk around the UQ lakes or a coffee in Toowong before a bigger date.

Single dad, 47, in Carindale

40sDating keeps you among people who understand a busy family schedule. Free tip: the Mount Coot-tha lookout is a calm, free place to meet on a weekend.

QUT student, 21, sharing a flat in Kelvin Grove

Bumble and Tinder offer free matching and chat. Free tip: student club events and the South Bank parklands are good for meeting people without spending.

Dating in Brisbane: FAQ

Is Brisbane good for dating?

Yes. It is growing fast, has lots of newcomers and a relaxed social culture, which makes it easy to meet people.

What is the best dating site in Brisbane?

For a serious relationship, eHarmony is our top pick. Academic Singles suits graduates, and 40sDating or 60sDating suit people who want to meet their own age group.

Which dating apps are free in Brisbane?

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble all let you chat with matches for free.

Where is a good first date in Brisbane?

South Bank, a CityCat ride, the Mount Coot-tha lookout or a drink in West End or New Farm.