It’s that time of year again – love is in the air, roses are everywhere, and the hunt for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift is well and truly underway. We all want to show that special someone just how important they really are, and guess what? You’re in luck, because BCF is here to play cupid this year with all the gear and plenty of great ideas to make your Valentine’s Day one to remember.
With Australia being one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on the planet, it’s no surprise that adventure-loving couples are using this special day to get outside and connect. Not only is it a great time to reconnect with your better half, but it’s also the perfect excuse to soak up the incredible environment this great land has to offer. If you’re stuck for ways to spend the day, the BCFing experts have pulled together some epic ideas to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day, outdoors-style. So cancel that pricey dinner date and check out these six ripper Valentine’s Day ideas!
Picnicking
Picnics and Valentine’s Day are a match made in heaven! Whether it’s at the park, on the beach, or even by the river, a picnic lunch just oozes romance and is sure to keep you in the good books this year. The key is having everything prepped and ready to roll so you can knock their socks off when you arrive.
One of the most important ingredients for a ripper Valentine’s Day picnic (apart from the company) is a picnic rug – somewhere to rest your hindquarters and keep all your gear clean and tidy. Keeping your food and drinks cold will help make your picnic a winner, so don’t forget the cooler. And if you don’t want those harsh UV rays spoiling the party, chuck up a gazebo or shelter and you’ll be laughing. Check out a few of the great picnic essentials on offer below, or dive into our ripper picnic gear guide.
Kayaking
If your ideal V-Day looks like a romantic gondola ride in Venice, then we might just have the next best thing – a lazy day spent exploring the waterways with your special someone. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or one of many, paddling around on a kayak is a surefire way to make it a day you won’t forget. With a massive number of epic locations to choose from, finding the perfect romantic spot will be a breeze – from sandy beaches to quiet inland rivers.
Throw your icebox on the back and you could be enjoying a cold brew on the bank in no time. And while we’re hoping you fall in love and not into the water, it’s always a smart move to pack a lifejacket, just in case.
Hiking
Throwing on some activewear and lacing up the hiking boots is a fairly standard routine for many Aussies. Getting out for a morning walk, run or hike before the first cuppa of the day is a top way to start the morning — and while it might be a daily ritual for some, it also makes for a cracking way to spend your Valentine’s Day. With your significant other in tow, it’s a great excuse to escape the rat race and enjoy some quality time together. If the relationship is fresh, a good hike can even be the perfect icebreaker, without the awkward silences you might cop on a dinner date.
Whether you’re hitting the local walking track or exploring one of the many national parks scattered across this great country, you and your bestie are bound to love it. Before you take to the trail, a bit of prep work always goes a long way — having enough water to keep you both hydrated is a must (and will earn you plenty of brownie points). A good pair of kicks will keep you comfortable and put some spring in your step, while the right apparel will help you look sharp and protect against harmful UV rays. Check out some of the hiking essentials we’ve got on offer down below.
Fishing
Fishing might not scream romance at first and won’t be everyone’s cuppa tea, but this classic pastime has a way of bringing people together and is well worth a crack this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re land-based or boat-bound, exploring local waterways and soaking up the scenery sounds like the perfect plan for adventure-loving couples. That one-on-one time is priceless — swap stories, share a few tips, wet a line and wait for the big one to strike.
Even if fishing feels a bit foreign to the uninitiated, there’s really not much to it — grab a rod, reel and line and you’re practically good to go. A handful of terminal tackle like hooks, sinkers and swivels will have you covered, but if you really want to impress, landing a fish on an artificial lure will do the trick. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or you’re further down the track, smiles and laughter are guaranteed when you’re fishing with your partner in crime. You might already be a great catch, but we still hope you and your loved one hook onto ’em this V-Day!
Camping/Glamping
Let’s go camping! Three words many wouldn’t dare utter around Valentine’s Day. While some partners might be a little hesitant about spending V-Day in the bush, once they realise the positive effects nature has on our wellbeing — plus the huge range of camping options out there — it quickly becomes a top pick. With a fusion of camping and glamour, the glamping life is a ripper way to experience this beautiful country in style. No need to sacrifice the creature comforts your better half can’t live without — glamping gives you all the best bits of camping, without the parts you could do without, like pitching a tent or sleeping on hard ground. Whether you’re planning a romantic night under the stars or a relaxing week away, the hardest part will be choosing from all the epic locations on offer.
Help your dearest step outside their comfort zone and you never know… they might get hooked! Whether you’re camping or glamping, it’s always worth packing a few essentials to spoil your sweetheart and knock their socks off. Somewhere comfy to kick back with a good book or enjoy a spot of stargazing is a must, while a portable fridge/freezer is perfect for keeping your food and drinks sorted. And let’s be honest — it doesn’t get much more romantic than sitting around the fire with your loved one close by.
4WDing
For many, the real love of their life has four wheels, bright driving lights and a shiny bullbar. It’s no secret that fourbie owners have a special relationship with their rigs, so why not buckle up this Valentine’s Day and spin some wheels with the other special someone in your life? With tracks galore just a short drive from most major cities across Australia, chances are there’s some four-wheel driving fun waiting near you. Getting off-road gives you the perfect excuse to dive into nature and reach some truly beautiful spots — and if you’re lucky enough to live near a mountain, there could be some romantic views waiting once you hit the summit.
You don’t need to tackle the toughest tracks, but if you do decide to hit the hard stuff, a winch and recovery gear will come in handy. For extra brownie points, make sure you’ve got a ripper playlist ready, packed full of your loved one’s favourite tunes. Instead of lighting up Valentine’s dinner with candles, light up the tracks with your spotties or lightbar and enjoy your day in true BCFing style. Check out the products below to make the most of your wheeling adventure — and more importantly, enjoy reconnecting with each other in the great outdoors.
So skip the usual and opt for something unforgettable this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re paddling down a river, hiking a hidden trail, or glamping under the stars, celebrating Valentine’s Day outdoors is the only way to do it. So gear up, step outside, and let nature be the backdrop to your love story!
Valentine’s Day Outdoor FAQs
What are the best outdoor Valentine’s Day activities in Australia?
From riverside picnics and kayak adventures to scenic hikes, fishing sessions, glamping getaways and 4WD escapes, Australia serves up endless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day outdoors. Grab your favourite person, gear up at BCF, and turn the day into an unforgettable adventure.
What should I pack for a Valentine’s Day picnic?
Start with a comfy picnic rug or folding chairs, load up a cooler or icebox with your favourite snacks and drinks, and don’t forget sun protection like a beach shelter or gazebo. Add insulated drinkware and you’ve got yourself a ripper romantic setup.
What are some romantic picnic locations for Valentine’s Day?
Parks, beaches, riversides and quiet bush spots all make top picks. Look for somewhere with a cracking view, a bit of shade, and enough room to kick back. With BCF picnic gear in tow, any patch of grass can become your Valentine’s Day venue.
What do I need for a kayaking date on Valentine’s Day?
You’ll need a kayak, paddles and properly fitted lifejackets, plus a dry bag to keep valuables safe. Strap an icebox to the back for cold drinks and paddle off into Valentine’s Day bliss.
Do we need lifejackets for kayaking on rivers and lakes?
Too right you do. Lifejackets are essential on any paddling adventure, even on calm waterways. They keep you safe so you can focus on enjoying the moment — and each other.
What’s a good beginner-friendly hike for Valentine’s Day?
Local walking tracks and national park trails are perfect for first-timers. Pair them with a solid set of hiking shoes, breathable outdoor apparel and a lightweight backpack, and you’re set for a scenic stroll.
What hiking essentials should I bring for a couples walk?
Comfortable footwear, plenty of water, sun protection and weather-ready clothing are must-haves. Throw in a compact backpack, some snacks and maybe a picnic rug for a post-walk chill.
Is fishing a good Valentine’s Day date idea?
You bet it is. Fishing is all about slowing down, sharing stories and soaking up the scenery. Whether you’re casting from shore or heading out on the boat, BCF’s range of rods, reels, tackle and lures will help you hook into a Valentine’s Day to remember.
What basic fishing gear do beginners need to get started?
Start with a rod and reel combo, line and a small kit of terminal tackle. Want to impress? Grab a few artificial lures and see who lands bragging rights.
What’s the easiest way to keep food and drinks cold on an outdoor date?
An icebox or portable fridge/freezer is your secret weapon. Load it up before you roll out and enjoy icy drinks wherever your Valentine’s adventure takes you.
What’s the difference between camping and glamping?
Camping keeps things simple, while glamping adds creature comforts to the mix. With airbeds, camp furniture, lighting and portable fridges, glamping lets you enjoy the outdoors without giving up comfort.
What do I need for a glamping setup?
Think comfy airbeds, plush sleeping bags, camp chairs, soft lighting and a portable fridge/freezer. Add a gazebo or shelter and you’re set.
What are must-have essentials for a romantic camping trip?
A quality tent or swag, sleeping gear, camp furniture, lighting and a camp cooking setup will have you sorted. Finish it off with a fire pit or portable BBQ.
What are the key safety essentials for a 4WD Valentine’s Day adventure?
Recovery gear, a first aid kit, plenty of water and navigation tools are must-haves. Add driving lights and don’t forget camp chairs for soaking up the views.
What recovery gear should I carry for beginner 4WD tracks?
Start with recovery straps and shackles, a tyre inflator and a shovel. If you’re tackling tougher terrain, a winch is a ripper upgrade.
How do I plan a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day that still feels special?
Skip the pricey dinner and head outdoors instead. With affordable camping, fishing and boating gear from BCF, you can create meaningful memories without blowing the budget.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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