Brisbane is tough for dating. With the constant tug-of-war between Northside and Southside, Brisbane’s singles usually don’t want to travel too far to find a date. As someone with extensive experience as a dating coach, I found this both fascinating and frustrating when it comes to finding Brisbane hookups.
What never failed me, however, are hookup apps and sites in Brisbane. Here are some of the best ones you should be using:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
Brisbane, a city of over 1.2 million people according to the latest Census, boasts a diverse nightlife that caters to both locals and adventurous visitors. From the riverside venues to the heart of Fortitude Valley, there's no shortage of places to have a memorable night out.
Keep on reading and you’ll soon be falling in lust with Brisbane all over again. Comment below to let us know how my recommendations worked out for you.
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Brisbane
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Brisbanehookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Table of Contents
Our favorite spots to find Brisbane hookups
We'll start off with a couple of my absolute favorite recommendations to find a hook-up in Brisbane.
AFF has become the best hookup app in Brisbane (try it free)
Online dating has been taking over Australia for some time now. Around 3.2 millions are looking for partnerships online, according to Statista. It’s most popular with the 25-34 age group.
Some apps are built for finding true love, but we’re proud to say we are always on the hunt for a good hookup site. We take it very seriously, even assembling a yearly list of our favourite hookup apps and sites. We try to cover the spectrum, but at the end of the day, there’s one site that been standing out as the best hookup app in Brisbane lately, AFF.
There just isn't a more proven way for most guys to actually find hookups that we've found.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
We've seen single guys have the most success using AFF and it's usually the first app we recommend you try. Check out their free trial below and see why more than half of hookups are starting online these days.
What people think of AFF
Mike T. - SiteJabber
“I enjoy my membership with AFF as much as I do it with couple other sites I use to have a guaranteed success. But guys, stop complaining that there are so many fake members on the site! Yes, dating industry is suffering from Nigerian scam and cam girls. Keep your mind clear and don't send any money to the members of the site. None of real members would ask money from you. And if hot looking girls inviting your to another site to have a private chat - report them straight away!”
u/CelebrationOk7819 - Reddit
“Been on AFF as a couple looking for married/single men. It is completely legit, have met many good people. Mostly milfs. That's correct. The problem that I have dealt with, that makes ALOT of guys think it's a scam, is they are not gold members. As a couple, if you can't afford gold, then you can't see our pics or actively chat with us... so, we will not bother. Then, the some that pay, get pushy and expect, because a woman is on there, they are expected to hook up just because they are asked. Women don't want little dicks, guys that don't take care of themselves etc.... with that being said, the positive reviews from men looking for females, are the guys that know how to talk, approach, bathe and have a package to offer.”
Bar Alto - Meet with cool Brisbane hookups (Night and day)
@baralto.newfarm
Bar Alto in Brisbane is an Italian dining gem located in the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. This spot is not just about delicious Italian cuisine; it's a lively and sophisticated venue where the city's singles mingle. With a relaxed bar that includes both indoor and outdoor seating, Bar Alto is ideal for casual encounters, offering a range of delightful drinks and snacks. The scenic view of the Brisbane River complements its vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy a night out and potentially spark a new connection.
For those seeking an intimate atmosphere with fine wine and Italian cuisine, Bar Alto in Fortitude Valley is a must-visit. The balcony offers a stunning view of Brisbane, making it an ideal place to build chemistry.
What Other People Are Saying About Bar Alto
Joe Khoo - Google Maps
“A relaxing lunch with beautiful views of the River. Good food coupled with exceptional service from knowledgeable staff.”
The best Brisbane pickup bars we've tried
Here are my favorite bars to find hot girls in Brisbane. In this section, you’ll find the trendiest pubs and cocktail bars in the city that are popular among ladies in their early 20s.
Lychee Lounge serves a sensual evening out that will help you get laid in Brisbane
@Lychee Lounge (Facebook)
Lychee Lounge in the West End is your go-to for a dimly lit, seductive evening. This classic cocktail bar has stood the test of time, offering classic drinks and an exotic ambiance that makes it a staple for Brisbane hookups. Cocktail bars aren’t the only place to meet beautiful women but they tend to be the best.
What Other People Are Saying About Lychee Lounge
Mark - Google Maps
“Had snacks and drinks while it was pouring down outside. Great servive, beautiful atmosphere, great deco.”
The hookup apps in Brisbane dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have to spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on hookup apps in Brisbane
It’s important to tread carefully when seeking hookups online in Australia. Data from reviews.org suggests 17% of Australians have fallen prey to online romance scams. Indeed, there were 3,698 reports of romance scams made to the ACCC's Scamwatch in 2022.
Our tips will help you to avoid being a victim of this growing crime.
- Keep your personal details safe. Online strangers seeking your full name, address or financial details might be planning an identity fraud.
- Learn how to identify catfish. Some 71% of dating app users say catfishing is “very common”, according to Pew Research. You can avoid getting caught out by searching for your matches on social media or arranging a video call. A reverse image search on Google can also help you out online fakers.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Romance scammers hook in theri victmis by creating attractive fake profiles and bombarding people with loving sentiments. Lonely and naive dating app users often invest in them fast. “The biggest red flags are rapid declarations of love and affection; they can be incredibly persuasive and will prey on emotional triggers,” says Ben Griffin, from Bank of Queensland’s scam detection team. “The scammers are also never available in person, but keep victims hopeful with plans of finally meeting.”
- Don’t send money to online strangers. Sophisticated romance scammers often ask for small amounts initially, according to a detailed study published in The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies. Then, once it’s clear you’re emotionally (and financially) invested, they fabricate emergency reasons why they need to borrow large sums of money. The simplest way to avoid being fooled is to promise yourself NEVER to send money to strangers from the internet.
Alert the authorities. If you know you’re communicating with a romance scammer on a dating app, it’s best to report their profile and also the local police. “We're happy to listen to people's story in a non-judgemental way,” says Jason Chetham from Far North High Risk Investigations Team. “We can also provide support services to them, if they have been the victims of crime.”
The best clubs for finding hookups in Brisbane
I tried several clubs in Brisbane and here are the ones where I had more success at picking up attractive girls who love to party.
Show off your best old-school dance moves at Retro’s
@retrosfortitudevalley
If you like retro music and want to meet some seriously hot Brisbane girls, then you should check out Retro’s! The ladies here are dressed to impress, so you should be too! Skip the joggers and running shoes.
In case you’re worried that you’ll end up in a club with a bunch of other dudes, you should know that the security staff typically tries to keep the gender ratio even in the club. That just increases your odds of meeting girls. So pre-game with their signature fishbowl cocktails and get ready to dance!
What Other People Are Saying About Retro’s
Kym Chapman - Google Maps
“I have been going here for years great music and service and best atmosphere for a dance night!”
The Triffid hosts the trendiest live music events in Brisbane
@thetriffid
While The Triffid isn’t your typical dance club, it does attract its fair share of girls who are looking for a good time. This live music venue has a casual, laid-back atmosphere combined with some great music acts. Every week is different, so you can meet all sorts of girls here who might have the same taste in music as you.
So the next time you feel like checking out a new band or watching your favorite local act live, head to The Triffid. This spot didn’t win the National Live Music Award for nothing!
What Other People Are Saying About The Triffid
Marc Brownlie - Google Maps
“One of the best live venues in Brisbane. Excellent sound system!”
Best places to meet sexy Brisbane girls during the day
The great thing about this city is you have never actually seen all it has to offer. For more Brisbane hookups, check out a few more of my favorite cafes and daygame venues.
Coffee Iconic Is the perfect place to collect phone number and get laid in Brisbane
Coffee houses and cafes offer a unique atmosphere to strike up conversations (though they aren't at the top of the list you want an instant hookup). Coffee Iconic in the CBD is one of my favorite cafes in Brisbane, offering great coffee, delicious sandwiches, and a welcoming ambiance for casual chats.
What Other People Are Saying About Coffee Iconic
Kate Wright - Google Maps
“Beautiful backyard cafe. Definitely a great spot to take a date, friends, family, coworkers. The coffee was perfect and the food was really good.”
Other great spots to get laid in Brisbane
Online dating apps can also help you get laid in Brisbane...and that's why I love Tinder
For the sexy and the young, there’s always Tinder
Anyone who’s spent time at the University of Queensland or Griffith University knows all about Tinder. If there’s a single university student in all of Brisbane that isn’t on this app, we’d be shocked. It’s the most well-known dating app in Australia behind eHarmony, according to YouGov data.
When Tinder launched in 2012, it was impossible for Millennials to avoid it. Everyone had it on their phone. As the years have passed, the user base has stayed young and the options for older Millennials have dwindled. It’s just a fact that Tinder is a young man’s (and woman’s) game. Once you hit your 30s, you’ll be better off with the other Brisbane hookup apps.
Tinder is by far the shallowest of the apps. Its emphasis on profile pictures means that, in addition to being young, you better be very sexy. For men, if you’re not in the top 10-15% of users in terms of looks, you’ll not get many matches. Women have greater success in general but it still helps to be good looking.
If you do happen to connect with a drop-dead gorgeous Tinderella, don’t get too excited. Most of the most beautiful users are just there for the compliments and ego stroking. They rarely, if ever, respond to messages. If you’ve got Brad-Pitt-in-Fight-Club looks, then maybe you have a chance. Otherwise, keep swiping.
While 35% of respondents in a huge Australia Talks survey said they found their partner online, it’s unlikely that too many did so on Tinder. This is mostly a hook-up app and everyone knows it.
Like so many other apps, the people behind Tinder want to expand the app’s focus toward dating and relationships. Maybe that will work for them, but honestly, it’s already found its perfect niche. If you’re hot, sexy and young, there is no better source of Brisbane hookups.
Brisbane's nightlife is as diverse as its people, and the city offers a range of venues and experiences to suit your preferences. Whether you're into intimate cocktail bars, rooftop vistas, or coffee shop conversations, Brisbane has something for everyone. Get ready to unlock the best of Brisbane and make memories that will last a lifetime.
What people think of Tinder
Megan B. - SiteJabber
“I have been using this app for years and met a lot of people off this app. Not sure why it doesn't have a better rating.”
Schanequa McNeal - Google Play
“Met my husband on this app almost 3 years ago. I was very skeptical on writing this review,but didn't want to not share our story. Thanks to tinder and taking chances, I met the man of my dreams!!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating In Brisbane
What’s it like to date in Brisbane?
One thing’s for sure; you’ll never be short of interesting and unique date venues in Brisbane.
“The city is known for its subtropical climate, vibrant, laid-back vibe, outdoor lifestyle and friendly people,” says travel journalist Sanne Wesselman. One of the things that makes Brisbane a popular place to live is the different areas and suburbs to live in. All with their own unique features and style, offering different cafés, restaurants, historical sites or artistic ventures.”
But what about the romances themselves? Well, the most common word to describe Brisbane dating is “casual”.
“In Australia, there aren’t formal dating rules, so everyone is figuring it out as they go and hoping for the best,” explains Australia-based dating blogger Rebecca MacFarlane. “Australian dating culture allows people to get to know one another in a more casual manner.”
This can be strange or even frustrating to those who are new to the country. Still, you don’t necessarily have to conform to this way of doing things.
“If you’re feeling frustrated with dating, it’s important to remember that love doesn’t just happen,” says Australian dating expert Jiveny Blair-West says. “It takes effort and intention to build strong, lasting connections with others.”
Is there a hook-up culture in Brisbane?
Hook-up culture has been noticably increasing in all of Australia’s major cities, particularly among college students. It has been noted by several academics and even praised by some.
''The idea that women want to be romanced is quite an old-fashioned notion and it's also that assumption that sex is something women give men as opposed to an equal participation and women having their own sexual agenda,” said Lauren Rosewarne, a researcher on sexuality and gender politics at the University of Melbourne.
“As long as they're taking precautions, why can't sex be fun?”
Is it expensive to date in Brisbane?
Not particularly. Researchers at Elite Singles recently analysed the cost of an average date in 15 major Australian cities, and Brisbane ranked as the third cheapest. You can expect to spend less courting a woman than the average Australian in a big city, according to this study at least.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Anderson, M., Vogels, E. A., Turner, E. (2020). The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating. Pew Research Center.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Brisbane 2021 census all persons QuickStats.
Australian Competition & Consumers Commission (2023) Have a heart-to-heart with loved ones to help stop scams this Valentine’s Day.
Greene, J. (2024) Surprising ways your online dating pictures can hurt you. Heart Insider.
Hanrahan, C. (2019) More people now meet their partner online than through friends or work combined. ABC News.
King, K. (2024) 2024’s best hookup apps & hookup sites we’ve tried personally. Heart Insider.
Mahoney, S. (2024) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2024. Heart Insider.
McElroy, N. (2023) Police believe dozens of Australian victims could be linked to alleged romance scam. ABC News.
Nyam, I. H. (2020) Tackling online dating scams and fraud. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies.
Reynolds, K. (2022) Valentine’s scammers: Aussies lose millions to catfish scammers every year. Reviews.org.
Saulis, A. (2023) How to approach a girl with incredible success every time. Heart Insider.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Heart Insider.
Statista (2024) Online dating - Australia
YouGov (2017) A third of Aussies have used internet dating.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Jennifer Greene
Jennifer Greene is a Dating and Sex Coach for HeartInsider.com. She loves sharing her experiences from many years of experience coaching others to success. She is an extremely accomplished coach that has had particular success helping men date older women throughout her career.
Jennifer has a unique perspective as both an educator and woman that has dated men of all ages herself. You will be hard-pressed to find someone with such a unique and useful background when it comes to dating older women. Her work has been featured widely including in Cheat Sheet, Fairy God Boss, and Outwit Trade.
Andrius Saulis
Andrius, the mind behind Saulis Dating, is a professional dating coach and educator with over a decade of hands-on experience, who shows men how to deal with their insecurities and self-esteem issues, and teaches guys how to have consistently great dates that end up in casual hookups or serious relationships.
He has taught thousands of guys how to master their inner game by getting rid of their anxiety, shyness, nervousness, self-doubt, feat, and various mental blocks and limiting beliefs that hold most men back from being awesome with women! Andrius is also a successful author (Amazon) who has published multiple books on dating and relationships that have been highly received.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
