We ask Rebecca Attenborough, dating expert at Fast Impressions, for some tips to make romance sparkle this autumn.

Before we head to cooler winter months it's time to plan some long-awaited romance and make the most of the last of the sunshine. A walk in the park can be a little too clichéd, so get inspired and have fun. Here are some options that you'll enjoy and that will impress your date with your creativity…

Take a yoga class. Rather than taking a standard exercise class at the gym — where it might easily become a competitive iron-pumping contest between the two of you — yoga is a good way to show your interest in wellness and get in sync with your date: "My perfect summer date would be a weekend morning yoga class, a healthy breakfast with good coffee and a walk along the waterfront," says Adrian Gregory, a creative director who lives in Sydney. (PS: If yoga class isn't your thing, try another interesting class, like sushi-making or architecture — your local university should have plenty of listings for weekend classes in its adult-education division.)

Bike it. You could walk through the park, but it's more interesting to bike it. Put a little planning into the route, with a lunch at the midpoint. Andy Farouk, an account manager professional who lives in Melbourne, explains how he does it: "I like taking a date bike riding through the park. We'd relax in the gardens and have a picnic lunch. Then, after a nice conversation lying in the grass, we pedal back." That combination of exercise and talk time is a nice change-up for couples just getting to know one another.

Go antiquing. If you're the type to incorporate a little walking around and shopping into a date, avoid the malls and hit the antique stores instead. It's more substantial and special. Jack Bronson, a purchaser at a luxury hotel in Brisbane, enjoys going antiquing and explains how just-met couples can do this: "Go antiquing for an afternoon and then enjoy dinner at a sidewalk cafe. It's so romantic after a day of treasure-hunting to unwind with each other over a bottle of wine, a beautiful dinner, and people-watching." Feel like that's too tall an order for a first or second date? Ramp it down a bit, and invite the object of your affection out to brunch and a quick spin through a nearby flea market. As you visit each stall, you'll discover each other's taste — and have a fun time pointing out the kitschiest and bizarre finds that are for sale.

Be a tourist in your own town. This one works especially well if the person you're going out with lives in a different town or suburb. You may not think twice about that little duck pond in the park down the road or the cafe who serves the finest flat-whites in your town, but these are great date destinations. Please, don't drive to a dull mall for a dinner out. Take advantage of anything fun and outdoorsy right in your own backyard. Speaking of which, if you do have a backyard with a couple of comfy chairs that happens to be a great place for a barbecue date, too.

Get a couple's massage. Have you been dating for a while and are ready to heat things up a notch? There are few things as simultaneously relaxing and romantic as a couple's massage and a spa treatment. Some spas even offer outdoor massages — great for a sunny afternoon or evening.