Travel Preferences Across Australia
A new survey by Australian insurance provider Youi has uncovered the unwritten rules of first dates, especially regarding how far Australians are willing to drive. The findings show that a significant portion of Aussies are setting firm boundaries on love, with 35% refusing to travel more than 30 minutes for a first date.
The national survey commissioned by Youi reveals a clear benchmark: 41% of Australians cap their maximum first-date drive time at one hour, effectively creating a national 'one-hour rule'. Interestingly, despite this benchmark, just over half (55%) say they would actually be impressed if their date traveled an hour or less to meet them.
Comfort zones also differ by gender. Forty-five per cent of women say they would only drive half an hour or less for a first date, compared to just 25% of men, who on average are willing to travel further. Marni Jackson, Youi Head of Product – Vehicle and Leisure, said, "Aussies are choosing to spend less time on the roads travelling to their dates, meaning that any time that is spent behind the wheel is extremely valuable to drivers and those on the road to love."
Regional Differences in Travel Willingness
Driving attitudes and expectations vary widely across Australia. Western Australians are setting the bar high, with more than one in four (28%) willing to drive over an hour for a first date, showcasing the strongest commitment in the country.
At the opposite end, Queenslanders are among the least willing to wander, with 40% capping their travel time at 30 minutes and preferring to stay close to home. As a result, those in the Sunshine State are also more likely to feel uncomfortable sharing the travel load with their date, with 23% expressing this sentiment.
Meanwhile, Victorians are the most eager to talk about the effort they've made, with 60% saying they feel comfortable telling their date how far they've travelled. This openness about travel efforts reflects a regional variation in dating norms.
Generational differences also shape first-date expectations. Gen Z is leading the resurgence of traditional romance, with 45% expecting to be picked up for a date, a stark contrast to just 18% of Baby Boomers. Marni Jackson commented that while the gesture is charming, safety remains central to any date-night drive. "Picking someone up can be a lovely way to make a strong first impression," Marni said, "But even when you want to impress, the best way to stand out on a first date is by driving safely."
The survey was conducted by Dynata from 30 January to 2 February 2026, involving 1,002 individuals aged 18 years old and above, from all states and territories within Australia.
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 8:01 pm
