Maybe it’s a long-overdue date night, an anniversary, a cute friend catch-up or the first time meeting someone off a dating app.
Whatever the occasion, with so much on offer in the city and beyond, you can get creative with your date ideas. From cheap days out to more luxurious activities, there is something for everyone.
Check out our list of fun date ideas in Melbourne for you and your loved ones.
Enjoy the café culture
Melbourne has one of the best café cultures in the world, so why not start the day off with an incredible breakfast or coffee? Some cool cafés in Melbourne to check out include: Calēre, St. Ali, Wide Open Road and Stagger Lee’s. Fuel up with some great coffee before heading out on your fun date in Melbourne.
Royal Botanic Gardens
What is better than a visit to Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens to set the mood? It’s the perfect place to relax with a picnic or take a romantic stroll around the beautiful parklands, including the famous Australian Forest Walk. No matter where you end up, you’ll be sure to find a romantic spot.
Visit the Yarra Valley
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the picturesque Yarra Valley is well-known for its beautiful scenery and incredible wine. No car? No worries! The Yarra Valley is easily accessible via public transport – plan your trip on the Transport Victoria website.
Once you’ve arrived, the region is yours to enjoy. Go for a walk, visit some wineries, and have a gorgeous meal with your loved one. A highlight of the region is the TarraWarra Museum of Art, with a program of adventurous Australian and international art exhibitions. Some wineries in the region host concerts, and if you want to see some native animals, Healesville Sanctuary is just up the road.
Attend a candlelit concert
Enjoy Melbourne’s music culture with a romantic Candlelight Concert. Bask in the glow of thousands of candles while enjoying orchestral versions of Coldplay, Taylor Swift and classics like Mozart and Vivaldi. Hosted in historic venues like the Athenaeum Theatre and Collingwood Town Hall, these candlelit concerts strike the right note between romance and fun.
Hire a bike for the day
There’s so much of Melbourne to explore, so why not hire a bike and see where the wheels take you? Grab a bike for the day from BikeNOW or Blue Tongue Bikes, and cruise along the Yarra River or cafe-hop around the city centre. If you want to go further afield, head down to St Kilda and its incredible beaches. Whatever direction you choose, it’s a great way to share an adventure.
Melbourne Museum
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Melbourne Museum is great for sparking curiosity and conversation. You can get in for free as a student, and it provides a fun afternoon strolling around the exhibits. Museums are a great way to get to know each other’s likes and dislikes, and the Melbourne Museum gives plenty of food for thought.
Head to the cinema
Melbourne is home to some really beautiful, old-school cinemas, the kind where you can get a drink and some food and relax into the experience. The Kino is located right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and showcases a range of great indie flicks as well as all the mainstream releases.
For a more classic style, you can check out Thornbury Picture House, which hosts an annual film festival showcasing local short films. There are plenty of options scattered throughout the city, such as the Sun Theatre in the west or the Astor Theatre on Chapel Street, so invite your loved ones along and start exploring.
Take in the street art in Fitzroy
Street art is one of the things that’s made Melbourne an iconic destination for travellers from around the world. There are countless laneways around the city filled with mind-blowing art, and it’s something the city takes great pride in.
Fitzroy is one of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne and is home to some of the best street art in the city. You could easily spend an afternoon wandering around Brunswick Street and then stop in for some tasty food at one of the area’s many resturants or bars.
Heat things up at IceBar
Break the ice at Australia’s only ice bar, where you and your date can play giant avalanche Jenga and enjoy a drink in subzero temperatures. Upon arrival, the staff will provide you with snow capes, gloves and snow boots, but if that doesn’t keep you warm enough, it’s more reason to get cozy with your significant other.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo, home to a vast array of interesting animals, is located just a short walk from the city centre. Alternatively, you can jump on the Route 58 tram, the 505 bus route or the Upfield train line to get there via public transport. The best part? Taking public transport is super affordable, especially since eligible undergraduate international students can access a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass.
Zoos are great for all ages and can provoke rambling conversations about far-off places with your date. Tickets start from $31.50 for students, and you can grab some lunch at one of Melbourne Zoo’s many restaurants. Take a wandering path back to the city through Royal Park, an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.
Have a cosy night in
Sometimes, the best date nights are the ones where you stay in, put on a movie and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t feel pressured if you don’t feel like going out! Instead, enjoy a cosy night in.
