The 20 most romantic date ideas in Melbourne

The only observation wheel in all of the Southern Hemisphere, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is one of Melbourne’s most famous attractions. Soak in a 360-degree panoramic view of the bustling city with your partner for 30 minutes, as you also watch the city unfurl beneath you. And while you make your moments, make your partner feel special by reciting a few lines of love, counting for an indelible memory. Or steal a kiss!

Tip: You can also book a private catered cabin that comes with a premium dining experience and enjoy some delectable bites sky high.

Get warm and cuddly with your partner at IceBar Melbourne, the ‘coolest’ place in Melbourne. Layer yourselves to brace sub-zero temperatures (-10℃) while you soak in everything ice; from the sculptures to the walls, and chairs to the tables. Enjoy the beauty of this frosty wonderland as you sip your cocktails. If you and your partner enjoy getting competitive, then indulge in some games like a mega-Jenga or ice-hockey.

Tip: Book the Valentine's Special IceBar entry ticket online and in advance to enjoy some champagne, strawberries, and a cocktail on arrival.

Enjoy that adrenalin rush with your better half, as you zip up to the 88th floor in just 38-seconds. You can enjoy another 360-degree view of the bustling city from the Eureka Skydeck. Once up, you can also walk onto The Edge, a suspended glass enclosure that projects out of the 88th floor, at a height of 300 meters. Allow the mounted camera at the deck to snap a happy photo of you.

Tip: Add a personalized touch to your visit by booking tickets well in advance for your desired slot! Nothing better than watching a mesmerizing sunset.

A way to bring out the inner child in you, a day spent at one of the multiple theme parks is thrilling. LEGO building, from scratch, at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, will fill you and your partner with fun and laughter. Take a trip down memory lane as you play with legos and admire the unique creations across 12 zones.

Tip: Pre-purchase your ticket online to guarantee entry.

Grab it while it’s hot! Plan a surprise for your partner and start your day with this dream-like experience of catching the first rays of the sun from a hot air balloon. Soar through the skies as your hot air balloon rises, and soak up the beauty of the early morning light against a picturesque view of the Australian vineyards, Yarra River, and the splendid countryside. Make sure you carry your polaroid cameras to capture the cherishable moments.

Tip: Upgrade your ticket for a breakfast buffet paired remarkably with sparkling wine, nestled high up between the clouds.

Take a break from the fast-paced city life and whisk your partner away on a trip to Phillip Island to see many exotic animals in their natural habitat. Watch penguins parade and waddle at one of Australia's largest penguin colonies, hand-feed kangaroos, or just stroll through woodlands to see wallabies and echidnas. Don’t miss the wine tasting on a day tour at Yarra Valley where you can also sample and relish some fresh farm local produce, cheese and indulge in chocolate tasting while you watch chocolatiers at work.

Tip: Carry your cameras to capture your face-to-face interactions with some of these exotic animals found only in Australia.

An experience to enjoy the thrills of jumping from 15,000 feet, skydiving with your partner is worth every penny for adventurous couples. A one-minute freefall over the Great Ocean Road, before the parachute opens up, will leave you craving for more. Some guts, a whole lot of butterflies in your stomach, and an exhilarating leap through the sky are all it takes to experience this magical jump!

Tip: Pack a meal and celebrate your achievement after your great jump.

If you and your partner love animals, you're going to love your visit to the Melbourne Zoo that has some unique wildlife found only in Australia. An unforgettable safari ride through Australia’s Werribee Open Range Zoo is comparable to the African wilderness. If you just want to stroll, hold your date’s hand and make some memories in the lap of nature, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, set amidst pleasant surroundings, is exciting enough.

Tip: Carry a picnic rug and some lunch to relax and enjoy your day out.

Take your date indoors. A unique date idea in Melbourne, here's your chance to explore one of the largest aquariums in the world that houses more than 10,000 animals and some vibrant and colorful corals. Explore and learn about the daily lives of those that live in the seas and oceans — a thousand different varieties from the world over. Don't miss out on watching King and Gentoo penguins slide around on the ice! Walk around at your pace, hand in hand, and follow the trails of fish as they swim around.

Tip: Don’t forget to book in advance to encounter an underwater experience with the aquarium sharks or enjoy an underwater dining experience.

If you and your partner are looking to pamper each other, TLC (Tender Loving Care) is never a bad idea. Allow the warmness of the Mornington Peninsula hot spring to melt your and your partner’s worries away. Explore over 50 different bath experiences in 4 hours, one that makes for some perfect zen time, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Tip: Book a slot for the evening to enjoy bathing under the starry evening sky or a stunning 360-degree view of the sunset scenery.

Escape the bustling city for an hour with your partner by opting for a river cruise on the Yarra River. Take in the stunning sights of Melbourne’s must-see attractions as you enjoy your laid-back outdoor experience from the deck of a riverboat. Melbourne river cruises offer a unique perspective of the city, which are bound to impress your partner!

Tip: Opt for an evening cruise to see the bustling city all light up!

If you are head over heels in love with your city, what better way to spend the day than exploring it with your partner, perhaps on foot? Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia, and this is your chance to discover the best of what Melbourne has to offer! As you travel with your partner, discover everything they love about the city and be all ears as you learn about your partner's favorite corners as you embark on this adventure together! Explore Melbourne’s arts and culture scenes through its multiple cobbled laneways, beautiful arcades and street arts, and art-filled alleys. Visit some of the restaurants that revolutionized the food in the city, or just catch the sunset from a roof-top bar.

Tip: Hop on Hop off tours are the best way to explore the city as they give you the freedom to plan your day at your own pace.

Is there anything more romantic than admiring the night sky and journeying across with your loved one? One of the best date ideas in Melbourne is to take your partner to the Melbourne planetarium. With a 16m domed ceiling, reclining seats, and a great sound system — this space offers a live presentation of the current night sky and the major astronomical objects that can be seen. Immerse yourself for 30 minutes of an awe-inspiring astronomical experience, and if you want, explore the rest of Scienceworks after.

Tip: Hold your date’s hand while you try to spot how your stars are aligned.

A quirky date idea in Melbourne is to explore the farmer’s market. Delve in some seasonal produce and experience the local food culture at the Boroondara Farmers Market or the Carlton Farmers Market. Learn about the origins of the produce in these markets or just enjoy freshly baked organic bread, juicy cherries, fresh juice, etc. If you couples would like to carry back something, don’t forget to BYOB (Bring your own bag).

Tip: Pick your favorites and enjoy a romantic candle-light home-cooked meal.

If you and your partner would like to understand what goes on in an artists’ mind, plan a visit to one of the 100 art galleries in Melbourne, such as the National Gallery of Victoria or Centre for Contemporary Photography. This isn't a date idea that only suits artists, anyone and everyone is welcome to examine and enjoy the pieces displayed. Melbourne's compact Arts Precinct is home to four of the city's biggest and best galleries. Enjoy some groundbreaking works by artists from all around the world.

Tip: After visiting the gallery, why not head to a boozy art class and discover your inner artist?

Here's a classic date idea in Melbourne — take a picnic! If spending time and relaxing in the lap of nature excites you bothm this is perfect for you. Pack a mouth-watering meal, roll out a picnic mat and sandwich yourselves in between one of the verdant parks or pristine riverbanks of Melbourne. You can pick from some popular picnic spots like Edinburgh Gardens, Treasury Gardens, or Abbotsford Convent.

Tip: Carry some playing cards or board games to enjoy your time together!

What better way to get sun-kissed skin, feel the breeze through your hair, and admiring the vast azure sea than going to the beach with your partner? Bask in the sun with some cocktail while the waves come crashing on the shores. Swim at the St Kilda Beach or barbeque and windsurf at the Brighton Beach.

Tip: Water-based recreational activities at these beaches is the perfect way to get adventurous with your bae!

Get your hands dirty and go on a paint date! Bring out the inner artist by getting creative with paints while you sip on a delicious glass of wine and create a stunning masterpiece. A great way to spend some quality time, this experience will leave you in awe and wonder of how small experiences can fill you with more love and joy. Some famous sip and drink art classes include Cork & Canvas Melbourne and Class Bento.

Tip: You can replicate this experience at home with your own art materials and a bottle of your favourite wine!

Pick from a host of themed tours around Melbourne to see a new side of the city! Relive some of the tragic tales and ghostly legends of Old Melbourne through Old Melbourne Ghost Tour. Brace for the jitters! Undercover the secrets behind Melbourne’s lanes and alleys by opting for a Drinking history tour with your date. The stories about the crime, secret clubs, and the old red-light district of Melbourne also gives you a sneak-peak into Melbourne’s history and culture.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as these tours are popular and tickets sell like hotcakes.

Here's a date idea in Melbourne unlike any other — get aboard the Puffing Billy railway! A well-preserved steam locomotive, the Puffing Billy covers a part of the original line that was made in 1900. If you and your partner are history buffs or just want to indulge in a piece of history, this is a fun and unique date idea to try out!

Tip: As you have sufficient time in Lakeside before your next train back, pack a lunch for you and your partner and surprise them with a picnic!