Melbourne has been named the World’s Most Liveable City many times over, but how does the city shape up as a romantic destination? Melbourne offers something for every occasion and every couple, so here are some great Melbourne date ideas that you can try. From Bourke Street bars to stunning walking trails in Melbourne, there are so many ways to celebrate a relationship. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day and book time with your special someone soon. This list will get you inspired for Melbourne date ideas.
Cocktails bars on Bourke Street
Burke Street might be a tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be enjoyed by locals. Cocktail bars on Bourke Street Melbourne are recognised all over the world and you will be able to find a style and atmosphere to your liking with so many eclectic options around. We have experienced many different cities but only Melbourne seems to have that deep love affair with creating food, cocktails and memorable dining experiences.
Depending on what sort of night you are looking for, you will be able to find rooftop bars on Bourke Street to have some fun or cosy little wine bars on Little Bourke Street for a more intimate setting. This might be a great Melbourne date idea to start or end with!
Get crafty with your Melbourne date ideas
There are some lovers who like to create with one another, and Melbourne‘s northern suburbs definitely deliver on just that. Cork and Chroma sip and paint are one of our favourite Melbourne date ideas that offer couples the opportunity to paint a masterpiece while enjoying a bottle of wine. Cork and Chroma’s ‘paint and sip’ environment is a lot of fun and the way it flows allows collaboration, conversation and enough time to finish your piece and your bottle of wine. Each night there will be a different prompt for you to paint, so don’t worry about bringing inspiration to the studio as all you have to do is recreate.
Cork and Chroma actually started in Brisbane, but the popularity of this concept meant they could also open up studios in Melbourne and Sidney. This is a Melbourne date night idea that you won’t want to try at home, as paint and wine might create quite a mess at home!
Have a Twilight Melbourne picnic
It’s a crime not to take advantage of daylight savings, where you can sit in a park with a bottle of wine and some delicious takeout. The ultimate Melbourne date idea! Edinburgh Gardens is renowned as a great picnic spot, and Flagstaff Gardens and Princes Park are also strong, central contenders. Anywhere with a nice view and access to public transport is going to be your best bet.
With enough planning, you can even order a grazing box from the many fantastic Melbourne businesses that create lolly boxes in Melbourne, gluten-free grazing boxes, cheese and wine boxes, and even baked goods. This Melbourne date idea is easier than packing a big picnic basket, and it feels more special when it is ordered for an occasion.
Here are best Melbourne date ideas for picnics:
- Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North
- Darebin Parklands, Alphington
- St Kilda Botanic Gardens, St Kilda
- Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
- Princes Park, Calrton
- Albert Park, South Melbourne
Get out on the water with Yarra boat hire
It’s always romantic to sit by the water, but what if you get out on the Yarra? There are many ways you can make your way down the Yarra River, but our favourite mode of transport has to be the Aqua Donut in Melbourne. Simply bring your own food and drinks, and you can sit in the spacious donut seating and watch the city skyline as you float from the Docklands. These donuts also offer shade so that you can enjoy your date on even the sunniest Melbourne day.
After you dock again, there are some great places you can visit to keep the date going, like Riverland Bar, Arbory, Ponyfish Island and many other bars in Docklands. Alternatively, you can bypass the Aqua Donut hire and look to book a yacht in Melbourne for a few hours complete with a captain.
Live music Melbourne date ideas
You don’t have to look too far to find great live music venues in Melbourne – all of them perfect for Melbourne date ideas. Sidney Myer Music Bowl is our all-time favourite as it is outdoors and uses the natural landscape of the area to accommodate lots of people and great sound quality. Check to see the Sidney Myer Music Bowl gig guide and grab some tickets to something that is special to you both. Remember, it’s not just concerts there but festivals, orchestras, and other fringe festival events throughout the year so you can pre-plan your Melbourne date ideas.
If you are looking to see gigs in Melbourne and want to choose somewhere indoors and grungy, The Forum (CBD) is a great Melbourne date idea. Built in 1929, this venue has a quintessential Melbourne look and feel with its vintage architecture. Downstairs at the Corner Hotel (Richmond) is another great place to see live music but sometimes these acts can kick off pretty late, so be sure to plan things before. Melbourne date ideas like this will get you great kudos for a first date!
Share a Korean dessert at Sulbing Premium Cafe
The delicious Bingsu menu at Sulbing Premium Cafe is truly a sight to behold. There is a flavour for every taste, and they are big enough to be comfortably shared by two. This is a great way to cap off a fun date in the CBD, with the Lonsdale Street and Melbourne Central locations both easy to get to. We can recommend the Strawberry Premium Bingsu, but also love the Oreo Bingsu when we are chasing something sweeter. There is also a great drinks menu and other sweet treats like the Slice Roll and Shortcake to share.
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Which of the Melbourne date ideas did you like the sound of? Check out our Melbourne travel spots if you’re looking for a longer Melbourne date idea!
