In short: for Valentine’s Day in Melbourne, try an outdoor film at Moonlight Cinema, a soak at Peninsula Hot Springs, a Yarra River dinner cruise, a sunrise balloon flight or a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, tours and florists, so book early.
If you’re starting to see more displays of teddy bears, chocolates, and roses, it’s because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And if you’re worrying about finding the best things to do with your partner, fret no more because you’ll never run out of creative date experiences in Melbourne. (Heading to Sydney instead? See our Valentine’s Day date ideas in Sydney.)
Whether you prefer dates involving romantic dinners, hearty laughter, movies or adrenaline-pumping activities, Melbourne is always primed to give you an experience like no other. So, ditch the Netflix and chill because here are some of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas in Melbourne.
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Melbourne
Watch a Movie at the Royal Botanic Gardens
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If you want to kick your movie date night in Melbourne up a notch, bringing your partner to the Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens would be a good idea. This open-air cinema showcases family films, blockbusters and fan favourites. The season usually runs from November to March on the Central Lawn, so check the Moonlight Cinema program for a romantic film around Valentine’s Day.
Here, you can enjoy a picnic with your special someone while enjoying a movie set against the stunning backdrop of the city views at dusk. As you go deeper into the film, you’ll also find yourself relaxing under the stars. How romantic is that?
Soak in Mineral Pools
Are you looking for a way to de-stress and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? If you or your partner is a self-confessed workaholic, consider a day at Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula, less than 90 minutes from the city. Here, you can unwind and relax in a thermal mineral pool while chatting about anything under the sun.
The pools are filled with natural geothermal mineral water, and there are dozens of bathing experiences to try, including saunas. While there, don’t forget to wander up to the Hilltop Pool to get a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscape surrounding the area.
Take a Moonlight Kayak Tour on the Yarra River
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It’s fun to explore the streets of Melbourne at night. But if you want a quiet experience, bring your date on a moonlight kayak tour on Valentine’s Day. And as the sun sets while you paddle down the Yarra River, you can have an intimate view of the city.
As you continue your cruising upstream and watch the city skyline, you’ll see Polly Woodside and the stunning lights of Crown. Then, you’ll wind past Southbank until you reach the rowing sheds by Federation Square.
Go on a Romantic Dinner Cruise
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Don’t like the idea of kayaking on Valentine’s Day? Consider going on a boat cruise while still witnessing the incredible sights of Melbourne. A lovely alternative to a typical restaurant or home dinner date, this experience is one of the best ways to showcase how much your special someone means to you.
The Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with a four-course dinner over about three hours, and other operators offer shorter cruises. So, if you want a more laidback yet luxurious way to see the city skyline from the Yarra River, take your partner on a romantic dinner cruise.
See the City From a Hot Air Balloon
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If kayaking or exploring the city on street level is not your thing, why not swoon over the sunrise on a hot air balloon flight with an operator like Global Ballooning? After the first hot air balloon ascent in Melbourne, the appeal of this activity took off and has remained popular for over a century.
So, on Valentine’s Day, you can fly over Melbourne and witness the sun’s golden rays illuminating the buildings and the cityscape. As you and your partner reach new heights, you’ll gaze over the Shrine of Remembrance, the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. And to keep the romance up in the air, you can also share a bottle of champagne and a delectable breakfast.
Share a Museum Date
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While others like meticulously prepared dinners and strolls along the city, some prefer mind-stimulating activities to consider the date a romantic one. And if you’re among those couples who like doing something enriching while on a date, consider a daytime visit to the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building next door.
The museum runs tours and talks, and the Dome Promenade tour, which starts at Melbourne Museum and takes about an hour, takes you up to the Royal Exhibition Building’s dome for views across the Carlton Gardens and the city.
Visit an Arcade or Luna Park
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Do you prefer spending Valentine’s Day running around and laughing your heart out with your special someone? Try having a date night with a little more action at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Docklands. Later in the evening, this indoor arcade is for over-18s only.
Here, you can access a range of activities, including laser tag, bowling, virtual reality games and bumper cars, among many others. To cap the night of adventure, you and your partner can eat a hearty meal with a round of drinks.
And since it’s summertime during Valentine’s Day, you can also trade an indoor date for an outdoor experience at Luna Park. Who wouldn’t love recreating a nostalgic love affair in a carnival atmosphere while exchanging a bite of fairy floss?
Go Skydiving Over the Great Ocean Road
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Take your date to new heights and the extreme by jumping from the sky. Wouldn’t it be romantic to tick an item off your bucket list with your partner during Valentine’s Day? Plus, the exhilarating feeling you’ll get while falling from the sky and soaring over the Great Ocean Road is something that both of you will treasure for the rest of your lives.
If you want to get keepsakes for this momentous experience, remember to secure the video and photo packages with your tickets. Jumps with Skydive Great Ocean Road leave from the Barwon Heads drop zone near Geelong, with free return transfers from the Melbourne CBD, and you’ll see Torquay and the Great Ocean Road from above.
You’ll be strapped to an experienced tandem instructor the whole way, and by the end of your date, you and your special someone will cherish the jitters you felt jumping from up to 4,500 metres above the coast.
Gaze at the Stars at the Melbourne Planetarium
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You don’t have to worry whether the skies are clear on Valentine’s Day because you can take your date to the Melbourne Planetarium and gaze at the stars. Scienceworks runs adults-only Planetarium Nights on Fridays, so plan one for the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Plus, the night dome presentation will let you see what the night sky looks like in Melbourne when there’s not a single cloud floating above.
Once the show is over, you and your partner can explore the exhibitions after hours. Check the Scienceworks website for the current program and tickets, as sessions are for over-18s and sell out.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
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Do you want to experience an adventure of a lifetime with your partner? You should try exploring the coastal views along the Great Ocean Road. And as you leave Melbourne, you’ll also see some iconic landmarks and lush rainforests.
When taking this journey, start by feasting your eyes on the stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. As you travel to the Surf Coast, don’t miss the quaint town of Geelong. You can also stop by the National Wool Museum to learn about the history of the Australian wool industry while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Want to stay the night? Our guide to romantic getaways in Victoria has plenty of ideas.
Keep It Simple: A Picnic or Sunset Walk
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Not every date needs a booking. Pack a picnic for the Royal Botanic Gardens, or watch the sunset from the St Kilda Pier and walk along the foreshore. Bring a small bunch of flowers and it’s a date. For more ideas, see our 24 date night ideas for couples.
Gifts to Complement Your Date
Whether you’ve carefully planned a rejuvenating soak in the mineral pools, a cosy movie night at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or an exhilarating skydiving adventure, you’ve got the ideal foundation for a perfect date. But you can still bring your romantic gesture up a notch by giving your partner a thoughtful present that showcases your appreciation and love.
At Flowers Across, we understand the struggle of finding gift ideas that can make celebrations extra special, which is why we’ve selected a list of presents that can help you create an unforgettable date.
Here are some thoughtful gifts to inspire you:
Red Roses
Of course, when it comes to passion and devotion, red roses will always be the classic Valentine’s Day gift, like our Valentine’s 6 Red Rose Bouquet. Once you present this stunning arrangement of velvety blooms, your partner’s face will surely light up. Whether you’re kayaking along the Yarra River or having a romantic picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens, red roses are the ideal way to express your emotions.
Lilies and Roses
A bouquet of lilies and roses can also create a bold statement, especially since their captivating colour and fragrance can represent devotion and passion. So, if you’re stargazing at the Melbourne Planetarium or having a romantic dinner cruise, consider giving your partner our Lilies and Roses Flower Bouquet.
Teddy Bear
When you want to remind your partner of the comforting presence of your love, give them a cuddly teddy bear. Besides, this Valentine’s Day gift is the perfect companion after an exhilarating ride on bumper cars at Archie Brothers or even during your road trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Hampers
Beyond bouquets and teddy bears, hampers brimming with luxurious goodies can also be the ideal gift for Valentine’s Day. After a rejuvenating dip in mineral pools, you and your partner can share a bottle of wine or enjoy some gourmet snacks and pampering treats. And when you choose Flowers Across, you can ensure that your loved one will appreciate the gift, especially since we carefully select each item to bring an indulgent experience to the recipient.
Chocolates and Sweets
If your special someone has a sweet tooth, you can indulge their cravings by giving them a delectable assortment of chocolates and gourmet treats. From artisanal truffles to decadent confections, these delightful presents are the perfect surprise after a thrilling skydiving adventure or a museum date.
Balloons
If you want to add a touch of fun to your bouquet, teddy bear or hamper, complement your present with a red heart or “I Love You” balloon. A balloon can be a festive and eye-catching addition to your nostalgic date at Luna Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Plan Ahead
Valentine’s Day is the busiest day of the year for florists, which is also why Valentine’s flowers cost more. We offer same-day delivery across Melbourne when you order before the daily cut-off, but Valentine’s slots sell out fast, so order early. Browse our Valentine’s Day flowers or our romantic flowers, and if you’re stuck on what to write on the card, try our Valentine’s Day message ideas.