Melbourne offers endless opportunities to spoil a loved one! Make your time in the city an affair to remember with our ideas for romance.
When it comes to romantic things to do in Melbourne, you’ll find endless opportunities to spoil your loved one! Make your time in the city a stay to remember for all of the right reasons.
Whether you're looking for a little bit of inspo for anniversary ideas in Melbourne, a weekend escape for two, or simply some time away from daily life to reconnect with each other, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned date night.
To help you get started, why not tick off these romantic activities for the perfect date in Melbourne with that special person in your life - starting this week.
1. The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
“The Melbourne Star” is the Southern Hemisphere’s only giant Ferris wheel offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
Get a glass of sparkling wine 120 meters above the city streets with the Observation Wheel’s “Sparkling Flights” package. You can book a private cabin on the Ferris wheel for the ultimate romantic evening.
If you’re thinking about getting engaged, The Observation Wheel can even host your wedding proposal!
2. Punting on the Lake
Can’t make it to romantic vacay in Venice? Compromise with a serene cruise around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Settle back in an elegant wooden punt with your loved one to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens. The professional punters will even tell you about its history, environment, wildlife and plants!
3. Date night restaurants in Melbourne
Romantic date night ideas in Melbourne don’t come more traditional than a visit to a swanky eatery for great food, delicious wine and one-on-one time together.
Tempura Hajime - Seating just 12 people at a time, Tempura Hajime is ideal for date night in Melbourne. Sit down to impeccable service, mouthfuls of art, and centuries of traditional flavour combinations and cuisines, this hidden Japanese tempura house is perfectly secluded, making it absolutely ideal for a romantic dining experience.
French Saloon - A wine lover's haven with food to match. This sophisticated wine bar is off-street level and serves until 1. am. Share some caviar over a flute of champagne before moving to the balcony for an intimate, moonlit end to your evening.
Ombra Bar - Dark, intimate and friendly; ditch the menu and let them take you on an Italian snack safari. It's casual and fun with sharp service preserved, as well as plenty of wine and craft beer to keep you company. What better way to enjoy a Melbourne date night without the formality.
4. Jazz Club
Melbourne is filled with upbeat jazz clubs to get you moving and grooving. From intimate laneway venues to crowded jazz festivals, there are plenty of toe-tapping spots in the city featuring bebop, big band, fusion jazz and even sultry soloists. Check out Paris Cat Jazz Club for live music and yummy tapas.
5. On the Yarra
Prefer to be completely alone with your loved one? Have we got a truly unique experience for you! Now departing from WTC Wharf, along the riverfront outside Crowne Plaza Melbourne, On A Boat will have you sailing off and experiencing Melbourne’s spectacular Yarra River and city skyline views from aboard a boat skippered by you! Have a blast on Melbourne’s waterways and enjoy the scenery as you meander along the Yarra River under your own steam. Anyone can captain the user-friendly electric boats; you don’t need a boat license to skipper yourself.
If sitting back while someone else steers is more your style, skippered cruises are always available and will have you experiencing the very best of Melbourne with your own private tour guide. On A Boat is perfect for the whole family; fur babies included with their dog friendly policy.
6. Best (and most picturesque) spots to steal a kiss in Melbourne.
If you're looking to get a little bit of lip action on your date night, you’re probably wondering where the best places to kiss in Melbourne are? Every corner is the perfect spot for a quiet smooch outdoors - but there are a few places that will add a touch of fairytale to your lip-locking.
- Under the stained glass ceiling of the National Gallery of Victoria.
- The hidden paths and secret spots of Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Surrounded by twinkling city lights at The Rooftop Bar, Curtin House.
7. Romantic Picnic Spots in Melbourne
With its beautiful parks, stunning riverside area and whimsical gardens, it can be hard to choose between the best picnic spots in Melbourne. Not sure what to put in the hamper? Fear not! Let one of the pro delis or grocers supply the goodies.
The Treasury Gardens
Head to the scenic Treasury Gardens amidst Melbourne’s busy cityscape to kick back metropolis style. Fill your picnic basket on the way from the Spring Street Grocer, providing all things smallgoods related eats, from fresh sandwiches to ethnic delicacies and even gelati. Be sure to hit up their underground cheese cellar for all things cheddar, Cheshire and camembert too..
If there’s nothing a girl loves most, it's a bit of retail therapy. Melbourne Central is the quintessential place for just that! It's a shopping centre with a Melbourne twist. If you're visiting Melbourne, or even if you're just pretending to be a tourist for the day, you should make sure you visit the big pocket watch on the hour. There are also some stylish comfy armchairs on the lower ground level to wait if the shopping gets a little overwhelming.
8. Fly high in a hot air balloon
There’s nothing that says “I love you” than an extra-special treat that most people dream of doing but never seem to find the time for. The great thing about this beautiful city is that there’s always time to fit in what you want. So why not rise early for a magical dawn ballooning tour over Melbourne. Float high above the city's architectural icons and magnificent parks and gardens with nothing but the sound of the flame and the birds around you.
9. Enjoy a stroll hand in hand.
Take in the picturesque 'Paris End' of Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD. It's easy to find romance in the scattered light through leafy trees and the twinkle of high-end fashion stores. Cozy cafes beckon as Melbourne’s iconic trams trundle by.
Head down to the St. Collins Lane collection of boutiques and historic Block Arcade. Follow your nose to emerge on Collins Street, and admire the sparkly things on show at Tiffany & Co.
10. Stay in a Romantic Suite in Melbourne
If you’re spending the weekend with your loved one in Melbourne why not book our special Suites?
Redefining affordable luxury accommodation in Melbourne, our suites provide uninterrupted sweeping views of Melbourne City, the Yarra River, and iconic Melbourne landmarks. Enjoy an experience like no other by spending an unforgettable night in the most elegant of spaces that Melbourne accommodation has to offer.
Escape to Melbourne and enjoy beautiful views, an amazing location and impeccable service at Crowne Plaza Melbourne, while being within easy reach of the best couples activities in Melbourne.
