Relationships

15 of the best romantic date night ideas in Melbourne

Couple at the movies

RACV Staff

Posted February 13, 2023

Whether you prefer your dates with dinner, dancing, laughing or thrill seeking, there’s no shortage of creative date experiences you can enjoy in the city of Melbourne. 

As far as romance goes, Melbourne is continually rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities for a reason. From romantic drives straight out of a 1950s film, to dates that give back to the community, there’s options for all kinds of relationships. 

Whether you're the kind of couple to get dressed up for the theatre, take a moonlight punt through the Royal Botanic Gardens, have a drink at the top of a skyscraper, or take a stroll by a waterfall, our capital city is perfectly primed for a romantic night out like no other.

So for your next date night, forget the Netflix and chill, and head out to experience all this wonderful city has to offer with these 15 fun date night ideas around Melbourne.

And remember, RACV Members save on a range of attractions around Melbourne. 

 

15 unique Melbourne date night ideas 

1. Fly high with a Melbourne City Balloon Flight

Set your love swooning by sunrise with a hot air balloon flight over the city of Melbourne, where the sun casts a golden glow as far as the eye can see.

Soar to new heights by gazing down at the MCG, Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral and Rod Laver Arena as you glide over the CBD and surrounding suburbs, where people have been drifting amongst the clouds since the 1850s.

Not ready to burst the love bubble on landing? Add on a champagne breakfast for two. 

2. Enjoy twilight skies with a moonlight kayak tour along the Yarra River

Sure, Melbourne’s streets are nice. But imagine seeing them from the water. Climb aboard a moonlight kayak tour and paddle down Yarra River at sunset for an intimate look at the city. You’ll explore the Victoria Harbour sights, before docking at the marina for a delicious on-water dinner. Hello, floating fish and chips.

Continue your cruise upstream, winding past Crown Casino and Southbank in time to catch the evening fire show, before finishing up at the rowing sheds opposite Federation Square. 

3. Get the giggles at the Comic’s Lounge 

Tickle your loved one’s funny bone next date night with a romantic dinner and a night of laughter at the Comic's Lounge, Melbourne’s longest-running comedy club, for a few hours of non-stop chuckles. 

Some of Australia’s funniest comedy stars have graced the stage, including Dave Hughes, Frank Woodley, Dilruk Jayasinha and Kitty Flanagan.

4. Have a dinner theatre experience

Sick of the same old meat and three veg? Head out for dinner with a difference on a date at one of Melbourne’s themed restaurants. 

Whether it’s taking in a spooky show at Witches in Britches, playing board games at Fortress in the CBD, or letting out your inner Viking at Mjølner, turn a regular dinner date into a quirky night of fun and immersive experiences.

 

Hot air balloon Melbourne

Not a bad way for you and your significant other to start your day. Image: Visit Victoria. 

 

5. Punt on the lake at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Sit back together and enjoy a peaceful punt ride through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Your professional punter will share stories about Melbourne’s history and native wildlife as you glide on the idyllic Ornamental Lake on your 30-minute boat tour. Paper parasols add an extra romantic element to the seasonal sessions, which are available from September to May.

Pack a picnic for the ride – there’s a table provided on the punt. And if Fido is part of the family, there’s no issues there – dog pals are welcome onboard! 

6. See a new musical or show

Looking for someone else to bring on the entertainment? Melbourne is the home of Melbourne theatre, where there is always a new show or musical to see. 

You can even round out the night with a great meal at a restaurant nearby, giving you a chance to get dressed up for a night out on the town. 

7. Lay back at the movies

The Drifters sang about Saturday Night At The Movies for a reason. While it may not be reinventing the wheel, seeing the latest and greatest flicks on the big screen with your significant other can be a great way to relax and enjoy a shared experience at any time of the year.

To add some excitement, why not try a new cinema experience at one of the best cinemas in Melbourne, or see something a bit different at one of the year’s biggest themed film festivals?

You can always make date night extra special with a seat upgrade for a more luxurious experience.  

8. Go front row at a magic show

Abracadabra!

Melbourne is a city filled with spellbinding experiences, and is even home to its very own Magic Festival during the winter. 

You can also experience magic any time of year at the Impossible Occurrences Magic Show right in the middle of the CBD. An intimate, interactive experience, dress to the nines for a night of illusions, mind reading - and maybe even some real-life magic. 

 

Gondolas on a lake

Punting on the Lake at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Image: Visit Victoria.

 

9. Head to an arcade or theme park

Like your date nights with a little more action? Consider date night at Archie Brother Cirque Electriq, an indoor arcade for all ages (and adults only later in the evening) featuring bumper cars, virtual reality games, bowling, laser tag and more. Grab yourselves a cocktail and some American-style grub to round out an evening of adventure at the home of fun.

And remember, if it’s summertime and the weather is breezy, you can always let out your inner thrill seeker with an outdoor date night at St Kilda’s Luna Park.

10. Drift along the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant

Did you know you can head on a dinner cruise right here in Melbournetown? 

Featuring a four-course dinner, take in the glittering lights of Melbourne as you glide along the Yarra River, with the option of adding on a range of drink options on this tantalising three-hour voyage. 

11. Let out your inner Masterchef with an Otao Kitchen Cooking Experiences

A date where you can improve your culinary skills at the same time? Yes Chef!  

Featuring a variety of global cuisines, Otao Kitchen uses local and sustainable ingredients to create three course meals from scratch, such as the Vietnamese masterclass, Chinese Dumpling Making Party, or Flavours of Latin America. 

Classes are paired with complimentary beverages and all the tools you need for your kitchen skills to take you from amateur to authentic – next stop, My Kitchen Rules.     

12. Night at the museum

For a cultural activity with a hint of the highbrow, spend your date night amongst the literati during a night at the museum or gallery. 

Whether it’s a star-studded affair at NGV Nights, a nocturnal evening at Melbourne Museum, a special event at the Planetarium or a new contemporary gallery show, enjoy Melbourne’s spectacular exhibitions away from the crowds after dark. 

 

Regent Theatre

Make it a grand night out with a visit to the theatre. Image: Marriner Group. 

 

13. Indulge the senses

Not all date nights need to involve getting suited up or inducing your adrenalin levels. Sometimes, the best way to connect with a partner is with a bit of a couples pamper session to have you both feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

Consider an aromatic steam ritual or massage at One Spa in Melbourne's CBD, or head to a nearby hot springs for a night of thermal bathing by moonlight to reconnect in luxury. 

14. Go on an escape room adventure

For some couples, the fun is in the journey – the road trip, the jigsaw, or working together to make their way out of an escape room. 

Gathering clues in themed gaming rooms from murder mysteries to virtual reality experiences, a night at one of the best escape rooms in Melbourne lets you work with your partner to beat the clock and make your great escape as a team.  

15. Have cocktails in the clouds

Head in the clouds? Enjoy sky-high views at the Melbourne Skydeck, the tallest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. 

With spectacular 360 views that you can get to in 38 seconds from the ground floor, take your date for a drink at Bar 88 or indulge in fine dining at Eureka 89 surrounded by Melbourne’s starry night sky. 

 

Ready for a romantic rendezvous?
RACV Members get discounts on a range of attractions around Melbourne →