We live in Melbourne, so naturally, grabbing a coffee is the instinctive move when thinking about first date ideas. But, if you’d like to make a memorable first impression, or if you’re wary of awkward silences while you sip frantically on your cup, why don’t you try something different? Melbourne is full of great date night ideas, so you can keep the conversation flowing while looking at a piece of art or playing a game. Maybe these dates will blossom into a wonderful relationship; if not, that’s ok too, because at least you did something fun. Without further ado, here are some great first date ideas to try in Melbourne.
1. Charm them with this whimsical Wes Anderson exhibition
Wes Anderson’s instantly-recognisable films often feature hesitant, moving love affairs, so this eye-catching exhibition may just help launch the start of yours. Inspired by the famed Instagram account of the same name, Accidentally Wes Anderson offers an idiosyncratic first date, one which explores whimsical locations from around the world. You can find out more and book here.
2. Amble round the Royal Botanic Gardens
Immerse yourself in nature and go for a stroll in these spectacular gardens, in one of the most tranquil first date ideas on our list. Across 38 hectares, you’ll admire over 8,500 species of plants. Find a nice quiet space to walk and have a chat, like in the lush Fern Gully section, or relax and have a picnic in a romantic spot, like next to Ornamental Lake. If you’re feeling particularly romantic, you can go Punting on the Lake during select seasons. Or, for something relaxed, grab a bite to eat from The Terrace café.
📍 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
3. Wander round The Art of Banksy exhibition
Thought-provoking and inspiring in equal measure, The Art of Banksy has welcomed 2.1 million visitors since beginning its worldwide tour. If you’re feeling a cultured kind of first date where you can pause in thoughtful silence, or discuss the relevant, timely social issues raised by Banksy’s artwork, this might be the one for you. Don’t miss the showstopping infinity room, either. Tickets are available here.
4. Feel star-struck at Melbourne Planetarium
Head to Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks and gaze at the stars with your date. With their 16m dome and projection system, you’ll go on an immersive journey through the universe. Every Friday evening, there’s the 18+ event, Planetarium Nights, which features full dome screenings. After you voyage the cosmos together, grab a drink at the bar.
📍 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
5. Attend an enchanting Candlelight concert
Love music and looking for a romantic vibe on your date? Look no further than a Candlelight concert. Listen to live music performed in some of Melbourne’s most spectacular venues, while bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight. There’s a reason they’ve seen plenty of proposals, but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves… See what’s on here.
6. Have fun at Luna Park
Feel like you’re in the movies and take your date to an amusement park. Get your heart pumping on the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster, share a snow cone or some popcorn and win a prize at their carnival games. Find out more about Luna Park here.
📍 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
7. Feel a spark at We Call It Ballet
Watching a fairy tale unfold at a unique venue is the perfect plan for a first date. Between the graceful ballerinas, moving music, and dazzling lights, there’s no fear of uncomfortable silences but there is a strong chance of handholding and stolen glances. Fall under the spell of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty in the company of someone special. You can book your spot for upcoming shows here.
8. Row your way into their hearts at Fairfield Park Boathouse
Feel transported back in time and have a tranquil date together at Fairfield Park Boathouse. Located in Yarra Bend Park, unwind with some tea and scones while overlooking the Yarra River. After that, hire a rowing boat, canoe or kayak and have some fun on the water. No bookings are necessary, and pets are welcome to come along.
📍 Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078
9. Have a tee-rific time at Holey Moley
Mini golf is a classic amongst first date ideas, even in 2024. Putt your way through some seriously fun and nostalgic mini golf courses at Holey Moley. You’ll find unique themes at each location around Melbourne, so you’ll never get bored. Enjoy some food while you’re there, and sip a cocktail to keep the good times going.
📍 Little Bourke St, Crown, Chadstone, Eastland and Frankston
10. Listen to live music at The Paris Cat Jazz Club
If you like jazz or live music, head over to The Paris Cat Jazz Club for an unforgettable night. The venue was built in 1895, so you’ll feel transported back in time as you enjoy its unique ambiance, which aims to evoke the feeling of being in a classic Parisian jazz joint. While you listen to the sounds of live jazz, sip on wine, champagne, spirits, beers or cocktails. A tapas menu is also available.
📍 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
11. Explore a museum or art gallery
Melbourne is full of art and culture, so why don’t you spend your date at a museum or art gallery? It gives you something to talk about, and any silence on the date will seem like more contemplative than awkward. Plus, if you want to save money, places like ACMI and NGV have free exhibitions, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. For an even memorable art date, check out the return of the after-hours NGV Friday Nights.
12. Throw darts at Oche
For something casual and fun, meet up with your date in the heart of the CBD for some drinks and darts. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, you’ll have fun playing the different games that Oche has to offer, and keeping an eye on your score thanks to the digital display board. While you talk and play, nibble your way through food that can be eaten with one hand, and sip on their delicious range of cocktails.
📍 263-269 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Keep it cool and go ice skating
Head to Docklands for a fun date at O’Brien Icehouse. If you’re both beginners, you’ll have a great time bonding and wobbling your way around the ice rink. They offer a range of skates for hire so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just remember to dress warmly!
📍 Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands VIC 3008
14. Cuddle a cat at this charming cat café
Visit the first cat café in Melbourne on your first date. At the aptly named Cat Café Melbourne, you’ll play and relax with cats in this two-level space. Get to know one another over a coffee, and try one of their snacks. Walk-ins are welcome if you’re feeling spontaneous, but you can also book ahead online.
📍 30 Guildford Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
15. Have a laugh at a comedy night
They say laughter is the best medicine, but could it also be the best matchmaker? Find out by going on a first date to one of the comedy clubs around Melbourne. There’s the Melbourne International Comedy Festival of course, but there’s also venues like The Comic’s Lounge, Basement Comedy Club and Kings of Comedy.
16. Catch a movie at The Astor Theatre
Add a dash of old world glamour to your classic movie date at The Astor Theatre. This historic site opened in 1936, and its massive single screen, golden curtains and stunning auditorium will give an extra dose of grandeur to your first date in Melbourne. They play a nice mixture of new releases, cult films and nostalgic favourites, and run special events like movie marathons too. See what’s coming up here.
📍 1 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182
17. Create beautiful bowls and memories at a ceramic paint and sip class
The soothing act of painting pottery is a nice, low-key first date, and you can make it into a more adult evening activity by bringing along your own drinks to sip whilst wielding your paintbrush. Quirky and memorable, it’s a refreshingly different date that’ll help you stand out from the crowd. Find your tickets here.
18. Snap some memorable pictures at ArtVo
For something lighthearted and fun to help you relax into your date, try ArtVo in the Docklands. Featuring nine themed zones, there are eighty immersive installations of ‘trick art’ here, which mess with your perception and provide some amazing photo opportunities. Who knows, perhaps you’ll be looking back on them together in years to come? Find your tickets here.
📍 26 Star Cres Level 1, The District, Melbourne 3008