If you can smell the scent of roses and chocolate in the air, it’s because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And, whether you love it or hate it, it’s time to embrace it and live life to the fullest. Celebrate this romantic day by spending it with your sweetheart, or enjoy Galentine’s or Palentine’s with your besties. From the fun to the romantic, but in no particular order, here are some awesome date ideas and things to do on Valentine’s Day in Melbourne.
Go to a Candlelight concert
Thousands of twinkling candles, an intimate atmosphere and iconic hits and compositions performed by classical ensembles — what could be more romantic than that? If you’re looking to spark the romance, Candlelight is a great evening out with your sweetheart this V-Day. Whether you want to surprise your partner with their favourite concert or prefer choosing it together, there are loads of shows to choose from, including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks, and even a Valentine’s special on February 13.
Have the classic theme park experience at Luna Park
Create wonderful memories together on these classic carnival grounds. Head to Luna Park on Valentine’s Day from 6pm to 11pm, and go on as many rides as you can handle. Cosy up on the Ferris wheel, zoom on the Great Scenic Railway and go round and round on the carousel. Take plenty of photos, play a free carnival game and stay cool with heart-shaped ice cream. You’ll also receive some heart-shaped sunnies and a souvenir digital photo. This lovely evening at Luna Park costs $69.50 per person. Learn more here.
Go punting on the lake
Enjoy a serene day out by punting on the Ornamental Lake at Royal Botanic Gardens. See all the different bays and islands from a new perspective on your very own boat. You’re welcome to bring along your own picnic, and dogs can come too! There’s also parasols for you to whirl and twirl. Punting on the Lake is open from 11am to 4pm, or 5pm depending on weather and bookings.
Watch a romantic film at Moonlight Cinema
This outdoor cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is setting the mood with heaps of romantic films this February. Watch your favourite films like Notting Hill, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Dirty Dancing and The Notebook. Or, watch something new like “Wuthering Heights” or Hamnet. See the program here.
Skate around this nostalgic roller rink
Head to Queensbridge Square in Southbank and have fun at the free, ’90s-inspired roller rink. Listen to DJs as you glide around the space, then enjoy summer treats. The Dewberry Roller-Rama pop-up is on from Friday February 13 to Sunday February 15. The rink will be open each day from 11am to 7:30pm.
Be mesmerised by a luminous dance show
Ballet of Lights is a 60-minute show where iconic ballets like The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Peter Pan, are reimagined with a glowing twist. Fibre-optic lighting is incorporated in the ballerinas’ costumes, highlighting every graceful move and captivating both ballet enthusiasts and newcomers.
Go out for a romantic meal
Melbourne is full of romantic places for you to eat on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for a place to take your date, see our recommendations here.
Take part in a Valentine’s Day Coffee Rave
Are you an early bird? Only Coffee Project in Melbourne Quarter is kicking off Valentine’s Day with a morning rave. Sip on love-themed coffee creations and dance to beats from DJ Kitty Kat. You can also expect sweet treats, like “Be My Valentine” cookies from Cupid’s Sweet Shop. The party is on from 8am to 11am.
Listen to a free show from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Pack a picnic, and enjoy a romantic night of music under the stars at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. On Valentine’s Day, feel serenaded by Australian works performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Gates open at 5pm, and while bookings aren’t required, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience at Scienceworks
At this adults-only event, you’ll gaze at a stunning four-metre moon installation, explore the museum after hours and watch a stunning show in the Planetarium. Make a keepsake for your loved one, make memories in the photobooth and enjoy live entertainers. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The Valentine’s Day event at Scienceworks will run from 6pm to 10pm, and tickets are $35. Learn more here.
Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, you’ll be sure to find something that will ignite your curiosity at the Museum of Desire. There’s over 20 sensory-rich experiences to look forward to. Over Valentine’s weekend, you can also expect live performance art, complimentary Kissing Booth Portraits and more. Get your tickets here.
Indulge in a bit of high tea
For an elegant date on Valentine’s Day, graze on fluffy scones, finger sandwiches and sweet treats at one of the many high tea places around Melbourne. Pair it with tea or a bit of bubbly. You’ll find high tea at plenty of romantic places, from the CBD’s historic arcades, to Parisian-inspired salons and places further out like the Dandenong Ranges.
Find decadence and spectacle at Blanc de Blanc Encore
Head to Spiegel Haus and feel swept away by the glamour of Blanc de Blanc Encore. This dazzling show features sultry cabaret, risqué comedy and thrilling circus acts. This performance is strictly adults only. Get your tickets here.
Relax in spas and hot springs
You deserve a day of rest, relaxation and luxury. And thankfully, Melbourne and Victoria are full of tranquil places for you to find your inner bliss. Escape to the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs, take a break in Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, stay closer to home at Soak Bathhouse and much, much more.
Create something special at a personalised jewellery workshop
Grab your beloved or your bestie and head to FinerRings in Fitzroy for a special class on Valentine’s Day. In their Fine & Wine event, you’ll create an Initial & Birthstone Necklace as well as a dainty pearl charm bracelet. Food and drinks will be provided. Learn more here.
Paint your partner this Valentine’s Day
Go on a date and paint your mate at various Paint and Sips around Melbourne this Valentine’s Day. For example, Champainting is holding a Picasso style session at their South Melbourne studio. And Paint for Fun is running a Paint in the Dark session at their Port Melbourne venue.
Put your brains together and try out an escape room
Escape your day-to-day life and enter challenging and thought-provoking scenarios. Tackle the room with your partner, or go on a double date, and see how well you do in one of these escape rooms. Will teamwork and friendship be enough, or will you be lost forever (or at least, until the session ends)?
Say ‘I Do’ at Heartbreaker’s Chapel O’ Love
Heartbreaker is keeping things chaotic with a Chapel O’ Love. Get hitched by an Elvis-adjacent celebrant, take a celebratory shot, and then head straight to the Divorce Court. There will be wedding dresses, tuxes, ring pops, and polaroids that you can pin to the Wall of Regret. More info here.
Catch a groovy jazz show
At The Jazz Room, iconic songs by some of the best musicians and artists of the genre come alive. Taking place at popular Melbourne venues like Viva Melbourne and Brunswick Ballroom, these evenings are packed with sensual melodies and emotional depth, ready to take your date night to the next level. Besides honouring legends like Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, on selected evenings you can also catch tributes to soul and blues legends.
Take a stroll through some tranquil parks and gardens
Hold hands, amble along the path, admire blooming flowers, gaze at towering trees, and find a quiet moment together at some of the wonderful parks and gardens around Melbourne. Walk among roses in Werribee, feel like you’re in a Monet painting at Blue Lotus Water Garden and more.
Go for a walk along the beach
If plants aren’t your thing, how about the beach? It is summer after all, and there’s plenty of great beaches around Melbourne, and further out in Victoria. Check out some of Lonely Planet’s top picks, find seclusion on the Great Ocean Road, head to Wilsons Prom for a squeaky escape and more. For a nice walk, check out our list of great coastal trails.
Take in the view from a rooftop bar
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a glass of bubbly, a fun cocktail and plenty of great views at some bustling rooftop bars around Melbourne. From CBD venues to places further out, you’ll have a great time in the sunshine or under the stars.
Go on a mystery picnic date
Work together to solve clues, and go on a journey to collect gourmet treats like cheese from artisan producers. This self-guided adventure will lead you to a final, stunning picnic spot. Mystery picnic dates are available in both Melbourne CBD and the Yarra Valley.
Sweeten things up with an ice cream festival
Drive out to the chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road for this tasty Ice Cream Festival. There are heaps of limited-edition flavours to try, as well as ice cream-inspired desserts and activities. This festival is on from February 11 to 22.
Jump in the car, load up a playlist and just drive somewhere
Spend some nice quality time with your loved one in the car, and go on an adventure. Check out some amazing scenic drives around Victoria and enjoy some astounding natural scenery in national parks. Go chasing waterfalls and take a nice day trip somewhere. There’s plenty of charming towns to explore near Melbourne, underrated towns around Victoria and cool road trip pit stops to check out. Whisk yourself away on a romantic getaway, escape to a dreamy coastal town , feel like you’re in a fairy tale on a forest walk and more. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a grand time.