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 a bit of platonic love with your best friend. 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.
1. 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.
2. Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience at Scienceworks
At this adults-only event, you’ll gaze at a stunning four-metre moon installation, look at the stars through a telescope and watch a show in the Planetarium. There’s a free photo booth for you to capture some memories, as well as food and drink available for purchase. The Valentine’s Day event at Scienceworks will run from 5:30pm to 10pm, and tickets are $35. Learn more here.
3. Fall in love at THE LUME Melbourne
Find plenty of romantic Parisian charm at THE LUME. On Valentine’s Day, they will bring their stunning Van Gogh experience to life with the addition of a live jazz ensemble. Receive a glass of sparkling on arrival, then watch the magic unfold in the gallery around you. Elevate your experience by booking a Cupid’s Table, where you can enjoy champagne and a charcuterie board. The night will run from 7pm to 9pm, with doors open at 6:50pm.
4. Watch a romantic film at Moonlight Cinema
This outdoor cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is setting the mood with a whole week of romantic films. Watch your favourite films like Notting Hill, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Notebook, or catch a preview screening of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Then, on the big day itself, relax under the stars and watch the beloved film, 10 Things I Hate About You. See the program here.
5. Watch a Candlelight concert together
Head to Collingwood Town Hall on Valentine’s Day and listen to romantic songs at this special Candlelight concert. Songs on the line-up include Can’t Help Falling in Love, A Thousand Years and My Heart Will Go On. There are sessions available at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Get your tickets here.
6. 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.
7. Stay out late at Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is throwing a special after-hours party on the night before Valentine’s Day. Take part in a speed dating event, dance at a silent disco, listen to talks about love and courtship, visit a balloon artist, explore the exhibitions and more. Nocturnal will run from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday February 13, and costs $32. More info here.
Whisk your date away to Marnong Estate, and kick off your evening with a meal at their recently hatted restaurant, La Vètta, or at their trattoria, Cucina 3064. Then, head over to the main lawn and watch a romantic film under the stars. There will be snacks like popcorn available to purchase, as well as Italian street food from Caffè Vista if you skipped dinner. More details here.
9. 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 Custom Charmed Bracelet. Sip on wine while you work, and enjoy locally sourced food. Learn more here.
10. 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, explore the newly opened About Time Bathhouse and much, much more.
11. Watch Mamma Mia! in the park
Have a fun time with a free screening of Mamma Mia! at Riversdale Park in Camberwell. Sing along to your favourite ABBA hits and laugh your way through this popular romantic comedy. The Prosecco Van will be there with a range of beverages and snacks to purchase, and you’re welcome to bring along your own picnic too. This event will run from 7pm to 9:30pm on Valentine’s Day. See more here.
12. 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.
13. Listen to jazz in Maranoa Botanic Gardens
For a vibey night out, head to this botanic garden in Balwyn and listen to live music from Fem Belling and her band. It’s completely free, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink (even alcohol), if you’re keen for an evening picnic. This event will run from 7pm to 9pm on Friday February 14. See more here.
15. Bring your pup to Prahran Market
If your dog is your true love, bring them to Market Square in Prahran Market on Valentine’s Day. There will be snacks and sips for the humans from 4pm, as well as goodies for the pups. A photographer will roam around snapping pics for you to cherish. At 6:30pm, settle in for a screening of Lady and the Tramp. This event will run from 4pm to 8pm and entry is free!
15. Go out for a romantic dinner
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.
16. 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. Get your tickets here.
17. Indulge in high tea by candlelight
Dzert in Sandringham will have a special Valentine’s High Tea by Candlelight for you to try. This evening indulgence will run from 6pm to 8pm, and you can go for their classic package for $79 per person, or upgrade to sparkling ($89) or bottomless ($119). Learn more here.
18. Go on a hot air balloon ride
Soar through the air and enjoy breath-taking views in a hot air balloon ride for two. Global Ballooning is doing special Valentine’s Day sale on their weekday flights in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Read more here.
19. 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)?
20. 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 places further out like Werribee Mansion and the Dandenong Ranges.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Don’t forget about the flowers
Start your Valentine’s Day with a surprise bouquet from one of these lovely florists around Melbourne. Or, go out in search of flowers blooming in gardens around Melbourne.
24. 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.
25. 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 different flavours to try, as well as ice cream-inspired desserts and drinks. Who knows what interesting flavours you’ll try on Valentine’s Day? This festival is on from February 12 to 23. See more here.
26. 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, and cool road trip pit stops to check out. Whisk yourself away on a romantic getaway, escape to a dreamy coastal town and more. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a grand time.