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 lover, 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. Attend this Fed Square Candlelight Special
Fed Square is welcoming a series of free Candlelight concerts this February. One of them is a special Valentine’s Day concert, in which the romantics among us will be treated to soulful music sung by TINO. The set list features classic hits like My Girl, Let’s Get It On, and Can’t Help Falling In Love, making it a memorable and affordable way to celebrate the day with your loved one.
Oh, and if you’re among the first 150 people from 7:30pm, you get a free ice cream. Find out more here.
2. Sip champagne at The Lume
Spark some romance and feel transported to the City of Love at The Lume. Enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, and lose yourself in the swirling sights and sounds of 19th century Paris and France. Feel mesmerised by the incredible exhibition, Monet & Friends, and snap some gorgeous couple photos together. The champagne experience on Valentine’s Day costs $64 per person. Learn more here.
3. 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 10pm, 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. You’ll receive a custom photo souvenir, two chocolate love hearts from Chocolatier, and Hava Heart ice creams from Peters. Then, play one carnival game per couple and listen to music from The Engagement.
This lovely evening at Luna Park costs $85 per couple. Learn more here.
4. Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience at Melbourne Planetarium
At this adults-only event, you’ll enter the Planetarium and listen to ancient celestial love stories. Then, sip on love-themed cocktails, go stargazing, have fun in a photobooth and take part in some activities. Doors will open at 6pm on Valentine’s Day. See more here.
5. Throw some darts at Oche
Dart over to Oche and have a fabulous time. Show off your skills, and enjoy a complimentary dessert just for playing. While you’re there, sip on some delicious cocktails and indulge in some share plates. Complimentary dessert is available to darts bookings of two people or more, for 85 minutes or more. So, if you’re looking for a double date idea, this is a good way to go! The Valentine’s Day promotion is valid from February 8 to 22. More info here.
6. Watch a romantic film at Moonlight Cinema
This outdoor cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is setting the mood for Valentine’s Day with a huge line-up of romantic films in the first week of February. Watch your favourite films like 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty Woman and Notting Hill. Then, on the big day itself, relax under the stars and watch the ultimate romantic film, The Notebook. Learn more here.
7. Embrace your wild side with a paint and sip experience at Melbourne Zoo
Go on an exclusive ranger tour through Melbourne Zoo and learn all about the resident animals. Then, head to the event space for a two hour paint & sip session. There will be a grazing station, a sweet treat station and drinks.
The WILD VIP paint and sip experience starts on Sunday February 12 and ends on Tuesday February 14. Limited spaces are available.
8. Indulge in a bit of luxury at Crown
Spoil yourself and your loved one with a lavish staycation at Crown Towers. Choose the Crown Towers Timeless Luxury Package, and enjoy a bottle of champagne, $100 resort credit, and an evening relaxing by the pool. Stay up late and enjoy a leisurely 12pm check-out time. The package is from $475 per night in a Deluxe King room, and is available until February 28.
Elevate your experience with a blissful session at Crown Spa. Rejuvenate with a 90-minute Holistic Customisable Facial, swim in the vitality pool and relax in the steam room. Make a booking to enjoy during your stay, or simply enjoy the spa on its own.
9. Put your brains together and try out an escape room
Escape your day-to-day life and enter challenging and thought-provoking scenarios. Takle 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)?
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, go further to Metung Hot Springs and much, much more.
11. Paint your partner at various paint and sips
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by painting your beloved! Heaps of paint and sip experiences around Melbourne have various sessions surrounding this theme, including Pinot & Picasso, Champainting and Brush & Bubbles.
12. Watch Romeo and Juliet under the stars
Feel captivated by this timeless tale during the month of love. Watch Shakespeare’s famous play outdoors at the Royal Botanic Gardens, from February 10 to March 11. More info here.
13. Watch a movie in St Kilda with Sunset Cinema
Head to St Kilda Botanical Gardens, and watch the hilarious film, Crazy Stupid Love, on Valentine’s Day. See the full program here.
14. Indulge in an ice cream festival
Drive out to the chocolateries in either Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road or Mornington Peninsula for this tasty ice cream festival. There are 144 limited-edition flavours over 12 days. Who knows what interesting flavours you’ll try on Valentine’s Day? This festival is on from February 8 to 19.
15. 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 5pm.
16. 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 promos on their Yarra Valley flight with breakfast, and their Mansfield sunrise flight. Read more here.
17. Head to Cinema Nova for a movie session
Cinema Nova is offering films for the love-sick and the cynical alike with their Loves Me, Loves Me Not series. Enjoy some unusual takes on love, with films like The Lobster, Portrait of a Lady on Fire and (500) Days of Summer. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from the bar while you’re there! See more here.
18. Soak in dreamy pink pools at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse
Enjoy a romantic and blissful time at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse. For Valentine’s Day, they’ve turned their pools a pretty shade of pink. Book a ‘Love Story’ package, and enjoy two hours bathing in the magnesium-rich pools, experience hot and cold contrast therapies and relaxing in the lounge. Keep the romance going with a glass of rosé, bubbles and fresh strawberries. This special Valentine’s Day experience is on from Monday February 13 to Wednesday February 15. Bookings are available now.
19. 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. 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. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a grand time.