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Stuck for unique date ideas in Melbourne? The sheer number of options is overwhelming, but don't worry we've got you. If you're looking for the best, fun, cute, cheap, cool, free or first date ideas we have something good for everyone.
Be romantic this and cuddle up in an igloo by the river at Studley Park Boathouse, be fun and show off your swing at mini-golf, mastermind your way out of an escape room, take a day trip to a winery or cook up a storm on a floating doughnut. Exit that tab of movie times and cancel your dinner reservation at your local because we’ve got ideas that even beat takeaway and Netflix.
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Here are 23 of the best date ideas in Melbourne that aren’t dinner and a movie:
Holey Moley
Various locations
Image credit: Holey Moley | Supplied
Break the tension with a few rounds of mini-golf and maybe a few drinks. Holey Moley is basically a mini-golf institution in Melbourne. It has everything you could want in a date destination; cocktails, snacks and tunes. The golf course is a nostalgic labyrinth with holes inspired by everyday fun and childhood shows, so you won’t be stuck for small talk. In between rounds you can head to the caddyshack for all your off-the-green needs.
Peninsula Hot Springs
140 Springs Lane, Fingal
Image: Peninsula Hot Springs | Supplied
What better way to get to know each other than hanging out at one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions? Well, it’s not quite in Melbourne, but you get the idea, but you can get to know each other a little better on the drive down to Mornington. The Peninsula Hot Springs has mountains of hot, cold, warm and everywhere in between pools to get just the right temperature, and bonus, there’s the cafe for a pizza and a snack afterwards. Also, if you’re up for a (much) longer road trip, there’s the Metung Hot Springs as well.
Afloat | Pool Club
2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
Image credit: Jake Roden
Melbourne’s crowd favourite AFLOAT has an eight-metre long swimming pool to cool you down this summer (when it's not packed up for the winter). They’re supplying a range of things to sip and snack on, offering an agave bar and taco hut. Think corn tortillas loaded with grilled cactus and tender-beef—washed down with the sensual flavours of multiple agave cocktails to enjoy.
If you’re lucky the agave bar will have their exclusive boozy popsicles to ice your tastebuds and cool down that red hot date of yours–aperol spritz, kiwi mojito, spicy marg and more are the flavours to look out for on those extra warm afternoons.
NGV Friday Nights
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Image credit: NGV | Supplied
Friday Nights at the NGV will take your next art gallery date to the next level with the after-hours access pass to the gallery. No need to stress over finding the perfect dinner spot because the NGV will line up a diner with whatever their blockbuster exhibition may be at the time. Which, speaking of, next up is the Triennial opening early December, so stay tuned for the next instalment of Friday nights here.
Viva
64 Sutton St, North Melbourne
Image: Viva | Supplied
This one definitely falls into the fun date night category, and we’d recommend waiting until the second date—depending on how well the first went. Just like Paris, Melbourne has its very own cabaret, enter VIVA! The venue offers gorgeous, moody seating and blends live performance with dining and a tipple if you’re so inclined. There’s two shows per evening, starting with the VOGUE, which is filled with comedy, dance and drama, and the later VICIOUS, a bolder and more provocative show. You can grab tickets and see more of what Viva is about over here.
Metartworld
155 Boundary Street, Port Melbourne
Metartworld is stepping your typical art gallery dates up a notch with the romantic starry sky exhibition—one of many displayed in the epic 2 500 square metre exhibition that celebrates metal art. Bond over shared art interests and lose yourselves in a fantasy world of unique statues recycled from scrap metal and themed spaces from motorcycles and cars to anime and movies. With a plethora of exhibitions, stimulating art conversations are bound to take place.
Bottomless French High Tea At Apartment 26
26/321 Chapel Street, Prahran
Can’t afford to take them to Paris, no worries, the bottomless French high tea at Appartement 26 is your next best option. From the decor to the opulent antique fortunes of Anton Venoir’s private collection, you’ll be immersed in a lavish and intimate atmosphere. Dining under a candlelight, sipping on free-flowing Blanc de Blancs and enjoying French classics from brie pies to Parisian pastries, is sure to let the sparks fly.
Mystery Picnic Hunt
Mystery Location, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: FeverUp | Supplied
While a park picnic with your partner always hits the spot, why not add a little adventure into the equation? These mystery picnics reimagine a classic date activity. If you both love a bit of puzzle-solving and some healthy teamwork, this experience is for you. You’ll be sent a series of riddles and clues to solve, each of which will send you to a different location to pick up a stunning picnic spread of artisanal products. Romantic AND entertaining. Just tailor your picnic to your dietary requirements, and you’re all done. Read more about this prime date idea right here. There's also a Yarra Valley option if you want to turn it into a full-day affair.
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Pinot & Picasso
Various locations
Unleash your inner artist while you sip and paint together. Even if you’re no Michelangelo with a paintbrush, one date at Pinot & Picasso will have you wondering if you have hidden creative talents after all. With an art lesson and BYO drinks, you’re bound to have a good time.
Boat & BBQ With Aquadonut
84 Newquay Promenade, Docklands
Image credit: Aquadonut | Supplied
Maybe the most unique boat hire experience in Melbourne. Rent out an Aquadonut in the Docklands which is decked out with a round table, gas-fired BBQ, LED lights, shade umbrella and a sound system. Book a doughnut to chill out on the water, cook up a storm and listen to music. This is definitely not a date for the boring or the seasick.
Heroes Karaoke
188 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Sing your heart out at karaoke. No need for awkward conversation when you can karaoke to your favourite tracks at Heroes. The only foreseeable issue is not liking your date's choice in music but stick to the classics and you should be fine. If you need some liquid courage before making your singing debut, head up to their rooftop bar for a couple of drinks.
Ice Skating At O'Brien Icehouse
Ground/105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
image credit: O'Brien Icehouse | Supplied
Why watch a film when you can have a movie moment of your own ice skating. Take your date to O’brien Icehouse and take a couple laps of the rink. Don’t worry if you’re like Bambi on ice, the more uncoordinated your moves the better. An ice-skating date is the best way to, wait for it, break the ice.
Little Lon Distillery's Gin Masterclass
17 Casselden Place, Melbourne CBD
Test drive your mixology skills at Little Lon Distilling. Take a gin masterclass together to flex your knowledge on gin distillation and the prohibition era. Or if you’re gintellectually inclined just enjoy the tasting and finish off with one or two cocktails. Little Lon specialises in unique small-batch Melbourne-made gins which are all inspired by the city’s laneways. This is definitely a step up from any G&T you can order at a pub.
Staycation At Ovolo Laneways
19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Ovolo Laneways | Supplied
If you can’t take a vacation away together why not look into a staycation in the city. Melbourne’s Ovolo Laneways is the perfect urban getaway located on Little Bourke Street. You won’t be hard-pressed to find a vibey bar for drinks or a hatted restaurant for dinner to make the most of Ovolo Laneways' location.
Escape Room Melbourne
12-18 Yarra Street, South Melbourne
There is no better way to bond than over solving a mystery together. Get locked in at Escape Room Melbourne and work together to be set free. The escape room is the perfect way to see how your date performs under pressure. Whether you successfully crack the code and solve the riddles to break free or not, you’re bound to get to know each other even better.
NGV International
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Image credit: NGV | Supplied
If you're not quite ready for a raucous evening at NGV Friday Nights, wander the rooms of the NGV and get lost in the art instead. There are plenty of rooms and an abundance of work to admire. This is a good way to suss out your date's taste in art and knowledge of history. Art galleries may be the best conversation starter of all time with endless amounts of stimuli.
Harry & Larry’s Graze Box
Location of your choice
A picnic is a classic date option but if you're looking to step up your game bring along a curated graze box. Pick up a Harry & Larry’s graze box and byo picnic blanket and you’re all set. Their Graze Me small box is the perfect set up for two, complete with cheese, dips, pasta, crackers and cold meats. With the charcuterie taken care of all you’ll have to organise is the location.
Sense Of Self Bath House
30 – 32 Easey Street, Collingwood
Image credit: Sense Of Self | Supplied
What says romance like a trip to the day spa. Sense of Self is one of Melbourne’s hottest bathhouses complete with a mineral bath, Finnish sauna, cold plunge and massages. Spend a day together relaxing with no responsibilities except for enjoying each others company. Hot tip? Book during the week, avoid the crowds and pay only $65.
Seville Estate Winery Tour
65 Linwood Road, Seville
Get a change of scenery and take a day trip to Seville Estate together. Sip on aged wine and indulge in aged cheeses while enjoying the scenery. Nothing says romance quite like a glass of wine over a meal so why not make a date of it.
Hiking In Melbourne And Victoria
Various locations
Sometimes a walk and talk is the perfect date. Melbourne’s has some of the best hikes going around so you won’t be stuck for options. You can take a tried and true trail or explore somewhere you've never been before. If you’re undecided on which hike to take your date check out the Altona Wetlands or Braeside Park.
Candlelight Concerts Melbourne
Various locations
Add candles to anything and it instantly feels romantic. So it should come as no surprise at all that when you pair hundreds of flickering candles and a live orchestra, something pretty damn magical happens: suddenly the urge to blurt out your first 'i love you' goes waaaayyyy up. Fever is known for throwing the dreamiest Candlelight Concerts in Melbourne, with a string of different musical-themed nights. From Queen to Taylor Swift, Amy Winehouse to Fleetwood Mac—you're bound to find something that'll make your partner feel super special.
Pt. Leo Estate's Sculpture Garden
3649 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks
Image credit: Pt Leo Estate | Supplied
Those lucky enough to visit Japan's Naoshima island would have likely experienced the wonder of Yayoi Kusama's work, and specifically her giant polka dot-clad pumpkin sculptures. Now, one of the famed artist's pumpkins will be parking up in Victoria, and it's one of Kusama's largest yet. Standing proud at Pt Leo Estate Kusama's Pumpkin joins a raft of world-renowned artists and sculptural works from the likes of KAWS, Jaume Plensa and Reko Rennie—perfect for a stroll and a glass of wine with that special someone.
Ceramics Class At Céramiques
15 Horne St, Elsternwick
Get hands-on with a ceramics class at Céramiques Elsternwick. Take your date for a wheel-based ceramics class where the mood is tranquil and relaxing. You can make a wonky vase, mug or plate all while getting to know your date better. Plus you’ll have something to take home to remember your date by or better yet you can trade ceramics.
Check out more of the city's best for the second date:
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