Things to do on Valentine’s Day in Melbourne
Struggling for things to do on Valentine’s Day? Want to impress a foodie, but have no clue where to go to dinner? We take the hassle out of planning your romantic night and have found the best dates to knock the socks off your loved one.
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Love it or loathe it Valentine’s Day is right around the corner — which means if you want to avoid a dud last minute dinner reservation you must start your planning now.
Whether it’s a five-course dinner or a movie underneath the spectacular sky, there’s something to do for every budget across Melbourne.
Here are our topic picks to take the hassle out of planning your Valentine’s Day and knock the socks off your loved one.
THINGS TO DO ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Luna Love at Luna Park
If you’re daring in love then Melbourne’s Luna Park is the place to take your adrenaline seeking lover. For $75 you can grab the couples package where couples will receive two unlimited ride tickets, a souvenir photo of your romantic rollercoaster on the Great Scenic Railway, a carnival game per couple as well as chocolate and fairy floss to share.
Holey Moley
The ever popular Holey Moley is a staple for Melburnians on their first date, so why not try to putt-putt your way into someone’s heart on Valentine’s Day? And when all the games are over, indulge in there insta-famous cocktails. Book in now, tee off times are always booked out in advance.
Moonlight Cinema
Grab a blanket, chocolate, champagne and cosy up underneath the stars and watch hunk Ryan Gosling and Hollywood favourite Emma Stone in a screening of Rom-Com classic Crazy Stupid Love. Tickets available now.
Shakespeare Under the Stars
Who knows love better than Shakespeare? Impress a theatre lover with a ticket to The Australian Shakespeare Company’s new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the inspiring surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Tickets are going for the stellar price of $50 on TodayTix. But if Shakespeare isn’t your thing, then other great date-night shows such as Sweet Phoebe, Ron and Isobel are also available on TodayTix.
Melbourne Star
Don’t end up on ‘Bad Dates of Melbourne’ take in the spectacular skyline our city has to offer and impress your date with a flight on the Melbourne Star. Depending on your budget, there are four packages to make an impression on your date.
Valentine’s Day Sunset Safari
Want to impress an animal lover? Enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day with an exclusive after-hours safari with Melbourne’s most adorable animals. Your ticket into Werribee Zoo will buy you a guided Savannah adventure, a romantic dinner feast, and an impressive performance that showcases the soul of Africa. Grab a ticket now before you miss out.
Immigration Museum
Spark love by checking out LOVE — the Immigration Museum’s mesmerising collaboration with the Heide Museum of Modern Art which explores love in all it’s joyous, illogical, heartbreaking and tender glory. For those seeking something a little more unusual, cocktail demonstrations at the Love Potions & Aphrodisiacs workshop will add even more fun to your evening.
GIFT IDEAS
Pop-up florist shop
No Valentine’s Day is complete without a stunning bouquet of flowers. The Garden State Hotel on Flinders Lane is teaming up with Clover Flowers to transform their front windows into a boutique store selling luxe, textured arrangements and romantic bouquets. There’ll be a mix of blooms available across the three days, including individual long-stemmed roses for $25 through to luxe bouquet for $65. Opening hours: Tuesday 12th February and Wednesday 13th February: 11:30am — 6pm. Thursday 14th February: 7am — 7pm
Temple & Webster
If you’re struggling to find a more personal gift to compliment a dazzling bouquet of flowers, then Temple & Webster’s Valentine’s Day gift range is the perfect addition. Every woman needs a comfy, plush dressing gown in her life or the blissful hamper gift set is the perfect way to pamper your loved one.
And girls, if you’re struggling to think of something other than boring old socks and jocks for your man, get him something he actually wants like a portable turntable or a Ron Burgundy/James Bond inspired cocktail kit.
DINNER DATES
RYNE — Fitzroy
When you think love, you think the city of love — but if you can’t afford a flight to Paris then Ryne in Fitzroy is the place to be to get your romantic French dining experience. Donovan Cooke and his team have curate a sophisticated five course set menu, along with a paired wine recommendations that’ll make your heart swoon.
Om Nom Kitchen
If a foodie is the object of your heart’s affection then Om Nom Kitchen is the place to woo them. The team has prepared two set menus but, as everyone knows, dessert is the way to the heart. So remember to leave room for their decadent Peaches’N Cream dessert. And if the option of paired wines, doesn’t take your fancy, their famous cocktails are literally art you can eat.
Mr Miyagi
It’s something all Melburnians would die for, Mr Miyagi’s signature dish, nori tacos. Luckily, the crowd favourite will be on their special Valentine’s Day 8 course set menu. Along with their MFL (Miyagi Fried Lobster) and scrummy Chocolate Mess you’ll impress your date so much they won’t want to refuse a second date. Book at table for you and your date online now.
King and Godfree
The newly revamped Lygon street favourite will have a little something for everybody this Valentine’s Day, with heart shaped French goat’s cheese, hampers for two, single stem roses, and a Valentine’s Day crooner serenading the crowd. Upstairs at Johnny’s Green Room, duo Harvey Sutherland and Emily York will be taking care of the music while lovers can enjoy a Spritz & Salumi deal, which includes 2 Campari or Aperol spritzes and a cheese & salumi board to share. Once dinner is over head to Pidapipo, where for one night only you can indulge in ‘Matcha Made in Heaven’ which will be a fantastic way to end your evening.
Bluebonnet
Bluebonnet in Brunwick know the way to one’s heart is with a mariachi band. Enjoy the sweet sounds of a serenade alongside a set 3 course menu of Texan barbecue including dessert and a welcome blackberry bellini cocktail. Book a spot online now.
An Evening in the Gardens
Knock the socks off your special someone with an exquisite dinner under the stars curated by The Atlantic’s executive Chef Nick Mahlook. Enjoy a mouth-watering four course dinner, surrounded by the lush landscape of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Tokosan
The team at Tokosan have designed a menu for specially for you to share with your one and only. After you’ve polished off your complimentary bottle of champagne* you can continue to woo your date by belting out a love ballad in Tokosan’s Karaoke room. If you need some Dutch courage before the singing starts, then down one (or more) of their signature cocktails.
(*If you order off their $55 set menu)
The Langham
Woo your date with an incredible dinner at one of Melbourne’s most reputable and romantic restaurants. Meat and seafood lovers will be in foodie heaven with a selection of some of Australia’s best produce on the plate. For those who know that dessert is the most important meal of the evening, there will be plenty of temptation. Sweet tooths can indulge in strawberry and cream cheese eclairs, champagne and lychee macarons, raspberry and white chocolate verrines with rose spaghetti, Bailey’s crème brulée and the restaurant’s unmissable strawberry chocolate fountain. Don’t forget to capture the night with a snap in their special photo booth. Bookings now being taken.
Mister Bianco
A staple in Kew’s dining scene, Mister Bianco is offering couples an intimate Italian dining experience for Valentine’s Day. Before diving into a divine menu created by Joe Vargetto, couples will on arrival receive a glass of Prosecco Cherry Dolce. The Natural Oysterers with limoncello granita will be so enjoyable you and your lover may face a problem when it comes to ‘sharing’ them. And to make the evening more sweet, diners will have the chance to win a trip for two to Paris! Bookings can be made by calling: 03 9853 6929
Winery Dinners
If you’ve got the day off work then Balgownie Estate is the place to whisk your V-Day sweetheart away to. The talented chefs are determined to make your evening the most romantic it can be with a four-course dinner, sparkling wine and gorgeous rose for the ladies.
But the romance doesn’t stop at the Yarra Valley, with special dinner offerings available at Balgownie Estate in Bendigo, Cleveland Winery in Macedon Ranges and Bellinzona Resort in Hepburn Springs. More details and bookings available online.
SOMETHING OTHER THAN DATE NIGHT
Hawker Hall
Following a sellout event last year, Hawker Hall and Bumble are hooking up again and playing matchmaker with their ‘Single Mingle’ party. With epic food and drinks on offer, speed dating, and DJ CC Babcock on the decks taking love song dedications, this event will be so much better than a night home alone on the couch swiping left and right. Tickets are available online now.
Outdoor Cinema with the girls
QV Melbourne is launching their summer cinema program on Valentine’s Day. For the special girls-night-out screening of Bridesmaids, guests are encouraged to wear their worst bridesmaid’s dresses for the chance to win $500 to spend at QV boutiques. Before the movie even starts the all-girl comedy trio Fringe Wives Club will perform a glittery 45-minute musical comedy show, celebrating all things female that’ll leave you in stitches. Tickets are on sale now.
Fries Before Guys - Anti Valentine’s Day Pool session
Reunion Island Pool Club is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day pool session. Singles are invited to celebrate with their girl (or guy) gangs. Various packages are avaliable for eager punters, including “The Fries Before Guys” package which includes a pool for 4 people for 1 hour, ‘Love Sucks’ cocktail, dinner from Easey’s Kisok. The Day Bed & Deck Chair package is perfect for those who want to enjoy the palms without getting their kit off. Bookings can be made online.
Know of fantastic date idea that we’ve missed out on? Email shelby.garlick@news.com.au
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