Melbourne is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Australia. The buzzing city has nightlife, a great food scene, festivals galore, and outdoor activities. It is tough to hate on the city.
I will never regret booking a spontaneous flight to Melbourne years ago. I can’t wait to go back with Cameron and experience all the romantic things to do in Melbourne. Here is what’s on my list for next time!
10 Romantic Things to do in Melbourne
Bet against each other at the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the biggest and most acclaimed horse race in Australia. Each November thousands of people from all over the world flock to Flemington Racecourse to watch Thoroughbred horses compete in the “the race that stops a nation”. When I studied abroad in Australia six years ago I made a special effort to get to this prestigious horse race. It’s the perfect thing to do with your special someone and is also a great activity for group dates!
Have a laugh together at a comedy club
What is better than enjoying a few laughs with one another. Melbourne is a great city to hit up a local comedy club in! There are dozens scattered throughout the city so no matter what night of the week it is you should always be able to find a show. The Butterfly Club, The Comic’s Lounge, and Local Laughs are among some of my favorites in the city. If you’re in the city in April make sure to check out the International Comedy Festival!
Catch a show at the Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre is one of the most iconic theatres in Australia. It is old, grand, and exactly what you think of when you picture the art houses back in the 1930’s. I love the romance of the era! So, catching a show here is sure to be a fun night out for you and your partner. Something else that’s pretty cool, the Astor Theater is one of the only single-screen movie theatres from the 1930s in the world.
Enjoy the views from Naked in the Sky
Naked in the Sky is a hip restaurant/bar with a beautiful terrace that allows amazing views of the city. Located in Fitzroy, it’s a great place to come for a first date as it allows you and your date to connect with stunning views. Of course, with any rooftop bar in a metropolitan city drinks aren’t cheap here, so head somewhere else for dinner if you are on a budget.
Have a cheap date night in Chinatown
Speaking of dinner and budgets why not head to Chinatown for a fun date night? Everyone knows how amazing New York’s Chinatown district is, but the Melbourne Chinatown is just as authentic. Melbourne’s Chinatown dates back to the Australian Gold Rushes of the 1850s, and according to their website is the “longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world.” This is where I first came to get a cheap meal in Melbourne and was overwhelmed with the options of Chinese restaurants to choose.
Hit up a festival
There is always something going on in Melbourne. The city is widely regarded as being one the best places for festivals in the world. At any time of the year, you can enjoy film festivals, art festivals, jazz festivals, comedy festivals, and more! I personally love going to cultural festivals with Cameron (we are travel bloggers after all), and couldn’t think of a more fun way to spend a day in the city. Check out the full festival schedule here!
Have some fun in Luna Park
Luna Park is Australia’s oldest amusement park and is over a century old! A day here is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Melbourne and is only a short drive away from the city. Take your date to St. Kilda and get on one of the numerous roller coasters in the whole park. Tickets are $50 AUD per person for a day of fun!
Get up in the air on a hot air balloon ride
This one may be a bit up there, but it is one of the most unique and romantic things you can do in Melbourne! Global Ballooning Australia will take you high up over the city at sunrise so that you can see it like never before! Afterward, you can even opt for a 5-star buffet breakfast and champagne at Pullman on the Park. Side note: We went on a hot air balloon ride in Kenya and it was epic.
Enjoy the sun at St. Kilda’s Beach
Yep, just outsides Victoria’s capital city you can enjoy a romantic day at the beach. St. Kilda is an oasis for outdoor and beach activities. If you’re in need of some sun you can go to St. Kilda to kiteboard, play beach volleyball, cycle or rollerblade the promenade, or stand up paddleboard!
Sing Karaoke together
Break the ice and head to one of Melbourne’s fantastic karaoke bars together! Who doesn’t love jamming out to “Thriller,” “Backstreets Back,” or even better and more fitting, “Down Under“? Some great karaoke bars in the city include Jankara Karaoke, KBOX Karaoke, and Party World Karaoke.
Get active
The Melbourne Heritage Walk trail is an active and free activity to do with your partner. Commencing at Flinders Street and ending on Little Lonsdale Street this one hour walk will take you through some of the oldest streets and buildings in Melbourne. Check out the full walk route here.
