14 Fantastic first date ideas to spark romance in Melbourne
We live in Melbourne so of course grabbing a coffee is the instinctive move when thinking about a first date. But if you’re a little bored and want to shake things up, or dread awkward silences as you frantically sip your cup, why not try something different? Melbourne is full of great things to do for a first date, so you can keep the conversation going while looking at a piece of art or playing a game. And hopefully these dates will grow into a wonderful relationship. But if not, that’s okay too, because at least you did something fun. Without further ado, here are some great ones first date ideas to try in Melbourne.
1. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne
Immerse yourself in nature and take a walk in these spectacular gardens. About 38 acresyou will admire 8,500 plant species. Find a nice quiet place to walk and socialize, such as in the lush Fern Gully section, or relax and have a picnic in a romantic spot, such as next to Ornamental Lake. If you’re in a particularly romantic mood, you can punt on the lake during certain seasons. Or, for something more relaxing, grab a bite to eat at The Terrace café.
📍Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
Go to Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks and stare at the stars with your date. With their 16-meter dome and projection system, you will embark on an immersive journey through the universe. Every Friday night there is the 18+ event, Planetarium Nights, with full dome performances. After traveling the cosmos together, grab a drink at the bar.
📍2 Booker St, 3015 Spotswood VIC
3. Have fun at Luna Park
Imagine yourself in the cinema and take your date to one theme park. Get your heart racing on the world’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster, share a snow cone or some popcorn and win a prize at their carnival games. Read more about Luna Park here.
📍18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
4. Throw darts at Oche
For something casual and fun, meet your date in the heart of the CBD for some drinks and darts. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, you will have fun playing the different games Oche has to offer, and keep an eye on your score thanks to the digital display board. While you talk and play, you nibble your way through food that can be eaten with one hand, and enjoy their delicious range of cocktails.
📍263-269 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Row your way to their hearts at Fairfield Park Boathouse
Imagine yourself back in time and have a quiet date together at Fairfield Park Boathouse. Located in Yarra Bend Park, unwind with some tea and scones while overlooking the Yarra River. Then, rent a rowboat, canoe or kayak and have fun on the water. Reservations are not necessary and pets are welcome to come along.
📍Fairfield Park Dr, Fairfield VIC 3078
6. Have a great time at Holey Moley
Make your way through seriously fun and nostalgic miniature golf courses at Holey Moley. You’ll find unique themes at each location in Melbourne, so you’ll never get bored. Enjoy some food while you’re there, and have a cocktail to keep the good times going.
📍Little Bourke St, Crown, Chadstone, Eastland and Frankston
7. Listen to live music at The Paris Cat Jazz Club
If you like jazz or live music, head to The Paris Cat Jazz Club for an unforgettable evening. The location was built in 1895, so you can imagine yourself back in time while enjoying the unique ambiance. While listening to the sounds of live jazz, sip wine, champagne, spirits, beer or cocktails. A tapas menu is also available.
📍6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Explore a museum or art gallery
Melbourne is full of art and culture, so why not spend your date in a museum or art gallery? It will give you something to talk about, and any silence on the date will seem more contemplative than awkward. And if you want to save money, places like ACMI and NGV do free exhibitionsso you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
📍Melbourne
9. Keep your cool and go ice skating
Head to Docklands for a fun date at O’Brien Icehouse. If both of you are beginners, you’ll have a great time weaving and wiggling your way around ice rink. They offer a range of skates for rent so you don’t have to worry about anything. Don’t forget to dress warmly!
📍Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands VIC 3008
10. Embrace your inner artist with a Paint and Sip session
Melbourne is full of great places to go painting and sipping, such as Pinot & Picasso, Champainting, Brush by the Vines and Frida’s. And if the date doesn’t go well, at least you’ll have a nice painting to keep at the end of it.
📍Melbourne
11. Cuddle a cat in this charming cat cafe
Visit the Melbourne’s first cat cafe on your first date. At the aptly named Cat Café Melbourne, play and relax with cats in this two-story space. Get to know each other over a cup of coffee and try one of their snacks. Walk-ins are welcome if you’re spontaneous, but you can also book online in advance.
📍30 Guildford Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
12. Have a laugh at a comedy night
They say laughter is the best medicine, but could it also be the best matchmaker? Find out by going on a first date to one of the comedy clubs around Melbourne. There is of course the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but there are also venues like The Comic’s Lounge, Basement Comedy Club and Kings of Comedy.
📍Melbourne
Do you love music and looking for a romantic atmosphere? Look no further than a Candlelight concert. Listen to live music performed in some of Melbourne’s most spectacular venues as you bathe in the soft glow of candlelight. See what’s going on here.
14. Catch a movie at The Astor Theater
Add a splash old fashioned glamour to your classic movie date The Astor Theater. This historic venue opened in 1936 and its massive single screen, gold curtains and stunning auditorium add an extra dose of grandeur to your first date in Melbourne. They play a nice mix of new releases, cult movies, and nostalgic favorites, as well as hosting special events like movie marathons. Look what’s going on here.
📍1 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3182