Whether you are looking to whisk your loved one away for a well-deserved break or celebrate a special occasion, Melbourne offers countless sweet spots for a romantic interlude.
Here are the best ways to spend your romantic trip in Melbourne. Some of these activities are perfect to set the scene for seduction, or maybe even pop the big question!
Hot Air Balloon Flight
If there is one spectacular place in Melbourne to take in an early morning sunrise, then it has to be the sky There is no better way to woo your partner than to take them up in the air for a one-hour hot air balloon flight and witness some breathtaking views of Melbourne.
Unless one of you is scared of heights, hot air ballooning is one of the most romantic ways to experience the world below.
Romantic River Cruise
Melbourne has the perfect romantic getaways, and sailing down the Yarra River on a private guided luxury boat is the ultimate cruise experience.
From 4-course gourmet meals and fine cocktails to twinkling city lights reflecting on the water, a romantic river cruise could be the perfect time to pop the big question, celebrate an anniversary or just enjoy each other’s company.
Most river cruises last from an hour to three hours, enough to make long-lasting memories. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want the entire boat to yourselves, you can try the self-skippered cruises where you can be your own captain.
Picnic or a Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens
You don’t have to be in any particular mood to explore Melbourne on foot, but if you want to take your stroll to a new level, then head down to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a romantic picnic surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and roses.
Much like New York’s Central Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Melbourne, a place where you can relax and unwind with your date. There are so many things you can do here, other than a picnic. Take a gondola cruise around the Ornamental Lake or a guided walking tour. You can even experience virtual reality art and high tea with a glass of bubbly.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are also a popular wedding venue, and the best thing about it all is you get in for free.
And if you happen to be here during winter, the Royal Botanic Gardens turns into a spectacular show of light and sound after dark in what is known as the Lightscape. After a sell-out season in 2022, Lightscape is expected to be even more extraordinary this year. Tickets will fly fast. So make sure to book yours in advance and take your partner to an after-dark experience like no other.
Gondola Cruise in the Royal Botanical Gardens “Punting on the Lake”
One of the best ways to soak in the sun in Melbourne is to take your date on a romantic gondola cruise in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Sit back, relax and float the day away while a guide slowly punts you around the Ornamental Lake.
You don’t have to imagine you’re in Venice, as the scenery is as twice as beautiful. And you can have a little picnic on the punt too. The ride usually takes 30 minutes, enough to have a glass of bubbly with some cheese and crackers.
Besides enjoying the pristine beauty of some of the world’s finest gardens, you get to learn a lot about them, from when they were built to the flora and fauna that leaves there. You can finish your romantic cruise with lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Stroll up the Paris end of Collins Street
A walk around Melbourne is never dull, especially if you are strolling down Collins Street, the main thoroughfare in Melbourne CBD. And if you want to experience romance the French way, check out the eastern end of Collins Street, often referred to as the “Paris end”.
Surrounded by historic buildings, high-end designer retailers, cobblestone alleys and charming umbrella-shaded cafes, Collins Street is full of surprises on every corner. And if you get tired of walking, you can hop on the free city circle tram for a ride.
Day Trip / Wine Tour in the Yarra Valley
Just an hour and a half ride from Melbourne is Yarra Valley, home to cascading vineyards, charming restaurants, quaint villages and breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect romantic getaway, whether you are a wine lover or you just like the countryside and all that comes with it.
However, you’ll get to enjoy the Yarra Valley more if you are a wine aficionado since there are over 160 cellar doors and award-winning wineries in the region, each one unique and worth the visit.
The Valley’s unparalleled beauty and charm make it a popular destination for weddings, proposals and celebrating anniversaries, and it would be the perfect place to surprise your partner.
Melbourne’s Markets
A romantic trip to Melbourne isn’t complete without getting the taste of authentic Melbourne. One of the best ways to do that is to explore Melbourne’s Markets and see where Melbournians shop, eat and chill.
Winter Night Market at the Queen Victoria Markets
While there are many markets in Melbourne to experience with your partner, Queen Victoria Market is by far the best and the largest open-air market, with over 600 stalls selling anything under the sun. It’s also one of the oldest markets in Melbourne, dating back to 1878.
During winter, the main event at the Queen Vic is the Winter Night Market, open every Wednesday from 5 pm to 10 pm. If live music, food stalls and mulled wine are your jam, this winter wonderland will surely impress your partner. And you can wear your ugly Christmas sweaters if you want to!
Sunset views from a Rooftop Bar
After a long day of crazy romantic shenanigans, it’s time to raise a glass to a Melbourne sunset. And what better way to enjoy a sundowner than from a rooftop bar that gazes over Melbourne’s sprawling streetscape?
If you are looking to impress your date with sunset views, the list of rooftop bars for booze with views in Melbourne is endless.
Fable Melbourne
When the sun goes down, and you’ve got the munchies for fried calamari, buttered prawns or chicken croquettes, it’s time to take the lift to the highest rooftop bar in CBD, the Fable Melbourne.
Stylish and intimate, this new Mediterranean-influenced hot spot in town boasts spectacular views of the Melbourne skyline, one that will surely impress your partner. Whether you are in for a romantic dinner, or late-night cocktails, Fable Melbourne won’t disappoint.
Bar 88
Melbourne Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere and undoubtedly the best date in the sky. But if you want to take it up a notch, you should visit Bar 88 for Cocktails in the Sky.
Besides sipping on fine cocktails and being mesmerized by Melbourne’s skyline, you and your partner can take a trip to the Voyager Theatre for a virtual reality experience of a lifetime.
We know you’re not going to count every penny on your romantic staycation, but you can take advantage of the Skydeck’s special, which includes admission to the Melbourne Skydeck for two, one cocktail from Bar 88, and a virtual reality journey in the Voyager Theater for two people.
This elevated spot is one of the best romantic experiences in Melbourne. Don’t miss it!
How does breakfast in bed sound?
When planning your romantic staycation in Melbourne, it’s important to find the right hotel. None of these romantic ideas will work their magic if the hotel you go back to every night doesn’t have the right kind of vibe.
Our well-appointed, serviced apartments have their own balcony and full kitchen, perfect for a lazy Sunday and breakfast (or canoodling) in bed.
We look forward to welcoming you for a romantic weekend getaway at the Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds.
