Melbourne is a city which invites people in to play, eat, and be merry. Of course, a city known for its food and entertainment scene will have many attractions for one and all. This means, one will have a variety of options to choose from when planning the perfect date. The list below is just some the romantic attractions in Melbourne that can inspire your next delightful date.
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights
According to most romance movies, one of the most romantic things you can do is stroll down a street of quaint shops with your loved one while it is snowing at Christmas time. The good news is, a visit to Sovereign Hill this winter will pop you straight into that iconic romantic movie setting. It is however, a BYO date.
Sovereign Hill is a venue stuck in Ballarat’s Gold mining history. It is filled with experiences to transport you to a time where the gold rush hit the shores of Melbourne bringing the Wild West to Australia. Imagine this, being transformed into a Christmas wonderland with fairy lights, Santa Claus, and even a light and sound show!
During the day, Sovereign Hill still remains the beloved gold-panning, old-times experience we all know and love. As the sun begins its descent, the place is transformed into a winter wonderland you wouldn’t want to miss. So if you are after a timeless romantic setting, the Winter Wonderlights event is a classic of the romantic attractions in Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour
The Great Ocean Road is well-renown for a good reason; the many sights dotted along Melbourne’s coastal road is majestic to say the least. Of course, everyone knows the famous 12 Apostles, but not to be outdone, the Loch Ard Gorge is equally breathtaking. Not to mention the stunning view of the Razorback and Muttonbird Island. These amazing wonders are just a handful of the beautiful landscape along the Great Ocean Road.
A tour will take you to these iconic locations and more. You and your date will get the opportunity to hike in the Great Otway National Park where you can witness ancient trees and native animals in a lush rainforest setting. Subsequently, be on the lookout for Koalas as many reside within the Eucalyptus forests along the stretch.
The Reverse Tour is named as such because it begins with the furthermost attraction, the 12 Apostles, and works its way back to Melbourne. Thus ensuring a more private experience at the locales, away from the crowds. Accordingly, this small-grouped, anti-crowd tour will make for a fantastic date while giving you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the country you’re in. The Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour is truly a gorgeous example of romantic attractions is Melbourne.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Combo
Phillip Island is located right by Mornington Peninsula, a short ninety minutes from Melbourne. It is a nature reserve protecting penguins, koalas, and many more animals. Head there in the winter and you just might spot a whale or two swimming by the coast. Even as a conservation park, the island is home to many attractions, making it the perfect location for a full-day date.
Koala Conservation Reserve
Take a moment to stop and visit these cute, furry friends at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Set in a lush natural bushland, the koalas roam free in their natural habitat while being kept safe by the rangers. Furthermore, go on a short, easy hike on the boardwalks available. In the meantime, look out for other native animals such as echidnas, wallabies and some birds. Learn all about Koalas in this natural wonderland.
Churchhill Island
Churchill Island is situated right off Phillip Island and is a minuscule 10 minute journey from the bridge to Phillip Island. Its a journey worth taking if you or your date enjoy a good stroll or the intricacies of an animal farm. Join in the fun of blacksmithing, cow milking, or whip cracking, joining in a session some time during the day. Alternatively, the island boasts some short walking trails, ranging from one kilometre to four and a half kilometres long. Churchill Island is a good pit stop on your trip to Phillip Island.
Antarctic journey at Nobbies Centre
Pop into the Nobbies Centre for an immersive experience into the Antarctic. A whole host of activities from thermal imaging to microscopes will keep you and your date occupied as you learn about the wildlife on the freezing continent. The exhibit brings the Antarctic to life, helping all to understand the conservation efforts needed to keep the place alive.
Penguin Parade
Gather at Summerland Beach before dusk and be prepared to watch the sweetest little penguins waddle up from the water. They then proceed to their burrows further up as they greet their family and friends. After the parade, stroll along the boardwalks along the beach and try to catch these penguins in their element. Watching the penguins is a lovely way to end an exciting day on Phillip Island.
Mornington Peninsular Sightseeing and Bay Cruise
Enjoy the day cruising round the Mornington Peninsula Bay with your date and take the beautiful sights, and indulge in delicious food. After taking in the iconic London Bridge at Portsea, relax in the comfort of a Bay cruise and lunch. In the meantime, keep an eye out for a friendly dolphin or two greeting the boat as it passes.
Stop by St Andrew’s Beach Brewery after lunch to enjoy a pint or two then it’s on to Murray’s Lookout at Arthur’s Seat. Be prepared to appreciate more of Australia’s spectacular scenery and finally on to the Instagram-friendly Bathing Boxes. The Bay Cruise and Sightseeing Tour is indeed a fine example of a leisurely day out and can certainly be considered one of the romantic attractions in Melbourne.
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
If spending the day taking it easy in a picturesque garden is your partner’s cup of tea, look no further than Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens.Yes, one might simply head to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens for an afternoon of serene flora tranquility, but Ashcombe is something different. Yes, it too has beautifully cultivated flowers, but it has something more: Mazes!
There is the well-known Hedge Maze, a two-part maze of hedges three meters tall! The goal is to find four mosaic flags in each half of the maze and make your way from the South Maze, to the centre garden then on to the North Maze.
Following that, you might want to take the Rose Maze. This circular maze consists of more than 1200 rose bushes! Contrary to its simple shape, this maze can be tricky to complete, especially during winter when the bushes are barren. Consequently, the best time to tackle this fragrant puzzle is in Spring, when the buds are blooming and the scent of roses fill the air.
Lastly, but no less challenging is the Lavender Labrinth, a 3000 square meter maze of luscious Lavender plants. It’s a good thing Lavender promotes calmness and restfulness as making one’s way through numerous mazes can take its toll on stress levels.
Still, an afternoon spent in the midst of vibrant blooms can melt anyone’s troubles away. Who wouldn’t want to devote a care-free afternoon to this charming example of romantic attractions in Melbourne?
Mt Buller Day Tour
There is one thing to look forward to during winter time in Australia. That is heading to the mountains for some fun in the snow. Furthermore, Melbourne is just a hop, skip and a jump to one of the best ski slopes in Australia. Take the day off, or even a week, and have the winter date of the year skiing or snowboarding your heart out.
The date starts early in Melbourne city where you’d board a comfortable coach, bound for Mt Buller. A quick three hours on the road and you’ll arrive, ready for the day in the snow. One thing to note though, Mt Buller is predominantly a winter sports resort and have focused their energies on making it a premium one. As such, there are no designated areas for snow play. So if you and your loved one are avid winter sportspeople or are even thinking of dabbling in the arena, this snow date might just be right up your alley.
Once the day is done, relax on the bus journey back into Melbourne. You can certainly sit back and enjoy the date with most of the heavy lifting being done for you.
You can also book and lesson and/or equipment hire at the time of transfer booking for additional fees.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Getting thrown in jail with your partner might not seem like the most romantic of evenings but there is something to be said of experiencing a harrowing event together. Opened in 1845, The Old Melbourne Gaol was at first an over-crowded, depressing prison until two more blocks were added by 1870. This was where the first executions in Melbourne were conducted.
Walk the halls and enter the cells where some of Australia’s worst criminals were once imprisoned. More over, the guides at the location take their job seriously, ensuring a very authentic jailing experience for all visitors. Further more, book you and your date into the ghost tour or the hangman tour which runs most evenings at the site. There’ll definitely be more than some hand-squeezing and side-sticking going on.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is sure to appeal to most either through the important history of the place or the thrill of “getting locked up”, whichever your cup of tea might be. Take a gander and visit one of the more controversial romantic attractions in Melbourne.
Fees: General Admission is AUD $30 per person. Tickets for Ghosts? What Ghosts! or Hangman’s Night Tour can be purchased at AUD $38 each.
Melbourne Skydeck
Viewing the city from a high vantage point has always been touted as a romantic thing to do. Well, the Melbourne Skydeck encourages that notion. The Skydeck offers a panoramic view of Melbourne and beyond from 300 meters high, which you can enjoy with a drink in had from their bar in the sky.
If you truly need some alone time, whether it is to pop the question or just celebrating something special, Melbourne Skydeck offers couples packages with a difference. The Sky High Romance package is all about popping the question with style. It include Champagne, photos, and even some alone time on the Edge. Alternatively, if you want to kick your date up a notch, you could try the Cocktails in the Clouds package which includes a cheeseboard and cocktails to pair with the awesome view.
You will be spoilt for choice at the things you can do way up high in the Melbourne sky. Whichever you choose, you will be assured that you will be dating at one of the most romantic attractions in Melbourne.
There is just so much to see and do in Melbourne and the best way to do it is with your better half. Nothing makes life sweeter than sharing it with your loved ones. In saying that, head down to KKday for yet more ideas for things to do in Melbourne.
