Celebrate with one of these loved-up special events, or get inspo for a romantic date
Whether you're coupled up, hoping to date, happily single or eager to spend Valentine's Day with your friends instead of moping alone at home, there's something for everyone to do in Melbourne around February 14. From romantic dinners to bougie hotel stays, this city will be leaning into love, no matter what form it comes in.
Heaps of our city's most beloved attractions will be hosting special V-Day events, so there'll be plenty of ways to feel the love. Have a read of these lovely-dovey ways to spend Valentine's Day and say "I do" to a few.
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Passionate about astronomy and want a fun date night for V-Day? Go to Scienceworks on February 14 from 6pm. There's a four-metre installation of the moon that's perfect for a picnic. Another highlight? A show titled Love is in the Stars that weaves ancient celestial love stories with stunning visual journeys through Melbourne’s night sky. What's more, there’s a photo booth plus food and drinks to make your evening even more complete. Find out more here.
This year, W Melbourne is offering guests three delish Valentine’s experiences under one roof. Indulge in a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Lollo that’s all about Italian romance; enjoy a 14-course 'Love and Omakase' experience at Warabi; or imbibe Two Hearts cocktails created just for the occasion at Curious. What’s more, all three venues feature a signature interactive dessert called Hearts A Mess with an edible rose that’s cracked over the dish just before serving. Find out more here.
From February 10-15, there'll be a string of rom-coms guaranteed to warm your heart in time for Valentine's Day. Bring your beloved (or your bestie) and catch everything from faves like Notting Hill, Pretty Woman and The Notebook to new releases like Hamnet. Valentine's Day gives you a chance to snuggle up with your significant other and enjoy the latest version of the old classic Wuthering Heights starring our very own Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Tickets are available via the website.
The Museum of Desire is an adults-only, multi-sensory space designed to celebrate all things love, pleasure, and, yes, sex. From February 13-15, it invites you to the VIP Valentine’s Weekend 2026: A Celebration of Love, Lust and Play. What can you expect? How about live performance art, intimate installations, sensory encounters and romantic mischief woven throughout the gallery. It’s all in the name of flirty fun and switching up social norms around desire and sexuality. Tickets are available here.
Artisan chocolatier Koko Black is doing several cute Valentine's Day chocolate packs that you can pick up for your loved ones (whether it's your soulmate or your best mate) and for yourself (go on, you deserve it). Available in-store and online, prices start at just $4.90 for a heart pop and go all the way up to $199 for a decadent 760g praline gift box. We have our heart set on their Lots of Love Gift Box – just sayin'. Check out the Koko Black Valentine's Collection here.
Find red roses and restaurant reservations too cliché? Do something different – go to Open Space at Bunjil Place for a free evening of live music and outdoor cinema. Whether you bring a date or your mates, you’re sure to shock your senses with a performance from the Ukulele Death Squad, followed by sci-fi horror classic film Tarantula! (the perfect excuse to hold on tight to your date). For something more sedate, catch To Be Loved – A Dedication to Adele by vocalist Tika (Martika Cetinich). Get tickets to the Adele tribute concert here.
Fever is inviting Melburnians to celebrate love through Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special at the beautiful Collingwood Town Hall on February 13. This iconic venue will be transformed into a sea of candlelight while a string quartet performs love songs and iconic film themes, including 'Unchained Melody', 'La Vie En Rose' and 'My Heart Will Go On'. Perfect for couples, there will be two performances on the night. Tickets start from $30 and can be purchased here.
If you and your boo are adrenaline junkies, this is the perfect Valentine's Day date for you. Luna Park is inviting lovers to its special V-Day event, Luna Love from 6-11pm on February 14. Cosy up on the ferris wheel, or hold hands tightly as you zoom along the historic Great Scenic Railway. A ticket to the event includes unlimited rides, a sovenir digital photo, a carnival game token and heart-shaped ice cream. Book tickets ($69.50pp) for this date night here.
Melbourne is home to some super romantic hotels that are perfect for setting the scene for seduction. But if you're looking to dial things up a notch this Valentine's Day, consider booking one of these fancy packages. Leave the guesswork and planning to the professionals and enjoy perks such as a late check-out, a bottle of Champagne and/or a romantic dinner to boot.
You don't need to go all out on a fancy dinner for a romantic date; sometimes, less is more. There's a simplicity to a picnic where you can enjoy your favourite snacks and the company of a someone you love, surrounded by a tranquil green space. Hit up your local grocer for some fresh fruit or some moreish cheese (or both) and enjoy a relaxed outing. We've put together a list of the best spots for a picnic in Melbourne here.
Take your special someone on a sunset river cruise, just the two of you. GoBoat is an electric boat hire service in Melbourne that makes it super easy to have a private jaunt out on the water, and you even don’t need a boating licence. The best part? The boat comes equipped with a built-in wooden picnic table in the middle, and you can bring your own food and drinks. Make a toast to your love while you cruise on the water. Make a booking here.
Whether you're planning to pop the big question, celebrate a wedding anniversary or simply treat your lover to a special night on the town, it pays to know which restaurants around Melbourne make the perfect romantic setting. We're talking excellent food and drink, winning service and mood lighting that turn your thoughts to lurrrve.
While there's no Eiffel Tower, Melbourne is actually full of spots to land an unforgettable kiss. If you and your honey are looking for a fun place to lock lips, here are 13 places across Melbourne that'll turn your cheeky pash into a romcom-worthy scene.
Space: the final frontier. While we can't all be Jeff Bezos-ing up to space on a joyride, we can still admire the majesty of the universe from afar. Sure, you could just head outside anywhere after dark and look up. But if you're ready to take stargazing to the next level, these Melbourne locations and organisations can help you get the most out of your astronomical endeavours.
"When done right, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, better in the cinema." That’s Tom Hiddleston talking about romantic movies. And he has a point, doesn’t he? The best romantic films have given cinema some of its most unforgettable films and heartstopping moments. We’ve brought together 101 experts to choose the best romantic movies of all time. These are people who know romance: The Notebook writer Nicholas Sparks, Notting Hill director Richard Curtis and not forgetting a diva who has devoted a lifetime to seducing a shy frog, Miss Piggy.
Unless you have the metabolism of a nine-year-old and the finances of a Kardashian, you never stand a chance against Melbourne's ferocious dining machine. The openings just don't stop and ain't nobody got time to keep on top of what's what. Except us, that is. So behold, our eat-and-destroy list – a guide to Melbourne's 50 best restaurants.
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