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Home » Travel » Oceania » Australia » Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Couples

Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Couples

Last Updated: December 7, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 30 Comments
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Arbory Afloat bar and restaurant on Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia.
Arbory Afloat bar and restaurant on Yarra River
Rhonda and Jeff having a drink at Di Stasio Citta in Melbourne Australia
Sculpture on Southbank in Melbourne Australia

Melbourne is one of my favourite cities for a romantic getaway. Australia’s second-largest city has a small-town charm. From relaxing in a laneway cafe to discovering outrageous street art, there are seemingly endless fun things to do in Melbourne for couples.

It’s a city that holds a special place in my heart as years ago it became the first place Jeff and I travelled to without our kids. Since then, we have been back three more times.

Melbourne is a city to explore, filled with interesting history, a beautiful river and inland landscapes, and, we have to admit that an overwhelming proportion of our fun things to do in Melbourne for couples revolve around food or drink.

Fun things to do in Melbourne for couples: coffee, tea, and dessert

There is a definite coffee culture in Melbourne, just waiting to be explored by everyone who visits.

Enjoy the Melbourne coffee culture

Laneways are one of the things that make Melbourne special. Where other cities use alleyways for rubbish collection, car parking, or nefarious activities, Melbourne has built an entire coffee culture along them. Tables line the laneways, and cafes offer coffee, tea, snacks and meals, most often breakfast and lunch.

Degraves Street is a laneway lined with small cafes and shops offering several fun things to do in Melbourne for couples
Nestled in the bustling central business district and across the street from the Flinders Station, Degraves Street is our favourite of the narrow laneways.

Spoil yourself on a chocolate tour

The only thing better than coffee is chocolate (although, first thing in the morning, coffee will win out). One of the more fun tours in Melbourne is the 2.5-hour Chocolate Wonderland Walking tour that teaches chocolate-tasting techniques, samples 10 chocolates, and concludes with an indulgent afternoon tea.

If that’s not enough, you walk away with a tasting bag and an “I’m a chocoholic” badge. The tour is available on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. ⇒ Reserve your Chocolate Wonderland Walking tour here

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Become mesmerized at Hopetoun, an old-world tea room

The allure of a display cabinet filled with decadent cakes pulled me in as we attempted to pass the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade. Whispering out of fear of waking from this sweet dream, I was barely audible as I asked for a table. Eventually, I looked around the room and discovered its most striking feature, an original mirror from the late 1800s when the tea rooms were first set up for the Victorian Ladies Work Association.

Three shelves of cakes and other sweet desserts in the display case at Hopetoun Tea Rooms, part of the Melbourne cafe culture
This is only half of the display case at Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

Treat yourself to a traditional Wedgewood high tea

If it’s a more traditional high tea you desire, there is none better than the elegant and exquisite Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. Welcomed with a glass of sparkling Yarra Valley wine, the day’s stress melted away even before we were offered an extensive tea menu.

The tea sommelier guided us to find the perfect tea, a skill acquired from successfully completing an 8-hour Wedgwood training course, and marked by a special Wedgwood ceramic broach that she wore. Our delicious savoury and sweet treats were served on traditional three-tiered cake plates. The Wedgwood china featuring the Langham rose added a touch of sophistication.

Of course, Langham successfully accommodated our dietary requirements.

Enjoying Afternoon Tea at the Wedgwood Langham in Melbourne
Three-tiered cake plate at Afternoon Tea at the Wedgwood Langham in Melbourne

Have dessert in St. Kilda, and then watch the penguins come home

On a prior trip, we headed to St. Kilda, where we found one cake shop after the next, each tempting us with a huge variety of sweets.

Of course, we indulged, and just after the sunset, we headed to the pier where hundreds of penguins used to sleep for the night. We have been told that today, penguins are a rare sighting. We’ve also heard St. Kilda is a “wild” and fun place to go at night.

Display of cakes at a bakery in St Kilda in Melbourne Australia
Cakeshop in St Kilda.
Little blue penguin seen in St. Kilda in Melbourne, Australia
Little blue penguin under the pier in St. Kilda

Fun things to do in Melbourne for couples: explore the city

Discover impressive street art

Arbory Afloat bar and restaurant on Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia.
Arbory Afloat bar and restaurant on the banks of the Yarra River

Melbourne is world renowned for its colourful street art ranging from the lifelike art of Matt Adnate to graffiti. It is found on “approved outdoor locations” throughout the city. We opted to get a free street art map from the Melbourne information site and discover Melbourne’s eclectic mix of street art on our own. At one point in our self-discovery, we met up with a tour and realized how much background information we were missing. ⇒ Click for our recommended street art tour

An aboriginal mural street artist Matt Adnate on Hosier Lane in Melbourne Australia
An aboriginal mural by Matt Adnate (2016)
Street art covers Rutledge Lane Melbourne Australia
Graffiti covered Rutledge Lane. (2018)

Be haunted at the Old Melbourne Gaol (jail)

Everyone has a different definition of romance. If a gaol is your idea of fun, then the Old Melbourne Gaol might be just the perfect choice. It’s a fascinating place occupied now only by the ghosts of the 135 people hung there between 1842 and 1929. Some of the most notorious include bushranger Ned Kelly and serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming. ⇒ Reserve your ticket in advance here

A long hallway with cells on both sides Inside the Old Melbourne Gaol. It's one of the spooky things to do in Melbourne at night.
Inside the Old Melbourne Gaol.

If a gaol ghost tour is more your speed, we have heard that Pentridge Prison is the place to go. Home to the last man executed in Australia, the prison is about 8 km north of the Old Melbourne Gaol. Opened in 1850, it took over as the main prison in 1929, finally closing in 1997. Here the ghosts of 44 bodies buried onsite will have you shaking in fear and cuddled in your partner’s arms.
⇒ Book the ghost tour early so you don’t miss out

More romantic things to do in Melbourne

We will admit that we are not the most romantic couple out there. We just like spending time together, strolling hand in hand while exploring and discovering. Here are a few of the unique things to do in Melbourne for couples, or really anyone.

The tall Coop's Shot Tower is under a dome inside the Central train station in Melbourne
Coop’s Shot Tower at Central Station
Casino in Crown Melbourne, Australia
Crown Casino
Flinders Station in Melbourne, Australia
Flinders Station
St Patrick's cathedral, Melbourne Australia
St Patrick’s cathedral
Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne Australian
Shrine of Remembrance
Outside of Queen Victoria Market  in Melbourne, Australia
Queen Victoria Market
La Trobe reading room in the State Library Victoria in Australia
State Library Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria in Australia
National Gallery of Victoria

Fun things to do in Melbourne for couples: rejuvenate

After a day of city and laneway exploration, way too much tea and coffee, and overindulgence in sweets, I need a siesta before I can head out for the evening. (No, I don’t do all of the above on the same day!) For me, this means heading back to our Southbank hotel for a quick dip in the pool, a rest, and a shower, and I am ready to go.

It’s all about where to stay in Melbourne – and for me, that’s the Langham

If relaxing in pure luxury is your type of getaway, then the Langham Melbourne is it. It’s all in the attitude, “relax Mrs Albom, let us take care of it for you.” And they do. From handling the luggage on arrival to turn down bed service, no detail is missed. Even the flowers are freshened daily.

Elegant staircase in the lobby of the Langham Melbourne
The elegant marble staircase from the lobby

Our deluxe river corner room’s sophisticated decor fought for our attention with the spectacular views of the Yarra River from our massive windows. Langham is well known for comfortable beds, and our night’s sleep was refreshing, as was our stay with Langham in Hong Kong.

The view from our room in the Langham hotel overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline.
Our view
The comfortable and elegant bed in our room in the Langham Melbourne, Victoria Australia
The sitting area, desk and view from the Langham Melbourne, voted at the top of the best places to stay in Australia
Sitting area, desk and view

⇒ Click here to book your stay at Langham

Langham executive club

Club access meant breakfast on the 24th floor in the exclusive Langham Club, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks with hors d’oeuvres, plus butler services.

A selfie of Jeff and Rhonda Albom enjoying breakfast with a view of Melbourne from the 24th floor of one of the Langham, one of the best places to stay in Australia
Clearly, we have not mastered the art of the selfie.

Although we have only been to Melbourne four times, there is no question in my mind that the Langham is the best place to stay. And if you don’t want to take my word for it, note that Langham Melbourne was named the number one hotel in Australia and New Zealand in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2019. ⇒ Reserve your stay at the Langham here

Fun things to do in Melbourne for couples looking for a romantic night

After a bit of relaxation, we are ready to head out for the evening. However, between the summer heat and the over-indulgence during the days, we found ourselves too tired to enjoy the late nightlife.

Have a drink at a mysterious location

We opted for before-dinner drinks at Di Stasio Città, an Italian restaurant at 45 Spring Street. The oddest thing about Città is the lack of signage, just a clear glass door with a red button to press for entry. Yet, there were no empty tables. Fortunately, there were two bar seats available.

Jeff and Rhonda Albom having a glass of wine at the bar in Di Stasio Città in Melbourne Australia
Having a drink at the bar in Di Stasio Città.

Romantic Dinner at Dainty Sichuan Hot Pot

Instant flashback to our time in the Sichuan province of China, Dainty Sichuan Hot Pot offers a genuine and unique experience. Crowded at dinner, we were taken here by friends for lunch when we had plenty of time to fully enjoy the flavours and the experience.

Our massive meal at Dainty Sichuan Hot Pot in Melbourne Australia
Can you believe four people ate all of this?

If you’re still hungry, check out these great dinner options

Sushi boat at Koikoi Restaurant in Australia
Our shared sushi at Koikoi Restaurant
  • KoiKoi Izakaya Japanese Restaurant in the Northcote neighbourhood.
  • Black Waffle (also in Northcote) for gluten-free, vegan, and classic waffles, ice cream and other desserts.
  • Fatto Bar and Cantina in Southbank for Italian food.
  • Stokehouse in St. Kilda Beach for great views and seafood.
  • Pontoon St Kilda for beachside bar and eatery.

Gaze at the Melbourne’s night sky

We found the Melbourne observatory to be fascinating. We were lucky to have a friend who gave us a private tour, but it was similar to the public options, and one that I would recommend.

Original observatory at Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia
Original Melbourne observatory at Royal Botanic Gardens.

Fun things to do in Melbourne for couples that we haven’t tried . . . yet

  • Enjoy a hot air balloon flight at sunrise over Melbourne. This once-in-a-lifetime experience starts early and needs to be booked in advance.
  • Relax with a side-by-side massage at Chuan Day Spa inside the Langham Melbourne. The massage includes access to the pool, saltwater jacuzzi, and sauna.
  • Wine tasting – if you don’t have a car, or if you tend to overdrink when wine tasting, a Yarra Valley wine and winery tour might be your best option.
  • If you love penguins and have an extra day, head to Phillip Island. If you are without a car, this tour includes the Penguin Parade and other wildlife and has great reviews.
  • Go from grape to glass and make your own wine at Noisy Ritual.
  • Get on the water with a boat tour, gondola, kayak, or punting on the river.
  • End your day with a dinner picnic and a movie in the Royal Botanic Gardens (summer only).

Add an extra 2 or more days for the Great Ocean Road

Don’t miss these highlights of our Great Ocean Road Self Drive

Save on your Australia trip with these resources

We usually start with aggregator companies as they do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews. However, we also added a few personal NZ favourites:

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging in Australia, we use VRBO
  • Cars and Campervans: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings. Use Jucy for small campervans.
  • Activity discounts: we always check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on selected tours, activities, restaurants and more.
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article on fun things to do in Melbourne for couples, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Sculpture on Southbank in Melbourne Australia
Rhonda and Jeff having a drink at Di Stasio Citta in Melbourne Australia

Other parts of Australia you might enjoy:

  • Highlights of our Great Ocean Road Self Drive in Australia
  • Perth to Albany Road Trip Via Public Silo Trail
  • 17 Fun Things to Do in Adelaide South Australia
  • Things to Do in Kangaroo Island – Itinerary for 2021
  • Australia’s First Convict Settlement: the Rocks in Sydney

Disclaimer: We had a media rate at The Langham Melbourne. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

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Category: AustraliaTag: Recent, Victoria

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. tanya breese

    January 16, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    Beautiful trip! I’d love to tour the old gaol!

    Reply
  2. Mandy

    January 16, 2020 at 7:00 am

    Fantastic post! And I’m planning on checking out your Ocean Road post as well. I’m hoping to explore Australia at some point in the near-ish future. I have a friend in Melbourne, so it was cool seeing the city since he never shares pics with me. Hope you are having a fantastic week!

    Reply
  3. Carol

    January 15, 2020 at 11:09 pm

    Another great post that makes me want to get on a plane and explore!

    Reply
  4. Monika Ohson

    January 15, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    OMG!!! that’s an appetizing post 🙂
    You have captured the city so well…….

    Reply
  5. Julie Kemp Pick

    January 15, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    You had me at Chocolate Tour! Ah, so much to do and see in beautiful surroundings. The Langham Melbourne exudes classic elegance. It seems like you and your hubby had the perfect getaway, and your selfies are adorable!

    Reply
  6. Hilary

    January 15, 2020 at 4:58 am

    Hi Rhonda – I gather it’s a stunning city – and I’d love to visit Australia and spend part of the time along that coast … thanks for the details – cheers Hilary

    Reply
  7. Photo Cache

    January 14, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Melbourne is still in my bucket list.

    Reply
  8. Nancy

    January 14, 2020 at 11:11 am

    I’ve always wanted to visit there. Praying for an end of the devastating fires in Australia.

    Reply
  9. Shelley

    January 14, 2020 at 5:34 am

    We have many friends in Melbourne so when we lived in Perth we would often travel there 3-4 times a year. I loved going out for brunch and coffee, or dinner and drinks at a trendy restaurant down a lane way. The street art in Melbourne always captures my attention too. There are always lots of events, festivals, sports etc. in Melbourne, so it is also worth checking out what is happening at the time of travel.

    Reply
  10. Albi

    January 13, 2020 at 1:40 am

    Melbourne looks really lovely and I have heard a lot about the place. I didn’t know that you can do so many things there, thanks for this guide!

    Reply
  11. Sam & Charlotte

    January 13, 2020 at 1:02 am

    Great post, it takes me back to our Australia trip a few years ago. There’s so much to do, see and eat in Melbourne! It’s a real shame they stopped the old tramcar restaurant, that was one of our favourites.

    Reply
  12. Krystianna

    January 12, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    I’d love to make it to Melbourne one day. I’m pinning this for later! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Disha Smith

    January 12, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    I’m in Melboure right now! This post is so helpful. It also made me realize how many fun activities I’ve been missing out on like the chocolate tour.

    Reply
  14. Bliss Eatts

    January 12, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I’m going back to Melbourne in February. It’s all about the food and drink. Can’t wait to go to China town for dinner again.

    Reply
  15. Melissa Luther

    January 12, 2020 at 10:22 am

    OMG, your post has my stomach rumbling! The cakes look delicious! I love the look of the coffee alleyways and would love to view the street art, so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. Andi

    January 12, 2020 at 10:18 am

    I know that Melbourne is supposed to have an amazing food scene and just what you described in your post goes a long way to proving that point! With the fire coverage it is hard to know where you can and cannot go at the moment, and I am sure they are going to need a lot of tourism money flowing in asap to help with the devastation.

    Reply
  17. Steph

    January 12, 2020 at 7:39 am

    Great list! I will definitely do a few things when I eventually make it to Melbourne. The chocolate tour sounds great and like something I have to do!

    Reply
  18. Pam

    January 12, 2020 at 4:38 am

    Those cakes look amazing! I have no idea how I would choose one to try :O and then hot pot?!?! Saving for whenever I get back to Australia!

    Reply
  19. Emma

    January 12, 2020 at 4:33 am

    I really want to visit Melbourne. I have a friend who lives there and it looks like such a fun city. I’m immediately drawn to the high tea and that cake shop so you can tell I’m all about the food. I’d need top so some of the other things in Melbourne to walk it all off

    Reply
  20. Maria Elsa Jose

    January 12, 2020 at 2:59 am

    Oh, what a sweet couple! I like your post, and that fearful haunted jail!

    Reply
  21. Loredana

    January 11, 2020 at 11:57 pm

    So many great things to do in Melbourne for couples! I’d love a chocolate tour and my husband would definitely enjoy a dinner at Dainty Sichuan Hot Pot. We’d both love to admire the night sky! Wonderful recommendations1

    Reply
  22. Anna

    January 11, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    I´ve heard great things about Melbourne but had no idea of its small-town sharm and food scene! Those cakes at Hopetoun Tea Rooms made me hungry!

    Reply
  23. Lina

    January 11, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Melbourne looks like such an awesome city! Would love to visit 🙂

    Reply
  24. Kelly

    January 11, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    What a great post! We were there a couple of weeks ago and wow we drunk a lot of coffee and had amazing sweets. The street art is from really high quality definitely a great, I totally get it that you went back!

    Reply
  25. Lyn

    January 11, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    Great write up Rhonda. We love Melbourne too, our favourite city after our hometown Perth. We haven’t yet done a high tea at Langham but do find it hard to walk past Hopetoun Tearooms without a sustenance stop.

    Reply
  26. Clare

    January 11, 2020 at 3:57 am

    I’ve heard so many great things about Melbourne. I think it’s a city I’d really like and it’s always good to get the perspective of it from someone who knows it really well. The foodie options sound amazing!

    Reply
  27. Paul Pietrangelo

    January 11, 2020 at 3:48 am

    Wow, wow, wow! What a fantastic place to go. There are so many great places and things to do. I can tell that you and Jeff enjoyed your stay. I’m so happy getting more pictures of you. It’s about time seeing you enjoying your stay at places. Food, chocolate, cakes, goodies etc. I would in heaven. Thanks for showing us all the wonderful things in Melbourne.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  28. Anda

    January 10, 2020 at 11:30 am

    It seems that Melbourne developed a coffee culture much like Paris. It’s great that you have so many dining options. I love Sichuan food! I’d like to do a spa day at Chuan Spa if I go to Melbourne.

    Reply
  29. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    January 10, 2020 at 11:17 am

    The Dainty Sichuan Hot Pot looks tasty. Actually, it looks like you could eat your way across Melbourne.
    Would definitely take in a little haunting.

    Reply
  30. Sandee

    January 10, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Lots of fun things to do and hubby would love that sushi. He’s a sushi fan and then some.

    Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥

    Reply

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