Melbourne! There’s a lot to do in this Aussie metropolis but you really have to know what’s under the skin of it to dive in and find something that’s perfect for you. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for things to do for either adults or couples then you’re in the right place for inspiration as we have 9 top ideas right here.
Whether you’re flying solo, with mates, or on a romantic date night, Melbourne has some great options to impress whoever you’re with. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do for adults and couples in Melbourne..
1. Have a couple of drinks in a hidden wine Bar
Melbourne is home to some of the coolest hidden bars in general. In fact the majority of Melbourne’s CBD bars are pretty hard to find. Try Bar Americano in the heart of the city – a tiny spot that takes you straight to Italy with its cosy setting and amazing cocktails.
Or you could try Embla, where you can unwind with a glass of natural wine and a bite to eat in a more rustic atmosphere. Yarra Falls is another option where they have an actual waterfall in the bar. It’s a great way to start a date night!
2. Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a nice green oasis right in the centre of the city. Pack a picnic with some local treats and find yourself a little cosy spot by the lake. It’s an ideal setting for a relaxed afternoon with your or a group of friends. You’ll probably find a few people have the same idea too. There’s no entry fee either so it’s a low cost afternoon out.
3. Sit down for a travelling dinner on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This is a real quintessential Melbourne experience. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant gives you the chance to glide through the city streets in a vintage tram while tucking into a gourmet meal! It’s a bit like time travel, but with good food and wine thrown in.
The tramcar is dimly lit with comfy seats so it’s not your standard city tram with food. You can have a chilled, intimate dinner, which is ideal for date night or get a few friends together if you can fit into the same booking. The ever changing scenery outside the window is an ideal activity for adults and couples.
4. Explore the Laneways and Street Art
Melbourne’s laneways are well-known. Grab a coffee from one of the quirky cafes and take yourself on a self-guided tour through the city’s ever-changing street art. Hosier Lane is a must-see, but AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place, and Caledonian Lane are other spots to get some Insta-worthy shots before your evening plans. Again it’s all free!
5. Watch a Movie at the Moonlight Cinema
For a nice evening under the stars, try the Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s available on certain nights but it’s a great, affordable way to enjoy new movie releases and some of the classics in a dark garden setting.
Get your tickets early when the schedule comes out and don’t forget the snacks and a blanket, it might get a bit chilly on certain nights but makes for a great experience with a partner or some mates.
6. Melbourne Skydeck Cocktails in the Clouds
A great birthday activity for day or night with a drink or two included if you like! The Melbourne Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. It has great panoramic city views and you can usually enjoy a cocktail with entry at bar 88.
It’s good to book in advance if you’re with a group since the attraction gets booked up in advance. There’s also a good optional VR experience in the Voyager Theatre that you can get added to your entry to make it feel like a true VIP Melbourne experience.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Yarra Valley
Okay, this one’s a bit of a cheat as it’s not in Melbourne, but trust me, it’s worth it. The Yarra Valley is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne and offers stunning scenery, fantastic wineries, and delicious local produce. Pack a picnic and visit one of the many beautiful wineries that offer free tastings. It’s an affordable and delightful way to spend a day out of the city with your loved one.
8. A foodie catch-up in the city
You could go all out and splash big on the above ideas depending on how far you want to go but there are a few advantages to catching up somewhere convenient but fantastic in the city. That way you can meet a group of friends for a great value food and/or drink experience without spending hundreds of Australian dollars per head.
This is a bit of a cheat option as it’s many options within one option but these restaurants won’t disappoint. You may need to book well in advance (if you can) for groups larger than 4 adults.
A few of my favourite Melbourne restaurants would be…
- Mr. Miyagi’s – Chapel Street, Windsor
- Tokyo Tina’s – Chapel Street, Windsor
- Bistro Guillaume – The Crown, Southbank
- Da Guido La Pasta – Lygon Street, Carlton
- Movida – Hosier Lane, Melbourne CBD
9. Yarra river cruise
You can really pimp this one out depending on how far you want to go. The basic level would just be to go for a river cruise, though that’s cost-effective via Yarra river cruises or other providers along the river though this is more for just sightseeing.
If you want to crank it up you go for a bottomless drinks cruise, which takes a bit longer. They’re usually around $75 and can be booked through Yarra River Cruises.
You can go up another gear again and go for a full dinner and drinks cruise. They last a bit longer and can range from $150+ but it’s a great, memorable treat for your other half.
So, there you have it – a bunch of awesome things to do in Melbourne for adults and couples. Get out there and enjoy all the mainstream and lesser known activities without being surrounded by kids.