Melbourne's best free date ideas

Swipe right without swiping your debit card and check out our fave free date ideas. Think romantic picnics, interactive exhibits and sea shanty singalongs. Plus some ideas for the perfect (and cheap) Valentine's Day.

Plan a sunset picnic by Princes Bridge

There’s not a more romantic date idea than watching the sun go down over the city skyline. Roll out your picnic rug and bring along your date's favourite snacks. We’ve got the perfect spot, right next to Melbourne’s iconic Princes Bridge. Stay back after the sunset for Moomba Festival fireworks in early March. Then explore more picnic spots around the city.

Wander hand-in-hand through a gallery

Add a bit of culture to your Valentine's Day and meander through Melbourne's free exhibitions. See a showcase of Australia's most extensive street art collection at The Outsiders. Or if music is more your jam, visit Melbourne's Australian Music Vault. Compare music tastes with your date before you share the AUX cord. Then take them to more free museums and art galleries.

Catch a free movie

Movie dates are always a safe bet, so why not catch a free one? The Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu plays contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. Or you can make the most of the warmer nights and pull up a chair at Fed Square's outdoor cinema. Rooftop bar Miscellania is also hosting free screenings of David Lynch films every Wednesday until 5 March.

Take a romantic stroll through The Conservatory

Smell the roses and take a romantic walk through The Conservatory. Housing magnificent floral displays that change five times a year, the indoor garden is perfect for Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-one-day weather.

Singalong at sea shanties

Break the ice with a sea shanty singalong at The Mission to Seafarers. It’s not your average karaoke night, but instead a singalong of folk songs. Join in the chorus or be the star of the show. Open every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm.

Tour the best secret gardens

Stroll through Melbourne's urban forests and secluded nooks in these city-side parks. These secret gardens will impress anyone. They also make for beautiful pictures, snap a selfie together in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Use the free walking map to help you find your way.

Have a rom-com level meet-cute at the State Library

If you want a classic rom-com first date experience, try this word-nerd friendly idea. Find a cute book in the State Library that sums up your date, then exchange them beneath the majestic domed ceiling. Pull up a chair and flip the pages to see if they’ve read you right. If the weather permits, rent your books and take them out on the library lawn.

Make movie magic in a nostalgic cinema exhibit

Take a journey through the past, present and future at ACMI. The Story of the Moving Image is the perfect date if you love unique and interactive art. Think ancient shadow puppets, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets and contemporary art. Catch an Aussie classic, we’re talking good old Blue Heelers, Full Frontal, All Saints and Heartbreak High.

Visit a tranquil pop-up pavilion

Unwind with your favourite person and visit an impressive installation at MPavilion. Tucked away in Queen Victoria Gardens, you'll find this modern structure designed by a famous Japanese architect. Take a seat and soak up the chilled out vibes. Or sign up for one of the free workshops, performances or experiences.