The ultimate list of eastern Melbourne date night ideas
From bouldering to hikes and farmers markets, here is our guide to romantic outings in the area.
Matthew Sims
February 06, 2026
We all know the feeling – you check the calendar in early February and quickly realise it’s almost Valentine’s Day and time is running out and tables are quickly filling up across the area.
Whether you’re trying to impress a new flame or rekindle some of that lost passion – I’m looking at you, tired parents of toddlers – it can be hard to find something to do.
Here’s our list of date ideas to suit any budget.
Push some boundaries
If you want to inject a little adrenaline or creativity into a date, here are a few recommendations:
Boulder Lab: 8/1821 Ferntree Gully Road, Ferntree Gully or 1418A Centre Road, Clayton South
Treetops Adventure Belgrave: Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave
Time Is Key Escape Rooms: 24A/107-113 Heatherdale Road, Ringwood
Join an art class at 369 Creative Arts: Unit B101/42B Nelson Street, Ringwood
Karting Madness Bayswater: 9A/841 Mountain Highway, Bayswater
Bar and Burlesque
Image Credit: @shotbyflanagan
Four main acts will join guest performers throughout the night, with all performers then jumping on stage for the grand finale.
Cocktails and a grazing platter are also available.
When: Saturday February 14, 7.45pm-11pm
Where: Curious Events Co, Unit 26/200 Canterbury Road, Bayswater North
Cost: $35
Watch the sunset from Burke’s Lookout
Image Credit: Rexness
This is the best view of Melbourne’s CBD and the eastern suburbs out there, with a wide outlook of the city lights.
Where: A short walk off Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong
Cost: Free
More Info Here
Get active
Image Credit: Kacey Chong
Walking has been shown to be an ideal way to encourage positive and healthy conversation. So why not combine beautiful views with getting to know your partner better? Here are a few recommendations of some local hikes:
1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk: Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, corner of Burwood Highway and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Upper Ferntree Gully
Warrandyte State Park: Jumping Creek Road, Warrandyte
Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk: Grants Picnic Ground, 70 Monbulk Road, Kallista
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary: 95-103 Central Road, Blackburn
Sip and boogie at a local bar
Left: James from Bar Nearby. Right: “The Bramble” from The Ten Saints.
Whether you or your partner are beer lovers or are searching for a new favourite cocktail bowl to share, there are plenty of places popping up offering a unique atmosphere to have a quiet chat or have a dance-off. Here are a few recommendations:
Radio Social Club & Cocktail Bar: 3 Castella Street, Lilydale
The Ten Saints: 164 Main Street, Croydon
Bar Nearby: 1115 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
The Dizzy Rooster: 1/1333 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Killik Handcrafted Rum: 64 Monbulk Road, Belgrave
Catch an outdoor movie at Cameo Cinemas
Complete with retro deckchairs, Cameo Cinemas’ outdoor cinema area is perfect to grab a classic film or a new release in front of the sunset. Upcoming sessions include 10 Things I Hate About You on Valentine’s Day and The Big Lebowski on Sunday March 8.
Where: 1628 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
Cost: $26
Markets galore
Image Credit: Heathmont Farmers Market/Warrandyte Riverside Market
If you’re usually in bed by 9pm, maybe a daytime market is more your speed.
Take a look at the Eastern Melburnian’s farmers market guide here.