While most couples who have just tied the knot make a beeline for the Seychelles or Maldives, those in the know are heading down under to Melbourne. With its long list of romantic five-star restaurants, action-packed outdoor activities, and gorgeous surrounding landscapes, there are few better places to start your happily married life. Here’s a list of unique activities to partake in when you head down to Melbourne with your partner.
Go down the Yarra River on a gondola
Think that gondolas rides are just for the narrow waterways of Venice? Think again! In Melbourne, you can board one of the achingly beautiful wooden boats and be gently paddled along the River Yarra, spotting some of the city’s most historical landmarks along the way. If you’re going to do it, go all in with a bottle of chilled fizz and a bundle of roses.
Dine accompanied by the twinkling lights of the city
Surprise your partner with a dinner at the SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, a restaurant perched on the mountainside just outside the city. If you can tear your gaze away from your newly-wed, you can take in the spectacular views of the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. As night creeps in, so will the twinkling lights that dazzle like the night sky.
Take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride
Nothing says “I love you” more than an elegant hot air balloon ride over the city. Wake up early in the morning to catch the sunrise, then board your balloon to take to the skies. If you’ve got deep pockets, you could always opt to take one of the private flights and accompany the flight with a glass of champagne. Plenty of tours stop you down south by the water so you can check out a nice Morning Peninsula brewery and enjoy an evening in the calm and quiet outside the bustle of the city.
Watch the sun setting over St Kilda
In the hot summers, you can spend your days tip toeing across the beach and cooling off in the sea. As the evening creeps in, make your way over to the pier for a class of chilled wine while you look out across the melting sunset as it disappears behind the horizon.
Explore the city on the back of two wheels
Whether they’re on a honeymoon or not, you’ll find plenty of couples hiring bikes to cycle along the romantic route from the city to Williamstown, crossing the River Yarra en route. If you’re feeling brave, you could even nab one of the tandem bikes, though you’ll need some teamwork and coordination to make it work.
Fine dine on the back of a tram
You simply can’t visit Melbourne on a romantic getaway and not book an evening on board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. This elegant experience shuttles you around the city on a vintage tram while you enjoy a five-course meal. It’s truly one of the most unique experiences in the world, a will definitely be the highlight of your honeymoon.
Kick back in one of the sunny parks
If everything else just seems like too much effort, then why not simply kick back in one of the sunny parks, perhaps with a picnic. If you pick right, there’s often events in the summer like live outdoor concerts, festivals, or even outdoor movie screenings.