Solo Date Ideas in Melbourne: How to Romanticise Your Life 

These are our all-time favourite solo date ideas, so you can give yourself the ultimate self-love hug.

NGV Melbourne

We’ve all heard the saying: be the main character in your own story. And while you may roll your eyes or shrug it off and go about your day, it truly is an important mindset to have to ensure you’re always nurturing yourself. Our lives get crazy. When you’re pulled in so many different directions, anything and everything can get in the way of truly appreciating ourselves for all the hard work we do. 

With limited free time, we often prioritise social plans with friends and loved ones over quality time alone. What we rarely do is carve out intentional time for ourselves—beyond reading, meditating, or running errands.

If you’re in need of some me-time and want to romanticise your life, we’re sharing our favourite solo date ideas in Melbourne for you to truly be the protagonist.

Aboriginal art exhibition at the NGV
NGV

Visit an Art Gallery

Art galleries are the perfect first  solo date. Venturing out on your own can be scary, especially if you’re typically a social butterfly, so starting off somewhere quiet—and where many people frequent alone—can help ease any nerves or anxiety. Plus, immersing yourself in some of the world’s most beautiful artwork is incredibly soothing.

The NGV is the obvious choice when it comes to picking an art gallery for a solo date in Melbourne. Large and vast, this gallery is always changing, adding in a fun and exciting new exhibition itching to be explored. For a sit-down experience, The LUME digital exhibitions offer an immersive, emotional escape.

Woman at ant exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum

Spend a Day Learning in the Museum

Now, we’re not telling you to reenact Night at the Museum—you might get some funny looks—but spending a day wandering through a museum is a fantastic way to get lost in history, culture, and discovery. Melbourne Museum is a mainstay in our city’s vibrant arts and culture hub, and, be honest, when was the last time you explored it? Roam through all the floors, say hi to the dinosaurs and lose yourself in the ever-changing exhibitions that showcase everything from natural history to First Nations culture.

11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Get Footloose at a Dance Class

Loved dancing as a kid but left it behind? It’s time to get back into it. Prove to yourself that you can still bust a move and book in for a casual dance class. Choose your genre: jazz, contemporary, lyrical, or spice things up with a heels or pole dance class. There are multiple studios across Melbourne that offer casual classes for beginner dancers, adults returning to dance and those just looking for a little fun.

Dance With Gabby in Hawthorn offers casual jazz, broadway, lyrical and hip hop classes to beginners, Slayground in Richmond offers everything from commercial heels classes to fitness dance workouts, and Pole Divas has multiple studios across Melbourne where you can drop it like it’s hot.

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Buy Yourself a Bouquet

Sing it with us: “I can buy myself flowers!” Miley Cyrus wasn’t wrong—treating yourself to a bouquet is a fulfilling solo date that’ll leave you smiling for days. And Melbourne florists sure know how to arrange a bunch.

We’ve rounded up our favourite florists in Melbourne for you to pick out the perfect bouquet, whether you love classic roses, vibrant natives, or whimsical wildflowers.

People sitting in new o3 space cafe

Have a Cafe Date

While we typically reserve cafes for brunch dates with friends and catch ups over coffee, riding solo is equally as rewarding on a different front. Sit by the window, watch people drift past as they go about their day, and dream up magical little storylines about their lives—all while enjoying eggs Benedict and crispy potato rostis. Or, bring along a good book, jot down thoughts in your journal, and truly soak in the peaceful moment with a perfectly brewed coffee in hand.

The Wheelhouse

Spin Something Into Fruition at a Pottery Class

Creating something tangible to commemorate your solo date is a wholesome and rewarding experience, and what better way to do that than a pottery class? The Wheelhouse Studio in South Melbourne offers a range of classes for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, allowing you to shape, mold, and create at your own pace. Whether you’re crafting a simple bowl or attempting a more intricate design, you’ll walk away with a handmade keepsake and a newfound appreciation for pottery.

174 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne

SWOP

Pop Some Tags and Go Thrift Shopping

No suburb does secondhand fashion quite like Fitzroy and Collingwood. These inner-city neighbourhoods are packed with  Y2K, vintage and designer treasures waiting to be discovered. Spend the day sifting through racks of some of our favourite second hand clothing stores and pick yourself up a bespoke treasure. Who knows, you might even score an enormous fur coat that would make Macklemore proud!

George Bass Coastal Walk (Image Credit: Riparide)

Go for a Hike

It’s time to touch some grass. Ditch the headphones and let nature be your soundtrack. Melbourne and wider Victoria offer stunning hikes—just pick a direction and get moving! Conquer the 1000 Steps, take a day trip to Wilson’s Prom, stroll the Mornington Peninsula, or explore another scenic trail. This fun and active solo date will clear your mind and get your blood pumping.

You’ve probably worked up an appetite now your solo date in Melbourne is done and dusted. Refuel and recharge by checking out the best solo dining restaurants in Melbourne before heading to a wellness hub for some much deserved R&R.

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