Dates Along the Yarra
Introduction This booklet details four date ideas along the lovely Yarra River at various locations. Whether it’s your first date, a special occasion or you just want to plan something nice, thinking of ideas that aren’t the cliché dinner and a movie can be quite daunting. Here are some places along Melbourne’s famous Yarra River with activities for you and your partner to enjoy.
Map
Melbourne
Fairfield
Sill’s Bend
Warrandyte
Melbourne
Your Date Go on a cruise along the Yarra river Walk along Birrarung Marr or Alexandra Gardens Dinner at Southgate
While there are many things to do in
of local artworks along a tree-lined path
enjoy your surroundings and experience
Melbourne, there’s nothing quite like a
perfect for short walks or bike rides as
Melbourne’s evening culture. River cruises
romantic evening strolling along the
well as the Federation Bells, while the
can range from around $25 all the way
banks of the Yarra while the lights of
Alexandra Gardens provide a beautiful
to the dinner cruise which costs a fair bit
the city gradually flicker on like stars
display of plants and flowers. See an
more! This date is a perfect simple date
in the sky. Melbourne city is at its most
amazing view of the city from the end of
to keep you focused on each other and
beautiful in the late afternoon to dusk.
the walk and from there, Southbank is just
provides much opportunity for spending
The Princes Walk path along the Yarra
a bit further down the river. With a wide
quality time together.
River at Birrarung Marr and Alexandra
variety of eateries and cafes along the
Gardens are beautiful spots in the
bank, this date encourages exploration
evening. Birrarung Marr hosts a selection
and commentary, allowing you both to
Other things to note: In the evenings on Southbank, the Gas Brigades Fire Show happens on the hour from 6pm in winter and 9pm in Summer.
Fairfield
Your Date Rent a boat or canoe Feed the ducks Afternoon tea at the Boathouse
Fairfield boathouse is known for its
hour, or feed the ducks and enjoy the
focused around boating and being on
history of boating carnivals and old
leafy green park, the boathouse is a
the river, an activity that involves a bit
school charm. With beautiful gardens,
truly beautiful place. The boathouse
of teamwork and exercise and is perfect
areas for picnics, strolls and barbecues
offers lunches and afternoon teas and
for spending time with your partner.
there are many opportunities to impress
is more suited to warmer weather,
You can also explore some boathouse
a date here. The Fairfield Boathouse is
however a winter afternoon can be
history inside the house including penny
the perfect place for a more secluded
just as nice if you rug up. There are
arcade games that fit right in with
and quiet date, while still being around
barbecues and picnic areas for bringing
its old school charm. Remember your
people. Whether you hire a rowing boat
your own food or alternatively scones
mosquito repellent in the warmer months!
or canoe for the afternoon from about
and jam and cream are available at
$30 an hour and $7 for each subsequent
the cafĂŠ in the boathouse. This date is
Other things to note: While it’s not illegal, swimming in the Yarra River is not advised around Fairfield boathouse due to bacteria and water quality.
Sill’s Bend
Your Date Have a picnic by the river Wander the park and Heidi Museum Visit the Heidelberg Historical Society
Sill’s Bend is perfect for privacy and
perfect for laying down a picnic rug and
through the parklands with various
serenity. With no manmade structures
having a handmade picnic with your
outdoor contemporary artworks and
nearby, this area is only accessible by
date. Think sandwiches and berries,
architecture towards the river. Some
the short park trail from the carpark
cordial and mini cakes and add some
entry packages also include a private
and is a beautiful spot for nature walks
flowers or chocolates for the perfect
garden tour, a private gallery tour or art
and picnics. This is a more intimate spot
romantic gesture. The park has wattle
masterclasses however these extras can
where quality time can be spent at your
trees and deciduous oaks which drop
get a bit expensive. Heidelberg park and
own pace without time limits or planned
their leaves in autumn and are a vivid
Banyule Flats are good for long walks or
activities. There is also a bike track
green in spring and summer. Nearby
bike rides as well as local history.
nearby which leads out to Bulleen.
is also Heide Museum of Modern Art
The clearing near the river edge is
which is a lovely meandering walk
Other things to note: On Sundays between 2-5pm, the Heidelberg Historical Society is open and showcases archives and history of the local area. Some of the only remains from Banyule’s early days are some leftover cattle barns and paddocks along the Banyule Flats walk which is accessible through the parklands.
Warrandyte
Your Date Go for a walk along the riverbank Visit the lolly shop for ice cream and treats Window shop for trinkets and antiques
Warrandyte is known for being a place
warmer months - whether you dip your
also a cute place to spend some money
to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the
toes in or go for a swim. River shoes
on childhood favourites or traditional
serenity and is classed as a rural village
are recommended as there are pebbles
chocolates and fudge, and is sure to be
by the water. It is a perfect place for a
on the river bed. Warrandyte State
appreciated by your partner. Various
day trip with many vintage and artisan
Park is also very beautiful near Pound
local craft shops and clothing shops
craft and clothing shops, cafĂŠs and
Bend and there are some lovely walks
also offer the perfect opportunities
restaurants. There are also many pretty
along the banks of the river and up to
for window shopping and browsing,
places in the state park and along the
the park. Bakeries and ice cream shops
or buying some handmade jewelry or
river. This area is one of the cleanest
perfect for a cheap afternoon treat line
clothing.
places along the Yarra and is perfect for
the river walk to the main shop strip.
swimming in during Summer and the
The Sassafras Sweet Co. lolly shop is
Other things to note: The antique shop and bookshop are quaint places to take your date for all things antique and second hand.