By Laura Rancie.
We are spoiled for choice this year all across Australia - of particular mention and a standout favourite, is the Candlelight Concert series happening around the country. There are dozens of themes to choose from such as a Tribute to Queen or Whitney Houston through to Hans Zimmer's Best Works of the Valentine's concerts including Romeo and Juliet, Timeless Love Songs from Classic Films and Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks. Check out the full line-up, at a stunning venue near you HERE.
MELBOURNE:
The 'Sky High Romance Package' is an online application form, to request the perfect marriage proposal at 285 metres above Melbourne with panoramic sunset views.
Picnic at Hanging Rock: Director's cut (ACMI). Feb 14, 6.30pm:
The 1975 cult film, makes another appearance this time at ACMI. After all, the film is set on Valentine's Day in 1900.
Punting on the lake at the botanical gardens:
Sit back and let the gondolier take you on a scenic ride in a wooden punt around the islands of Ornamental Lake in the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens.
BRISBANE:
New Farm Confectionery Chocolate Masterclass
Pick from level 1 or 2 chocolate school or a Valentine's Day chocolate workshop. This two-hour Valentine's Day workshop is not just for lovers, but for lovers of chocolate! Bring along your special someone or even get together with a group of your Galentines.
Brisbane Kayak, Wine and Grazing Board Experience
Take in iconic sights on your city kayak tour such as the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves and Southbank. After returning to shore get settled in a riverside marquee for drinks and a grazing board, taking in the spectacular city views.
City Winery has a range of really cool workshops from the wine blending workshop to wine tasting and lunch, food and wine pairing experiences and even a dry-aged beef experience. Full schedule on the website. The private tour includes two wineries, lunch, pick-up and drop-off, tastings and a luxury vehicle.
GOLD COAST:
Tamborine Mountain Winery Tour
While Tamborine Mountain did suffer signifcant damage from the recent Christmas Day tornado, it is open and ready for tourists and visitors alike! The Vino Bus looks forward to welcoming you back to the mountain with various tour options from a private luxury wine tour to a hen's party.
Let love bloom as you take your romance to the sky with a romantic dinner for two at Gold Coast’s highest dining destination. Think degustation meal, flowing drinks and live entertainment.
Salt, Meats, Cheese is hosting a romantic cooking class in three top Aussie cities including Surfers Paradise.
SYDNEY:
Imagine standing at the Opera House, amid the stars of Opera Australia for a concert of the greatest hits! These relaxed concerts take place as the sun sets across Sydney Harbour and last around 90 minutes. Listen to famous arias from Bizet, Puccini, Rossini, Verdi and more, performed by some of Opera Australia’s finest opera singers, accompanied by piano.
Ever wondered what it would be like to take an Indian taxi joyride with an authentic Indian feast? This unique experience gets you in a 1954 vehicle and cruising the streets of Sydney, for up to 5 adults.
The Pokolbin Winery sits just 2 hours' drive from Sydney's hustle and bustle, yet an overnight experience there inside a tiny cabin will leave you rejuvenated and feeling the romance this Valentine's. The off-grid location has been custom-designed to be as sustainable as possible, utilising a blend of solar power, rainwater and compost to minimise its footprint while making sure the next generation has access to the same epic wilderness as we all do.
ADELAIDE:
Shiraz Tasting Experience with Chocolate Platter for 2 in Wirra Wirra
A full immersion into Wirra Wirra’s vineyards, winemaking and old cellars. Learn the secrets behind Wirra Wirra’s biodynamic vineyards, taste biodynamic wines on the Wirra Wirra jetty, learn about winemaking and barrel ageing via a tour of the original ironstone cellars and taste five of Wirra Wirra’s best wines complemented by a chocolate tasting plate. Finish with a two-course lunch and wine from Harry’s Deli.
Starting in Hahndorf, board a luxury touring vehicle and travel in style through the scenic Adelaide Hills to the Jurlique Farm. Learn about how the locally grown flowers, herbs and plants are used in the famous skincare products. Then spend a relaxing afternoon being pampered at the Jurlique Spa. If hubby is reading - THIS is what I want for Valentine's this year!
PERTH:
Valentines Concert – 25 years together. Thurs Feb 8, 7.45pm
Located in the gorgeous Joondalup resort, under the twinkling stars, you’ll sway to the hottest hits from 25 years ago, when the City was formed, Titanic was on our screens and music was at its peak! We’re talking boy bands, girl power and all the fly jams that had you busting a move and dancing the macarena! May not be that romantic, but it sure is a way to bond over good times.
Open-Air Jazz Concert at Yagan Square. Feb 14, 4.30pm
The Jessie Gordon Quintet will perform classic love songs accompanied by roving Cupids for an open-air love fest in the warm summery breeze. The event is free for all and BYO cushions and picnic rugs are encouraged to enjoy the music and atmosphere.
TASMANIA:
Hobart & Beyond has come up with its own list of 25 Romantic Date Ideas in Tasmania's Midlands and we love #13
Cooking with Lavender Workshop, Glenorchy
Think Lavender + Olives + Bees + Ceramics and that's exactly what you'll get at the breathtakingly beautiful Campo de Flori. Teaming up with award-winning Chef Elosie Emmett to bring you this delightful and educational experience for anyone interested in cooking with lavender!
Foods, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Ferry Tour of and around Bruny Island
Bruny Island Safaris hosts this extraordinary tour allowing you to explore Bruny Island’s nature, wilderness, coast and heritage. You'll get the opportunity to witness Australian fur seals and little blue penguins foraging for food in the crystal-clear waters of the channel and indulge in a picnic featuring Bruny Island cheese and oysters accompanied by fresh wood-oven bread.
Whisky lovers, tour the Distillery and indulge in yummy Tasmanian produce at the Dysart House cellar door.
CANBERRA:
On this 2-hour tour, you'll set off on a love-filled journey while exploring Canberra's most romantic spots and immerse yourself in the lives of Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull, Canberra's influential duo with their timeless love story. You'll also get to unveil concealed love stories interwoven within the city's streets, buildings and parks.
Romantic Lunch at The Boat House with Scenic Views
Situated along the scenic banks of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House Restaurant is more than just a dining venue in Canberra—it delivers an unparalleled culinary journey in a setting you'll never forget.
Sitting on the edge of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Australia’s largest single box-gum grassy-woodland area managed for conservation and on the border of 1200 hectares of fox-free bushland, you’ll have the opportunity to spot animals that haven’t existed in the wild on mainland Australia for more than a century. Join a Twilight tour to explore the sanctuary at night and then enjoy dinner at the Wildbark Kitchen.
