Get Romantic in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Looking for unforgettable ways to celebrate Valentine's Day? The stunning Yarra Valley and romantic Dandenong Ranges are perfect for sweeping your loved one off their feet!

Dive into our dreamy ideas that are sure to leave you both starry-eyed and inspired!

Valentine's Day Dining

Celebrate Valentine's Day with enchanting dining events that offer delectable local cuisine, intimate atmospheres and special touches designed to create unforgettable moments for you and your partner.

We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment!

Visit Healesville Sanctuary for an exclusive after-hours experience

A truly unique experience awaits you at Healesville Sanctuary with their Sanctuary After Hours tour. Experience the unique sights and sounds of the bushland after Healesville Sanctuary closes and before the sun sets.

As the Sanctuary quietens down for the evening, your small group (up to 16 people) will be greeted by their experienced guides upon arrival and chauffeured privately through the gates. From there, enjoy a 90 minute guided tour through the Sanctuary without any other visitors around.

You'll learn all about the animals that are particularly active at night - whether they're settling down, feeding, or just waking up. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the native wildlife that comes out after hours.

With a start time of 5:30pm and a duration of 90 minutes, it gives you plenty of time to explore our region and still make your dinner booking in nearby towns.

Be quick as the February dates will sell out, especially Valentine's Day!

The Ultimate Dinner Date at Rochford Wines

Celebrate your special someone at Rochford Wines this Valentine’s Day. Look out to the gorgeous views of the Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range while sipping on the region’s best wines and indulging in a delicious four course set menu at Isabella’s Restaurant for $195 per couple.

With live music from three-time Latin Grammy nominee Alethia and a complimentary red rose on arrival, it’s set to be an unforgettable evening. Book your table today.

Say "I Love You" with Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice-Creamery's Delicious Chocolates

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the chocolate lover in your life? Look no further than Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery! They’ve got over 300 different varieties of hand-made indulgent chocolates that will make your loved one’s heart melt.

Visit their amazing Yarra Glen store to explore a delicious range of items to make this Valentine’s Day extra special. Plus, their all-day cafe is one of our favourite places to eat with delicious food and drink and breathtaking Yarra Valley Views.

Can’t make it in-store before Valentine’s Day? Purchase a hamper via their online store and spoil them with sweet delights. Discover their range of hampers.

Dreamy Garden Date at De Bortoli Yarra Valley

Treat your special someone to a dreamy garden date at De Bortoli Yarra Valley.

Available from 14 - 16 February, their Cupid's Garden Bar Escape is set in the enchanting ambience of The Garden Bar. It offers cocktails or wines, delicious snacks and housemade gelati to sweeten the day - the perfect recipe for romance.

Also across Valentine's Day weekend, their restaurant, Locale, is celebrating love the Italian way with delicious food and wines in an intimate dining experience. Enjoy exquisite wines, farm-to-table Italian dishes, and a setting that will steal your heart.

Make sure to book these events in advance as limited spots are available!

Date Night at Balgownie Estate

Treat your special someone to an indulgent Valentine's Day six-course shared menu dinner at Balgownie Estate's Restaurant 1309. The menu showcases exceptional flavours that match perfectly with their Balgownie wine range.

Your evening begins with a glass of cuvée on arrival, with each couple gifted a rose and hand-made Balgownie chocolate truffles.

For an extra touch of luxury, why not extend the experience with a stay in one of their suites? Check out their latest deals.

Can't make dinner? Why not book their intimate lunch on Saturday 15 February?

Visit Blue Lotus Water Garden

Make plans to visit one of Australia’s most spectacular seasonal gardens, The Blue Lotus Water Garden, which are open to the public from 26 December to late April each year.

Spend Valentine's Day exploring the tropically themed water garden covering 14 acres featuring millions of beautiful lotus and waterlily flowers, fantastic facilities and much more.

Explore dozens of ponds, two lakes, ornamental bridges, amazing fountains and three kilometres of wonderful walks where you will see thousands of flowering plants.

The lily pads can get as big as a dinner table!

Picnic at Edendale Community Environment Farm

On every Friday night in February (including Valentine's Day), visit Edendale Community Environment Farm in Eltham for Nillumbik Summer Sounds.

Bring a rug and chair, sit back and watch the sun go down as you listen to tunes of local musicians on the grassy lawn at Edendale.

You can also bring your own picnic or pop into Cafe Eden for a cup of tea, cold drink or some home cooked goodies (open until 7pm).

Gates open 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Discover Sir Paz Estate's Delicious Dining

Fantastic food, stunning views and incredible wine await you at Sir Paz Estate's Valentine's Day Dinner.

Paying tribute to the Greek God of Love, EROS. Enjoy an intimate culinary feast of fine Greek food, estate-grown wines and live Greek music.

Limited seating is available so make sure you book early!

The Ultimate Couples Retreat

A couples staycation at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is luxurious, romantic and designed to restore and revitalise every one of the five senses. Here is a hidden place to unearth a curated cabin experience for the curious, wanderers and dreamers.

From your perfectly private cabin, expect unique moments to explore and discover, be surprised by unexpected details, dive into deep relaxation, and have encounters that will be totally savoured and reshared for life.

Magical Moments at Naught Distilling

Romantic and classy, Naught Distilling is guaranteed to be one of your favourite date night spots.

Step off the streets of leafy Eltham in Melbourne’s North and transport yourself back to the decadent 1920s with our classic speakeasy-style bar and onsite distillery. As you enter the venue, their bar spans the length of the room with an 800-litre copper still acting as an altar at the end. Sit and enjoy a tantalising and delectable gin experience while inside a working distillery at Naught Gin.

For the ultimate gin lovers, visit their website to book a Cocktail Masterclass.

Retail Therapy at Olinda

The charming village of Olinda – the highest in the Dandenong Ranges – has a busy shopping strip of fascinating stores to explore. You can spend hours browsing Olinda’s stores and boutiques for treasures and get some serious retail therapy while you do it. Check out our shopping guide here.

As chocolates are the quintessential romantic gift, make sure to stop by Only Mine Gourmet Chocolates. Handcrafted with love, you can enjoy their incredible range of sweets as well as desserts, coffee and signature hot chocolate.

Take home a box of chocolates to gift to a special someone (even if that someone is you.)!

Above image courtesy of Born Social.

Explore Historic Montsalvat

Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest continuously operating artist collective and is a stunning place to visit. From mudbrick cottages to vaulted halls, you'll love exploring a world handbuilt by Justus Jorgensen and his followers.

On Friday 14 February, they are offering a special couples admission to celebrate Valentine's Day, with two tickets for just $20. Tickets are available at the entrance, and this deal is only valid on 14 February 2025 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Looking for something extra special? Pre-order a Valentine's Day picnic box from the Meeting Pool Café to collect on the day. Bring your picnic rug and enjoy delicious food and drinks in the midst of their beautiful precinct.

Make sure to order your bubbles, cupid or sweetheart box before 5:00 pm Monday 10 February.*

Silver Jewellery Workshop at Tall Trees Studio and Gallery

A creative Valentine's Day adventure awaits you at Tall Trees Studio and Gallery when you book a Silver Jewellery Ring Workshop.

Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and craft together something truly unique to reflect your personal style.

By the end of the class, you'll proudly walk away with your very own handmade rings, one beaten and one patterned by metal embossing, making this experience not only enjoyable but also rewarding.

Romantic Picnics at Picturesque Gardens

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are filled with stunning gardens, making them the perfect setting for a romantic picnic.

Depending on what time of year you visit, a different ornamental garden will be in bloom, all offering private corners to enjoy a little quiet time.

Some of our favourite places to fill your picnic basket are Beechworth Bakery, Kallista General Store and Cellar, Proserpina Bakehouse, Punt Road Wines, The General Food Store, Yarra Valley Dairy and ECOSS Valley Market.

Looking for even more inspiration?

Check our see & do page or follow our itineraries to help plan your perfect Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges romantic date.