The Best Date Activities in Melbourne in 2024

Want to breathe new life into your relationship? After all, dinner and drinks at your usual restaurant can get old quick. So, if you’re looking for date night ideas in Melbourne that will get sparks flying, you’ll need to get creative – and that’s where paint-splattered art classes come in. Designed to help you find your artistic voice, these hands-on classes are the perfect way to bond with someone special, whether you’re on your first date or your three hundredth!

Romantic and relaxing, a wine and paint class is a unique way to spend quality time with your better half. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne for a first date or new ways to hit the town with a partner of 20 years, these workshops tick all the boxes.

And if you haven’t picked up a brush since high school, don’t worry. There’s no need for previous painting experience – in fact, errors are encouraged! Painting workshops welcome everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned pros who can whip up a Picasso replica in a second. This makes them one of the best cute date ideas for all kinds of couples in 2024.

Why painting classes make the best date ideas for couples

Let’s face it – when it comes to date ideas in Melbourne, it’s hard to look past the city’s incredible bar scene. From hip rooftop bars in South Yarra to bohemian watering holes in Fitzroy, Melbourne boasts some of the trendiest bars in Australia. With so much to choose from, it’s no surprise oodles of couples choose to spend their date nights clinking glasses. 

That said, it’s important not to get stuck in a rut. If you’re tired of your usual date night destinations, why not shake things up with art classes in Melbourne? Fun, creative and utterly unique, paint and sip classes are a great way to make meaningful memories with your loved one.

For starters, you’ll get to bond as you learn a new skill together. You don’t have to be a natural to flex your creative muscles in these art classes in Melbourne. Do you think Monet painted Water Lilies without messing up a few times first? With the right guidance, anyone can learn to master brush strokes, shading and other techniques. Anyone can take part, so it doesn’t matter if you’re planning a first date and have no idea if your new partner is Picasso reincarnate. This makes a painting workshop one of the top date night ideas in Melbourne.

Whatever the occasion, date activities should be fun. They’re a chance to step away from your busy lives and enjoy quality time together. Even better, Melbourne date ideas should double as an opportunity to learn more about each other. Paint and sip classes do just this and use art as a medium for creative expression. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have the chance to step back, admire each other’s masterpieces and get to know your lover on an artistic level.

There’s a lot to love about a wine and paint night for couples, which is why we’ve shared a selection of our favourite romantic art classes in Melbourne.

Sip your favourite beverage at a paint and sip class

Looking for romantic date ideas that offer all the atmosphere and ambience of a bar, with a little extra something? A wine and paint night takes things to the next level with a canvas, easel and rainbow-coloured paint palette. You’ll be invited to bring along a glass of your favourite wine, then set about creating a Melbourne-based masterpiece.

All wine and paint nights are led by experienced local artists who will guide you through different tips, tricks and painting techniques. The environment is laid-back and informal, making these workshops ideal first date ideas. What better way to break the ice than with an activity that’s fun, interactive and pairs perfectly with a glass of Yarra Valley Chardonnay?

Do you and your partner adore your fur babies? Do you feel guilty leaving your adored pets at home when you head out for date night? If that sounds like you, we have just the thing! Try out a paint your pet paint and sip class! Set in a relaxed, casual atmosphere at Ladder Art Space in Kew, this class is perfect for all levels of artistic ability. You and your partner will have the opportunity to create beautiful paintings of your beloved fur babies while sipping on your favourite wine. It's not just about the art, it's about sharing laughs, making memories, and enjoying a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you're artistic or not, this class promises heaps of fun and a cherished keepsake at the end to remember the experience!

Unwind with watercolour

If you’re more about relaxing nights in, a watercolour class is a wonderful departure from your usual Netflix and chill routine. Watercolour art classes in Melbourne are a fantastic way to wind down with your partner after a busy week. Whether you choose to paint whimsical landscapes, native Australian botanicals or beautiful birds, watercolour workshops are one of the most romantic things to do in Melbourne to help couples unwind.

Sure, watercolour painting is a learned skill. But there really is no need for previous experience in these romantic date ideas. Whether you’re familiar with terms like ‘blooms’ and ‘blending’ or have never picked up a paintbrush in your life, everyone is welcome at these Melbourne activities for couples.

If you’ve always wanted to channel your inner Albert Namatjira or John Leo Borrack, now is your chance. With these unique experiences in Melbourne, you’ll go well beyond the basics and develop a deep understanding of concepts like light, colour and depth. Best of all, both you and your partner will leave with a frame-worthy painting to show off at home. Keep your masterpiece as a memento of a date night well spent!

Go rogue with an acrylic painting class 

If you’re the kind of couple who loves to check out avant-garde exhibits at the NGV and never misses an exhibition at the Buxton Contemporary, you’ll swoon over acrylic art classes in Melbourne. Bold and exciting, acrylic painting classes are one of the best fun things to do in Melbourne this weekend. Stroke by stroke, you’ll learn how to paint like some of the world’s most famous acrylic artists – think Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney.

Alongside your other half, you’ll learn how to unleash your inner artist and get creative with acrylics. There’s plenty of time to chat and connect along the way, making an acrylic art class one of the best date night ideas in Melbourne for new couples.

Get expressive with self-portraits

If the serene atmosphere of watercolour painting workshops feels too tame, turn up the heat with self-portrait art classes in Melbourne. Inspired by the likes of Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, these workshops encourage you to connect with yourself and your partner on a whole new level. 

Guided by a professional artist, you’ll learn how to use painting as a form of self-expression. Self-portraits can be a window into the soul, making these Melbourne workshops a unique way to get to know your partner on a whole new level. Pro tip: the National Gallery has some incredible self-portraits on display. Why not pair your class with a trip to the world-class institution? It'll be an amazing way to get more quality time in your day with your partner and you both may even find a new passion for art! 

Find art classes in Melbourne for couples

If you’re on the hunt for your next ‘must do in Melbourne’ experience, look no further. From Brunswick to Burwood, you’ll find art classes across the city. Most studios are easy to access by tram, train or Uber, making them easy date night ideas in Melbourne. Just bring yourselves – and maybe a bottle of your favourite wine if you’re attending a sip n paint class.