The Top 10 Guide to Dating in Melbourne

Get our Down Under dating guide for the marvelous locale dubbed the world's ultimate sport city, Melbourne, Australia!

by eHarmony Staff

The dating activities are endless in Melbourne, a culturally rich hot spot. It has been voted as one of the top World’s Most Liveable Cities. It is also Australia’s live music and street art capital. Melbourne is also a first-class sports town. Natural beauty and parks are everywhere for the taking. So, date-seekers, Melbourne is a great playpen.

1) Familiarize yourself with the city

Melburnians love their ever-growing city of 3.8 million inhabitants. This state capital of Victoria is located at the mouth of the Yarra River and the shoreline of Port Phillips Bay. Since the gold rush, it has been known as ‘Marvellous Melbourne.’ The eye enjoys the architectural mélange of Victorian and modern throughout the city.

2) Climate, what to expect

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate, for the most part. However, be sure to check for weather reports before venturing out. There is a reason that it has been called the city of ‘four seasons in one day.’ Because of its flat topography and the Dandenong Ranges in the east, the unexpected can happen...all in one day. Although exceptional, Marvellous Melbourne can experience floods, tornadoes, snow and heatwaves at strange times and in a bizarre order.

3) Economy and employment

Getting a job and finding a date are EASY in this sizzling town. The economy is fuelled by the auto industry and the fact that it is Australia’s largest seaport. Its expanding market has jobs for everyone’s background and interest. Business, finance, banking and manufacturing lead the way. And it is also a major technology and tourist hub. The average working Melburnian is 36. Unemployment is low and salaries are reasonably high. The median household income is over $60,000 per year. Because of these factors, many immigrants, even Sydneysider-transplants, are coming to Melbourne. Also, housing is considerably cheaper here than in Sydney.

4) Ethnic Diversity galore

One-fourth of Melburnians are foreign born. Besides the numerous Brits, there is also a heavy representation of Greeks, Turks, Italians, Vietnamese, Indians and Sri Lankans. Looking for a date that speaks a different language? There are over 180 different tongues spoken here. These conditions can make for unique dating situations, right?

5) Transportation: work and dating

Melbourne used to have low density because so many Melburnians lived in the suburbs. But recently there has been a resurgence in inner-city living. The transportation system has accommodated both living possibilities. The privatized transportation system offers train service throughout the city and to the fringes of the suburbs. The tram handles most of the downtown. And if your work is located in the CBD (Central Business District), you can take the free City Circle Tram. Busses are also available to most sections of town. What if you want to take your date to one of the popular tourist attractions? You will want to take the light rail. All modes are efficient, safe and inexpensive.

6) Neighbourhoods for work and play

Since getting to work is not a problem, live where it suits your lifestyle. Many Melburnians are still ethnically oriented. Their choice of neighbourhood indicates this. For example, the Greeks are in Oakleigh and Northcote; the Vietnamese, in Richmond, Springvale and Footscray; while the Italians, Indians and Sri Lankans have their preferred areas. This is not to say that these areas do not invite all nationalities. It is just that there is a preponderance of certain ethnic groups in specific areas. The inner city has plenty of varied-cost housing. Shopping, employment and entertainment are all around. So, this is a great area to live, work and date.

7) Sports. Are you active and/or a fan?

Melbourne has been called the World’s Ultimate Sport City. It has the National Sports Museum, as well as the Melbourne Cricket Ground...the largest ground in the world. In addition to cricket, the city is fanatical about Australian Rules football. There are 9 football teams, with 5 matches a week in the AFL! It also has rugby (Melbourne Storm), netball (the Vixens), and basketball (the Tigers). You and your date can also take in three tremendous international events: the Australian Open (tennis); the Melbourne Cup (horseracing); and the Australian Grand Prix (formula1 racing). Or, you and your sweetheart can walk, bike, hike, or play team sports in numerous areas around the city.

8) Interesting date sites

Besides music, art and sports, where do you take a date? There is so much for you and your sweetie to do here that it would take 10 years of weekends to scratch the surface. A little planning is all you have to do! For local culture, there are festivals of every persuasion, from the Fringe Festival to the Food and Wine Festival, to musical, garden and fashion festivals. Save money here, but impress your date: take in the many galleries around Richmond and Fitzroy. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Design Centre. What? You have some money to burn? Take in one of the many operas or theatre presentations. Or enjoy some tours: Sunrise Breakfast Balloon Flight; Puffing Billy Steam Train. Or visit the Yarra Wineries, or spend a day at Phillip Island and see kangaroos, penguins and koalas.

9) Restaurants

You have a vast array of choices. Choose and jump right. Here are some suggestions:

• Cheap: Crown Casino Food Court, tasty food, good portions

• Moderate: Ethnic delights around CBD...Chinese/Asian, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese

• Upscale: Fine dining at Scusami’s (Italian), or The Press Club (Hellenic), or Sails On The Bay (great water/bridge views, indoor/outdoor), or the Spirit of Melbourne Sightseeing Tour

10) Nightlife

With 210 bars/pubs and 50 clubs in the CBD area alone, you can’t help but show a date a good time. You will find all manner of fun and entertainment here. What is important to know is that Melburnians enjoy pub clubbing. Going from pub to club is a popular tradition. And you never have to worry about fitting in. It is laid-back here. Celebs and unknowns rub elbows and share the dance floor.

So, find your date and enjoy!