Love is in the air

Punting on the Lake

Whether it's a hot air balloon over the city, a cupid's pod on the Melbourne Star, or the sunset from the Ferris Wheel at Luna Park - lovers are getting high in Melbourne this Valentines Day.

Lovebirds can share a romantic evening of moon-gazing, stories and love-inspired live music followed by delicious food and love potions at the Melbourne Museum.  Scienceworks is hosting a one-night special event Love and The Moon in conjunction with their current Museum of the Moon exhibition. Visitors can take in a breathtaking 7-metre 3D realistic sculpture of the moon with exquisitely detailed surface images.  While there, couples will be swept away by moon-inspired live music by leading jazz museum Steve Sedergreen. 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015, 13 11 02

At the Immigration Museum, couples can step out of their comfort zone and delve into a special Love Potions and Aphrodisiacs workshop which explores the history and mythology behind love potions, elixirs and aphrodisiacs from around the world with bartender and storyteller Fred Siggins. Lovebirds will learn the secrets to creating perfectly balanced love potions with step-by-step cocktail demonstrations paired with tasting samples and romantic morsels. 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, 13 11 02

Amusement park enthusiasts can get heady with Luna Love at Luna Park for an evening of games, sweet treats, and unlimited rides on Thursday 14th February, from 6pm until 11pm. Couples can cuddle their valentine while watching the beautiful sunset over Port Phillip Bay on Luna Park’s romantic Ferris Wheel and other exhilarating rides like the famous Great Scenic Railway plus chocolates and fairy floss to share.  18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, (03) 9525 5033

For something more serene, Melbourne's stunning Royal Botanic Gardens is offering a sunset cruise with Punting on the Lake around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in. Punters can settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world's finest gardens as they hear stories of its history, environment, wildlife and plants. The sunset ride will add a magical touch as the dusk colours deepens and the changes the skyscape. Couples are welcomed to bring refreshments and enjoy the scenery as the punt meanders the evening away. Gate A, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Corner Alexandra Ave and Anderson St, Melbourne VIC 3000, 0481 455 410Couples can get a head start with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne with Global Ballooning for a truly romantic experience. Melbourne is one of the only cities in the world which allows hot air balloons to drift over the city for a bird’s eye view of city’s lush parks and gardens, and view some of its iconic buildings and sporting venues like the Eureka Tower, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park and Albert Park racetrack. Following this unique and iconic experience, post-flight, couples can continue on with a 5-star champagne breakfast at the Pullman on the Park. 30 Dickmann St, Richmond VIC 3121, (03) 9428 5703

Alternative flights are available for high-flying couples at the Melbourne Star. Valentines can take to the sky on the Cupid’s Delight Flight designed to give the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience. This private cabin experience allows for two rotations, for couples to truly take in the city skyline whilst enjoying a bottle of champagne and canapes. Added inclusions to the experience include a bouquet of luscious red roses, a Magic Memory Souvenir Book, a couple portraiture, Melbie bear and a custom t-shirt.  The District Docklands, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008, (03) 8688 9688

*Source Visit Victoria.