Date like you mean it: Best dates ever

Whether you're coupled up or testing someone's waters, take them on one of these escapades and refuel somewhere awesome afterwards

First published on 13 Sep 2012. Updated on 24 Jan 2013.

Underground Cinema
All over the place	Secret film screenings in undisclosed locations = a great adventure. Could there be anything more thrilling than dressing up (previous dress codes include ‘foreign’, ‘to run’, ‘hillbilly’), grabbing your partner’s hand and trekking through the night to a mysterious location? Check Underground Cinema for times, locations and hints. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Where? Who knows. Shotgun a pre-show wine at home for this one.
Wrestling
Thornbury Theatre	No, we’re not suggesting you pin your partner in a Duddly Death Drop – not on a first date, anyway – we’re advising you to take them to see Melbourne City Wrestling pound each other professionally, providing you with opportunities to squeal and clutch your date. Danger’s a great aphrodisiac. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Debrief over beers by the fire at Tago Mago – you might even catch a gig. Bonus.
Coburg Drive-In Cinema
Coburg	Some might say Coburg is not the most romantic first-date destination, but where else can you find a drive-in theatre that’s been there since the ’60s with an authentic American-style diner, and the ability to order popcorn and burgers to your car via text-message? WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Great things are happening in the Woodlands Hotel kitchen.
Heavenly Bodies
Melbourne	If you’re of the opinion that dignity is best checked in at the door on a date (otherwise fate may be tempted to stick out a leg), allow dance team Silver Bullets to teach the pair of you some booty-bangin’ d-floor moves amid chic city views. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Chuckle over a curry and a cocktail downstairs at Cookie.
Watch planes fly overhead
Tullamarine	Pull up in this secluded parking bay, slip an arm around your date (preferably a familiar date, or the pepper spray may be whipped out) and start emitting cuddle chemicals as the low-flying planes provide oohs and ahhs. Just near the intersection of Sunbury & Oaklands Rds, Tullamarine. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Grab a 99 Flake from the ice-cream van parked there.
Costco
Docklands	Like a lowbrow sculpture park, except all the sculptures are made of mountains of toilet paper or novelty-sized tubs of hummus. Run through the aisles hand-in-hand like it’s Narnia. (NB: One of you needs to be a member, which costs $60 via the website.) 381 Footscray Rd, Docklands. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... There’s nothing nearby. Buy all the hummus.
Ride a tram to the end of the line
All over the place	Not a great choice for a first date, as there’s a possibility your companion might think you’re one oyster short of a Kilpatrick (or cheap), but a good option if you’re positive your partner’s a good sport. One tip: nothing kills romance like the 86. $4.00 for a two-hour Metcard. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Pick up a couple of Nama Nama lunch boxes in the city and climb aboard (31 Spring St, Melbourne).
Comedy at the Local Taphouse
St Kilda	This cosy East St Kilda haunt has a wide array of delicious regional ales and ciders, and beer-food matchings, which is good if the gig is more Sinbad than Seinfeld. Keep your glass full, and remember to sit at the back! WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Eat at the bistro upstairs, or trot off to slinky restaurant Ilona Staller.
Late Night Thursdays at the Melbourne Museum
Carlton	If you’re a) petrified of making conversation across a table or b) hoping to show off a bit, try squiring your partner around The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia exhibition one evening. Here’s a head start in the trivia stakes: the Mesopotamians invented beer. Until Oct 7. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... There’s a bar in the museum, or get close at Casa Ciuccio’s communal table.
Rock Climbing
Melbourne	A test of character, a measure of dexterity and strength, and the opportunity for a full rear assessment. Time to harness up! Hardrock, 501 Swanston St, Melbourne. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... you’re wearing sweatpants, so hit Dumplings Plus for some xiao long bao (269 Swanston St Walk, Melbourne).
Boating/picnic combo
Kew	This is how romance should be – a rowboat, dappled light on the water and a few geese waddling around. Picnics are tried-and-tested first date formula. Wear your finest non-white attire and bring a wheel of your favourite cheese. That’ll do. Daily 9am-5pm. $36/hour for two plus $20 deposit. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Skip into Kew and pay Mister Bianco and his perfect pastas a visit (285 High St, Kew).
Mana Bar
Fitzroy	This video-game bar is sort of like inviting your crush over to play Sega in your parents’ basement, but with better beers. SingStar (read: free karaoke) and plenty more games mean there is enough action to provide a buffer if things are slow to take off. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... Prove you also have a grown-up side with French fare at the Brix.