The ultimate list of West Vic date night ideas

Whether you’re planning a first date or celebrating many years together, western Victoria has plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day – or any day – special. 

From intimate bars and creative experiences to live shows and slow‑paced escapes, the Brolga has collated some ideas to help you plan a romantic night or day out.

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Bars and restaurants

Whether it’s a cozy cocktail, a shared pizza or an elegant dinner for two, the region’s bars and restaurants set the scene for an unforgettable date night.

Here are a few recommendations from around the patch:

Frolic Lane, Warrnambool - A pizza and cocktail bar with wine, craft beer and bespoke cocktails, plus charcuterie boards and share plates.

Bottega Toscana, Port Fairy - Rustic Italian cuisine with candlelight and wine, ideal for a classic Valentine’s date with pasta, antipasti and dessert.

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery - Housed in the old Timboon railway precinct, this award‑winning distillery crafts unique gins, vodkas and liqueurs inspired by local botanicals. Enjoy tastings, cocktails and hearty pub food.

Graze, Apollo Bay - Known for its grazing plates, wood‑fired pizzas, local produce and coffee. Perfect for lunch or dinner together with fresh coastal flavours.

Get creative

Looking for something a bit different? Workshops are a fun way to connect through shared experience, plus you get to take home something you made.

Paint and Sip at Pinot and Picasso Ballarat - A fun experience where you bring drinks and nibbles, and an instructor guides you through painting over a few light-hearted hours.

Art workshops at Glyph Gallery Creative Space Port Fairy - The gallery offers a range of regular artistic classes and workshops, from ceramics and pottery to drawing and painting.

Catch a live show

Western Victoria has a fantastic calendar of music, comedy and theatre if you want to sit back and leave the entertainment to the performers.

Check out upcoming events and schedules from the region’s key venues:

• Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool

• Ararat Town Hall

• Hamilton Performing Arts Centre

• Portland Arts Centre

• Colac Performing Arts and Cultural Centre

Something more chill?

If you’re after something slower-paced and deeply romantic, here are a few relaxed ideas that let you slow down and savour the moment.

Deep Blue Hot Springs, Warrnambool - Soak together in thermal pools, ideal for a rejuvenating date. How’s the serenity?

A picnic in the botanical gardens - Pack some cheese, biscuits and your favourite drinks for a romantic picnic at Ballarat Botanical Gardens overlooking Lake Wendouree. Or for an extra-special touch, pre-order a grazing box from Pipers By The Lake cafe.

Sunset at The Pinnacle - Take a leisurely walk up to The Pinnacle lookout for panoramic views over Halls Gap and the surrounding Grampians ranges.

Rainforest Walk at Hopetoun Falls - Explore rainforest trails, shaded fern gullies, and have a gander at Hopetoun Falls in the Great Otway National Park. The short walk to the falls is easy and scenic, and there are plenty of other nearby nature attractions if you’re eager to make a day of it.