Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Joy Editors

Melbourne, Australia is an artistic and visually-stunning city that offers hidden gems around every corner — and a perfect setting for couples celebrating love. As the most populous city in the Australian State of Victoria, Melbourne exceeds cultural expectations.

Intertwining sophistication with creativity, it offers everything from world-class restaurants to captivating museums, awing visitors with numerous romantic settings and activities. Become inspired by Melbourne’s uniqueness as you explore these five incredible ideas for your marriage proposal.

1. Liberty Balloon Flights

Take to the sky with the love of your life as you aerially observe Melbourne’s most scenic sites such as the Yarra River, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Australian Open Tennis Centre.

Liberty Balloon Flights specializes in this adventure, offering couples a romantic three-hour experience. You can expect to take off in the early morning to experience the beauty of Melbourne in the light of the Australian sunrise.

Estimated at $430, this unique adventure gives you the intimacy you need to make your proposal all the more special. Just pretend the pilot isn’t there as you lift your partner’s heart higher than any hot air balloon could take them.

2. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

With over 1,000 species of plants from around the world, spread across a variety of tranquil lakes, bright trees, and lavish lawns, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is Melbourne’s inner-city oasis.

This peaceful site offers visitors a variety of living collections inside 94 acres of picturesque garden space. Considered to be one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions, the vast landscape offers you and your love a variety of quaint locations for a romantic proposal.

One idea is to find a grassy area that offers both shade and a view for an afternoon picnic. Consider reading one of your favorite poems or stories to your love before going into a story of your own. Then, find the right time to reveal the engagement ring as you allow the beauty of nature to serve as the backdrop for your proposal.

3. Eureka Skydeck

Why not experience an incredible 360-degree view of Melbourne from 975 feet high for your proposal? The Eureka Skydeck offers one of the most stunning observation decks in the world with views ranging from Melbourne’s urban sprawl to its many welcoming neighborhoods.

Take your sweetheart on cloud nine as you step onto the Skydeck’s glass cube (which you can rent out for a private and special moment). Then, as you soak in those epic views, tell your soon-to-be-fiancé how you two could live on top of the world together for the rest of your life.

4. The Melbourne Star

Take flight on the Melbourne Star, the giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere. This experience offers 21 spacious, temperature-controlled cabins, providing adventure-seekers with a 360-degree view of the city at a climbing height of 40 km.

An iconic feature to Melbourne’s waterfront precinct, the Melbourne Star has a unique component to its innovative design. It utilizes a special LED display that syncs with different musical themes, turning the wheel into a colorful kaleidoscope of spectacle and wonder.

Whether you choose to propose in one of the capsules or on the ground as you enjoy the spectacular light show, make sure your wedding proposal shines just as bright.

5. Mornington Peninsula

Serving as a summer playground to Melburnians and tourists alike, the Mornington Peninsula offers a variety of fun activities along its coastline including wall-to-wall wineries and cute bayside villages.

Located an hour south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is home to over 50 cellar doors where you and your love can sample local wines, craft beers, and innovative foods. Once you’ve had lunch or an afternoon libation, trek down to the beach and plant your feet in the sand as you take in the ocean mist and glimmering water.

Begin your proposal with a metaphor about the symbolism of your footprints in the sand. Then, tell your loved one how each footprint represents a memory in your relationship, and that if the two of you keep walking you’ll only have more memories to share.

Discover Even More Melbourne Proposal Ideas (Updated for 2025)

Looking for more inspiration? We’ve expanded our guide with dozens of additional Melbourne proposal locations, seasonal recommendations, and expert planning advice for 2025. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury experience or a budget-friendly option, our comprehensive guide has you covered!

More Romantic Proposal Locations

The Royal Botanic Gardens (Additional Spots)

While mentioned above, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers several additional prime spots beyond the main areas:

• Guilfoyle’s Volcano: Recently renovated with stunning city views
• The Rose Pavilion: Perfect for classic romance, especially during November-April when roses bloom
• Fern Gully: A secluded rainforest setting for privacy

Insider Tip: Book a private punt (small boat) ride on the lake for an extra special touch. The Gardens open at 7:30am, making sunrise proposals possible before crowds arrive.

St. Kilda Beach & Pier

The iconic St. Kilda Pier offers panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline, especially captivating at sunset. The newly reconstructed pier (completed 2024) features wider viewing platforms ideal for popping the question.

Best Time: Sunset on weekdays is less crowded. For something unique, propose during the penguin viewing experience after dusk when the little penguins return to their homes.

The Shrine of Remembrance

For breathtaking city views, head to the Shrine’s balcony. The recent addition of evening tour options allows for romantic night-time proposals with Melbourne’s lights twinkling below.

Yarra River Experiences

• The new Southbank Promenade extension: Completed in late 2024, featuring intimate seating areas
• Footbridge proposals: The Webb Bridge or the Evan Walker Bridge offer intimate spots
• Private river cruises: Companies like Melbourne River Cruises now offer specific “proposal packages”

Hidden Gems

• Carlton Gardens: Near the Royal Exhibition Building, the recently restored fountain area provides a secluded yet beautiful spot
• Fitzroy Gardens: The Spanish-mission style Conservatory with seasonal floral displays
• Como House and Garden: This historic mansion in South Yarra now offers exclusive proposal packages in their manicured gardens
• Rippon Lea Estate: The lakeside gazebo surrounded by 14 acres of heritage gardens

Seasonal Proposal Ideas

Spring (September-November)

• Propose among cherry blossoms at the Melbourne Cherry Blossom Festival in the Dandenongs
• Visit lavender farms in bloom in the Yarra Valley
• Attend the Melbourne Flower Show with a proposal among prize-winning garden displays

Summer (December-February)

• Moonlight Cinema proposal at Royal Botanic Gardens
• Sunrise hot air balloon ride over the city, followed by champagne breakfast
• Propose during Moomba Festival with fireworks as your backdrop
• The new summer night markets at Queen Victoria Market provide a festive atmosphere

Autumn (March-May)

• The stunning foliage at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
• Treasury Gardens when the leaves change color
• Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show proposal

Winter (June-August)

• Cozy proposal at one of Melbourne’s rooftop bars with heaters and stunning views
• Winter Lights Festival at Docklands (annual July event)
• The Winter Village ice skating rink in Federation Square (new extended season for 2025)

Luxury Proposal Experiences

Private Dining Experiences

• Vue de Monde: Book “The Dome” private dining room with 360-degree city views
• Attica: Arrange with Ben Shewry’s team for a personalized proposal moment during your tasting menu
• Eureka 89: Exclusive dining 300 meters above Melbourne

Helicopter Proposals

Several companies offer specific proposal packages:

• Microflite’s Proposal Tour: Includes city circuit, private landing at a Yarra Valley winery, and photography
• Melbourne Heli’s “Say Yes” Package: Features custom message visible from the air

Luxury Hotel Proposals

• The Windsor Hotel: Historic luxury with proposal packages including room decoration
• The Langham Melbourne: Their “Perfect Proposal” package includes champagne, roses, and custom dessert
• W Melbourne: Their new proposal package features access to the secret Wow Suite balcony overlooking the city

Budget-Friendly Proposal Options

Public Art Locations

• The colorful Brighton Beach bathing boxes (go early morning to avoid crowds)
• Hosier Lane’s street art provides a vibrant backdrop
• The new NGV Contemporary sculpture garden (opened 2024)

Park Proposals

• Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy
• The Dandenong Ranges National Park
• Albert Park Lake with the city skyline backdrop

Memorable Without Breaking the Bank

• Rooftop bar proposals at Naked for Satan or Rooftop Bar
• Picnic proposal at the Royal Park Native Australian Garden
• Sunset at Williamstown Beach overlooking the city skyline

Adventure Proposals

For Thrill-Seekers

• Melbourne Skydeck proposal: The new “Edge Experience” includes proposal photography
• Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: Private cabin experiences available
• Tree surfing at the Enchanted Adventure Garden followed by a ground-level proposal

Outdoor Adventures

• Mornington Peninsula coastal walks
• The 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
• Mountain biking followed by a scenic proposal at Lysterfield Lake

Food & Wine Lovers’ Proposals

Winery Proposals

• Yarra Valley: Domaine Chandon, Oakridge, and Levantine Hill all offer proposal packages
• Mornington Peninsula: Pt. Leo Estate’s sculpture park or Montalto’s private picnic

Food Experiences

• Book a private masterclass at Chocolate Buddha followed by a proposal
• The new Queen Victoria Market rooftop dining area
• Hidden laneway restaurants like Pastuso or Coda

Professional Help & Services

Proposal Planners

Several Melbourne businesses specialize in proposal planning:

• The Proposal Co.: Full-service proposal planning
• My Perfect Proposal: Specializes in custom Melbourne experiences
• Epic Proposals: Offers photography-focused proposal packages

Photographers

• Proposal Photography Melbourne: Specialized in candid proposal moments
• Phenomena Photography: Offers drone proposal packages
• Will & Co Photography: Known for storytelling approach to proposals

Photography Tips

• Light: Golden hour (hour before sunset) provides the most flattering natural light
• Location scouting: Visit your spot at the same time of day as planned
• Hiring professionals: Most photographers need 2-3 weeks’ notice
• Hidden photographers: Discuss clear signals with your photographer so they know when to capture the moment

Post-Proposal Celebration Spots

Champagne Toasts

• Lui Bar at the top of Rialto Tower
• Siglo Bar for sophisticated celebration
• The new Melbourne Gin House rooftop garden

Intimate Dinners

• Tonka: Modern Indian with romantic atmosphere
• Flower Drum: Classic celebration venue
• Supernormal: Fun yet elegant Asian fusion

Proposal Planning Timeline

2-3 Months Before

• Choose your location and date
• Research any permits needed for public spaces
• Order the ring (custom designs can take 6-8 weeks)

1 Month Before

• Book any services (photographer, restaurants, etc.)
• Plan your exact words
• Arrange any special details (flowers, musicians)

1 Week Before

• Confirm all bookings
• Check weather forecasts and have a backup plan
• Share your plan with one trusted person who can help

On the Day

• Have the ring secured but accessible
• Arrive early to your location
• Take a deep breath and speak from the heart