Romance has been an enduring constant across the years. For something different to impress the object of your affection why not take a step back in time. These tried and true ways to woo your valentine may be old fashioned but they are sure to put you in good stead.
Romance, there's nothing like it. (Image in the Public Domain via Pixabay)
Step back to the 1800's;
ride a punt on the lake at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. A punt is a shallow, flat-bottomed boat propelled by a pole instead of an oar. So hop aboard and enjoy a slow ride beneath an umbrella in scenic surrounds. Gaze into each other's eyes and whisper sweet nothings as you punter moves you and your partner around the lake.
A romantic punt ride in modern day Melbourne (Photo from Punting on the Lake Facebook Page)
. They don't call Victoria the garden state for nothing. With so many parks and gardens at your doorstep what could be more romantic than a picnic beneath blue skies. Make this an easy outing with a ready-made picnic basket. For a real touch of class
Fitzrovia at Albert Park Lake prepare a five course hamper for two.
Richmond Hill Café and Larder can pack you a couple's sweet and savoury hamper which can include their feature cheese platters.
Choose from a selection of pre packed picnic hampers (Photo from Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder Facebook Page)
In 1892 Harry Dacre wrote the love song 'Daisy Daisy,' which we know better today as 'A Bicycle Built for Two.' You can recreate this romantic experience. Hire a tandem bicycle and head off together, pedalling in sync as you cycle the Yarra River Trail alongside the bay and through picturesque parklands.
St. Kilda Cycles offers a Yarra River Trail Tandem Bike experience which includes lunch for two at True South in Black Rock.
Man and woman on a Malvern Star abreast tandem bicycle c. 1930s, by Sam Hood (By State Library of New South Wales via Wikimedia Commons)
It was in 1877 in Boston that Robert Paget, inspired by the rising popularity of the bicycle, invented a foot propelled catamaran. Call them pedal boats, paddle boats or pedalos, these two seater bicycle styled boats are ideal for the romantic outing. Have a private tête-à-tête as you leisurely pedal your way around the lake. Today paddle boats can be hired at
Emerald Lake Park. Make your own way to the park or ride there on
Puffing Billy. If a city skyline is more to your liking paddleboats can also be hired from the
Boatshed Café at Albert Park Lake.
Paddle boats for hire at Emerald Lake Park (Photo from Cardinia Shire Council Facebook page)
Swan Boats in Boston Public Gardens in the late 1800's (Photo by Boston Public Library via Wikimedia Commons)
5. Dine on a Train. Could anything be more steeped in romance than dinner for two on the Orient Express which first ran the rails in 1883. If London to Venice is too pricey, try our home grown alternative. Hop on board your first class
Puffing Billy dining carriage to enjoy a relaxing meal as your train rocks and rolls along the rails. Luncheon trips offer a choice between a three course meal or a Natter Platter. A selection of local Yarra Valley wines are available. The train stops at Lakeside Station where diners will be able to disembark to enjoy a walk around Emerald Lake Park. Take a look at the miniature railway before the return journey. In addition to the daily lunch time trips Puffing Billy also offers occasional Steam and Cuisine After Dark dining experiences.
The Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train (Photo from Puffing Billy Railway Facebook Page)
You might not be Byron, Keats, Browning or Shelley but a love poem written from the heart will be music to the ears of your valentine. Who among us has not heard Elizabeth Barret Browning's 1840's poem, 'How do I love thee, Let me count the ways…' Not a poet you say. Take heart, help is at hand. A Google search for 'free love poems' will yield a seemingly endless supply.
7. Take a Gondola Ride on the Yarra. Gondolas were at the height of their popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries and today typify the romance of Venice. Starstruck lovers can experience a gondola ride here in Melbourne with
Venice on the Yarra. Relax into velvet seats and plush cushions, listen to soft music and sip champagne as you slip along the Yarra taking in the city sights.
Take a romantic gondola ride on the Yarra (Image in the Public Domain via Pixabay)
Step back to the golden era of aviation on this 1945 DC3, more commonly known as the
Gooney Bird. Sip pre-flight champagne and nibble on canapes in the flight lounge while your pilot gives you a run-down of the evening. Enjoy a catered meal complemented with a selection of wines on this 70 minute flight. Following your meal take a seat in the plane's flight lounge or accept the captain's invitation to peep inside the cockpit. After landing retire to the lounge where you will be treated to tea, coffee, port and a selection of chocolates. Upgrade your evening with the jump seat experience and join the captain in the cockpit for take-off or landing.
The Gooney Bird (Photo from Shortstop Jet Charter Facebook Page)
What are you waiting for? You can make every day, Valentine's Day.
