When Valentine’s Day rolls around, you want to make your partner’s day extra special—something they’ll gush about and get all giddy over. Because who doesn’t want to see their partner smile (or maybe even shed a happy tear)?
The trouble is, that’s harder than it sounds! And if you’ve already exhausted everything on your list—from fancy dinners to game nights—the pressure only gets bigger each year. Let’s be real, planning the perfect day together can feel a bit… overwhelming.
Honestly, that’s probably why our Mystery Picnics are our best sellers, as they are a unique experience where you get to bond, explore your city, and enjoy good food. We prepare a self-guided mystery adventure for you, where you solve clues to collect your picnic spread and end up at a stunning final location. Picture this: a cosy conversation over a delicious meal and a bottle of wine in the most romantic setting imaginable.
But wait—if you think that sounds amazing, we’ve got even more exciting news for you. We’ve upgraded our Mystery Picnics in Australia with new adventures perfect for a special occasion like this.
So, if you haven’t got anything planned yet, you’re about to thank us.
1) Float Away Together in a Hot Air Balloon
Dreamy, enchanting, and straight out of a rom-com. A hot air balloon ride is the kind of date that makes other dates jealous—and honestly, it’s the perfect way to kick off Valentine’s Day. At the crack of dawn (yes, you’ll be up early, but trust us, it’s worth it), you’re about to have the most magical experience of your lives.
If you choose the Melbourne Laneways Mystery Picnic with Hot Air Balloon experience, you’ll glide over iconic spots like the MCG, the Yarra River, Eureka Tower, and Flinders Street Station.
Prefer rolling hills and countryside vibes? Choose the Yarra Valley Mystery Picnic and Hot Air Balloon experience, and enjoy postcard-perfect views of vineyards and quaint little towns. Either way, you’re getting a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery around.
And here’s the best part—no two flights are the same! The wind decides where you’ll float, so think of it as a romantic adventure with a side of mystery.
Once your feet are back on solid ground, the fun isn’t over. That’s when the Mystery Picnic kicks in. You’ll crack clues and collect everything you need for a picnic that’s as delicious as it is romantic. It’s teamwork, it’s tasty, and it’s a memory you’ll be talking about for years to come.
2) Take Your Love to New Heights with a Helicopter Ride
Regular dates are cute, but helicopter rides? Next level cute. This unique experience combines our famous Mystery Picnic Date with a helicopter flight across the stunning Barossa Valley! After teaming up to solve clues and uncover your mystery picnic location, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking helicopter flight that takes your day to new heights—literally.
Get ready for jaw-dropping views of the southern Barossa Ranges, the charming town of Lyndoch, and the historic Barossa Goldfields. You’ll glide over the Whispering Wall and follow the serene South Para Reservoirs all the way to Williamstown. This is the perfect thing for you if you’re looking for adventure, romance, and wow-worthy moments. We guarantee your partner will be over the moon!
You can also enjoy this helicopter experience with our Mystery Picnic Date in Hunter Valley and our Mystery Picnic Date in Bellarine Peninsula. Spend a few unforgettable minutes soaring over the stunning Broken Back Range, the picturesque Hunter Valley Gardens, and the breathtaking Mount View area. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra wow to your Valentine’s Day.
3) Soak Up the Love at the Hot Springs
The Mornington Peninsula is home to impressive beaches, bushland, and walking tracks, making it the perfect date idea for couples who love the great outdoors. And of course, it’s the ideal spot for your Mystery Picnic. But we come bearing even better news! We’ve added a thrilling part two to your Mystery Picnic in the Mornington Peninsula... the Hot Springs!
After you’ve solved your clues and enjoyed a delicious picnic in nature, you’ll head to the Peninsula Hot Springs for the ultimate relaxation experience. This is where your adventure gets a little more zen, as you dip in the soothing geothermal waters of Victoria’s first natural hot springs.
Your experience includes access to 50 thermal mineral spring pools. Yes, you read that right—50! From the hilltop pool with panoramic 360-degree views of the region to the Turkish steam bath, underground sauna, and cold plunge pool (perfect for the brave at heart). And let’s not forget the reflexology walk and hydro jet lakeside pool—perfect spots to share a quiet moment together and let all that adventure melt away.
After all the excitement of your picnic, this is the kind of tranquillity that’ll leave you feeling reconnected and relaxed. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect Valentine’s date?
4) Steer Your Romance: Hop on a Self-Drive Boat
Feeling adventurous and a little Captain-y? Our Mystery Picnic’s got you covered!
Grab your partner, take the wheel, and show the world (or just each other) that you’re the real deal. With our self-drive boat experience, you’re the captain of your own love boat—just without the need for a captain’s hat (unless you want to wear one, of course).
It’s a 1-hour boat ride waiting for you after you’ve cracked all the clues and collected your delicious picnic items. No boat experience or licence is required! Simply hop on, set up your picnic spread, and cruise along the river, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
This ultimate Mystery Picnic date is available in Melbourne Laneways, South of the Lake, and Surfers Paradise. So go ahead, pretend you’re in a rom-com montage while you navigate the waters—just don’t forget to steer, Captain!
5) Sail Away Together on the Yarra River
Now for the ultimate chill mode: a scenic Yarra River cruise. Picture this: you and your partner cruising along the water while the gentle sway of the river works its magic. It’s the perfect way to slow things down and just soak in every moment of Valentine’s Day.
But before you get to kick back and relax, you’ll first tackle the exciting quest of your Mystery Picnic. Each solved clue brings you closer to your next delicious stop and ultimately, the grand finale: your very own luxury picnic cruise on the Yarra River. Talk about the way to end a date, right?
Once you’ve cracked those clues and collected your picnic spread, it’s time to board your private luxury cruise. Your journey starts at Docklands Melbourne, where your expert skipper will guide you along the stunning Yarra River. You’ll be cruising in style aboard a premium vessel, equipped with electric power for a serene, environmentally-friendly ride (because the environment deserves some love too!).
On this Mystery Picnic Date with a Yarra River Cruise, sit back, relax, and let Melbourne’s breathtaking skyline serenade you on your special day. And of course, enjoy your handpicked gourmet picnic spread, which somehow tastes even better when you're on a private cruise.
Ready to Make This Valentine’s Day Unforgettable?
So there you have it! Our Mystery Picnic upgrades guarantee to take your Valentine’s Day to the next level. Right now, most of these experiences are available in Melbourne—but don’t worry, we’re already working on bringing them to more cities across Australia. So stay tuned… your upgraded Mystery Picnic might be coming to a location near you soon!
Still need more ideas? Check out our other blogs for even more ways to make this day extra special (we've got a ton of inspo up our sleeves).
If you’re not the adventurous type, we’ve got plenty of cosy, at-home experiences too. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy Valentine’s Day without leaving their homes. Think romantic dinners, movie marathons, conversations, and all the good stuff that makes your heart skip a beat.
