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Date ideas in Mildura
20 date ideas around Mildura, from five courses in the cellars at Stefano's and a paddle boat on the Murray to the light show on the Perry Sandhills, the Trail of Lights and the tower where the Murray meets the Darling. Swipe through them above, or browse every one below. Each was checked on the place's own website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs. 5 are free.
Every date idea in Mildura, by kind
20
ideas
5
free
5
kinds
Sep 2026
last checked
Food and drink: 5 date ideas in Mildura
The Grand Hotel, with Stefano's in its cellars. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Five courses in the cellars at Stefano's
Stefano de Pieri's restaurant has served its set Italian menu in the original cellars of the Mildura Grand Hotel since 1991, built on Murray-Darling produce. Come at 5:30pm for antipasto and a glass of wine, or stay for the five-course dinner, with matched wines if you like.
When Tuesday to Friday, plus Saturdays on select dates; drinks and antipasto from 5:30pm, dinner from 6:30pm
Cost Five-course dinner $130 each; antipasto for two with a glass of wine $60; wine pairing extra; $30 each surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Murray at dusk, a short walk down from the grill. Photo: Felkyr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Steak over mallee root coals at the Spanish Grill
The Mildura Grand Hotel's steakhouse cooks Black Angus and Wagyu over red gum and mallee root coals, with a vine-covered pergola on what the restaurant calls perhaps Mildura's oldest urban corner. Start at the bar's happy hour, then walk down to the riverfront afterwards.
When Monday to Saturday: bar from 4pm (happy hour 4pm to 5:30pm), dinner 5:30pm to 9pm. Closed Sundays
Cost Steaks $60 to $88; chef's pick two courses $84 or three courses $92 each; 15% surcharge on public holidays; card surcharge applies
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
MILDURA
Thursday parmi night in the old Astor Theatre
Mildura Brewery Pub fills the 1924 Astor Theatre on Langtree Avenue, an art deco cinema turned brewery, with a Chicago-style bar and a view of the brewing tanks. Thursday is parmi night: pick a classic, Mediterranean or other parmi and a drink for one price.
When Every Thursday from 5pm
Cost $30 each, including a pot of house beer, a glass of bubbles, or a glass of red or white
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
TRENTHAM CLIFFS
Lunch on the balcony at Trentham Estate
A winery on the NSW bank of the Murray, 25 minutes from Mildura through Buronga and Gol Gol. Book a seasonal lunch in the restaurant or out on the balcony over the river, and taste the estate's wines at the cellar door.
When Restaurant lunch Wednesday to Sunday, bookings 11:30am to 2pm; cellar door every day 10am to 5pm, with outdoor platters daily. Closed Melbourne Cup Day and several public holidays
Cost Lunch priced by the dish on the seasonal menu; no tasting fee listed; 15% surcharge on NSW and national public holidays
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Murray at Mildura, which runs beside Jaycee Park. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Breakfast at the Sunraysia Farmers and Makers Market
Twice a month, local growers and makers set up in Jaycee Park beside the Murray. Order the farmers' breakfast cooked from market produce, then shop for fruit, bread and handmade wares.
When First and third Saturday of the month, 8am to noon
Cost Free entry; pay as you go at each stall
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Shows and music: 5 date ideas in Mildura
MILDURA
Sing along at Piano on Eighth
Every Saturday night The Setts on Eighth Street becomes a late-night piano bar where the crowd shapes the set: make requests and sing along to the classics.
When Saturdays from 8pm until late (3am)
Cost Free entry; dinner bookings by phone
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Rio Vista, beside the arts centre theatre. Photo: denisbin · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
A night at the Mildura Arts Centre theatre
The council's 500-seat theatre beside Rio Vista hosts touring concerts, tribute shows, dance and comedy (when checked in September 2026, the program ran from a Frank Sinatra tribute to Dave O'Neil's Comedy Funhouse). The Vista Cafe Bar opens an hour before each show.
When Most months; dates on the Performances page
Cost Ticketed; prices on each show's page
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Deakin Avenue, home of the Wallis cinema. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
A Film Society night at Wallis Cinemas
The volunteer-run Mildura Film Society screens classic, international and thought-provoking films at Wallis Cinemas on Deakin Avenue. Anyone can come; members pay less.
When Twice a month, on the second Tuesday and final Sunday; dates on the Wallis Mildura Film Society page
Cost $12 members (membership $10); non-members $20 to $22 (the society lists $20, the council's What's On $22)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
IRYMPLE
Mildura Fringe Festival in Irymple
Three weeks of circus, comedy, magic, burlesque and theatre at Listo Trapeze in Irymple, with free live music from local acts, food trucks, bars and a beer garden between shows. Pick a ticketed show or two.
When 29 October to 15 November 2026, Thursday to Sunday plus Cup weekend Monday and Tuesday; times on the festival timetable
Cost No entry fee listed; shows ticketed (prices on the festival's timetable)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Perry Sandhills by day, before the lights. Photo: RegionVisitor90 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
WENTWORTH
An orchestra of light on the Perry Sandhills
At sunset on the ancient Perry Sandhills outside Wentworth, Bruce Munro's Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra sets 80 Hills Hoist clotheslines pulsing with colour in time with an original score by Nainita Desai. Have a drink first, then walk in as the light fades.
When Thursday and Saturday nights. October to March, gates 7pm to 10:30pm; April to September, 5:30pm to 9pm. Last entry 30 minutes before close
Cost $35 adults; $55 with Trail of Lights at Lock Island on another night
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
For couples: 4 date ideas in Mildura
Lock 11, at the start of Lock Island. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Walk the Trail of Lights on Lock Island
Bruce Munro, the artist behind Uluru's Field of Light, has lit Lock Island in the Murray with 12,500 firefly lights and his Gone Fishing sculptures. Arrive at sunset, have a drink at the Rio Vista Park bar, then wander the trail as the lights reflect on the river.
When Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. October to March, gates and bar 7pm to 10pm (semi-guided tours 8pm to 9:30pm); April to September, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Cost $35 adults; $55 with FOSO at Wentworth on another night
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Rio Vista and the arts centre at dusk. Photo: Buddy Patrick · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Twilight in the Sculpture Park
On five summer evenings the Mildura Arts Centre puts live music in its Sculpture Park and opens the gallery and Rio Vista, the Chaffey family's old home, after hours. Bring a blanket and a picnic as the sun goes down.
When 5pm to 8:30pm on Fri 16 Oct, Fri 20 Nov 2026, Sat 16 Jan, Fri 19 Feb and Fri 19 Mar 2027
Cost Free; food and drink for sale (BYO food allowed, no BYO alcohol)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Rio Vista, with the arts centre gallery behind. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Seventy years of art at the Mildura Arts Centre
2D or not 2D marks the arts centre's 70th year with art from the region and beyond, showing how local artists and visitors have shaped each other. Rio Vista, the Chaffey family's grand old home, and the Sculpture Park are on the same grounds.
When Until 29 November 2026; every day 10am to 4pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Cost No entry fee listed
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The rose garden at the Inland Botanic Gardens. Photo: Davidcronk · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MOURQUONG
Tractor train tour at the Inland Botanic Gardens
Across the river in NSW, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens spread over a 50-hectare site of Australian and exotic plants. Ride the Saturday tractor train for an hour-long tour, then have coffee at the cafe.
When Tractor train Saturdays at 11am (about 1 hour); gardens open weekdays 8am to 4pm, weekends 10am to 4pm
Cost Tractor train $10 adults (tickets at the Garnpang Cafe)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
On the water: 4 date ideas in Mildura
The paddle boat Mundoo on the Murray. Photo: Peterdownunder · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Two hours on the Murray by paddle boat
Mildura Paddle Steamers has run this cruise from Mildura Wharf for more than 60 years, on the paddle vessel Rothbury or the paddle boat Mundoo. The captain's live commentary covers the Murray-Darling and the paddle boats; the cruise goes down through Lock 11 or upstream instead, depending on conditions and the operator's current notice.
When Several days a week, 10:50am to 1pm and/or 1:50pm to 4pm; days on the month's schedule on the operator's home page. Bookings essential
Cost $50 adults; light lunch and drinks for sale on board
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
MILDURA
Thursday dinner cruise on a paddle boat
An evening run upstream from Mildura Wharf with a spit roast carvery dinner on board; on the paddle vessel Rothbury, powerful floodlights light up the river banks. The bar is open at standard prices.
When Thursdays, 7pm to 9:30pm; bookings essential
Cost $92 each (carvery dinner, sweets and tea or coffee included; drinks extra)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Gol Gol Hotel, the lunch stop. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
GOL GOL
Cruise upstream to lunch at the Gol Gol Hotel
A three-hour paddle boat trip upstream past Buronga and Gol Gol with the captain's commentary, stopping for lunch at the Gol Gol Hotel, established in 1877. Order from the bistro and eat inside or out.
When Wednesdays, 11:30am to 2:30pm, on dates in the operator's cruise schedule
Cost $55 adults; lunch bought separately at the hotel
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
GOL GOL
Paddle the Gol Gol billabongs by kayak
Ian from Moontongue Eco Adventures, an accredited guide with more than 20 years paddling these rivers, leads an easy 4km loop from the Gol Gol boat ramp through quiet Murray River billabongs, with birdlife that changes with the season.
When By arrangement; enquire with the operator (1.5 hours; minimum two people)
Cost Enquire with the operator for current prices (the Tours page lists 2024 prices)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Views and climbs: 2 date ideas in Mildura
Where the Murray meets the Darling at Wentworth. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
WENTWORTH
Climb the tower where the Murray meets the Darling
In Junction Park at Wentworth, a viewing tower looks over the meeting of Australia's two longest rivers. When the Darling is flowing, its milky, clay-based water shows a distinct colour difference from the Murray's. Lock 10, built in 1929, is also on Cadell Street.
When Any day
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Psyche Bend pump house, end of the walk. Photo: Mattinbgn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MILDURA
Walk Kings Billabong to the Psyche Bend pumps
Kings Billabong is where the Chaffey brothers' irrigation scheme pumped Murray water before sending it out through Mildura's channels. Follow the Kings Billabong Nature Walk on to the Psyche Bend pump house of 1891, where the restored original pump is the oldest pump configuration of its type in the world.
When Any day; the steam pump runs on key holiday weekends (phone 03 5018 8380 for operating days)
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Can't decide? Let the deck pick your Mildura date
Stuck for date night ideas, or for things to do together at the weekend? Instead of scrolling lists, let the deck deal you one date idea at a time. Swipe right on the ones you like, left on the ones you don't, and within a few minutes you have a shortlist to choose from, or just take the first one you both said yes to.
How it works
Swipe to decide. Each card is one date: what to do, where it is, when it's on and what it costs. Swipe right (or tap Save) to keep it, left (or Skip) to see the next.
Share it with your date. Share sends a link that opens the deck on the same card, so the other person can say yes too.
Keep the ones you like. Saved ideas stay under the deck and on the map. Sign in and they're kept in My Places on every device.
Filter by the kind of date. Food and drink, shows and music, on the water, views and climbs, making something together, or ideas for couples.
Where the date ideas come from
Every idea of ours names a real place and was checked on its official website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs, with a link to that website and the date it was checked. Ideas with an end date leave the deck once they finish. Photos come from Wikimedia Commons and are credited on each card. Mixed in are bookable tours and experiences, clearly marked, with today's prices.
Questions
Can it pick a date for us?
Yes. Swipe until one appeals, or save a few and choose between them. For a single answer, the date wheel picks one at random.
Is it free?
Yes. Many of the ideas are free too: walks, lookouts, galleries, markets and swims.
Do we need an account?
No. Saves stay in your browser; sign in only if you want them on other devices.
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Every idea links to the place’s own website and was checked there on the date shown; times and prices change, so check before you go. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.