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Best Mum❜s Night Out Ideas in Melbourne

  • Parents Only

By: Stacey Roberts, 10 October 2019

Whether your penchant for a ladies night out swings to drinks and dancing, or something more sedate, Melbourne has plenty of options - especially now the weather is heating up in spring!

Here are a few ideas to take advantage of the warmer nights:

1. Arbory Afloat

The ever-popular waterside bar Arbory has gone one step further again this year with its floating version - only thihs time it's channelling the cool vibes of 1970s Miami.

Usually a summer thing, Afloat's third season has re-berthed even earlier, in spring, and is awash with pastels, palm trees and relaxed poolisde art-deco. 

The food flavours on board are reminsicent of all things Latin American, Caribbean, Cuban and Mexican. The custom-made pizza oven is hotting up again with American-inspired, wood-fired pizzas and an array of grilled meats, empanadas and other share-friendly snacks are available for you and your girlfriends.

This year the upper deck has been extended to accommodate more dining, lounging and private Cabanas. With the best views of the Yarra River and the city, Arbory Afloat promises the sort of dreamy summer experience we could not have imagined, right in the beating heart of Melbourne.

Image credit: American Express Openair Cinema

2. American Express Openair Cinema

When its warm outside, why not catch a movie under the stars instead of in a dark theatre? Melbourne puts on some extraordinary spring weather sometimes so we need to make the most of it! 

This season American Express Openair Cinema is bringing back its exceptional experiences with a whole new program of the latest flicks. 

Feel like living the disco days? Check out Rocketman, the Elton John biopic (we dare you not to sing along!), or catch everyone's favourite nostalgic heartthrobs Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Dig out your knee-highs and Mary Janes for Clueless, or your high-necked blouses and heirloom jewelleryfor Downton Abbey.

With a fully-stocked bar and an incredibly array of food available onsite you can really make a night of it. 

American Express Card members can even get the full VIP treatment by purchasing tickets to the American Express lounge, complete with premium seating, unlimited popcorn and a beverage of choice. American Express Card Members also save 15% on selected tickets, are granted access to the American Express Garden and recieve complimentary blanket hire.

What you need to know:

  • American Express Openair Cinema Yarra Park is in Paddock 20 Yarra Park, East Melbourne, right next to the MCG from October 9 - November 3
  • The full program is here.
  • Tickets start from $17 for concession general admission. American Express customers receive 15% off 
  • Gates open from 6pm.
  • openaircinemas.com.au
Image credit: Cookie

3. Grab a drink and then some dinner at Cookie Beer Hall + Eating House

Cookie is the perfect place for when you need a triple whammy all in one place: the Thai/Australian eatery that serves excellent cocktails in a fun and funky atmosphere, with a disco up top for dancing the night away. Perfect for groups!

Feast on goodies like five spice quail, pickled watermelon & mint or perhaps Fried egg salad, crispy pork and Chinese celery while washing it all down with an expertly-crafted Negroni or something else from their extensive drinks list.

Image credit: kbox

4. Let loose with some Karaoke at KBox

The place even serious Karaoke-rs love to go, KBox is a Melbourne institution.

With private rooms starting from $38pp for 2 hours, and apparently the city's most extensive song list, you can go as hard or as demure as you like. Drinks can be ordered from the in-room phone and are delivered to your door, and snacks are on hand, including waffle fries and prawn dumplings. Turn it up!

Image credit: Cork and Canvas

5. Get Creative at Cork and Canvas

For something different, why not grab your friends and a paintbrush with Melbourne's Cork and Canvas social painting evenings? Experience isn't necessary, but a sense of fun is! Get creative with a drink in hand as you and your girls make art.

The materials are all supplied, you just bring the drinks and your nibbles - the studio provides glassware, tapas plates, fridge and ice for all your goodies.

Image credit: Attica Twitter

6. Fine Dining at Attica

Who says fine dining has to be for romantic nights only? If you and your pals love food, why not make a night of it with a degustation at Attica? Sure, not an everyday treat but something to be savoured on a special occasion with your nearest and dearest. Nothing but good food, good wine, and good conversation all evening long. It's actually far easier to book a group table than it is a table for two, so take advantage!

It's an unusual experience, but one never to be forgotten. Ingredients you may never have tried, served in ways you may never have encountered, all with an expertly-curated soundtrack. Indulge in hand-picked crab and wattle bread, marron with desert limes, and black ant lamingtons - they even cater for dietary restrictions with enough notice.

You'll very quicky realise why it's won an incredible amount of awards and is currently the best restaurant in Australia.

 

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