The best budget-friendly date night ideas in Melbourne's eastern suburbs

Before you resign yourself to another Netflix night, we've rounded up some wallet-friendly gems for the romantically inclined so you can impress without the financial stress.

Night grazing at Box Hill Central’s food court

Box Hill Central's food court might not have candlelight ambiance, but what it lacks in mood lighting it makes up for in authentic Asian cuisine that won't demolish your savings. You can easily share four or five dishes between you for under $40 total. Also, people watching here? Top notch.

Tightass Tuesdays at Belgrave's Cameo Cinemas

Yes, movie tickets aren't exactly cheap, but Tuesday night screenings are significantly cheaper than regular sessions. We're talking $12 a pop. You can get these down to $8 if you're a Cameo Cinemas Movie Club member, which is free to join. Pretty nice deal. The building itself is an Art Deco treasure from 1935, and there's something inherently romantic about watching any movie in such a historic setting.

Dinner and bowling combo in Forest Hill

Here's the game plan: start with something fast and affordable from the Forest Hill Chase food court — aim to fill up and get out for less than $15 a head. Then, hit up Zone Bowling nearby. Sure, bowling's not edgy, but it can be fun with the right person, adds an element of competition, and is just kitschy enough to keep things interesting. Try to go on a weekday night — games are cheaper, and you avoid the weekend family chaos.

Sunset stroll at Sassafras and Olinda Falls

For couples who love nature — or feel like they should get out into nature more — this is a winner. Start with a stroll through the quirky shops in Sassafras (window shopping's free, baby) and grab a hot chocolate or a nice little coffee at Proserpina Bakehouse. Bonus points if you share the one cup (cheap and romantic). Then head to Olinda Falls just in time for the sunset for a serene and picturesque end to the evening.

Trivia night at basically any local pub

After all, a pub that doesn't host trivia nights is no pub at all. No matter where you are in Australia, pub trivia nights seem to draw in crowds who apparently know everything about nothing. Here in the eastern suburbs, we’re blessed with a plethora of solid options. Micawber Tavern, Mitcham Hotel, and Ringwood's Manhattan Hotel trivia nights are all great bets — with questions challenging enough to make you feel slightly inadequate but doable enough to keep you engaged.

An eastern suburbs op shop crawl

Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are home to a wide variety of op shops, with a number of suburbs having multiple options. So grab your beloved and get hunting for a bargain. Wanna make it even more fun? Set a $15 limit and compete to find the most outrageous outfit for your partner. Points deducted for anything actually wearable in public.

Photo Credit: Marc Mueller/Unsplash and Prudence Earl/Unsplash