Galentine's Day Melbourne 2026: Brunch, Events & Girls' Day Ideas

Galentine's Day — February 13 — has become the perfect excuse to celebrate friendships before Valentine's Day takes over. Whether you want bottomless brunch, a day spa escape, creative workshops, or a long lunch at a Melbourne institution, this guide covers the best Galentine's Day ideas for groups in Melbourne.

Planning the wider Valentine's week? Start with Valentine's Day Melbourne 2026, book a stay via Valentine's Day Melbourne Hotels 2026, or keep the night going with Late Night Melbourne Date Ideas 2026.

What is Galentine's Day?

Galentine's Day started as a fictional holiday on the TV show Parks and Recreation, where Leslie Knope celebrated her female friendships on February 13. It's now a real annual tradition for friend groups to gather before Valentine's Day for brunch, activities, and quality time together.

Date: Friday, 13 February 2026

Who celebrates: Friend groups, singles, anyone wanting to celebrate friendship over romance

What to plan: Brunch, long lunch, spa day, creative workshop, or a combination

Brunch and long lunch spots

Melbourne's café scene is perfect for Galentine's groups. These venues handle groups well and offer the kind of atmosphere that encourages lingering.

Higher Ground

Higher Ground occupies a heritage-listed former powerhouse with 15-metre ceilings and tiered seating. The all-day menu includes their famous Blueberry and Ricotta Hotcakes and Chilli Scrambled Eggs.

• Best for: Groups who want an impressive setting
• Location: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD
• Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-4pm, Fri-Sun 7am-5pm
• Book ahead: Essential for weekend groups

The Kettle Black

The Kettle Black in South Melbourne combines heritage terrace architecture with refined brunch dishes. The same ownership group as Higher Ground, with equally impressive food.

• Best for: Sophisticated brunch with great coffee
• Location: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne
• Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
• Signature: Ricotta hotcakes, espresso martinis available all day

Bottomless brunch options

For groups wanting free-flowing drinks:

• Pincho Disco (Collingwood) — $75pp for 90 minutes of cocktails, wine, and bites. Saturdays 12pm-2pm.
• Assembly Ground — Classic Bottomless Brunch from $59pp with mimosas, or Bougie Bottomless at $79pp with espresso martinis.
• State of Grace — Bottomless brunch under their signature chandelier with a lavish shared menu.

Group dining venues

For larger groups (8+), consider:

• The George on Collins — Feed-me menu from $79pp for groups of 8+, Saturday boozy brunches $89pp
• Fleet — Yarra River views, shared-style rooftop brunch with pastries, fruit platters, and mimosas
• Panama House (Fitzroy) — Fitzroy Feast menu at $69pp with shared dishes

Spa and pampering days

A group spa day is the ultimate Galentine's treat. These venues offer packages designed for girlfriend groups.

Botanica Wellness Spa

Botanica Day Spa inside the InterContinental Melbourne caters specifically to groups with their Luxury Group Escapes packages.

• Minimum: 5 guests
• Days: Thursday to Saturday
• What's included: Private spa lounge access, curated treatments with group discounts
• Best for: City-centre convenience, refined setting

Saltair Spa

Saltair Spa has multiple locations and offers exclusive group bookings where you can book out the entire spa.

• Locations: Torquay, Lorne, Caroline Springs, Werribee, Port Melbourne
• Minimum: 4 guests
• What's included: Grazing platter, drinks, treatment selections
• Best for: Coastal escape (Torquay, Lorne) or accessible suburban locations

Seasons5 Day Spa

Seasons5 in Point Cook offers group pamper packages with pool and gym access included.

• Minimum: 4 guests, up to 12
• What's included: Private relaxation lounge, grazing board, wine, choice of massage/facial/pedicure
• Best for: Full resort-style experience

V Hotel Spa

V Hotel Spa in Melbourne CBD offers girlfriends packages ideal for hens' days and Galentine's groups.

• Minimum: 3 guests
• Booking notice: 72 hours for groups
• Location: CBD, convenient for combining with lunch

Creative workshops

Learn something together — pottery, flowers, cocktails, or cooking. These workshops make memorable Galentine's activities.

ClassBento workshops

ClassBento curates creative workshops across Melbourne:

• Pottery classes — Wheel throwing or hand-building, from $80pp
• Flower arranging — Create your own arrangements
• Cocktail making — Learn to mix margaritas and martinis
• Cooking classes — Various cuisines for groups

Pottery and prosecco

Tonic Ceramics runs pottery and prosecco classes perfect for friend groups:

• $120pp including grazing board and prosecco
• Wheel throwing and hand-building options
• Relaxed, social atmosphere

Sarah Schembri Ceramics

Sarah Schembri Ceramics hosts private pottery workshops with food and drinks for group bookings. Email events@sarahschembri.com for custom quotes.

Other workshop ideas

• Jewellery making — Create friendship bracelets or rings
• Candle making — Take home custom scented candles
• Wine tasting — Urban Wine Walk offers guided tastings
• Perfume making — Create custom fragrances

Looking for couple-focused experiences instead? See Couples Experiences Melbourne 2026.

Group dining venues with private rooms

For a proper Galentine's feast, these venues offer private or semi-private spaces:

Cumulus Up

Above Cumulus Inc on Flinders Lane, Cumulus Up offers a more intimate setting with the same excellent wine and food.

Supernormal Canteen

The private dining room at Supernormal's Flinders Lane location suits groups wanting Asian-inspired share plates.

Entrecôte

Entrecôte is a French bistro classic with two locations (CBD and South Yarra). Set menus work well for groups — no menu decisions needed.

San Telmo

San Telmo is an Argentinian steakhouse on Meyers Place with excellent meat and wine. The laneway location feels special.

Galentine's at home ideas

If you'd rather host, here are ideas for a memorable at-home celebration:

DIY spa night

• Face masks and nail painting stations
• Grazing board from Queen Victoria Market
• Champagne or cocktail station
• Cozy robes and slippers

Craft and create

• Friendship bracelet making kits
• Paint and sip (buy canvas and wine)
• Vision board creation for the year ahead

Movie marathon

• Rom-com classics or new releases
• Cheese and chocolate fondue
• Customised movie snack boxes

Cooking together

• Make pasta from scratch
• Dessert decorating party
• Cocktail mixing competition

Gift ideas for friends

Galentine's Day is about celebrating your girlfriends. Consider:

Edible gifts

• Koko Black chocolate boxes
• Haigh's Chocolates — beautiful packaging
• Queen Victoria Market — artisan treats, flowers, cheese

Experience vouchers

• Spa treatment voucher
• ClassBento workshop credit
• Wine tasting experience

Self-care sets

• Aesop hand duo
• Local skincare brands (Go-To, frank body)
• Candles from Lumira or Cire Trudon

Thoughtful touches

• Handwritten card explaining why you value the friendship
• Photo book of memories together
• Playlist curated just for them

Further reading

Related guides

• Valentine's Day Melbourne 2026
• Valentine's Day Melbourne Hotels 2026
• Couples Experiences Melbourne 2026
• Late Night Melbourne Date Ideas 2026

Courses

• Brief AI Like a Pro - Use clear briefs to plan group activities and booking checklists.
• AI Automation Fundamentals - Build simple planning workflows for dates and group events.

FAQ: Galentine's Day Melbourne 2026

What is Galentine's Day and when is it?

Galentine's Day is February 13 — the day before Valentine's Day. It's a celebration of female friendships, started by the TV show Parks and Recreation and now a real annual tradition.

Where should I have Galentine's brunch in Melbourne?

Higher Ground and The Kettle Black offer impressive settings and refined brunch menus. For bottomless options, try Pincho Disco or Assembly Ground. Book ahead for groups.

What's the best Galentine's Day activity in Melbourne?

Depends on your group. Spa days suit relaxation-seekers, pottery workshops are great for hands-on groups, and bottomless brunch works for those wanting to linger over drinks and conversation.

How many people do you need for group spa packages?

Most Melbourne spas require 4-5 guests minimum for group packages. Botanica requires 5, while Saltair and Seasons5 require 4. Call ahead to discuss your group size.

Do I need to book ahead for Galentine's Day?

Yes. February 13, 2026 falls on a Friday, and popular brunch spots and spas will book out quickly. Reserve 2-4 weeks ahead, especially for groups of 6+.

What's a good budget for Galentine's Day activities?

Brunch: $40-$100pp depending on bottomless options. Spa packages: $150-$300pp. Workshops: $80-$150pp. Combine one activity with drinks or dinner for a full day out.