10 ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN CANBERRA (BY LOCALS)
Whether you’re a die-hard romantic, or just want to change up your date night, if you’re looking for romantic places to visit in Canberra, here at Avenue Hotel we have rounded up our top 10 romantic things to do in Canberra!
1. Romantic dinner for two
Where to start? Canberra is fast becoming a foodie Capital, with so many places you absolutely need to add to your date night bucket list!
Aubergine kicks off the list, having retained it’s two-hatted status in The Good Food Guide 2018, as well as Ottoman Cuisine, with two of their own hats! While you’re at it, you may as well add in Canberra’s one-hatted gems: Temporada in Civic, Otis Dining Hall in Kingston, Chairman & Yip in Barton, Italian & Sons and eightysix in Braddon, and Monster Kitchen & Bar in New Acton!
As for our all-time favourite Canberra dish, we may be a little bit biased but we just simply cannot go past Marble & Grain’s signature dish, the Butcher’s Board with produce straight from Travale Farm, just outside of Canberra.
2. For the wine lovers
Who doesn’t love a good drop? With over 30 wineries on the outskirts of Canberra, including some world class brands, you can be swirling some of our favourite local wines to your heart content in 35 minutes or less.
From the Vitner's Daughter and their premium small-batch wines to Clonakilla Wines for their world renowned Shiraz. It’s not every day a Canberra wine makes the in-flight menu for Qantas, and the Clonakilla Shiraz has done just that! We know what you will be looking forward to on your next flight!
To cap off the day, what spells romantic more than a stroll through the vines like a Gumboot Tour at Mount Majura Vineyard? Whilst you are there, be sure to try their amazing Tempranillo, their flagship variety, and one they would argue is the most exciting variety in the world today!
3. Canberra’s most romantic picnic spots
Picnics and romance go hand in hand (no pun intended) don’t they? When it comes to the perfect picnic location, Canberra has you covered. For luscious green spaces, beautiful cherry blossoms, look no further than Canberra Nara Peace Park within Lennox Gardens.
Feel a world away amongst giant cedars in the Himalayan Cedar Forest at The National Arboretum, or head to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a side of adorable animal spotting and stunning views. For something more iconic, immerse yourself in the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden with plenty of nooks perfect for a romantic picnic, or head to Old Parliament House Rose Gardens for a more old-world charm setting.
4. Experience the sunrise from a hot air balloon
Want to impress? Out of all of Canberra’s most romantic things to do, this one stands out because as you take off with the sunrise you will experience views that highlight just how remarkable this planned city of Canberra really is. You will be gently drifting in the wind, enjoying the perfect views of Canberra in a hot air balloon ride that is equally exhilarating and relaxing. Complete this perfect romantic setting with a Champagne breakfast.
Hot Air Balloon rides can be booked with Dawn Drifters or Balloon Aloft.
5. Enjoy a romantic adventure aboard a GoBoat
Grab your favourite person, a beautiful picnic, or pre-order from Graze Expectations, and enjoy a unique adventure on the water with GoBoat. Taking off from Kingston Foreshore, this is the perfect way to take time out for yourselves and relax, breathing in Canberra’s fresh air, as you drive your very own GoBoat. What’s better, you can even bring your dog on board!
6. Cosy date night spots
We don’t want to alarm anyone, BUT with Autumn here and the temptation looming to settle into the couch with your Ugg Boots and favourite blanket for your next date night, why not visit some of Canberra’s best bars, and settle in for an Ugg Bootless night of fine wine and cocktails.
At the top of the list is Bar Rochford, Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Bar of the Year, complete with a fireplace! Highball Express serving rum cocktails in a paradise setting, and finish the night at Parlour Wine Room, for a lavish late nightcap.
7. Escape to The Australian National Botanical Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle and breathe amongst the beauty of the world’s most diverse collection of Australian plants, at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Our favourite is the rainforest walk, where you feel the temperature change as you step inside the rainforest, and you instantly feel more at peace. Complete your perfect stroll with brunch at Pollen Cafe, featuring modern, delicious and healthy food.
8. Wander Hand in Hand Around the National Gallery of Australia
Spend the day together celebrating women, art and creativity. You may not think of it as romantic, but it's the perfect way to relax, wander hand in hand, and have a great conversation. The National Gallery of Australia is showcasing one of the most comprehensive collections of art made by women in "Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now". Highlighting stories and achievements of women artists, you can see the exhibition until June 26, 2022.
9. Relax with a stroll through the markets
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday, and stroll through Canberra’s jewel when it comes to markets at the award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. You’ll discover over 200 stalls featuring hand-crafted wares, works from some of the region’s best designers and artists, and delicious produce straight from the farm, all set in a fabulous old industrial building not far from the Kingston Foreshore.
10. Get up close and personal at the National Zoo & Aquarium
Get up close and personal at the National Zoo & Aquarium, with a Close Encounters meet and greet. Go behind the scenes where you’ll meet and feed some of the many wonderful animals that call Canberra home. You can choose from a number of Close Encounters: a cheetah, a tiger, a white lion, a sun bear, a tree kangaroo, a meerkat, a red panda, a rhino or an owl! What a wonderful experience with some of the worlds most amazing animals.
