A Date Weekend in the Capital
DAY ONE
Afternoon
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.
Dinner
Just a few minutes walk away from Avenue Hotel lays Italian & Sons, a hatted restaurant, known for it's contemporary interpretations of essential Italian favourites in an authentic setting that we make even a restauranter in Rome envious. There are so many great things on their menu, we think the best way to dine is to choose the 'eat like an Italian' tasting menu. The restaurant trattoria has an open kitchen, so you can watch the action, and you can choose tobe seated at a table or at their counter-bar and engage in lively conversation with the barman. There's seriously something for everyone on the menu, but our recommendations are a selection of cured meats, the duck liver parfait 'toscani' & recioto 'gelatina', followed by the tortellini di zucca buffalo milk ricotta, pumpkin & leek tortellini, fondo di taleggio and finished off with either a selection of imported italian cheeses and of course the tira mi su.
After Dinner
Feeling up to trying out another Braddon watering hole? Head to Zaab, and indulge in one of their exotic cocktails like Fanta-Sea or the Screaming Zaab! We can assure you, you'll be settling in for the night.
DAY TWO
Image Credit
Cartier jewellery on display at the National Gallery of Australia
Breakfast
Start your day off right with a full buffet breakfast at Marble & Grain! Whether you're feeling like you'll need a big breakfast to make up for a big night, or are after something light, all bases are covered!
10am
Head to the National Gallery of Australia, for what is sure to be the highlight of your weekend. Let's break it down for you. 7716 diamonds, 1246 emeralds, 301 sapphires and 249 precious stones. Total combined carat weight? 3500.
On display is an array of jewellery, timepieces and precious objects produced between 1900 and 1975, capturing fascinating changes in taste and design in the context of global social, political and economic trends. Through the displays of the world's most exquisite jewels, this exhibition explores the Maison Cartier's glittering history.
Her Majesty The Queen's 'Halo' Tiara, as worn by Catherine Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Grace of Monaco's 10.48ct diamond engagement ring, Dame Elizabeth Taylor's diamond and ruby necklace, are just a few of the magnificent pieces on display.
What a way to finish your weekend. We're pretty sure you'll be dreaming of diamonds for the next little while... but who's complaining?
Lunch
Choose from either the a la carte or six course degustation menu at Water’s Edge, perfectly situated between the two galleries. Enjoy cool white decor and panoramic windows with sweeping views across Lake Burley Griffin and down Anzac Parade.
Afternoon
See the portraits of over 400 people who’ve shaped the nation at the National Portrait Gallery. Be amazed at the works of art reflecting Australia’s history, diversity and culture.
Early evening
Bacaro offers a sleek, sexy space to enjoy a quick dinner, carefully-sourced regional Italian wine, or authentic snacks. This intimate 50-seat wine bar is tucked behind Italian and Sons’ restaurant.
Dinner
Pialligo Estate Farmhouse is a feast for the senses; a sensational food, wine and lifestyle destination. Set on 86 acres with river frontage to the Molonglo, the Estate offers magnificent panoramic views of Canberra.
DAY THREE
Breakfast
Head to Highroad, the newest addition by Ona Coffee, Canberra’s largest speciality coffee company founded and directed by World Barista Champion 2015! A space dedicated to paying homage to the raw and refined elements of Canberra, Australia’s ‘bush capital’.
On your way out of town
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 hearts content in 35 minutes or less.
From the James Halliday 5 star rated Helm Wines, renowned for its classic dry-style Riesling, to Clonakilla Wines for their world renowed 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!
