Skip to Content

Canberra Date Ideas: 50+ Romantic Things to do for Couples

Sharing is caring!

Looking for fun date ideas in Canberra?

Whether you are a tourist or a local looking for new and romantic things to do for couples in Canberra, you’ll be sure to find something to tickle your pickle in this epic list!

50+ of the best date ideas and romantic places to visit in Canberra right here. The perfect romantic weekend.

Canberra Date Ideas: 50+ Romantic Things to do for Couples

Movie Date Ideas

Sunset Cinema

Tired of Netflix on the couch? Head outdoors and take in Sunset Cinemas. They have the latest releases as well as classic movie nights and family friendly outings.

Oversized bean bag chairs welcome any guest or, upgrade your experience with Gold Standard seating, featuring full length lounge chairs. There are plenty of choices on the food and drink menu or you can always bring a picnic and take in the flick from your blanket.

Platinum Movie Night

If you’re wanting to take in a movie but looking to enjoy while indoors in the comfort of air con, look no further than Palace Cinemas. Unlike your regular Hoyts cinema you can start the night off right, or kick on, at the stunning Prosecco bar and lounge in Palace Electric. 

You’ll feel like you’re on a private jet in plush reclinable seats, each with their own table and ottoman. A wide array of food and drinks can be ordered ahead of time and delivered to your seats at any time during the show. Forget something? Push the call button and an usher will be by to assist you with your every need. Fancy.

Drink Date Ideas

Highball Express

If you are on the market for a drink but also love to learn then the Highball Express is for you. Get behind the scenes and be a bartender for a night.

You and your date will learn how to concoct three signature cocktails and the best part, once you’re done making them, you get to drink them! Decorated like a speak-easy in Cuba, you’ll be whisked away to a Prohibition era night of fun.

Canberra Date Ideas

Bar Rochford

Whether you’re starting your evening with drinks before dinner or stopping in for an after-dinner treat, Bar Rochford has you covered. Perhaps a little on the eccentric side, Bar Rochford provides an intimate setting for the perfect beginning or ending to your date.

Winner of Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Bar of the Year award, you’ve got all the classics such as sparking, red and white wine. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the locals speak highly of the Buena Vista Social Club. A light menu of bar snacks is available but get their early as they stop serving food on the early side.

Hops & Vine

Who’s not a fan of wine? At Hops & Vine you can watch the sunset while tasting some of the best wines in Canberra. Located in Hall, there are regularly scheduled wine and craft beer tastings, so Hops & Vine has you covered no matter what your preference is.

Looking for a take home treat? There’s a dazzling array of handmade crafts, fresh local produce and handcrafted baskets to wrap everything up in.

Sunset Drinks

For stunning views, delicious food and handcrafted cocktails, come on up to Howling Moon. Situated atop the Canberra Rex Hotel, the Howling Moon is home to live music, local beverages and plenty of special events.

Come by to watch a sunset, stop in after work for happy hour, or plan a special evening with that special someone. Get your camera ready cause you’ll want to snap a few pictures from this panorama!

Explore A Winery

If the only thing you enjoy more than a good drive is a drink at the end then do I have the place for you! Located in Murrumbateman, Yarrh Wines is a full-service winery and vineyard. Bold reds and crisp whites are at the ready by the bottle or the glass. They also encourage picnics, so feel free to pack a meal and bring a pair of wine glasses for a meal on the grounds.

The stunning mountainous region will make for a great background for your date. A light menu is available and you can always order ahead for a food and wine flight.

Theatre Date Ideas

Canberra Theatre

Show your date how cultured you are with a trip to the Canberra Theatre Centre. Featuring classics like Bell Shakespeare and the Australian Ballet, to contemporary shows and concerts, the Canberra Theatre is truly world-class when it comes to live entertainment.

Wrapped up in exquisite classical architecture, you’ll be impressed from the moment you walk in until the moment you cheer bravo!

Romantic Things to do for Couples In canberra

Romantic Date Ideas

Mount Stromlo Observatory

If there’s one thing that Australia has plenty of, it has to be pristine night skies. Take advantage of this unequaled natural resource by booking a private stargazing tour at Stromlo Observatory.

Packages include an insider tour of the facility itself, use of telescopes and guided walkthrough of the Southern Hemisphere above. Not looking for that much hand-holding? There are unguided stargazing events, free to the public.

Telstra Tower

Perhaps not the first thought that comes to mind for a night out on the town, the Telstra Tower is home to some of the best views in Canberra. Atop Black Mountains in the heart of Canberra, you can see this communications tower from all over so just imagine the view from up there! Take your date to see a picturesque sunset then grab some snacks at the tower café.

Eightysix

An ambience of energy and electricity await you at Eightysix. This upscale restaurant features a cozy seating area and an open kitchen, making you feel like you’re part of the action.

Both contemporary and classic menu options are available so even the most picky eater will find something they’ll love. The friendly staff is one more reason it can be hard to get at able at Eightysix so make sure to book your date early.

Soak Up The Stars

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, then grab your date and catch the Twilight Tour at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.

This pristine woodland gives you a glimpse into Australia’s past, catching sights of Echidnas, Bettongs and Quoll. There’s plenty of native flora to take in as well and if you’re already on the Twilight Tour, you can always catch a few moonbeams too.

Couples Spa Day

What better place to take your date after the work week than a couple’s spa day? Hale Spa has just what you need to relax away your worries. From the cave-like spa pools to traditional steam rooms and state of the art infrared saunas, Hale Spa will melt your stress away.

Don’t forget to book a massage for later in your day. Finish with complimentary beverages and snacks for an unforgettable time.

Nature Date Ideas

Romantic Goboat Ride On Lake Burley Griffin

Take your date to the not-so-high seas with a romantic GoBoat ride on Lake Burley Griffin. Scandinavian style picnic boats are perfect for a lovely time on the water.

Pack a picnic and take advantage of the canopy to get a break from the sun. Fresh air, amazing views and a cool breeze will have you and your date making fun memories!

Arboretum

Trees might be for the birds but the National Arboretum Canberra could be just the spot for you and your date. Featuring 250 hectares of nature created after brushfires in the early 2000s.

Hike a trail, bird watch, then setup a picnic and take in all the natural beauty that Australia has to offer. Bring your own food or grab a snack in the café, then get back to nature with your date.

canberra-date-ideas

Take A Hike

If you want a little wildlife with your nature, then head down to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The beautiful grounds include five ponds and a wealth of wildlife. Dozens of marked trails will allow for a quick walk all the way to a daylong hike.

There are plenty of picnic areas and barbecues so pack a meal. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of park locals. Past visitors have reported seeing anything from koalas and kangaroos to echidnas and even a platypus or two.

Get Sky High

For even more beautiful panoramas, grab your date and head to the Mt. Ainslie Lookout. See Canberra from heights like you couldn’t imagine.

What’s more romantic than watching the sunset high atop a mountain? More of a morning person? Try an early morning trek and take in a sunset. A wealth of native flora and fauna will decorate your path as you travel up and back down.

A Totally Roarsome Time

Lions and tigers and bears? Make it a date! While some might imagine the zoo to be aimed at children, the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra is fun for all ages. Occupying twenty-five hectares of land, the zoo features all the usual animals you’d expect plus a wide array of native species.

Tired of the land? Head to the aquarium and take in the largest inland saltwater tank in all of Australia. Complimentary picnic and BBQ areas make a meal an obvious choice. Don’t forget to ask about the Animal Encounters where you and your date can get an unprecedentedly close view (and sometimes touch) of the zoo animals!

Glamping

Technically the only winery in Canberra, the Mount Majura Vineyard is a perfect spot for a romantic evening. Situated above the vineyard, luxurious two person tents are the ideal weekend spot for couples.

Multiple packages are available, but the end result should be the same: unplug, get back to nature, and enjoy the company of your date. While all packages include wine tastings, some include food. Not feeling their menu: you’re more than welcome to pack your own as well.

Cooking Date Ideas

Cooking Class

Who doesn’t love to eat? But if you and your date love to cook, then why not plan a cooking class date night? Pialligo Estate offers multiple options for cooking classes.

There are various, traditional classes like French, Mexican and Asian. If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, there are also some for specific food such as pasta, paella and dessert. So whether you’re famished or just peckish, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Escape Room Dates

Escape Room

Feeling trapped during the workweek? Escape to Canberra Escape Rooms where you’ll be challenged to figure out a multitude of puzzles in order to escape in time!

At the time of this writing, there were such puzzlers as House on the Hill (set during Salem witch trials), the Vault (a post-apocalyptic nightmare) and Psycho Killer (a call back to classic horror and slasher films). If you are in need of a victory lap after you escape (or a place to cry if you fail), visit the Garden Party cocktail bar for a round.

Riddle Room

Riddle me this…where can you solve puzzles, have fun and forget about the rest of the world for sixty minutes at a time? The Riddle Room of course!

Mind boggling puzzles and realistic riddles await you and your date. Try your hand at the Hideaway – a classic police themed escape room, the Hotel – a treasure hunt in an abandoned hotel, the Nightmare – enter a dreamworld (or is it something else?), or the Dungeon – pass the old king’s tests or else!

Revelations Escape Room

Grab your date, set your watch and get ready for fun at Expedition Escape Rooms. Canberra’s newest escape room will have you scratching your head and working with your date to find a way out.

Featuring deep puzzles with engaging and challenging obstacles, Revelations features Toxic (fight an evil lab from the inside), Doomsday (agents of a super-secret organization must uncover clues), and Cold Case (taking over when the police fail to solve a personal crime).

Metaphysica

Take things up a notch with Canberra’s newest sensation, virtual reality escape rooms! If you’re tired of traditional (boring) escape rooms, grab your date and head to Metaphysica.

Once inside, you’ll don VR headsets which truly push the boundaries of what you thought was possible in an escape room. Half a dozen options span the gauntlet from far future settings to jungle adventures and everything in between.

Concert Date Ideas

Live music and drinks

Sometimes you have to look for adventure and Molly Bar is no exception. One of the latest entries in Australia’s “secret entrance” bars, Molly Bar is like a trip back to the jazz clubs of yesteryear. Canberra’s jazz elites liven up the dance floor almost every night and traditional drinks and food are available anytime.

Food Truck Date Ideas

The G Spot Canberra is a food truck in Gungahlin that is receiving rave reviews! Head on down with your date and get ready for delicious food. From burgers to chicken schnitzel to the fan favorite surf-n-turf wrap, there’s plenty of food for a whole meal or enough snacks to count as appetizers!

Fares Bueller – Food trucks are a way to travel the world and Fares Bueller is no exception. Take your taste buds on an adventure to a modern take on traditional Lebanese food. Food truck staples such as burgers, wraps and salads are all present but with a twist. Try the Lebanese fried chicken burger, house made Knafeh or loaded fries with Zaatar salt and Persian feta.

Zaab Station

The next stop in our trip around the globe is Thailand, courtesy of Zaab Station. Drawing inspiration from South East Asia, you and your date can enjoy accurate Lao and Thai street food with a few modifications.

Thai originals like beef massamun curry, satay skewers and of course, pad Thai. Visit in person, order ahead via the app or website and pick up when you arrive, the choice is yours! Menu changes are frequent so be sure to check out their social media for all the latest.

Mr. Papa

Take a trip to Peru without leaving Australia at Mr. Papa! When any old food truck won’t foot the bill for you and your date, upgrade to Mr. Papa. The Chanchito, a pork belly burger, is a fan favorite but don’t sleep on the Pan Con Chorizo, a burger made from artisan smoked chorizo. Empanadas, wings and wings round out the menu that really must be seen to be believed!

Short Eats

Sri Lankan food may not be common in Canberra, but Short Eats has you covered. Relatively new to the food truck scene, Short Eats specialties include a chicken Chow Mein with chicken, veggies and noodles, the village rice for two, tandoori chicken, or chicken cheese paratha kottu. You and your date might think you’re feeling jet lag from all the authentic cuisine!

Tikka Stand

Tikka, tikka and a little more tikka! If you’re on the market for tikka rolls, tikka burgers, tikka and rice, even French fries with, what else, tikka seasoning, then the Tikka Stand is the perfect place for your next date. For even more convenience, order on the app then swing by the Coop at Soho in Dickson to avoid the queue.

things-to-do-in-canberra

Educational Date Ideas

Travel to the center of the galaxy, go inside a beehive or experience an earthquake! Is this some sort of blockbuster movie? No it’s your next date at Questacon: the national science and technology centre!

While a museum may not be the first place you think of for a date, you can certainly have a good time and learn a little something while you’re at it. With over two hundred interactive exhibits, you might have to go more than one time to fit everything in.

Federation Square at Gold Creek

Can’t decide what you want to do for your next date? Do it all at Federation Square. Take in some fine art at Aarwun Gallery. Hit the links at Mini Golf. Shop at boutiques such as Flight of Fancy, Calico Patch, Angelic Inspirations or Totally Country.

If you and your date have worked up an appetite from all that shopping, swing by the food court for local favorites. There’s cafes and appetizers, to full service restaurants, even some dessert choices.

BlocHaus

For a truly extreme date, head over to BlocHaus: Canberra’s indoor “rock” climbing adventure. Featuring multiple venues for all skill levels, BlocHaus will have you testing your mettle with rock climbing courses of varying heights and inclines. Perfect for the experienced pro and the novice alike.

Breakr

Ready to take out your frustrations? Grab your date and head down to Breakr! Upon arriving you’ll be issued an orange safety suit including face shield. What on earth would you need such protection for?

For protection from flying debris from all the things you’ll be breaking! Choose your weapon from the likes of hammers, baseball bats, even crowbars, then head into your break room. Once inside you’ll have everything from dishes to small electronics and appliances to beat into submission.

The Truffle Farm

Learn about all things truffle at the Truffle Farm Canberra. Get a history lesson on truffles, learn about the farming process, even about how dogs (and pigs) are trained to sniff them out. Different options are available, but for the full experience, plan your next date around the hunt and dinner option.

You are taken on a guided tour of the grounds with truffle hunting dogs. Whatever you find is then prepared for a three-course dinner. Truffles are known to be finnicky about their growing season so be sure to plan ahead. With limited availability, there’s limited space so book early.

what-to-do-in-canberra

Canberra Glassworks

If you and your date are looking for contemporary glass art, look no further than Canberra Glassworks. Home to Australia’s only cultural centre focused on glass, Canberra Glassworks is your one stop shop for learning about glasswork, interacting with local glass making artists, and even getting some hands-on time in the glassworks!

Artwork is made in all shapes and sizes and of course you can pick up some handcrafted glass on the way out in the gallery shop.

Dinner Date Ideas

Ottoman Cuisine

When it comes to dates in Canberra, sometimes the classics are the best and what is more classic than a gourmet dinner? At Ottoman Cuisine, bold tastes and a modern take on traditional Turkish fare will have you asking for more. It’s no secret either, as Ottoman Cuisine has been awarded numerous times as one of Canberra’s best restaurants. Nestled in a former government building, the restaurant is ornately decorated and ensconced by water fountains and lush gardens.

Locals rave about the Köfte, cooked to perfection with a side of homemade babaganoush. Looking for something more vegetarian, try the Manti: Turkish pasta that is hard to beat!

Update March 2022: Sorry to disappoint but Ottoman Cuisine is temporarily closed until it reopens in a new venue later in 2022.  

See More Date Ideas and Romantic Things to do Around Australia: