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Date ideas in Canberra
40 date ideas around Canberra, from the Last Post at the Australian War Memorial and a carillon recital on the lake to the climb up Mount Ainslie and a tasting by the fire at Clonakilla. Swipe through them above, or browse every one below. Each was checked on the place's own website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs. 13 are free.
Every date idea in Canberra, by kind
40
ideas
13
free
6
kinds
Sep 2026
last checked
Food and drink: 14 date ideas in Canberra
Stalls inside the Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston. Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
KINGSTON
Sunday grazing at the Old Bus Depot Markets
More than 200 stalls fill a 1927 transport depot near the Kingston Foreshore every Sunday. Follow the coffee and fresh bread through the gourmet food hall, eat in, and listen to local musicians. It's all indoors, so it works in any weather.
When Every Sunday 9:30am to 2:30pm
Cost Free to wander and free parking; food priced by each stall
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
MITCHELL
Early breakfast at the Capital Region Farmers Market
Over 100 growers and makers set up at Exhibition Park every Saturday morning, and about 15 of them sell ready-to-eat food. Get there early for breakfast, then fill a basket with fruit, bread and cheese to take home.
When Saturdays 7am to 11:30am
Cost Free to wander; food priced by each stall
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Clonakilla's cellar door, Murrumbateman. Photo: Camw · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MURRUMBATEMAN
A free tasting by the fire at Clonakilla
The Kirk family have made wine at Murrumbateman since 1971, and the cellar door pours their estate wines, including the Shiraz Viognier they call the benchmark for its style in Australia. Sit by the fire or out on the patio above the vines, and allow about an hour.
When Weekdays 11am to 4pm; weekends 10am to 5pm (booking preferred on weekends)
Cost Guided tasting free; no restaurant on site
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
MURRUMBATEMAN
Wood-fired pizza and a tasting flight at Four Winds Vineyard
An easy country lunch 30 minutes from Canberra. Share a tasting flight of four wines, then eat wood-fired pizza inside overlooking the vines or outside in the large undercover seating area.
When Daily; Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm, weekends 11am to 5pm; pizzas weekdays noon to 3pm, weekends 11:30am to 3:30pm
Cost Tasting flights $18 to $20; 9-inch pizzas $15 to $22; 10% surcharge Sundays, 15% public holidays
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
MURRUMBATEMAN
Wine and cheese for two with views at Shaw Estate
Shaw Estate's tasting room looks out across Murrumbateman and the Southern Tablelands. Its Dine and Taste for two is a bottle of Riscato with a cheese and charcuterie plate to share. There's also a Mediterranean restaurant with handmade pasta and a wood-fired grill.
When Tastings Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm; restaurant lunch Friday to Sunday from 11:30am, dinner Thursday to Saturday from 5:30pm
Cost Tastings $10 (four wines) or $15 (six); Dine and Taste $65 for two
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
FYSHWICK
Beers and a Brodburger at Capital Brewing's Fyshwick taproom
Capital Brewing pours its own beers straight from the brewery at Dairy Road, and Brodburger's red caravan serves burgers on site. Once a month on a Saturday you can book the brewery tour, which includes a middy at the start and a schooner at the end.
When Daily from 11:30am (to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, 10pm Friday and Saturday); tours about one Saturday a month (dates on the tours page)
Cost Schooners from $9.95; brewery tour $25 each (18+, enclosed shoes)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
MITCHELL
A free spirits tasting at The Canberra Distillery
This small-batch distillery in Mitchell offers free tastings of its gins, vodkas, liqueurs, whisky and rum, with a staff member to guide you. You might even try what's being distilled that day. For a longer visit, book a Saturday gin and tonic masterclass with a grazing platter (sessions listed on its page).
When Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm; closed Sundays and public holidays
Cost Tasting free; Spirits and Chocolate Experience $35; Gin and Tonic Masterclass $70 each
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
BentSpoke Brewing's Braddon brewpub. Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
BRADDON
A pint and beer bread at BentSpoke's Braddon BrewPub
BentSpoke brews everything on site and has 26 beers and ciders on tap, plus two hand-pumped ales. The chandeliers are welded from bike parts, and the kitchen cooks with beer and brewing ingredients: try the beer bread or the hop salt chips.
When Daily from 11am until late; kitchen to 9pm Sunday to Wednesday, 10pm Thursday to Saturday
Cost Beer bread or hop salt chips $14; tacos from $18; burgers and sandwiches $17 to $27.50
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Canberra Theatre Centre, next door to Such and Such. Photo: Shkuru Afshar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CANBERRA CITY
Oysters at Such and Such's happy hour, before the theatre
Such and Such sits next to the Canberra Theatre in Constitution Place and has more than 500 wines on its list. From 3pm to 5pm oysters are half price and there are drink specials. Going to a show? Book the 90-minute Here and There menu.
When Happy hour Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to 5pm; open all day Tuesday to Saturday, Monday from 5pm
Cost Happy hour oysters $3.50 each, prosecco $12; pre-theatre Here and There menu $85 a person; 15% surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The Melbourne Building, home of Bar Rochford. Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CANBERRA CITY
Wine and records upstairs at Bar Rochford
A wine and cocktail bar hidden on the first floor of the Melbourne Building, which it calls one of the capital's oldest buildings. The staff play records, the wine list changes often, and the food runs from rock oysters to a $95 set menu. Walk in for drinks and snacks.
When Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm until late
Cost Oysters $6 each; set menu $95 a person; 1.5% card fee; 15% surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
BRADDON
Handmade pasta at Italian and Sons on Lonsdale Street
An Italian restaurant on Lonsdale Street with a hat in several Good Food Guides and a much-awarded wine list. All the pasta is made in house, and each night it's open there's a different main, several of them from the wood fire.
When Dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm; lunch Wednesday to Friday from noon
Cost Pastas $37 to $39; wood-baked focaccia from $14
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
SPRINGRANGE
Country lunch and a wine tasting at Poachers Pantry
A family-run smokehouse, vineyard and restaurant just over the border near Hall. The seasonal lunch menu uses produce from the kitchen garden, and the cellar door is inside the restaurant, so you can taste before you choose a bottle.
When Wednesday to Sunday; lunch 11:30am to 3pm, cellar door and coffee 10:30am to 5pm (bookings recommended on weekends)
Cost Splash tastings free; seated six-wine tasting $15 each; large plates $34 to $65
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
AINSLIE
A tasting menu at Pilot, behind the Ainslie shops
A 24-seat restaurant tucked behind the Ainslie shops that serves tasting menus only, with an all-Australian drinks list. On Thursday nights you can bring your own wine, and all corkage goes to an organisation chosen for that month.
When Dinner Thursday to Sunday from 6pm; lunch Saturday and Sunday from noon
Cost Lunch menu $120 a person, Pilot Menu $160, Extended Menu $205; drinks pairings extra; 15% surcharge on public holidays
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
BARTON
A long lakeside lunch at The Boat House
Fine dining right on Lake Burley Griffin at Grevillea Park. The modern Australian menu changes daily. Lunch is a set-price two or three courses with the lake in view, and dinner is the four-course menu, served with a wine list that has won several awards.
When Lunch Friday to Sunday; dinner Thursday to Saturday; closed public holidays
Cost Lunch two courses $80 or three $92; four-course dinner $130 a person (spring 2026 menus)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Shows and music: 8 date ideas in Canberra
Questacon on King Edward Terrace. Photo: Bidgee · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PARKES
Adults-only night at Questacon: After Dark: Rewind
Questacon opens after hours for over-18s only, with 2000s music, a photo booth, slime-filled science experiments, live video-game music from Extra Lives, and themed drinks and food from the Atomic Cafe.
When Friday 16 October 2026, 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Cost $36 each ($28 members and concessions)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace. Photo: DaHuzyBru · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PARKES
An afternoon at the National Portrait Gallery
Wander the faces of the national collection in the gallery on King Edward Terrace, between the High Court and the National Gallery, then sit down in its café.
When Daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day); café until 4.30pm
Cost Free entry (some exhibitions and parking paid; no cash)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Canberra Museum and Gallery on Civic Square. Photo: Nick-D · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CANBERRA CITY
Sidney Nolan at the Canberra Museum and Gallery
CMAG on Civic Square looks after the Nolan Collection, paintings from 1945 to 1953 that Sidney Nolan gifted to the nation, alongside mostly free exhibitions on Canberra's history, people and art.
When Daily 10am to 4pm (closed some public holidays)
Cost Free (most exhibitions)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
CANBERRA CITY
Tuesday jazz jam at Smith's Alternative
Every Tuesday, local jazz players get an open jam going at Smith's Alternative, upstairs or down, in the Melbourne Building in Civic. It's a listening room, so keep your conversation low.
When Tuesdays 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Cost Free (a pot is passed around)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
BELCONNEN
A Smith's@Belco gig in the lakeside theatre
Belco Arts and Smith's Alternative bring touring acts to the lakeside theatre in Belconnen: Things of Stone and Wood on 14 November and Katie Noonan on 28 November. Eat first at the arts centre's lakeside café-bar, open until 9pm Thursday to Saturday.
When Saturdays 14 and 28 November 2026, 7pm
Cost Ticketed (from $58 each)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
CANBERRA CITY
A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas
The Canberra Comedy Festival's two-hour Christmas gala puts some of the best acts from its coming festival on one bill at the Canberra Theatre.
When Friday 4 December 2026, 7.30pm
Cost $67 each ($62 concession); transaction fee applies
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The Nishi building foyer in NewActon, where Palace Electric is. Photo: Alvinz · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
ACTON
Italian Film Festival nights at Palace Electric
The ST. ALi Italian Film Festival's special screenings at Palace Electric in NewActon come with a drink on arrival: a Limoncello Spritz and music at Napoli Night, and a Campari and soda (or mocktail) plus ice cream for the Closing Night premiere of The Echo Chamber.
When Napoli Night Friday 9 October, 6.30pm; Closing Night Thursday 15 October 2026, 6.15pm
Cost $34 each (Closing Night $42)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra at Llewellyn Hall. Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
ACTON
Verdi's Requiem with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra
The CSO, its chorus and four opera soloists, conducted by Jessica Cottis, perform Verdi's thunderous Requiem at Llewellyn Hall. Under-35s pay $35.
When Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2026, 7.30pm
Cost $64 to $130 each (under 35 $35); transaction fee applies
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
For couples: 7 date ideas in Canberra
The War Memorial's Commemorative Courtyard, where the ceremony is held. Photo: Nick-D · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CAMPBELL
The Last Post Ceremony at the War Memorial
Each afternoon the Memorial closes with a piper's lament, the story of one name from the Roll of Honour and the sounding of the Last Post in the Commemorative Courtyard. Arrive early; it's popular and spaces can't be reserved.
When Daily at about 4.30pm (Memorial open 10am to 5pm, closed Christmas Day)
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The House of Representatives chamber, seen from the public gallery. Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CAPITAL HILL
Watch Parliament at work from the public galleries
On sitting days Parliament House stays open until 6pm, and the public can sit in the chamber galleries into the evening while the Senate or House is still in session. Allow 15 minutes for airport-style security.
When Sitting days (see the Parliament's sitting calendar); galleries open after 6pm while the chambers sit
Cost Free (first hour of parking free)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The National Carillon on Queen Elizabeth II Island. Photo: Thennicke · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PARKES
A carillon recital on the lake
The National Carillon's 57 bronze bells are played live from a keyboard in the tower, with programs ranging from Bach to Star Wars. Listen from Queen Elizabeth II Island or nearby Kings Park.
When Wednesdays and Sundays (Sundays usually 12.30pm; times and programs on the NCA page)
Cost No ticket needed to listen outdoors
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The National Library of Australia, Parkes. Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PARKES
The National Library's free tour and Treasures Gallery
Join the free 45-minute volunteer tour into the Library's behind-the-scenes stacks, then browse highlights of the collection in the Treasures Gallery and finish at the Bookplate café.
When Tours daily at 11am from the Foyer (15 people max; walk-ups welcome, bookings first)
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Floriade's spring beds in Commonwealth Park. Photo: Maksym Kozlenko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PARKES
Floriade, by day or at NightFest
Walk among more than a million spring blooms at Floriade in Commonwealth Park, free by day. Or buy tickets for NightFest, when the gardens are lit up after dark with food stalls, live music and a headline act each night.
When Daily 9.30am–5.30pm to 11 Oct 2026; NightFest 1–4 Oct, 6.30–10.30pm
Cost Free by day; NightFest $41.50 each plus booking fees
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
A wetland pond in Tidbinbilla's Sanctuary. Photo: Natalie Maguire · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PADDYS RIVER
Look for platypus at Tidbinbilla's Sanctuary
Stroll the 2.1 km path past the Sanctuary's wetland ponds, fenced from predators for about 40 years, watching for platypuses, birds and rock-wallabies.
When Daily 7.30am–6pm (to 8pm in daylight saving); closed Christmas Day and may close on Total Fire Ban days
Cost $16.09 day pass per car
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
NICHOLLS
A couples massage at Urban Retreat
Book Urban Retreat's Couple Retreat: an organic essential-oil massage for two in your own private room, with champagne and chocolate on the 60- and 90-minute versions.
When Daily 9am–9pm
Cost $185 for 60 minutes, $255 for 90, $395 for 120; 10% public holiday surcharge
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Views and climbs: 6 date ideas in Canberra
The view from the Mount Ainslie summit lookout. Photo: Orion Kahza · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CAMPBELL
Climb Mount Ainslie from behind the War Memorial
Take the sealed Kokoda Track up Mount Ainslie to the 842-metre summit, looking out over the bush capital and Lake Burley Griffin to the Tidbinbilla Range and Namadgi beyond. Steep in parts, with steps.
When Any day
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Red Hill Nature Reserve, looking out from Davidson Trig. Photo: Dhx1 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
RED HILL
The Red Track and Red Hill Lookout
Walk the 3.2 km Red Track loop through Red Hill Nature Reserve, the bush ridge behind Parliament House, and take in the views over central Canberra and the lake from Red Hill Lookout, which you can also drive up to. Some steep, rocky sections on the track.
When Any day; about an hour
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Nest III on Dairy Farmers Hill, National Arboretum. Photo: David.moreno72 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
MOLONGLO VALLEY
Picnic at Dairy Farmers Hill, National Arboretum
Drive or walk up to the Arboretum's Dairy Farmers Hill lookout for 360-degree views over Canberra, with the Nest III eagle sculpture and a picnic table beside it. The nearby Himalayan cedar forest, with its 100-year-old trees, has free electric barbecues.
When Grounds daily 7am–5.30pm (6am–8.30pm in daylight saving)
Cost Free; forest car parks, including Dairy Farmers Hill, are free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The misted Rainforest Gully at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Photo: Adigautam5 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
ACTON
Botanic Gardens, then up Black Mountain
Wander the Australian National Botanic Gardens' misted Rainforest Gully boardwalks, then leave by the side gate and follow the Summit Trail up Black Mountain, 5.4 km round trip from the visitor centre.
When Gardens daily 8.30am–5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Cost Parking $3.80 an hour, $16 a day maximum
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK
Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park
Walk 2.5 km return through tall forest to fantastic views from the top of Booroomba Rocks' massive granite cliffs. Some steep sections and a moderate level of bushwalking experience needed; unsealed road in, and mind the cliff edge.
When Any day; about 1.5 hours return from the car park
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Balloons in the early-morning sky over Yarralumla. Photo: Neuroxic · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
YARRALUMLA
Sunrise balloon flight over Canberra
Float over the capital at dawn with Balloon Aloft, flying 45–60 minutes as the sun fills the valley and lakes. Meet in the Park Hyatt foyer about half an hour before sunrise.
When Early mornings; allow 3–4 hours
Cost $430 each weekdays, $480 weekends and public holidays; $475/$525 with breakfast
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Make something: 3 date ideas in Canberra
MITCHELL
Throw pots together at The Ceramic Studio ACT
In the Earth to Art class you each learn to centre and throw on the wheel and make up to three pieces, then come back 4–6 weeks later to glaze them. The pieces come out food safe.
When Sessions listed on the studio's booking calendar, including evenings and weekends
Cost $119 each (some sessions from $99)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
BELCONNEN
Paint and sip at Pinot & Picasso Belconnen
Paint side by side at Belconnen's paint-and-sip studio, with art supplies included and a fridge and glassware for the drinks and food you bring. The session list includes themed nights such as Paint your Partner.
When Sessions listed on the studio's page; about 2–3 hours
Cost $75 each ($79 themed nights)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
O'CONNOR
A home cooking class at Food for Taught
Cook a Sardinian feast, fresh pasta or French classics in Fiona Lynch-Magor's own kitchen in O'Connor, with two hours of hands-on cooking and time at the end to taste what you made. Classes take six people at most.
When Classes listed on Food for Taught's booking page; 2.5 hours
Cost From $220 each on current listings
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
On the water: 2 date ideas in Canberra
Kingston Harbour, where GoBoat hires leave from. Photo: Grahamec · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
KINGSTON
Captain your own picnic boat on Lake Burley Griffin
Hire a GoBoat electric picnic boat from Kingston Harbour, no licence needed, bring a picnic, and cruise past the National Carillon, the High Court and, on longer trips, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
When Book 1, 2 or 3 hours
Cost From $139 for 1 hour, $229 for 2 hours, $319 for 3 hours (boats fit up to 8)
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
The Kingston Foreshore waterfront by Trevillian Quay. Photo: Alvinz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
KINGSTON
Pedal boats at Kingston Foreshore
Pedal a four-seat boat around Lake Burley Griffin from Love Boats' jetty on Trevillian Quay. No booking needed; just turn up.
When Weekends 10am–5pm, weather permitting
Cost $40 for 30 minutes, $60 an hour
Checked on the official website, 27 Sep 2026
Can't decide? Let the deck pick your Canberra date
Stuck for date night ideas, or for things to do together at the weekend? Instead of scrolling lists, let the deck deal you one date idea at a time. Swipe right on the ones you like, left on the ones you don't, and within a few minutes you have a shortlist to choose from, or just take the first one you both said yes to.
How it works
Swipe to decide. Each card is one date: what to do, where it is, when it's on and what it costs. Swipe right (or tap Save) to keep it, left (or Skip) to see the next.
Share it with your date. Share sends a link that opens the deck on the same card, so the other person can say yes too.
Keep the ones you like. Saved ideas stay under the deck and on the map. Sign in and they're kept in My Places on every device.
Filter by the kind of date. Food and drink, shows and music, on the water, views and climbs, making something together, or ideas for couples.
Where the date ideas come from
Every idea of ours names a real place and was checked on its official website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs, with a link to that website and the date it was checked. Ideas with an end date leave the deck once they finish. Photos come from Wikimedia Commons and are credited on each card. Mixed in are bookable tours and experiences, clearly marked, with today's prices.
Questions
Can it pick a date for us?
Yes. Swipe until one appeals, or save a few and choose between them. For a single answer, the date wheel picks one at random.
Is it free?
Yes. Many of the ideas are free too: walks, lookouts, galleries, markets and swims.
Do we need an account?
No. Saves stay in your browser; sign in only if you want them on other devices.
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Every idea links to the place’s own website and was checked there on the date shown; times and prices change, so check before you go. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.