Canberra. It’s our capital city. Home of Parliament and… the ideal destination for V-Day? Don’t be so quick to dismiss the romantic appeal of this cultural melting pot. No, seriously.
Remember those primary school days where you’d cram into a coach, overnight bag and permission slip at the ready, an excursion to Parliament on the horizon?
Excitement abounded over the fact that you were spending the night away from home. And then you woke up to your teachers advising you to get your worksheets ready for your trip to Parliament and all excitement flew out the window.
Well, not this time. This time there’ll be no teachers, assignments, or permission slips to Canberra. This time, you’ll make new memories and truly see the city in all its glory with your special someone. From its bevy of museums and historical attractions, to its colourful nightlife, youthful exuberance and food and wine festivals, this inland attraction has been hiding right under your nose all this time and you haven’t even considered it. Until now.
Valentines Day City Guides Canberra
Table of contents
How should you spend Valentine's Day in Canberra?
Things to do in Canberra on Valentine's Day
Shop online for Valentine's Day gifts
Places to stay in Canberra on Valentine's Day
Current deals and specials for Valentine's Day
Why shop at finder.com.au for Valentine's Day?
How should you spend Valentine's Day in Canberra?
Getting to Canberra is the easy part. It’s only a couple of hours drive for Sydneysiders and for those flying in from Melbourne or Brisbane, the flights are short and frequent. Hint: keep your eyes on sites like Expedia.com for last-minute specials. It’s the deciding on what to do when you arrive/land that can be challenging. Consider what you enjoy doing as a couple as a reference for how you should plan your stay.
The good news is that Canberra is small, so whether you’ve driven in or are planning to leg it, traversing from one locale to another will not be an issue. It also has a de-centralised design, meaning the city will never feel crowded, and the two of you can sidle up to one another without a stray hand (read, stranger) joining the party, whatever activities you decide upon doing.
Naturally, Canberra is a mecca for history and culture fanatics. If your idea of a date is meandering through a gallery discussing pointillism and pop-art (if you don’t know what either are, skip this paragraph now) then you’ll wish to hit up the museums. The National Gallery is currently hosting Gold and the Incas: Lost World’s of Peru , the National Film and Sound Archive is showing Gotye’s interactive sound and light sculpture (he’s not just a singer, he’s an artist), and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is exhibiting Insurgence - art as a platform for politics . Hey, if it’s romantic to you, who are we to judge?
But if pushing those memories of school days into oblivion is your objective, there are plenty other options to fill your day and avoid the crowds. Canberra is surrounded by natural landscapes and, with them, many outdoor activities including mountain bike riding, tobogganing, and ranger-guided walks through nature reserves for more active couples. If you’ve decided to drive in, you may even wish to spread your wings and explore the rest of the ACT. There are many relaxing scenic drives and tours through the wilderness, and camping grounds to lay rest in. For foodies, there’s also a bevy of bountiful wineries to explore and clink your glasses of tipple to. In fact, there are 33 wineries within 35 minutes of Canberra. They don’t teach you that in primary school.
Things to do in Canberra on Valentine's Day
Fun
Questacon
We don’t need no education. But we’ll take it if there’s this much fun involved. It’s just as awesome as you remember it to be - promise.
Big Splash Waterpark
Zip down waterslides and feel like a kid again. It might not be Wet ‘n’ Wild, but it sure makes a splash.
Night At The Museum Love
Only in Canberra would you find an exhibition on leerrve. The museum will be alive with music, games, a silent disco, and robots. For unconventional couples only.
Romantic
Balloon Aloft Canberra
Nothing says romance like an exclusive flight for two, glass of champagne in hand and nation’s capital spanning below.
Champagne Supper Season at Paci Spa
Treatment for two with a sparkling wine and a platter or patisserie breakfast on the terrace overlooking Ginninderra Falls gorge? Bliss.
The Poachers Way - Summerside Festival
Wake up to a lazy long lunch, the afternoon mulling over wine, and the evening dining on tapas as the twilight movie begins. V-Day itin: sorted.
Exciting
Ride Canberra - Mountain Biking
Five main mountain biking treks across various terrains and difficulties. The only thing left to do is decide which one to take.
Grand Prix Karting
Appease his need, his need for speed. Time his lap around the 200m indoor track or join him inside a dual kart. If he lets you...
Lake Burley Griffin
Row, sail, kayak, canoe, windsurf, dragon boat race or simply paddle boat Canberra’s renowned lake.
Shop online for Valentine's Day gifts
Gifts for him
eCufflinks - Silver Superman Shield Cufflinks
Isn’t this one obvious? Because he’s your Superman. Ngaw!.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Marc by Marc Jacobs 13” Computer Case
Give his laptop a stylish makeover with this plaid-printed nylon casing. Available in blue or red prints.
WeWood Jupiter Black Watch
Environmentally conscious? Bit of a tree hugger? WeWood watches are sleek timepieces made from 100% Tasmanian wood that’s sustainably grown.
The Mens Shop - Ben Sherman Black Gingham Check Bow Tie
You can leave your tie on. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge.
The Mens Shop - Vitaman Shave Pod Gift Pack
The cleaner shaved a man is, the more kissable he is. Agreed? This travel-friendly pack comes with shave gel, face moisturiser and face & body cleanser.
Gifts for her
Bellucci Collection - Clutch C 2012 PRP
Money. She’s got it and she needs to put it somewhere. Could be in your wallet, could be in this. We know which she’d prefer.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Sydney Evan - Pavé Diamond Love Pendant Necklace/Rose Gold
These are diamonds she will most definitely love - especially as they’re set in 14k rose gold. Love knows no expense.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Diane von Furstenberg - 3D Lips Softcase for iPhone 5
Who will she love more - her phone or you? Guess it depends on if you add a phone with that case...
Macy's - b.tempt’d by Wacoal La Parisienne Push Up Bra and Hipster
This could be for her. This could be for you. Let’s say it’s for her. That sounds more correct… right?
Morgan and Taylor - Brenda Floppy
For the dainty lady on your arm, this classic floppy comes in navy, ivory and black. An exceptional accessory to any sunny day.
Gifts to share
Different Drop - Sparkling Mixed Six Pack
Celebrations are in store. You’re celebrating the notion that there are six bottles of sparkling here. Three for him, and three for her.
Espresso Point - Maxi - Black Coffee Machine and Automatic Milk Frother
Long nights getting frisky under the sheets can result in a difficult wake-up in the morning. Coffee will make it easier.
Saks Fifth Avenue - L’ATELIER d’exercices - Feather Clock
Like something uncovered from a cabinet of curiosities, this unique timepiece features delicate partridge and pheasant feathers for clock hands on a circle of painted wood.
Kush Living - Aluminium Two Bottle Champagne Cooler
Well, those bottles of wine had to chill somewhere, didn’t they? Again, one for him. One for her.
iSubscribe - Holidays For Couples magazine subscription
If you’ve read this far, then Holidays For Couples will hit the spot. Read up on your next holiday destination together. And your next, and your next...
Gifts for kids
Belinda Janes - Winnie The Pooh Disney Pooh Soft Toy Large
Kids will adore this super soft and super huggable 30cm plush. Safe for all ages, he comes in his signature red outfit with Pooh embroidery.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Burberry - Boy’s Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater
Stylish little man? He’ll treasure this trendy v-neck. It’s woven from warm merino wool and features an inner trim in signature Burberry check.
Saks Fifth Avenue - Alex Toys - Classic Pink Neon Satchel
Pink is the new black. Perfectly sized for school books, girls will adore toting this stunner around the playground.
Belinda Janes - Martin Gulliver Designs Children’s 7 Piece Melamine Gift Set
All of a child’s dining needs with the bonus of learning the alphabet. Set includes knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl, cup, and egg cup.
Bright Bots - Puppy Tee - Stretch Cotton Jersey
She too can commemorate V-Day in this sweet pink top. Metallic threading and heart embroideries and applique make this a heartfelt gift.
Places to stay in Canberra on Valentine's Day
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Luxury in the heart of the city, thy name is the Hyatt Hotel. Picture spacious black marble bathrooms, a private massage oasis, floodlit tennis court, and an extensive continental breakfast every morning (optional). Located in Capital Hill, your neighbours also include; Albert Hall, Old Parliament House and National Museum of Australia.
Rydges Capital Hill
Similar location to the Hyatt, for a fraction of the price. If that’s not enough to convince you, Rydges has been newly refurbished with new carpets, curtains, bed heads and tables. Best of all, every room comes with Rydges’ signature Dream bed. City? What city?
Diamant Hotel Canberra
Youthful and trendy, this boutique hotel boasts a modern decor, artworks by emerging and established artists, and sits in the heart of new Acton Precinct - notably Canberra’s first urban village. Chill out at the Library bar at the end of a long day. Or the beginning of one...
Mercure Canberra
Continue your historical trip in the plush surroundings of one of Canberra’s oldest hotels. Dating back to 1927, this charming abode lives in the heart of the CBD. Snap up an exhibition package to save big. Pet accommodation available, so you can even avoid ‘pet peeves’ when you return home.
ANU - University House Hotel
Verdant surroundings give way to spacious rooms and that much-desired air of tranquility a trip away from the city requires. Sure, the rooms are basic and they are on a university campus, but with prices as low as $133 p.n., it’s a sacrifice worth making.
McMillan Gardens Furnished Apartments, Griffith
Offering a variety of bedroom accommodation for whatever your needs are, McMillan Gardens is boutique style meets homely comforts. Pick up fresh produce from the nearby Fyshwick Markets, and cook ‘em on the on-site barbie. Or, take a 5-minute to Manuka to indulge in a spot of boutique shopping.
Current deals and specials for Valentine's Day Canberra
Flowers for Everyone - 10% Discount with Signup
Get 10% off your first order at Flowers for Everyone. Simply signup now to get your discount.
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Amazon - Valentines Day Ideas
View Sale on Site
Amazon - Beautiful flower bouquets from $9.99
Choose from a wide variety of flowers from Amazon, delivered straight to you door.
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Last verified 7 Feb 2014
Why shop at finder.com.au for Valentine's Day?
Competitive prices. Some of our featured online retailers, such as Expedia, offer fee-free services and bookings as well as price match guarantees if you find a cheaper price for the same product or service.
Last minute deals and daily specials. Enjoy last-minute and special deals with our featured merchants. Make packaged purchases (e.g. flight + hotel stay) and save even more.
Warranty. Many of our featured online merchants offer warranties or guarantees on their products, so you can shop with peace of mind.
Flexible shipping options. Many of our featured online retailers offer a variety of shipping options from same-day and VIP delivery to weekend delivery for your convenience.
Returns and exchanges. Some of our online featured retailers offer free returns within a set number of days. So if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can expect a hassle-free return.
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