In this day and age, people can go on a date at the swipe of a finger, so planning the best first date can be intimidating – not to mention an absolute drag when there’s so much competition. That’s why this list is compiled with fun, unique and exciting date ideas to do in Canberra – ranging for different people, weather, and price points making YOU stand out from the crowd.
With these quirky and fun date ideas, you’re absolutely set up to have a good time!
OUR TOP PICKS FOR FIRST DATE IDEAS IN CANBERRA
1) URBAN AXE THROWING AT AXXEE
Perhaps throwing an axe is a weird idea for a first date, but that’s exactly why you should do it! It’s fun, quirky, and different. Not only does this activity give you both something to laugh, joke, and talk about…but you can also make little games to get to know each other (e.g., “if I make this target, then you have to answer one question honestly and vice versa).
It’s also a good way to blow off some steam, especially if you get the combo package ($80 per person) and visit their smash room.
Bonus – it’s good for any weather!
Pro: it’s not too costly and also a good way to see if they have good aim.
Con: may be busy…. Be sure to book in advance!
This is the ideal date for outgoing active types & people who enjoy stepping out of their comfort zone.
2) VISIT QUESTACON
Perhaps this location seems a little on the nose, but there’s so many exhibitions, shows, and workshops available at this location. Tickets aren’t too expensive and there’s a cafe on location, so you can always walk around with your date, take in the sights, talk, enjoy yourselves and then grab a coffee and something to eat. It’s the perfect low maintenance, casual and affordable first date.
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: there’s lots of cool things to see and learn.
Con: can be extremely busy, especially on weekends and have lots of children.
This date idea is best suited for tourists, knowledge seekers, and science lovers.
3) WATCH A FILM AT SUNSET CINEMA
Turn on the romance by getting back into the classics of “dinner and a show.” At Sunset Cinema, you can grab something to eat and watch a film. Take a picnic blanket, along with some pillows or cushions and get cosy with your date.
Pro: not too expensive, can be an intimate setting under the stars.
Con: can be busy or hard to get a good spot – best to get there early. Also it’s better to go when the weather is nice and can be impacted by rain. Granted, rainy weather can equal romance and funny memories too!
This date idea is best for movie buffs, introverts, and outdoorsy types.
4) GO TO TIMEZONE & BOWLING
Arcades can seem childlike, but that’s the appeal – sometimes it’s great to just turn back the clock and unwind with your date in a carefree environment. Be goofy, silly, and have some fun! Play a few rounds of bowling, get something to eat, then visit the arcade, playing a few games together – it’ll be a great way to break the ice and create fun memories together. Also, you might be able to win your date something cool.
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: it’s different and quirky. Indoors so it’s good for any weather, too.
Con: can be very busy, particularly out of school hours, and have a lot of loud children.
This date idea is best for Aries star signs, silly/goofy types, and video game lovers.
5) GO KARTING AT POWER KART
Get your date’s heart pumping with some friendly competition going on the go karts together. It’s not too costly, depending on the package you choose, and it’s something for you both to do together – making precious memories and having a blast!
Pro: it’s fun and will give you something to discuss afterward.
Con: it’s less intimate and doesn’t involve much talking.
This date is ideal for adrenaline junkies and people who enjoy driving.
6) ICE SKATING AT POWER KART
Like the idea of couples activities, but don’t like to drive? Don’t worry, Power Karts has you covered! You can also go ice skating at this location, which is a more intimate way of getting to know each other and also cost effective. You can possibly skate together or hold hands? It’s a great way to bond. I mean, there’s a reason why ice skating is often seen in romance movies….
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: it’s romantic.
Con: can be busy, particularly on weekends.
This date is perfect for activity lovers.
7) MINI GOLF AT JUNGLE GOLF
Golf in style and romance. Not only is this date idea cost effective and romantic, but the glow course offers some mood lighting as you and your date place and get to know each other. Pro tip, you can also make little games to get to know each other (e.g., “if I make this shot, then you have to answer one question honestly and vice versa).
Bonus – bookings aren’t required and it’s good for all kinds of weather.
Pro: it’s often easier to avoid awkward silence when you’re doing something. It gives you both something to discuss. Also, the golf course looks cool/pretty.
Con: can be busy.
This date is best for people who enjoy competition & activities.
8) PICNIC AT AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Activities aren’t for you? We have you covered.
Unwind with a romantic picnic at Australian National Botanic Gardens – beautiful and serene, this location is not only easy on the eyes but has a relaxing energy, so you and your date can relax and get to know each other in peace. Bonus points if you prepare their favourite food(s) and/or desserts.
Pro: it’s free (aside from parking).
Con: needs to be good weather.
This date idea is best for earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) and nature lovers.
9) GO FOR A WALK AT BEIJING GARDEN
Back in the day, when you wanted to court someone you’d take them for a walk around the garden. Travel back in time by engaging with the classics of going for a walk and talking with your date – it’s low pressure, low maintenance and a good way to get to know your date in a beautiful and romantic environment.
This location is also good for taking photographs together.
Pro: it’s an adventure!
Con: can be tiring with all the walking around….
This date idea is best for earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), culture lovers and nature lovers.
10) VISIT BLACK MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is such a breath-taking location. It’s the perfect environment for a relaxing and memorable first date. With all the fresh air and trees, you and your date can get to know each other in serenity.
Pro: nature is healing and you can take lots of photos – perhaps to put into a photobook someday if you decide to keep dating?
Con: Definitely need good weather – unless you like walking in the rain. Will also need to take drinks and food (perhaps have a BBQ?)
This date idea is best for earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) and nature lovers.
11) VISIT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Impress your date by taking them to the National Museum of Australia and drinking in the exhibits. This date idea gives you both something to discuss (the exhibitions) and after you both walk around for a while, you can grab a coffee and food at the cafe and discuss things a little more. Affordable, casual and sweet – this date is a relaxed and refreshing way to get to know each other.
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: it’s a quiet and history rich environment.
Con: admission is free, but you are prompted to give a $5 donation upon arrival (and may look cheap if you don’t).
This date is best for knowledge seekers & history buffs.
12) VISIT CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY
There’s something classy about taking your date to the museum and gallery. Whether you know a lot about art, or are learning, it gives you both something to discuss as you walk around and compare/discuss your opinions on the exhibitions. It does help if you have some prior knowledge of art or artists, but even if you don’t – it looks good that you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and learn. Just try and prepare some things to talk about prior.
And after you both walk around for a while, you can grab a coffee and a light snack at the café and discuss things a little more. Just be sure to check the website prior to your visit to ensure there’s no special exhibitions going on – you certainly don’t want to miss them!
Bonus – it’s also good for all kinds of weather!
Pro: most exhibitions are free.
Con: can be tiring as it involves a bit of walking.
This date is best for knowledge seekers & art lovers.
13) EAT A DELICIOUS MEAL AT COURGETTE
Sometimes the classics work best and if you’re going to wine and dine your date, well, you may as well eat in style. Courgette has a vast range of fancy dishes for you and your date to try, along with numerous positive reviews.
This restaurant is so beautiful it’s been mentioned in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Pros: Not only do the meals look good, but they’re absolutely delicious!
Cons: Can be pricey. Make sure you book reservations well in advance as this location can easily get booked out.
This date idea is perfect for foodies and Taurus star signs.
14) GRAB A MOUTH WATERING MEAL AT RAKU
Hungry but want something different? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Much like the restaurant listed above, Raku has a vast menu, with Instagram worthy meals and a ton of positive reviews – literally over 2000! Whether you love Japanese or just want to try something different, Raku has something on the menu for you!
Pros: Not only do the meals look good in how they’re presented/prepared, but they’re absolutely delicious!
Cons: Can be pricey. Make sure you book reservations well in advance as this location can easily get booked out.
This date idea is perfect for foodies, culture lovers and Taurus star signs.
15) WATCH A SHOW AT CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE
This beautiful theater is bound to set the mood to romance – with its history and gorgeous architecture. Also, there’s typically always good shows to be seen.
Bonus points if you grab food prior (perhaps at one of the restaurants listed above), keeping to the timeless date classic of “dinner and show.”
Pro: it’s an interesting experience and good for any type of weather, assuming both you and your date have transport.
Con: depending on the show you watch, you may not like it.
This date idea is best for introverts, movie goers, theater / drama lovers.
