Your guide to alphabet dating in Canberra
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Trying to spice up date night? You might have seen the alphabet dating trend going around on social media. Here we break down how to do it in Canberra.
The concept is simple: you work your way through the alphabet, with each date starting with the next letter. Offering a fun and creative way to plan dates, you can either work your way from A to Z or pick a letter at random – the choice is yours! And from antique hunting to zero-proof cocktails, we’ve got you covered with ideas in Canberra that’ll have you discovering new spots and creating seriously memorable experiences together.
Ready to get started? Here’s your A to Z guide to dating.
A
Antique hunting is always a lot of fun, with Canberra’s very own vintage trail located in Fyshwick. Make sure to pay Dirty Janes and Designer Op Shop Emporium a visit, but there’s plenty of choices for those on the hunt. You can also visit one of our many art galleries – from the National Gallery of Australia to some newer independent art galleries. Looking for something more adventurous? Check out Canberra’s very own Archery Club, which hosts ‘Come and Try’ sessions for beginners on Sundays!
B
Browse an independent bookstore on your next date night for a wholesome activity that won’t break the bank – here are 15 of them in Canberra. Nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens for a serene (and romantic) day together. And a brunch date is a classic for a reason. Check out our Food + Drink section for suggestions on where to go!
C
A comedy night will tickle your funny bone and luckily, Canberra is always overflowing with shows. Check out Comedy ACT to see what comedians are coming and when you can catch them. Foodies can book into a Cheese and Wine Masterclass at Le Cheeserie for a fun afternoon. They’ll work with you to select three cheeses of your liking and pair them with accompaniments, crackers, and specially selected wines! But a cooking class is also a good idea – and it might make deciding what to make for dinner that much easier. We recommend booking in at Food for Taught (which you can read all about here).
D
Pay a visit to Canberra’s very own late dessert café Bunny Beans Night Café for a sweet treat that will have you drooling. A day trip into our surrounding region is a fun date idea – not only will it get you out of the house, but you might discover something new! Here are four of the most photogenic options (because does it count if it’s not on the ‘gram?). And shake it out at a dance class at one of the many amazing studios in Canberra.
E
Canberra is home to some amazing coffee, with many spots known for their excellent espresso – so why not go tasting? Pop into Espresso Room, ONA Coffee House, Lonsdale Street Roasters and Lava Espresso to decide who makes the best brew. As the bush capital, an early morning hike promises to be pretty and fun way to start your day. Explore these five hikes according to bushwalking expert John Evans for some inspo. When it comes to the letter ‘E’, an Escape Room is a no brainer. Pay a visit to Escape Rooms Canberra and thank us later!
F
Take some time to visit one of the many local farmers markets in Canberra and the surrounding region. From browsing fresh produce to buying beautiful blooms straight from the farmers that grew them, check out this guide to some of the best. Canberra is also home to an abundance of delicious food trucks, which is the perfect excuse for a food truck hop one night. Here are some of the best (according to you). Have a sweet tooth? Fudgemental hosts fudge parings at local wineries, which is a delicious and memorable experience.
G
Speaking of tasting experiences, for the letter ‘G’, why not spend an evening going gelato tasting? Here’s the scoop on some of the best places to visit. Glassblowing is a unique idea for something different to do and the Canberra Glassworks offers a range of classes that range from 20 minutes to two days. Have a need for speed? Go Kart Racing is the perfect mix of competitive fun! Visit Power Kart Raceway to put the pedal to the metal on an F1 style indoor circuit.
H
High tea is the epitome of elegance and Canberra has some gorgeous spots to indulge. From heritage-listed venues to plush surroundings, here’s where to go – it’s the perfect excuse to dress up and feel fancy together. For something more active, horseback riding in the surrounding countryside offers a romantic adventure with stunning views. Forest Park Riding & Equitation School offers casual trial rides for both experienced and beginner riders.
I
Lace up those skates and glide into romance with ice skating at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre – whether you’re graceful or spending most of your time holding onto each other, it’s guaranteed fun! For the more adventurous couples, indoor bouldering at Blochaus Bouldering offers a unique way to spot each other (literally) while getting your heart rate up. For crafty couples, Instala DIY Studio offers a range of workshops where you can create your own art – from candle making to designing your own jewellery.
J
Jazz up your evening with some smooth tunes at one of Canberra’s intimate jazz venues – the perfect backdrop for deep conversation and cocktails. Molly, Smith’s Alternative and Blue Eyes all come to mind.
Alternatively, embrace your inner foodie with a Japanese-themed night out, exploring Canberra’s incredible ramen bars and sake selection. Pop Ikigai, Muku and Ramen O and the award-winning Raku at the top of your list!
K
Unleash your inner superstar at karaoke – whether you’re belting out power ballads or having a laugh at your questionable vocal skills, it’s always a good time. Kingpin in the Canberra Centre has private booths, Hey ShowKaraoke has over 350,000 songs in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, while Life4Cuts on East Row has coin karaoke open until 10 pm! For food lovers, Korean BBQ offers an interactive dining experience where you can cook together while catching up on life. Visit these eight places to get your fix.
L
Channel your inner child with laser tag – it’s competitive, hilarious, and surprisingly good cardio! Zone 3 Lasertag, iPlay Belconnen, and Kingpin are the places to go.
For something more peaceful, take a romantic lake walk around Lake Burley Griffin as the sun sets. And you can never go wrong with live music – check out local venues like Blackbird, Dissent Café and Bar and Transit Bar for intimate gigs that’ll have you swaying together.
M
Canberra’s museums are world-class and offer the perfect opportunity for deep conversations about art, history, and culture. Head along to the National Museum of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, and CMAG to get cultural. Mini golf at Holy Moley or Jungle Golf brings out everyone’s competitive side in the most adorable way possible. Or keep it classic with a movie date – sometimes the simple pleasures are the best. The National Film and Sound Archive is home to the Arc Cinema, the perfect spot for the culturally curious while Palace Electric Cinema in Acton is home to some of the best selection of international cinema, arthouse and quality new release films.
N
Explore a new neighbourhood together – Canberra’s suburbs each have their own character and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Meanwhile, the Canberra Nature Map will help you go on an adventure to discover local flora and fauna while getting some fresh air and exercise.
O
Canberra’s outdoor scene is incredible, so take advantage of it! Whether it’s paddleboarding on the lake or exploring our many parks, fresh air does wonders for connection. For something truly special, visit Mount Stromlo Observatory for stargazing – nothing beats contemplating the universe together.
P
Pickle ball is having a moment and it’s the perfect sport for couples – easy to learn but addictive to play! You can book yourself a game at Canberra Racquet Club – one of Canberra’s hidden gems. A classic picnic never goes out of style, especially in Canberra’s beautiful parks. Here’s your bumper guide on where to go. For the adventurous foodies, embark on a pie tasting tour – because who doesn’t love a good debate about the best meat pie in town? Here are some places to try!
Q
Okay, Q is tricky but hear us out – a quiet evening of quality time doing something you both love. Sometimes the best dates are the ones where you simply enjoy each other’s company without distractions. Think board games, deep conversations, or simply cooking together.
R
Sip cocktails with a view at one of Canberra’s rooftop bars – the city looks magical from above. Need some inspo? Take a look at these eight suggestions on where to take in the best of Canberra. Roller skating is making a comeback and it’s retro fun that’ll have you giggling like teenagers. Combining roller skating with fitness exercises and dancing, you’ll walk out with a smile on your face after attending classes at RollerFit. Or hit the road for a spontaneous road trip to explore the beautiful surrounding regions. Here are eight road trips to get you out of town. And no, Batemans Bay isn’t included (as much as we love it).
S
Treat yourselves to a spa date – think couples massages, facials, and pure relaxation. Here are 10 luxe options to help you relax, refresh and revitalise. And you can’t deny that there’s something incredibly romantic about watching the sunrise or sunset together, so pick a scenic spot (you can thank us for these four suggestions) and bring a thermos of coffee. For something more indulgent, book a staycation at one of Canberra’s boutique hotels and play tourist in your own town.
T
Test your knowledge together at a trivia night – it’s amazing what you’ll learn about each other’s random facts! Get Googling to see where you can go in Canberra (or check out this list). Bounce your way to fun at a trampoline park like Flip Out or Bounce (yes, adults can have fun too!). For the gourmands, truffle tasting offers a luxurious experience that’ll have you feeling sophisticated and well-fed. Check out where you can find them in Canberra.
U
Embrace the unconventional – try something completely unexpected that neither of you has done before. Whether it’s an unusual workshop, a quirky exhibition, or simply exploring an area of Canberra you’ve never visited, sometimes the best dates come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
V
Explore Canberra’s incredible plant-based scene with a vegan or vegetarian restaurant hop – you’ll be amazed at the creativity and flavours on offer. If you need some inspiration, this list is for you. For something completely different, VR Canberra offers virtual reality experiences that’ll transport you to different worlds together.
W
Canberra’s wine region is right on our doorstep, so why not spend a day wine tasting and soaking up the vineyard views? Check out these eight wine tours to help you taste the Canberra District. For the Harry Potter fans, visit our very own wizarding shop Quizzic Alley and let your inner magic-lover run wild. And sometimes the best date is simply a wellness day – yoga, meditation, healthy food, and quality time together.
X
Okay. This was a hard one. But Xtreme Acai in Fyshwick ticks this box and honestly, who can resist one of these loaded bowls?
Y
Yoga is the first thing that comes to mind, because nothing says ‘romance’ like a bit mind-body connection with your partner. There are lots of studios in Canberra, so get Googling! Looking for something else starting with ‘Y’? Visiting the Canberra Yacht Club is something different to do, whether you want to set sail or have a lakeside meal.
Z
You made it! For our final letter, we have three great ideas. First of all, a trip to the Zoo for a day exploring (or booking a close encounter) is a great way to spend a day together. Zero proof cocktail drinking means you can ‘go out’ and feel human the next day. Here’s our guide on where to find some of the best! Zumba is one of our Founder’s favourite pastimes, so we had to mention it. Involving cardio and Latin-inspired dance, you’ll break a sweat with your sweetie!
