It’s the same problem that arises this time of year, what the heck do you do for Valentine’s Day?

Canberra has a plethora of great restaurants, but it’s always hard to find something different to do other than just going out for a nice meal. Here are some of my suggestions that don’t involve the regular, ‘go to a restaurant for dinner’ type date…including some for singles!

 A Picnic

Canberra has some truly beautiful spots all over, perfect for a champagne picnic with cheese, bread, grapes and chocolate. There are spots around lake Burley Griffin and the botanic gardens where you can steal a private moment with your loved one.

A Sweet Treat

I have no doubt that places like Max Brenner and Koko Black will be packed this Thursday, so plan ahead. Pop in a few days before and pick up a box of gourmet chocolates. You can enjoy them in bed with a glass of red on Valentine’s Day night, a perfect little sugar hit for some after hours activity!

Homemade

Go to the effort of making your own big fancy dinner at home like this menu we put together a couple of Valentine’s Days ago. Light the candles, pour the wine and scatter some red heart cutouts around the table. Cook his or her favourite meal and just enjoy a really intimate night, by candlelight in your home together. Websites like Taste have some fantastic suggestions for Valentine’s Day.

Weekend Away

The warm days will run out soon, why not take advantage, book some cheap accommodation online and head to the coast or even up to Sydney. Postpone Valentine’s Day till the weekend and enjoy it in a different place without the usual Valentine’s Day crowds.

Railroad Restaurant

I know I said I wouldn’t mention a restaurant, but does it count if the restaurant has wheels? For something very different, check out the Canberra Heritage Rail, Valentine’s Day Railroad Restaurant. The train travels to Tarago and back while you enjoy a three course meal and if the mood strikes you a dance or two.

Woo at the Zoo

Celebrate Valentines in a wild way and take part in a special guided tour around the Zoo to learn more about animals in love! This frisky and fun-filled event includes information on dating and mating, animal affection and animal family life.

Enjoy a lovely afternoon with your lover, or the friends you love, learning more than you ever wanted to know about animal courtship and breeding behaviour! Bring your sense of humour and adventure!!

Price includes full day access to the Zoo, plus a glass of sparkling and chocolates on the Catwalk afterwards.

Valentine’s Concert at the National Carillon

Join other couples at a free concert at the National Carillon to celebrate Valentine’s Day – the concert has been an annual event since 2001. This year’s recital will feature carillonist Joan Chia performing a range of romantic songs from 7pm to 8pm.

Take a rug and some refreshments and snuggle up. National Carillon recital programmes are available here.

F#@%!! Valentine’s Day at Playground Bar

If you’re single or just over the whole Valentine’s palaver, then you should round up some friends and totally go to Playground Bar in Garema Place. There’ll be a DJ from 8pm til late, sangria and tapas!

Bite Me Cupid Speed Dating!

Forget the usual stress of having to try and find somewhere for dinner or even worse, trying to find a date this Valentine’s Day. Instead, get together for a night of fun, flirting and the chance to make some great new friends!

Bite Me Cupid Speed Dating will be held across three venues in Canberra: For people seeking 18-25 year olds, get along to La De Da in Belconnen, for people seeking 26-35 year olds, it will be held at the Duxton in O’Connor and for people seeking people 36 years and older will be held at the Prosecco Bar at Palace Electric Cinema in New Acton.

Share your ideas for Valentine’s Day in the comments below.