From dining to scenic walks, Canberra has plenty of romantic options.
07 January 2025
In Brief:
- Valentine’s Day is on Friday 14 February 2025.
- This article lists events and activities that are suitable for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Whether you plan on spending Valentine’s Day with your partner, family, or friends, there is plenty to do in Canberra.
Here are some ideas for how to spend Valentine’s Day in Canberra:
Catch a sunrise or sunset
Wake up before the rest of the world to catch a quiet early morning sunrise. Or perhaps enjoy a meal or drink at dusk to enjoy a romantic sunset.
Either way, Canberra has plenty of beautiful lookouts and vantage points to watch the sun make its rise or descent.
Should you wish to linger after sundown, it doesn’t get much more romantic than a night of stargazing.
Buy a local gift
Not sure what to gift your valentine? Here are some ideas for uniquely Canberran gifts:
- a bottle of local wine or spirits
- a print from a Canberra artist
- a piece of locally made jewellery
- a bag of local coffee or a voucher for a café
- a candle or body product from a Canberran maker.
Head to your local shops, or visit Pop Canberra or the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre for a selection.
Markets are another great spot to find gifts. Check out the ultimate Canberra markets guide.
Go on a scenic walk
A stroll is a great way to spend quality time together. Canberra has lots of tracks, trails and paths to explore.
Enjoy a picnic
With our big range of parks, gardens and lakes, you’re never far from a good picnic spot in Canberra.
Check out this list of 10 spots for your next Canberra picnic.
Prefer to grab some takeaway for your picnic? Here are some ideas to try:
Share a meal out
If a restaurant or café meal is more your style, you’re in luck. Canberra has an incredible dining scene.
Here are some choices to explore:
Get active
It’s no secret that Canberrans are a sporty bunch. Get your heart racing with a workout.
On a budget? Find free and low-cost ways to get active.
You could also check out the Belco Bowl Jam 2025. It’s an action-packed skateboarding event that’s bound to give you an adrenaline rush. Find out more.
Catch a show
No matter whether music or theatre is your vibe, Canberra’s arts scene has something for everyone.
Here’s a selection of what’s on Valentine’s Day:
Watch a film
Prefer screen to stage? The National Film and Sound Archive has two Valentine’s Day screenings:
Elsie’s Film House is a pop-up cinema lounge and bar in Civic Square. On Valentine’s Day, they have two “date night” sessions:
- Crazy, Stupid Love
- In the Mood for Love.
Looking for love? Keep yourself safe
Romance and dating scams are a real threat for people looking for love. In 2024, Australians lost $20 million to these kinds of scams.
No matter how you’ve met, make sure they’re the real deal. Watch out for someone who:
- makes excuses to avoid meeting, via video or in person
- moves quickly to saying they have deep feelings for you
- talks money early on, including making urgent requests
- asks you for intimate photos but won’t share theirs.
Avoiding these red flags will help you make sure your love is real.
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