{"id":13767,"date":"2021-11-15T00:00:40","date_gmt":"2021-11-14T14:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=13767"},"modified":"2022-05-06T10:00:18","modified_gmt":"2022-05-06T00:00:18","slug":"7-reasons-canberra-is-the-perfect-romantic-getaway-destination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/act\/couples\/canberra-romantic-getaways\/","title":{"rendered":"7 reasons Canberra is perfect for romantic getaways"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Strolling hand-in-hand alongside a scenic river. Sipping a glass of top-notch plonk next to a roaring fire. Tussling over the final forkful of spaghetti and meatballs. If this is your idea of the perfect romantic getaway, I know just the place for you \u2014 it\u2019s Canberra, of course! With a stack of fine-dining spots, excellent wine bars and so many chances for new adventures, there are plenty of reasons why our nation\u2019s capital is the best place for your next trip for two. Here are seven of them.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">1. You\u2019ll see some seriously impressive art<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14977\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14977\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14977\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/238282e8-vc_npg_01.jpg\" alt=\"National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14977\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Hugh Jackman 2020. Vincent Fantauzzo, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to shake things up and see something new, you\u2019ve come to the right place. Art buffs will adore making their way through the must-visits like the incredible <a href=\"https:\/\/nga.gov.au\/\">National Gallery of Australia<\/a> (where you can check out the world&#8217;s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, as well as modern and classical works from all over Australia and around the world \ud83d\ude0d) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.portrait.gov.au\/\">National Portrait Gallery<\/a>, but will also smaller spots like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galleryofsmallthings.com\/\">Gallery of Small Things<\/a> and the buzzy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.m16artspace.com.au\/\">M16 Artspace<\/a>. Nothing like a new perspective to put a little spice back into your romance!<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">2. There are plenty of places to raise a glass<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14957\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/da854a75-brindabella_hills_158x1.jpg\" alt=\"Brindabella Hills, Canberra\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At the centre of three cool-climate wine regions, Canberra\u2019s right in the thick of some seriously delicious vino. As one of Australia\u2019s best producers, <a href=\"https:\/\/clonakilla.com.au\/\">Clonakilla<\/a> is an unmissable spot to stop for a sip, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brindabellahills.com.au\/\">Brindabella Hills<\/a> ticks all the boxes for excellent wine and food while also being set in a super scenic spot \u2014 perfect for admiring the mighty Murimbidgee (with a glass in hand, of course). And don\u2019t forget the wonderful <a href=\"https:\/\/edenroadwines.com.au\/\">Eden Road Wines<\/a>, ideal for lovers of organic plonk. Micro-winery <a href=\"https:\/\/fourwindsvineyard.com.au\/\">Four Winds<\/a> is fantastic for a low-key lunch \u2014 and, yes, I do recommend the wood-fired gorgonzola and potato pizza \ud83d\ude0b<\/p>\n<p>Not a quaffer? Not to worry. The city\u2019s also having a serious craft beer boom \u2014 both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bentspokebrewing.com.au\/\">BentSpoke Brewing Co.<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/capitalbrewing.co\/\">Capital Brewing Co.<\/a> produce award-winning ales. <a href=\"https:\/\/tipsybull.com.au\/\">Tipsy Bull<\/a> has a gin list with over 150 options \ud83e\udd2f, prohibition era-inspired <a href=\"http:\/\/www.highballexpress.com.au\/\">The Highball Express<\/a> specialises in rum-laced bevvies and sneaky speakeasy <a href=\"https:\/\/molly.bar\/\">Molly<\/a> has some expert mixologists whipping up unbelievable cocktails. Cheers to you!<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">3. The food scene is super indulgent<\/h2>\n<p>A special meal (or seven) with your special someone is a must in Canberra. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.barrochford.com\/\">Bar Rochford<\/a> is a frontrunner, thanks to an excellent wine list, oh-so-cool vibe and ever-experimental menu (smoked beef tongue, scallop crudo and truffle-laced rigatoni anyone?)<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re after something a little different, don\u2019t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/inka.com.au\/\">Inka<\/a>. The menu is Nikkei \u2014 Peruvian and Japanese fusion \u2014 and will make a raw seafood enthusiast\u2019s mouth really water. Or head for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rakudining.com.au\/\">Raku<\/a> for sleek modern Japanese in an exquisite setting. Still want the spaghetti and meatballs moment? Local fave <a href=\"https:\/\/italianandsons.com.au\/\">Italian &amp; Sons<\/a> is your best bet for both good food and a little just-the-two-of-us magic \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">4. You can really appreciate all the seasons<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14958\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/3fe295a0-autumn-tunnel.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn in Canberra\" width=\"800\" height=\"730\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s something special about watching the seasons change. And Canberra\u2019s temperate climate (thanks to its inland position) makes it the perfect spot to embrace all four of them. Visitors can expect hot, sunny summer days (may I suggest a sunrise balloon ride for this perfect weather?), incredible foliage in autumn, mild springs and cosy winters. Who could resist snuggling up to their special someone when there&#8217;s an open fire is nearby? \ud83e\udd70<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14952\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/b379e842-floriade_2.jpg\" alt=\"Canberra Floriade\" width=\"800\" height=\"527\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> Visit between 17 September 2022 and 16 October 2022 to check out <a href=\"https:\/\/floriadeaustralia.com\/\">Floriade<\/a>, Canberra&#8217;s incredible festival of plants and flowers. This year&#8217;s festival is all about the future of healthy, sustainable cities, and there&#8217;ll be gorgeous gardens, inspiring workshops, delicious tasting sessions and more. Who needs a bouquet when you can give your sweetie a whole city of flowers? \ud83d\udc90<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">5. There are heaps of swanky stays<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14960\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/f0a0e305-ovolo-nishi-newacton.jpg\" alt=\"Ovolo Nishi, Canberra\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Canberra might be small but you\u2019ll be well and truly spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic \u2014 and memorable \u2014 stays. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels-Ovolo-Nishi.h5794961.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=HOTEL&amp;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG\">Ovolo Nishi<\/a> is perfect for couples who love their stays with a side of cool (as well as an excellent on-site bar and restaurant), while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels-Midnight-Hotel.h42004364.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=HOTEL&amp;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG\">Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection<\/a> is a dream for stylish couples who want to balance indulgence with wellness (the pool is just gorgeous!). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels-Hotel-Realm.h1837940.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=HOTEL&amp;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG\">Hotel Realm<\/a> is a top choice for when nothing but understated luxury will do. Expect pillow menus, robe-and-slipper combos and a full-service on-site spa\u2026 need I say more?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13776\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/430be741-109220-91.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t mind having your party of two crashed by a nosy meerkat or curious giraffe, bunk at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/Canberra-Hotels-Jamala-Wildlife-Lodge.h9996888.Hotel-Information?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=HOTEL&amp;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG\">Jamala Wildlife Lodge<\/a>. It\u2019s a safari-style experience with more than a few extras to tip it over into real indulgence \u2014 think canopy-style beds, rainfall shower heads and an on-site rooftop bar for atmospheric sundowners.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">6. You\u2019ll have your pick of romantic strolls<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14979\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/2021\/11\/4eddcbb4-balloon-spectacular.jpg\" alt=\"Hot air balloon over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Did you know that Canberra was recently named <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canberratimes.com.au\/story\/7257624\/canberra-named-worlds-most-sustainable-city\/\">the world\u2019s most sustainable city<\/a> thanks to all its lovely green space? That means you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to spots for you and your partner to get out into nature, hand-in-hand. Our pick? A stroll (or two) through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.anbg.gov.au\/gardens\/\">Australian National Botanic Gardens<\/a>, where you can admire the beautiful living collection of native flora. Outdoorsy types will also love the walking and cycling paths that snake around Lake Burley Griffin, especially in the picturesque Central Basin area.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\">7. You can really switch off<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13780\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-www-wotif-com\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/2021\/09\/861202ba-screen-shot-2021-09-08-at-8.29.05-am.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1992\" height=\"1312\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Looking for a little couples&#8217; pampering? Scandi-inspired <a href=\"https:\/\/halehealth.com.au\/spa\/\">Hale Spa<\/a> is the kind of place you could easily disappear into for a full day \ud83e\udd24 Soothing (and super chic) interiors are just the beginning here \u2014 you\u2019ll also find a steam and sauna room, as well as a cave-like plunge pool and a couples&#8217; suite dedicated to double treatments. It even has a giant bath for two \ud83d\udc95 You\u2019ll have no trouble sailing away into bliss\u2026 together!<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t need any more convincing, so all that\u2019s left to do is get the other half on board! Feel free to use this article and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/lp\/b\/ms-b-dmo-wtf-au-canberra?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&amp;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_content=HOTEL&amp;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG\">our latest deals<\/a> if you want to start dropping some hints \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to Vishal Pandey for the awesome feature image at the top of this article. Check out more of his work on his Instagram page: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wanderlust73\/\">@wanderlust73<\/a><\/p>\n<a class='vw-button vw-button--primary  vw-button--full-width' href='https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/lp\/b\/ms-b-dmo-wtf-au-canberra?brandcid=WOTIF-au.display.WOTIFINSIDER.MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG.hotel&#038;utm_source=WOTIFINSIDER&#038;utm_medium=display&#038;utm_content=HOTEL&#038;utm_campaign=MAR-22-CANBERRA-ROMANCE-MESO-BLOG' target='_self'><i class=\"vw-icon icon-entypo-suitcase\"><\/i> PLAN YOUR CANBERRA GETAWAY <\/a>\n<p><em>Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Strolling hand-in-hand alongside a scenic river. Sipping a glass of top-notch plonk next to a roaring fire. Tussling over the final forkful of spaghetti and meatballs. If this is your idea of the perfect romantic getaway, I know just the place for you \u2014 it\u2019s Canberra, of course! With a stack of fine-dining spots, excellent &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":15008,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,755],"tags":[994,930,588,98,1088],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13767"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13767"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13767\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15304,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13767\/revisions\/15304"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}