Photography by Johnathan J Castalon
Canberra and the NSW South Coast winters, although cold, offer a wide range of activities for those bracing chilly days and cosy indoor evenings. Winter can be packed with fun, agefriendly and budget-friendly dates. If you fancy a splurge, or want something cheap, cheerful or from the comfort of your own home, there is so much to choose from. Here are some ideas to make your next date one for the memory books.
Balloon Flights
Canberra’s skies are filled with colourful and fantastically shaped balloons drifting in the wind. Several companies operate throughout the week and on the weekends, with rides typically lasting between 45-60 minutes. So what better way to start a day (and go on a date) than to watch the sunrise and experience the nation’s capital from the air?
Photography by Serina Bird
Ice Skating
In Canberra’s south, the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is the best place to go if you’re interested in ice skating, and a surefire way to have fun on a date. This local institution has been around for over four decades, offering a top-notch indoor skating experience on an Olympic-size rink. Every Friday night, there’s an ice skating disco, plus you can watch or participate in ice hockey, figure skating, or get private lessons.
Photography by Lucas Van Oort
Wine Tasting
The ACT is home to over 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries. The NSW South Coast’s wine region is much the same, with vineyards peppered along the coastline both north and south of Batemans Bay. Head to your local winery with your date, enjoy a taste of their finest drop alongside a delicious cheese board, or go on a tour of their cellar door.
Photography by Khuc Le Thanh
Get Crafty
Whether it’s channelling your inner artist with paint by numbers, or trying your hand at drawing, calligraphy, photography, sewing, ceramics, sculpture, soap or candle-making, there are so many ‘arty’ activities you could do on your next date. Supplies and starter kits can be found on websites like Etsy or at your local craft store. Alternatively, you and your date could sign up for a workshop in person or online.
Cooking
If you’re a foodie or want to have some fun cooking up a storm with your date, there is a wealth of options online, in cook books and even on YouTube! A quick trip to the markets or store for ingredients and begin. For something more, consider a local cooking class, or a private cooking lesson.
Photography by Jummy Dean
Local Attractions
Canberra is home to some of the country’s best attractions, from award-winning museums to world-class galleries, so what better way to escape the cold (and enjoy a date) than by enriching yourself in some culture and history? Some of the top institutions include the National Museum of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon and the National Gallery of Australia.
Mogo Town
If you’re looking for something different for your next date, then spend the day in the quaint South Coast heritage town of Mogo. The town is home to an array of shops, museums and attractions, including the Mogo Wildlife Park, where you can get up close and personal with some exotic wildlife. The town is also known for its thriving arts and crafts community, so be sure to pay a visit to the Mogo Collective to peruse the creative works of local artisans.
Photography by Simi Iluyomade
Picnic At Home
Admittedly, if it is a bit too chilly for a picnic outdoors, there’s no reason why you can’t have one in the comfort of your own home. Find yourself a warm spot by a window on a sunny day, or near a heater or fireplace, and snuggle up for the evening. You could go as far as setting up your picnic blanket, or set the table and enjoy some delicious treats (and each other’s company).
Showtime
Think about live entertainment, from musical theatre, comedy, dance, pop music, circus and traditional theatre, Canberra’s performing arts scene is thriving, and hosts a range of world-class entertainment. Check out the Canberra Theatre and Comedy ACT websites for the winter program.
Photography by Oragon Uni
Markets
The ACT and the NSW South Coast are fortunate to a fabulous array of markets, from fresh produce at the farmer’s markets, to fashion and jewellery, arts and crafts, and so much more. Luckily, there’s no shortage of markets on the winter calendar for you to visit. In Canberra, try the Handmade Market, Old Bus Depot Markets, and the Capital Region Farmers Market. Along the South Coast, head to the Sage Farmers Market in Moruya, the Batemans Bay Sunday Market, the Ulladulla Wharf Markets, and the Narooma Rotary Markets.
Photography by Andy Wang
Go For A Ride
Enjoy the crisp, sunny days by taking a leisurely walk or scenic bike ride for your next date. You can rent bikes from Cycle Canberra or hop on shared e-bikes or e-scooters. In Canberra, the Lake Burley Griffin Loop offers stunning scenery and attractions with plenty of spots to stop for a warm drink. On the Coast, explore coastal trails like the Kiama Coastal Walk or Batemans Bay Foreshore, or try the Surf Beach South Coast Cycle track in Eurobodalla, which connects the Regional Botanic Gardens to Surf Beach—perfect for enjoying ocean views, open forests, and local wildlife.
Photography by Hennie Stander
Mini Golf
Canberra and the South Coast both offer a variety of fun mini golf experiences suitable for all ages. In Canberra, you can enjoy indoor miniature golf at Jungle Golf, the city’s first glow-in-the-dark course, or visit Holey Moley in the city centre. Holey Moley even offers the All-In-Fun Combo, including two activities plus credit for food or drinks, perfect for a memorable date night. On the South Coast, options like Tommo Golf in Batemans Bay provide outdoor mini golf with scenic views making your mini golf outing both fun and picturesque.
Photography by Matt Benson
Enjoy this complimentary magazine and feel inspired to discover endless possibilities for enhancing your life.
To read the e-brochure, click here.
