Special occasions in Canberra – how to celebrate?

We used to like the old train trips but the last one we went on was a disaster – they had completely messed up the seating to the point that people were being shuffled from one carriage to the next resulting in the train leaving alot later than it was scheduled for. And once on board, we encountered the rudest and least kid-friendly Santa ever. Not impressed at all.

But I have transgressed from the topic at hand. 🙂

One of the loveliest places for a feed (and we have returned many times) is a place called Grazing at Gundaroo. Intimate rooms (big enough for your own small party), open fires, friendly and attentive service, and food to die for (both in taste and size). It’s not overly expensive but it’s a wonderful place to dwell for many hours in cosy surrounds.

This is all fantastic – so many ideas.

I have to admit I have both a question to pop and significant family events coming up so all these comments are brilliant.

I wonder if any events or tours occur in nearby national parks?…haven’t driven up to Namadgi in a couple of years. I should check that out too.

pptvb said :

I just noticed this little gem on Gladstone St.
http://www.capitalcouples.com.au/index.html

Gold … seriously, GOLD!

I’ve wondered about those train rides (they go to Bung, and Tarago). seems they have some weird old trains, I can hear the one with the funny old-fashioned whistle on weekends.

The train trips are fabulous, but you share the seating in groups of four, so not so good if there are two of you.

Red Hill lookout restaurant is a great spot on a night where there are fireworks on (or a storm). Starting dinner at sunset is nice for the 360 sky views.

Paintball, Go Karts etc are good for the boys.
But if your mother-in-law or grandpa is coming too, lawn bowls is suitable for participants of all ability. And I like that you can stand around with drink in hand while waiting for your turn. Most bowls clubs have a reasonable bistro for lunch after.
I know someone who took their international guests to the Zoo for a meet-the-animals thing recently, I’m told it was very memorable and fun.

I hear the Hyatt’s High Tea is very special. Although I reckon High Tea at Benedict House might be nice plus great artwork to check out on site.

The other great thing about Canberra is that there’s all those national institutions with events on. National Museum is very kid-friendly and has something on just about every day. The Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery would be a lovely spot to pop the question.
And the National Library cafe has great atmosphere if you just want to impress someone for coffee and cake.

I reckon a train trip would be a different way to spend some time; http://www.arhsact.org.au/

The question was popped to me while on a mountain bike ride, at the top of Black Mountain looking over the view of Canberra. Just pointing out you don’t need to spend a bomb to have a great time, and there are lots of beautiful outdoor places around Canberra. A good one if there’s kids is Tidbinbilla adventure playground – cook up a barbie, bring some bubbly and a good time can be had by all.

pptvb said :

I just noticed this little gem on Gladstone St.
http://www.capitalcouples.com.au/index.html

That is freakin funny. Somehow, especially with family members, I don’t think it would go down as a special albeit memorable occasion 😛

RatsNest said :

But if thats not to your tastes … I recommend the boat house for a good feed and good evening with lots of money spent…

Thanks for this I’ll have to go and check it out.

pptvb said :

I just noticed this little gem on Gladstone St.
http://www.capitalcouples.com.au/index.html

LOL.

But if thats not to your tastes … I recommend the boat house for a good feed and good evening with lots of money spent.

Rock Salt in Hawker was recommended to me as a good spot and while many people seem to love it, my experience was rude staff who didnt know the difference between red and white wines, and a really nice case of food poisoning. Never again…

pptvb – There are no words.

I just noticed this little gem on Gladstone St.
http://www.capitalcouples.com.au/index.html