An entryway is always transformative, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

But that’s especially so at Ovolo Nishi, a curated artistic-industrial boutique hotel in Canberra. As soon as you step through the door, you’re greeted with a magnificent staircase framed with suspended slats of timber. They extend all the way up the walls and across the ceiling and create a sense of occasion.

You know that something special is coming.

The hotel is a great place to launch a romantic getaway in Canberra. Just like the city in which it’s located, it’s compact, but packed with charm, with surprises around every corner – particularly when it comes to the food and beverage scene. 

That aspect becomes especially apparent as soon as you enter Monster Kitchen and Bar, the plant-based in-house watering hole, and your waiter delivers a cocktail from the Signature Spring menu. In my case, it’s called a Gemini, and fresh honeydew is the star of the show. 

The capital has some of the most incredible culinary aphrodisiacs in the country. Dine on-site for a relaxed meal and an early night, or head into the city centre and sample the cuisine at Akiba. Located on Bunda Street, you can enjoy traditional barbeque with light Asian flavours, before enjoying a night on the town.

Once you’ve extracted yourself from the crisp sheets in the morning, start your day with the understated but magnificent mushrooms on toast at Arc on Constitution Avenue, and get ready to hit the road. 

Canberra has incredible restaurants serving every flavour combination imaginable, but there are also more than 140 vineyards and 40 cellar doors just half an hour’s drive from the CBD. The region is best-known for its cool climate drops and the varieties are so diverse that there is something for everyone. You’ll find plenty of excellent Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz, as well as complex Riesling and Chardonnay. 

When you’re visiting for the first time, a private wine tour with Van Du Vin is a great way to get acquainted with the region, because you’ll be able to enjoy a tailor-made itinerary and compare all of your favourites. 

However, if you’re looking for romance, you can’t miss sipping award-winning wine and enjoying delicious food on a quiet hillside overlooking the Murrumbidgee River at Brindabella Hills Winery. The cellar door is open until 5pm, so visit in the afternoon and try to catch golden hour in the mountain ranges.

If it’s possible, the light somehow makes the wine taste even better. You already know you’re tasting some of the best wines in the country, of course. But sitting in this natural paradise as the hills gently change in colour from green to russet before fading softly to purple, you realise you’re also sampling one of the finest wine drinking experiences in the country. It’s quiet, beautiful, and an incredibly intimate thing to share.

And if you want to treat your partner to something even more special, plan to spend an extra night with Cubby and Co at the beautiful Mount Majura Vineyard, which offers luxury glamping in gorgeous bell tents.

If you prefer hops over drops, make sure you dive into Canberra’s craft brewing scene. BentSpoke Brewing Co and Capital Brewing Co both offer simple and wholesome good vibes that make them a must-visit in spring and summer. And for gin-lovers, you can’t go past the unique blends at Big River Distilling Co and The Canberra Distillery, which both collaborate with local growers to create unforgettable handcrafted spirits.

Naturally, you’ll want to be able to enjoy yourselves without having to worry about Google Maps.

Dave’s Tours offers a range of experiences that take in the best breweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants in the region with fun twists that can include everything from locally made chocolates to axe-throwing, depending on your persuasion. Fun, however, is absolutely guaranteed.

Every element of a romantic getaway in Canberra is exquisite, from the luxurious accommodation to the sensual dining experiences, artisanal drinks, bucolic setting, and of course, that endlessly beautiful light.

Australia’s capital city is a paradise for foodies with a truly eclectic mix of dining styles, cuisines and experiences, with award-winning restaurants, vineyards and baristas. Discover more than you expect in Canberra.