When the sun goes down in Canberra, like many cosmopolitan hubs, it transforms into a vibey destination just waiting to be explored. There are many things to do in the city at night, from nightclubs to nature and culture to stargazing. If you’re chasing some after-dark action, you’ll find it here, sometimes unexpectedly!
Overview
- Canberra has a vibrant nightlife with something for everyone.
- There are obvious things to do, like clubbing, but other things are more unique.
- The city is well-known for stargazing and even has ghost tours for the adventurous.
Bust some sweet moves
There are heaps of Canberra nightclubs to choose from – whether you’re up for an all-night party, a bit of a boogie or just a quiet cocktail with your bestie. If you’re keen to check out some local talent, One22 features one of the city’s most exciting gig line-ups and has a diverse range of tuneful menus. 88mph is an 80s bar and guarantees a hilarious night out, including a dedicated karaoke night (c’mon, you know you want to).
Insta inspiration: Take your pick (or pic, literally)!
Bunda street in civic has a plethora of clubs and pubs to let go.
Hang out with some furry friends
Located in Forde (a 20-minute drive from ANU), Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting some of Australia’s rare native animals. The downside? Many of these species are only active at night. The upside? The sanctuary offers twilight tours where you may spot a range of super-cute critters, from sugar gliders (nocturnal gliding possums) to Eastern quolls (a white-spotted marsupial with a bushy tail and a pointy nose). Tours start at dusk – which is a beautiful part of any day – and then you can spend two hours meandering through this area’s beautiful woodland trails.
Insta inspiration: Who doesn’t love a night-time shot of a not-often-seen Australian native creature?
Mulligans flat woolshed is just one of the stops on the night tours.
Gain a new perspective
For some of the best views in Canberra, don’t miss an up-hill visit to 800-metre-plus-high Mount Ainslie. Whether you walk, cycle or drive to the lookout, it offers a stunning snapshot (literally) of the breathtaking scope of this city’s beauty. One of the best times to visit is late afternoon when you can bathe in the golden glory of a magical sunset. Then, stay to watch the city come alive in the evening with a gazillion twinkling lights.
Insta inspiration: Capture a stock-shot-worthy pic of Canberra’s iconic sites that your followers will love!
View at night from Mt Ainslie.
Enjoy some lights, music and action
In the heart of the city's Civic Square is the Canberra Theatre Centre, an architectural landmark and the premier performing arts venue providing world-class entertainment to people of all tastes and ages. From theatre, music and comedy to dance, circus events and musical theatre, if you’re looking to add a bit of culture to your life, this is the place to get it. (Be sure to buy tickets online in advance.)
Insta inspiration: Maximise your bragging rights by snapping a selfie in front of your favourite band.
Get starry-eyed under the night sky
One of our favourite things to do in Canberra at night is direct our gaze towards the heavens for some eye (and sky) candy. Located in Weston Creek, the Mount Stromlo Observatory is the headquarters of the Australian National University’s very own Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. It hosts public and private stargazing events where you can observe planets through multiple telescopes and explore the cosmos.
Insta inspiration: There’s nothing cooler than being photobombed by a solar system.
Mt Stromlo under stars.
Take hashtag-worthy photos
Keen to use your camera to its full potential? Capture Canberra Photography Tours accommodate all experience levels from new snappers to professionals. Located at the Canberra School of Photography, you’ll learn to work with angles, light and perspective and to ramp up your camera skills. On the Dusk into Night tour you’ll get valuable tips on taking fab photos in low or no light and capturing star trails. How cool is that!
Insta inspiration: Your selfie stick will take on a new perspective after this course.
Students eat out at night in Joplin Lane, Kambri.
Scare yourself silly
If you love the adrenaline rush of a good fright, then one of the best places to visit in Canberra at night is one of the city’s most haunted historical landmarks, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). Tim the Yowie Man (who gained his nickname after apparently spotting a mythical yowie in Australia’s Snowy Mountains) leads a tour through the NFSA’s headquarters. Prepare to get the creeps as you’re guided into the archive’s dark and gloomy lower levels and learn about the stories of those who are said to haunt the building.
Insta inspiration: This is an ideal way to score a legitimate “ghost photograph”. Although, google what it means and you may change your mind!
Now that you know some things to do in Canberra at night, why not learn about 10 good things waiting for you in Canberra that are perfect daytime activities?