Lose yourself to dance

In the wise words of Daft Punk and Pharrell, "Lose yourself to dance, come on, come on."

If you're looking for nightclubs in Canberra, you're in luck. There are heaps to choose from, and they're all within walking distance of each other, which means fewer wobbly Uber rides (no judgment here).

One of the best parts of a night out in Canberra isn't just the venues. It's also a chance to support young artists. One22, a late-night bar and club, is where you'll find the groove with some of Canberra and Australia's best young DJs.

But if you want to experience Canberra at its absolute finest, you have to make a stop at Mooseheads. With three floors of chaos and charm, it's the place where core memories are made.

FYI, most venues will have 'uni night' on Thursdays. Students usually get special deals involving cheaper drinks and free/discounted entry. Bring your student card to prove you're studying and you're set.

Meet the real party animals

Night owl? Good news—all the best animals come out to play after dark. If you love wildlife, there are plenty of unique ways to see the animal kingdom in action with expert-led night tours.

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary offers twilight tours where you can spot some of Australia’s rare nocturnal creatures. Eastern bettongs, bush stone-curlews and eastern quolls are just a few of the stars of the show.

Tours start at dusk, giving you time to soak in the magic of the bushland before heading off on a two-hour adventure along the sanctuary’s trails.

For something less native but just as incredible, you can explore the National Zoo & Aquarium on an evening tour with dinner and drinks.

Feeling extra adventurous? Stay overnight at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where your bedroom literally looks out into enclosures with cheetahs and giraffes. Pretty iconic.

Golden hour to city lights

Ask any Canberran, and they’ll tell you—we’re proud of our views. And for good reason. We’re lucky to be surrounded by stunning mountain ranges that make the perfect spot to stargaze and admire the city from above.

Mounts Ainslie, Stromlo, Pleasant and Painter all offer views that look straight out of a painting. Then there’s the National Arboretum, which gives you a full 360° view of Canberra, framed by thousands of trees.

One of the best times to take it all in is late afternoon, when the city is bathed in golden light from the sunset. Stick around a little longer, and you’ll see Canberra transform as a gazillion lights flicker on below. You can’t beat it.

Canberra after dark: now showing

Perks of being the capital city means we have some pretty amazing institutions available for a night out.

For a little drama (the good kind), head to Canberra Theatre Centre. Whether it’s a touring show, stand-up comedy, or a local production, there’s always something worth dressing up for.

If film is more your vibe, the National Sound and Film Archive (NFSA) hosts late-night screenings of cult classics, Aussie gems, and cinematic throwbacks at their Arc Cinema. Big screen, historic venue and the perfect excuse to stay out past bedtime.

Late nights, glowing sights

Canberra doesn’t just do nightlife—we throw whole festivals for it. Throughout the year, the city lights up (literally) with Enlighten Festival, where projections transform iconic buildings into glowing works of artand the streets fill with music, food and pop-up experiences.

Then there’s Floriade NightFest, where the famous flower festival takes on an after-dark glow with light installations, live performances and night markets.

If you’re after something with a little more energy, the National Multicultural Festival turns the city into one giant street party, packed with performances, food stalls and late-night dancing.