25 Activities to do this Winter in Canberra
Winter is the perfect time to visit Canberra and experience all it has to offer. Spend sunny days exploring the sites and your nights wining and dining, or relaxing at Pavilion on Northbourne. Here are 25 activities you can tick off on your next winter visit to Canberra.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Walk the Mount Ainslie Lookout
Are you after a picture-perfect or a panoramic shot of Canberra? Walk, bike or drive to Mount Ainslie and take a moment to enjoy the views whilst listening out for the native birds and wildlife surrounding you.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Spin Some Alpaca Fleece
Visit Alpaca Magic, spend breakfast with alpacas and llamas and lose your heart to a Donkey. Only 25 minutes from Pavilion on Northbourne, you can embrace the farm lifestyle with cow conversations, walks with Llamas, spin classes, and more fun and interactive farm tours.
Explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Although it’s winter, Canberra shines under the sun. Get out and enjoy the weather at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Embrace this experience and learn of its history and ongoing significance to the Ngunnawal people.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Photo credit: Australian Hiker
Hike One Tree Hill
If you’ve got a spare 2- 3 hours, hike one of Canberra’s best lookouts, One Tree Hill. Enjoy the varied landscapes from the city to the bush, and take in the panoramic views at the summit.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Go Horseback Riding
Head bush, take a breath of fresh air and experience horseback riding at Burnelee Excursions. If you’ve never ridden before, it’s not a problem, they cater for all levels of experience.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Blow Your Own Souvenir
Did you know that Canberra has the largest dedicated glass studio in Australia? Not only this, but they let you get your hands dirty (actually gloves) and blow your own souvenir. Head to Canberra Glassworks and make your own, or purchase a professionally made masterpiece.
Grab a Unique Photo of Trees in Scarves
Each July, forest trees wrapped in a bright array of colourful scarves make an appearance. Take a trip to the National Arboretum Canberra to see the interesting site and grab a unique photo.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Take a Ride on the Wild Side
While we’re still on the topic of the great outdoors, another winning winter activity is mountain biking. Head to Majura Pines Recreation Centre (just outside the city centre). Here you will find 20 km of mountain biking trails suitable for beginners to advance.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
See the Sun Rise from a Balloon
It might be fresh, but explore Canberra from up above on a hot air balloon and ride with the wind. You’ll be in for a treat with some of the best views and most spectacular colours.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Spend Time Outdoors With Wildlife
Although it’s winter, the animals are still out and about. See wildlife, especially the birds, in their unique ecosystem at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. For a different kind of ecosystem, and to take a peek at echidnas or rare marsupials, head to the woodland sanctuary of Mulligans Flat.
Indulge at The Truffle Festival
From June to August, visit The Truffle Festival and embrace all things truffle. Learn how to cook with this unique ingredient and enjoy tastings of it. If you're up for a bit of fun, watch or join the hunt as the truffle dogs sniff down the black gold.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Get to Know Canberra’s Food Scene
Canberra is becoming more well known for its food. Explore the food and beverage offerings of downtown Canberra and Braddon with Eat Canberra Food Tours. If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t go past their Sweet Tooth Tour!
Warm Yourself from the Inside at Wineries, Breweries or Distilleries.
All within a 30-minute drive of Canberra, you have your choice of 35 wineries to visit. For those who aren’t wine lovers, don’t worry, Canberra has a host of breweries and distilleries. If you can’t decide on what to do or where to go, join Dave’s Tours for the opportunity to learn and drink.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Taste Hot Chocolates Around Canberra.
If you don’t mind a scenic drive, Robyn Rowe Chocolate is a great option, if not for their hot chocolate, their chocolate in general.
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Photo credit: King O'Malley's
Find a cozy restaurant with a fireplace
If you’re after a meal, a drink and some good live music, head to King O’Malleys. The cozy English pub feels and crackling fireplace is the perfect setting for lunch or dinner during winter in Canberra.
Photo Credit: Damian Breach for VisitCanberra
Enjoy a Fresh Brew by the Fire at Capital Brewing.
Beer is usually the perfect answer to thirst on a hot summers day, this winter, enjoy a pint by the fire at Capital Brewing Co. They’ve tried to make beer for all, so even if you don’t love beer, get their opinion and try a fresh brew.
Spend the day in the snow
Just under one hour drive from the Pavilion, surround yourself in the fields of snow at Corin Forest. Beginners can spend the day on the slopes skiing or snowboarding, while everyone else can join the fun firing snowballs at each other.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Hit the Mountains Pre, Post or Between
If you need more snow or more advanced ski runs, spend your time between Canberra and Australia’s best mountain resorts, Thredbo and Perisher. Both are under a 3-hour drive from Pavilion on Northbourne, so you can enjoy the city life and mountain life.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Visit Galleries and Museums
Discover more of Canberra and Australia through history and the arts. Delve into the indigenous history, colonial history and today’s modern era at Canberra’s museums. If you’re a lover of art, view some collections at some of the most stylish galleries in Australia.
Photo Credit: Damian Breach for VisitCanberra
Bike the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden
Combine your daily exercise with some of the most impressive works at the National Gallery of Australia. Bike or walk around the 30 major works on display at the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Drop by Parliament House
You can’t visit Canberra without dropping into Parliament House. Open daily from 9am - 5pm with 90-minute sessions, join a guide and learn about the building and some of the collections on display.
Warm the Soul
If you’re in need of some relaxation and want to treat yourself, enjoy some pampering. Check into a blissful day spa in Canberra or book the Spa Suite at Pavilion on Northbourne and have 24 hours access to your own spa.
Photo Credit: Stuart Miller with VisitCanberra
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Retail Therapy
Anytime is a good time for shopping, but why not stock up your winter wardrobe? Canberra has an abundance of shops, markets and stores suited for all. Check out this list of the best shops to visit while you’re in town.
Photo Credit: VisitCanberra
Let Young Witches and Wizards Run Free
Visit Australia’s most magical store, Quizzic Alley. Shop from the largest range of Harry Potter merchandise, join Quizzic Alley’s Academy of Sorcery or host a party fit for the finest wizards and witches.
