Arts and Culture

Enjoy unmissable arts and culture experiences including The Popular Pet Show at the National Portrait Gallery.  This exhibition express the joy and warmth that many of us derive from our animal companions and includes work from contemporary artists, including a series by Ken Done. 

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace is exclusive to the National Gallery of Australia from 9 December. More than 130 paintings, intricate tapestries, gilded furniture, monumental statues and other objects from the Royal gardens, and personal items from Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, will bring to life the reigns of three kings, their queens and mistresses in a fascinating and tumultuous period of French history.

A History of the World in 100 Objects from the British Museum is your chance to see two million years of history in one room at the National Museum of Australia until 29 January. With well over 50,000 visitors to this exhibition since opening in September, this is an exhibition not to be missed.

At the National Library of Australia, see The Sell: Australian Advertising 1790s to 1990s. This free exhibition explores how advertising in Australia has evolved with changing society and technology through the decades. With so many tumultous events in 2016, the Behind the Lines 2016: The year’s best political cartoons exhibition at the Museum of Australia Democracy at Old Parliament House is sure to be an interesting exhibition to add to your itinerary.

The Great Outdoors

Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas are on their way back to Canberra! Catch a movie under the stars on Patrick White Lawns alongside Lake Burley Griffin between 12 January and 19 February. Enjoy a drink from the licensed bar and fresh pizzas cooked onsite before a hot new release or cult classic lights up the big screen. Tickets can be purchased online and capacity is limited.

As Accommodation Partner for Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas in Canberra, we are excited to offer an exclusive ticket discount to our friends and guests for the Canberra shows. When booking, simply enter the code ‘crowneplaza’ when prompted during the booking process. Capacity is limited so book your tickets online now!

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you will find many exciting options to choose from in Canberra such as hiking sections of the Centenary Trail, viewing the sunset from Mount Ainslie, taking a segway tour around Lake Burley Griffin or keeping cool in the Rainforest Gully at the Australian National Botanic Gardens – and all easily accessible from the city centre. Or hire a bicycle from the front of the hotel and explore Canberra with its extensive network of cycling paths.

Within a 40 minute drive from Canberra city, you’ll find Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There’s a great Discovery Playground for kids, along with a visitor’s centre and cafe. Join a ranger-guided tour, learn about the breeding programs for endangered animals and try to spot platypus and koalas as you wander through the reserve. Tidbinbilla has Advanced Ecotourism Certification.

For an interesting and educational experience, consider a twilight tour at Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary, located around a 25 minute drive from Crowne Plaza Canberra. Suitable for people aged 10 years and up, this tour gives participants the opportunity to learn about endangered woodlands and see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat at night.

Food and Wine

Food and wine lovers will also be spoilt with a range of fantastic restaurants and cafes to try. With more than 30 wineries within 40 minutes from the city, Canberra is the perfect base to explore the Canberra District wine region.

For a smorgasbord of local produce, visit the Capital Region Farmer’s Markets in Canberra, held on regular Saturday mornings throughout the year at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Sip a coffee from a local coffee roaster and enjoy a freshly baked muffin, while browsing the many stalls stocking everything from plants, to smallgoods, locally grown vegetables, local olive oil, honey and more.

From 17-19 February 2017, foodies will enjoy tasting cuisines from around the world at the 21st annual National Multicutural Festival, held in the city centre. On the same weekend, the Canberra Food & Wine Expo is back for its 6th year at the National Convention Centre. See cooking demonstrations from Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules celebrities and sample food from gourmet exhibitors. Stay at Crowne Plaza Canberra and be only steps away from these events.

Coffee Culture

Canberra has made a name for itself with its coffee scene, with a number of local roasters, such as Lonsdale Street Roasters and Ona Coffee, creating outstanding blends and also offering single origin coffee. Sasa Sestic, founder of Ona Coffee, won the World Barista Championships in 2015 and you can sample some of the best coffee in Canberra at his new venture with Michael Rose of Espresso Room – Greenhouse Coffee & Co – or at The Cupping Room, both located only a short walk from Crowne Plaza Canberra. Check out VisitCanberrafor more Canberra coffee inspiration.

Book your Canberra getaway now with our Advance Purchase offer

Our Canberra city hotel is located in a tranquil park setting, close to restaurants, shops and major attractions.

Save on your accommodation with our Advance Purchase special, when you book direct.Plus, IHG® Rewards Club Members may receive additional savings! Book either accommodation only, or a room and breakfast package. Don’t forget about our best price guarantee too – if you find a cheaper price your first night is free.

Click here to find out more about our special offers and packages.

Image: A segway tour around Lake Burley Griffin, courtesy of SegGlideRide.  For more information about segway tours, visit SegGlideRide: www.segglideride.com.au

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Christmas in Glebe Park

Glebe Park
8 to 24 December

Wander hand-in-hand through the Christmas forest and enjoy the dining and entertainment to celebrate Christmas in Glebe Park. Located right next door to the hotel, the park will be light up with festive light displays and will be a hub of activity including special events by the event’s charity partner Red Nose.

Summernats

Exhibition Park Canberra
4 to 7 January

For the rev head couples, the annual Street Machine Summernats Car Festival is Australia’s biggest horsepower party and will be thundering into Canberra in January. With crowds of over 100,000 expected, there will over 2500 modified vehicles on display plus concerts, burn-outs battles and more to get your motor running.

HIGHLIGHT EXHIBITIONS

Hyper Real

National Gallery of Australia
Until 18 February

Image: AES+F Inverso mundus 2015, seven-channel HD video installation: 38:20 minutes, sound, colour. Courtesy the artists, MAMM. Anna Schwartz Gallery and Triumph Gallery.

A truly unique and thought provoking exhibition, put this on your summer bucket list before it closes. A perfect adventure for a hot day when you need a respite from the heat or when you want to stimulate your brain and excite dinner conversation.

Starstruck: Australian movie portraits

Until 4 March
National Portrait Gallery

Image: Shirley Ann Richards, Lloyd Hughes and Elaine Hamill,  Lovers and Luggers, 1937, Courtesy Cinesound Movietone Productions, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

A collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive, Starstruck explores the striking portraiture from 100 years of Australian movies. Drawn predominantly from the NFSA’s collection, the show will feature imagery of beloved Australian films, as well as highlighting the early years of our film industry.

EXPLORE

If you enjoy a wine tasting or finding a new bottle to add to your collection at home, explore the beautiful Canberra district area and discover some stunning vineyards. Some of our favourite wineries include:

• Mount Majura Vineyard – 15 minute drive
  Famous for their 1994 Chardonnay, this vineyard produces a wide selection of varieties including Shiraz and Riesling which the region is well known for.
• Lake Hill Winery – 31 minute drive
  During your visit here stop by the Wine Bar & Café and try one of the “Vintage Vertical” food and wine pairings. You can compare a current vintage to an older vintage with paired foods to get a better understanding of how aging affects the character of the wine.
• Eden Road Wines – 33 minute drive
  Located in the high country, this winery might be young and small but is award-winning. If you get the chance, try the Long Road Shiraz which won the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy on its very first vintage.
• Lerida Estate – 36 minute drive
  This estate focuses on making small quantities with care which is why you may not have heard of them but it is definitely worth making the effort. Plus the winery itself is a beautiful place designed by Australian architect Glenn Murcutt and located on the slopes of the Lake George range.
• Clonakilla – 38 minute drive
  If you are a fan of a beautiful Shiraz then definitely plan a visit to Clonakilla. The first building was hand built in the 1970s and is where the current cellar door is now located. Their hero wine is the Shiraz Viognier and a must for your tasting.
• Helm Wines – 43 minute drive
  The father-daughter duo winemakers, Ken and Stephanie, are fourth and fifth generation descendants of German vinedressers in the 1860s. Ken specialises in creating Rieslings and Cabernets and Stephanie, who started making wine at age 9, has her own award-winning label The Stephanie Collection.

Start planning your Canberra summer getaway with your special someone now. View our summer accommodation specials here.

Image credit: Summernats image courtesy of Visit Canberra, ‘Hyper Real’ image courtesy of the National Gallery of Australia.

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Discover some ideas to make the most of your Canberra long weekend this June.

For foodies

The Truffle Festival
This time of year, Canberra is all about truffles! The Truffle Festival Canberra Region runs from June to August and is one of the unique features of our region. A number of restaurants across Canberra are serving local black truffles including our very own Redsalt Restaurant. But to truly experience farm to table dining, why not try to unearth these treasures yourself. Our friends at The Truffle Farm Canberra run truffle hunts on weekends and Wednesday mornings. Discover the talents of the truffle hunting dogs, get your hands dirty digging them up and indulge in some tastings. Click here to find out more about how to experience the black winter truffle in Canberra.

On Monday 12 June, The Truffle Farm Canberra is holding a special long weekend event with the Queen’s Birthday Truffle High Tea. Following a truffle hunt, indulge with a truffle high tea served with tea, coffee and sparkling. Bookings essential.

For the outdoor explorers

Explore Corin Forest
The long weekend is the opening weekend at Corin Forest. Perfect for a first snow experience, have fun with family tobogganing and snow play or learn to ski or snowboard on the gentle ski slope. Lessons and equipment hire are available. Corin Forest is beautiful throughout the year and is only 40 minutes from Canberra city, so it’s perfect for a day adventure. Activities and access does depend on weather conditions, so please check the Corin Forest website before you head out.

Mountain Biking at Stromlo Forest Park
Stromlo Forest Park is popular with mountain biking enthusiasts from all over Australia, with a variety of cycling experiences available and facilities for users of all abilities. If you don’t have your own bike, bicycle hire is available from several companies in Canberra – click herefor details.  Visit Stromlo Forest Park online for more information about the facilities and conditions of use.

Market shopping

Handmade Market
Canberra’s award winning quartlery Handmade Market is back on the weekend of 10-11 June with its winter market. Browse through Australian handmade products from over 240 stalls from designers, producers and craftspeople. Shop for everything from fashion, gourmet food, jewellery, furniture, homewares and more. There is lots of parking as well as public transport to the event, held at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). Ask our concierge team for more information on transport options. The market is open from 10am until 4pm on both days.

Music and Theatre

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp: Songs Of The Latin Skies
On Friday 9 June and Saturday 10 June 2017, hear Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp perform Songs Of The Latin Skies at The Street Theatre. Both performance start at 7:30pm. Book tickets online from The Street Theatre.

Apia Good Times Tour 
At the Canberra Theatre Centre, the Apia Good Times Tour returns for another year on Sunday 11 June, bringing together Australian music legends The Black Sorrows with Vika + Linda Bull, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Mental as Anything and Deborah Conway for one night only in Canberra. Book now before you miss out!

For art lovers

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2017
Closing on 18 June, the long weekend is one of the last opportunities to see the 49 portraits that have been selected for display in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2017 at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition features the winning portrait of Richard Morecroft and Alison Mackay by Gary Grealy.

Drawn In
At the National Portrait Gallery on Sunday 11 June 2017 from 1-3pm, unleash your creative side with a drawing event where you can draw while listening to classical guitar music from Carlos Perez. All materials are provided and the event is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Artists of the Great War
Another exhibition in its last days, Artists of the Great War closes on 12 June. Entry to this exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia is free and showcases a variety of artists and artistic mediums. From government recruitment posters to paintings of loss and grief, the exhibition is a poignant tribute to the hardship and sacrifice of World War 1.

Defying Empire: National Indigenous Art Triennial
This major exhibition being hosted by the National Gallery of Australia until 10 September 2017 surveys the diverse contemporary practice of 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, responding to the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

Frank Stella: The Kenneth Tyler Print Collection
Frank Stella and Kenneth Tyler played a significant role in the development of twentieth-century American printmaking. This exhibition on display until July 2017 at the National Gallery of Australia showcases a selection of Stella’s groundbreaking prints.

Pipilotti Rist: Worry will vanish revelation
Until 20 August 2017, experience the colour-saturated universe of acclaimed video artist Pipilotti Rist in this immersive work that takes you on a trip through the sensual and sublime, also at the National Gallery of Australia.

Rodel Tapaya: New art from the Philippines
Exciting new talent Rodel Tapaya draws inspiration from Filipino folklore and contemporary events in an exhibition of recent mural-sized painting, sculptural installation and works on paper. Until 20 August 2017 at the National Gallery of Australia.

Come and discover Canberra this long weekend. Crowne Plaza Canberra is the ideal choice for your Canberra CBD hotel stay. To find the perfect accommodation package click here.

Image: The Truffle Farm Canberra, photographer Lean Timms

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The annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a highlight on Canberra’s autumn event calendar. This year marks the festival’s 31st year. It is a regarded as one of the world’s best hot air balloon events. The sight of the balloons rising into the early morning sky creates a spectacular backdrop to Canberra’s iconic attractions. This year specially shaped balloons from all over the world will be included in the festival. Spectators will be treated to an experience of the senses with a display of sound, movement and colour.

When and Where?
The festival runs over nine days from Saturday 11 March through to Sunday 19 March and takes place on the lawns of Old Parliament House, King Edward Terrace and Parkes. The Balloons will start inflating from 6:15am and launch between 6:30am – 7am so make sure you get there early to avoid missing out on the action.

What else should you know?

• It is free to be a spectator.
• If you’re feeling adventurous you can book a spot on a balloon flight.
• Arrive early before dawn to watch balloons inflate and take shape.
• Canberra mornings can get quite chilly so bring warm clothing.
• Bring your camera to capture the spectacular sight.
• You can BYO food or breakfast is available to purchase each morning.
• The event is weather dependent, so check the event Facebook page for last minute information.

Where to stay? 

Make the most of your time in Canberra with our City Escapes package. You’ll enjoy accommodation, breakfast for two in Redsalt Restaurant, car parking, and late check-out on a Sunday. Crowne Plaza Canberra is located less than a 10 minute drive from Old Parliament House and a short stroll from many national attractions.

How to spend the rest of your day

Looking for ideas on how to spend the rest of your day after a morning of hot air ballooning? For the foodie’s, why not trial some of Canberra’s stylish restaurants and trendy bars or savour some of the best flavours with local and regional wine tastings. If you’re an art or history buff then uncover some of our nation’s best-kept secrets and treasures at the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of Australia or the Australian War Memorial.  Looking for something to inspire the whole family? Questacon features fascinating and interactive exhibits, live demonstration and hands-on activities. Our team will share with you their favourite places and tips to help you make the most of your time in the city and ensure it is a memorable visit. Visit #CBR31Days for more information on what to do in Canberra this March.

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