Three days off in a row is the perfect time to escape for a Canberra mini break. This Queen’s Birthday long weekend, 10 – 12 June, come and discover Canberra.
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
