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Easter is just around the corner, and if you're planning a family getaway, Canberra has a plethora of egg-citing activities to offer. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, the capital city is brimming with opportunities for a memorable Easter celebration. Here at Crowne Plaza Canberra, we've come up with our favourite things to do for the whole family.

National Zoo & Aquarium

Spend quality time with your family at the National Zoo & Aquarium, where Easter-themed activities await. From special animal encounters to egg decorating workshops, the zoo offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Don't miss the chance to meet adorable Easter-themed animals and learn about wildlife conservation efforts.

Image Credit: National Zoo & Aquarium

Hercule & Children's Easter Egg Hunt

Indulge in a captivating journey through time with our Ancient Egypt Family Package.

Immerse your family in the enchanting allure of ancient civilizations with a one-night stay that includes complimentary tickets to the must-see ‘Discovering Ancient Egypt’ exhibition at The National Museum of Australia.

Wake up to a delightful morning with a complimentary breakfast for two adults and two kids, setting the perfect tone for a day of exploration.

After breakfast, make your way to the exhibition to unravel the secrets of pharaohs, marvel at intricate artifacts, and witness the wonders that have captivated minds for centuries. Our package promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment for the entire family.

Package Includes:

+ Overnight accommodation for two adults and two children at Crowne Plaza Canberra

+ Buffet Breakfast for two adults and two children

+ Complimentary tickets to the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition for two adults and two children

+ Complimentary Wi-Fi access

*Package runs until 22nd September 2024

Brunch with the Bunch Alpaca Experience

Brace yourselves for a brunch that's more than just eggs and toast – it's an alpaca extravaganza at the Blackwattle Alpaca Farm near Canberra! Gather the squad and get ready for a day filled with fluffy fun and farmyard fabulousness.

Picture this: you, the family, and a bunch of alpacas living their best lives. Your tour guide? An alpaca aficionado who'll spill all the fuzzy secrets about alpaca farming.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. Get up close and personal with the alpacas and their llama buddies. It's not just a meet-and-greet; it's a fluff-filled fiesta where you become the VIPs of the animal kingdom.

Now, let's talk about the Easter feast awaiting you – a mid-morning spread that's basically a brunch dream come true. Toast, hash browns, bacon, eggs, spinach and muesli cups in picturesque surroundings. Don't forget to snap a photo with your best friends after a fascinating morning on the farm.

Book your spot now, and let the alpaca adventure begin – where brunch meets fluff in the most delightful way!

Easter Brunch Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin

Canberra Electric Picnic Boat Hire - 1 Hour | Experience Oz

Canberra Electric Picnic Boat Hire - 3 Hours | Experience Oz

See the Nation’s capital from a whole new perspective as you take to the Lake Burley Griffin with your family and friends on an electric picnic boat. Chart your own course and explore the serene location at your leisure. These eco friendly picnic boats are powered by electric engines with virtually no noise, no fumes and are so easy to drive anyone can do it. Fitted out with timber picnic tables, cup holders and a sunshade, all you’ll need to do is gather your crew and pack your Easter picnic. Setting sail from Trevillian Quay at the Kingston Foreshore, passengers can now enjoy a picnic on Canberra's famous lake rather than beside it!

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Get ready to elevate your day with a sunrise adventure that's more uplifting than your morning coffee! Picture this: you, floating like a carefree cloud in the sky, taking in the breathtaking views of Canberra's architectural beauty and lush greenery. It's not just a hot air balloon ride; it's your golden ticket to a one-hour serenity escape!

Embark on this journey with the coolest ballooning crew in town, soaring to heights of around 3000 feet. Join one of Australia's hot air ballooning legends with a track record so spotless, it's practically a flying unicorn.

Book online now, and turn your Canberra morning into a whimsical airborne fiesta. Trust us; you'll be thanking the skies for this unforgettable experience!

This Easter, Canberra invites your family to indulge in a variety of activities that cater to all interests. From egg hunts to cultural explorations, the capital city offers an abundance of options for a memorable and joyous Easter celebration. Make the most of your family time in Canberra and create lasting memories during this festive season. Happy Easter!

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1) Sunset Stroll at Lake Burley Griffin:

Few things are more romantic than a leisurely sunset stroll, and Lake Burley Griffin offers the perfect setting for it. Take a leisurely walk along the lake’s shoreline, hand in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the water. For an extra touch of magic, consider hiring a paddleboat or a kayak for a romantic ride on the lake.

2) Dinner at Mount Ainslie Lookout:

Elevate your date night with a romantic dinner at the Mount Ainslie Lookout. With panoramic views of the city lights and the Australian War Memorial, this spot offers a breathtaking backdrop for a memorable evening. Pack a picnic or choose from one of the nearby restaurants for an intimate dinner with a view, creating the perfect atmosphere for romance.

3) Hot Air Balloon Ride at Dawn

Experience the enchantment of Canberra from a new perspective with a hot air balloon ride at dawn. As you and your loved one drift above the city, you’ll witness the sunrise casting a warm glow over iconic landmarks. This serene and romantic adventure is bound to create lasting memories as you soar above the city’s architectural beauty.

4) Have a Picnic at the National Arboretum Canberra

Escape into nature’s embrace at the National Arboretum Canberra, a haven of tranquility and beauty. Wander hand in hand through the picturesque forests and gardens, or find a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the stunning landscape. The National Arboretum provides an intimate setting, perfect for couples seeking a peaceful retreat.

5) Romantic Wine Tasting Escape to Pialligo Estate

For a luxurious and romantic retreat, head to Pialligo Estate. Indulge in a wine tasting session at their renowned winery, followed by a romantic dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant. Surrounded by lush gardens and serene landscapes, this estate offers an idyllic setting for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

While Canberra may be known for its political institutions, it also holds the key to unlocking romantic experiences that will sweep you and your partner off your feet. From scenic strolls to adventurous hot air balloon rides, the capital city is brimming with opportunities to kindle the flame of romance. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to explore these top five romantic things to do in Canberra and create cherished moments with your loved one in this unexpectedly romantic destination.

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Canberra is having a party in March and you’re all invited! The festival of lights, art, food and entertainment is back! The annual Enlighten Festival will take place over Canberra for ten nights starting 1^st March to 11^th March, bringing things new, old and familiar.

Stay in Canberra as it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour, activity and experiences during autumn. The perfect place for a short break, Canberra will charm you with diverse activities, all within easy reach. Go for the iconic museums and galleries, and stay for the hidden gems and unexpected moments, all under the umbrella of @enlighten_canberra and #EnlightenCanberra

Make sure not to miss out on the action. Here’s Crowne Plaza Canberra’s top five things to do over the festival:

Illuminations

Back again this year is the mesmerising projection of light installations onto Canberra’s iconic buildings and public spaces including Parliament House, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Library of Australia, The National Gallery of Australia and many more.

Get ready for the city to be seriously beautiful and seriously all lit up!

Symphony in the Park - 10 March 2024

This year, the legendary Hoodoo Gurus will headline Symphony in the Park with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

Join the fun on Sunday 10th March to rock out with this ground-breaking Aussie band who first began playing live shows in pubs and clubs in the early 80s.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular: 9 - 17 March

For the early-birds out there, don’t miss the Canberra Balloon Spectacular lifting off on 9^th March.  Over nine days from 9-17 March, spectators can marvel at hot air balloons floating across the city as the Canberra skyline turns into a sea of colour and movement.

Balloons will inflate from 6.00am and launch around 6.30am each morning from Patrick White Lawns, weather permitting. For those who have braved the dawn start there’s a hot breakfast to enjoy as the balloons lift off and drift across the dawn sky. Be sure to check out the balloons throughout the morning with great views around the lake and from the Arboretum.

If you want to experience a balloon ride for yourself, click here.

Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run: Monday 11 March

On Monday 11^th March, you can support Canberra Day and take part in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run. Afterwards, they’ll be entertainment in Commonwealth Park from 10am – 5pm. Enjoy live music, family activities and the Food & Makers market full of delicious cuisines and locally made products. Mingle with the locals as the celebration of being part of the Canberra community gets into full swing! Best of all, all profits from this event will support local charities through Hands Across Canberra.

Canberra After Dark

From outdoor fire shows to a lakeside moon walk, there’s an array of exciting and new experiences to get involved in as part of the Canberra After Dark events.

If you want a blast from the past, dig out the leg warmers, shoulder pads and neon spandex and join The People’s House: Back to the 80’s! Taking place at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, it’s a free, interactive event for all ages.

If you’d prefer a more peaceful evening, why not hire bikes, rise around the lake and memorize over the lights from two wheels. Bikes can be hired from the front of the Crowne Plaza Canberra.

There's so much to see and do in Canberra this March. Crowne Plaza Canberra’s location in the heart of Canberra’s CBD means you will be within easy walking distance to the city's major shopping mall, the Canberra Centre, along with restaurants, bars and entertainment. Local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site, making travel even easier. Plus refuel and recharge your mornings with a full breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant, served between 06:15am - 9:45am weekdays & 6:30am - 10:00am each weekend.

Book your Canberra Enlighten Escape now! 

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The best of urban Canberra can be enjoyed by the whole family happy these April school holidays with these 5 key events not to be missed.

1: Van Gogh Alive Australia 

Canberra’s Parkes Place Lawns have been transformed into a SENSORY4 Gallery, where you can embrace your favourite paintings, including Van Gogh’s magnum opus, Off the back of Enlighten Festival, Van Gogh Alive Australia will remain on the Parkes Place Lawns until Sunday 10 April, covering the first weekend of the Easter school holidays.

Prepare to transcend time and space as you accompany Van Gogh on a journey through the Netherlands, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, where he created many of his timeless masterpieces. At the end of it all dine in a recreation of the Café Terrace at night with the family.

Don’t miss out on tickets for this spectacular multi-sensory experience inside the 25,000 square foot immersive gallery. General Admission to the event is costed between $39 – 44 per person.

2: National Portrait Gallery’s Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition

An exhibition featuring more than 80 portraits usually on display in London’s National Portrait Gallery, has opened in the nations capital, featuring faces who have “shaped British history, identity and culture”.

One of the most significant artworks on display to show the chilren in the exhibition is John Taylor’s portrait of William Shakespeare, painted in the 1600s and thought to be the only portrait the writer ever sat for. Enjoy numerous other portraits of icons from popular culture, scientists and even singing sensation Ed Sheeran.

Shakespeare to Winehouse is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to see these works, some of them for the first time and possibly for the last time, in Australia

To reach the Portrait Gallery from Crowne Plaza, simply take the first exit off Parkey Way, onto Commonwealth Ave/A23.

3: Have fun learning about the world of science

A visit to Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is a highlight of a family trip to Canberra. This extremely popular attraction is all about making science fun. With regular special exhibitions and over 200 exhibits across eight galleries, there is enough to keep you entertained for hours.

Get innovating these Easter school holidays with the Questacon Maker Project Holiday Program! Held in the custom Maker Space at Deakin, 10 – 15 year olds will spend each session tinkering and designing, guided by Maker facilitators. 

Tickets are essential, and will be available in advance via Ticketek. All participants will need to be signed-in by a parent or guardian 15 minutes prior to workshops commencing.

Questacon is open 7 days a week, with general admission sessions starting every half an hour from 9 am to 3 pm. Pre-booked tickets are essential for all visitors, including infants.

4: Enjoy the entertainment haven at the National Folk Festival

Known as the heart and home of Australian folk culture, the Folkie brings thousands together in a massive celebration of music, storytelling, and more at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC).

With endless entertainment offerings across the five-day event– held from Thursday 14 until Monday 18 April– there will be world-class performers (including performances from 36 ARIA Award winners). The festival program has been recently announced, packing in a family friendly schedule among, workshops, dance, choir & music schedules.

Designed to impress the whole family, the 2022 festival will proudly showcase the very best of homegrown talent with over 200 acts across 12 venues to enjoy.

For the little ones, ABC kid’s favourite Justine Clarke will be taking the stage to perform some of her biggest hits that will have them singing and dancing.

5: Explore the National Arboretum

Active kids? Pick up your map and clue sheet from the Village Centre and head out into the forests and gardens on a letter search to discover which rare bird is nesting at the National Arboretum.

The orienteering is on daily during the school holidays between 9am and 4pm. It is suitable for all ages.

There is a cost of $5 per family. This is a drop-in activity and no bookings are required.

Book a Family Experience at Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza is enticing the family to indulge these Easter holidays in some retail therapy with a $100 Canberra Centre voucher and then get ready for hours of fun with the young ones at Kingpin Canberra with a $50 voucher to play the arcades, go bowling, try an escape room and more!

Our ‘Shop, Play, Stay’ family package includes 2-nights accommodation in a twin room or Suite of your choice, plus a $100 Canberra Centre voucher, $50 King Pin Canberra voucher, and a bonus $50 dining credit.

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Ski, Snow and Outdoor Adventure

Corin Forest is the perfect first snow experience for all ages, located only 45 minutes from Canberra’s CBD. In the Snowplay area you can build a snowman, throw a snowball and go tobogganing. Choose from one of three 2.5 hour sessions daily – book online to avoid disappointment. Plus, learn to ski or board on the specially designed beginner’s ski slope and at Snow Sports School as part of your Canberra winter adventure these July school holidays! Try A 2 hour ski or snowboard lesson on our purpose built Joeys ski hill with one of the welcoming instructors.

Heading to Thredbo Resort at the snowy mountains? With 60cms up top and 25cms in the village to see in the Queens’s birthday long weekend, expect a bumber of a season! What’s really unique about Thredbo is its beautiful vibrant village right at the base of the mountain with a range of accommodation, restaurants, bars, cafes and retail shops. Winter lift passes are currently on sale from $169* per adult and under $100* per child (age dependent). And the best part? We’re only a short 10 minutes from the Monaro Highway, that leads directly to the snowfields.

Embrace the frosty season with the return of Wintervention at the Canberra Civic Centre, a short 4 minutes away from the hotel’s park surrounds. Civic Square will become a winter pop-up ice-skating venue from June 25 to July 11, with entertainment, activities, food and market stalls set up around the rink. Markets will run across two weekends – June 25 – 27 and July 2 – 4 – and “Stars on Ice” will entertain crowds with live performances on Fridays and over the weekend.

Food and Wine

There is a range of winter Canberra activities on offer for lovers of good food and wine.

We can’t give enough praise to Four Winds Vineyard in Yass, a 40 minute trip via the Barton Highway. This micro-winery and vineyard in the Canberra District, serves award winning wines and wood-fired pizzas five days a week. The outdoor dining area is also pet friendly. And did we mention you’re now able to purchase a Riesling Gin, courtesy of a unique partnership The Canberra Distillery. Here the winery undertook trials using varying percentages of Riesling juice and a range of botanicals.

Searching for a food delacacy? The Truffle Festival Canberra Region runs from June until August with a range of events to choose from, including degustation dinners, truffle hunts, cooking classes, truffle and wine tastings and more. Try the unique Silverback winter beer, created by local brewery Bentspoke Brewing Co.. This special winter beer is rich and malty, infused with kumquats, cinnamon star anise, nutmeg and truffles and is only available from the brewpub in Braddon.

Looking for a family-friendly day out? Try Truffle tasting at L’Air Du Wombat Truffles at 1211 Oallen Road. There is nothing quite like using the truffle you hunted, for the home cook creation. Coming from the Hunter region or Northern Sydney? This is a great stopover! L’Air du Wombat Truffle farm is located in the tiny town of Oallen on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, 2.5 hours from Sydney, 1 hour from Goulburn, Nowra or Braidwood and 1.5 hours from Canberra.

Market Shopping

If you would like to do some shopping during your visit to Canberra, try one of the local markets for something unique. The Old Bus Depot Markets have been running for 22 years and are held every Sunday in Kingston. Choose from a range of arts, craft collectibles, homewares or garden accessories.

Christmas in July is coming to the National Rose Garden between Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 July. Enjoy a series special winter markets , French food and drinks and Christmas movies. Picture stalls boasting sweet and savoury crepes, melted cheese stations and plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm. Canberrans and travelling Sydneysiders can expect a dash of festivity in the wake of suspended European holiday plans!

Accommodation in Canberra city

With so much to see and do in Canberra in winter, you’ll be able to do as much or as little as you like. Crowne Plaza Canberra’s location in the heart of Canberra’s CBD means you will be within easy walking distance to the city’s major shopping mall, the Canberra Centre, along with restaurants, bars and entertainment. Local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site from $26 per night, making travel even easier. Plus refuel and recharge your mornings with a full breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant, served between 06:15am – 9:45am weekdays & 6:30am – 10:00am each weekend.

Book your Canberra Winter Escape now and save

For a limited time only, book your accommodation in Canberra and save up to 35%* off your accommodation in either a Deluxe, Superior, Premium Room or Suite when you book by 30 July 2021. For more details on this package explore winter accommodation in Canberra.

Please note: some activities may attract a fee and/or require bookings.  There may also be special conditions associated with some activities. Please check the websites or speak with our Concierge team for more information. 

Top image: Snow fun at Corin Forest by Damian Breach for VisitCanberra.

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Browse Antiques

If you are a lover of all things antique and one of a kind, visit Dirty Janes in Fyshwick. This antique market is a favourite of collectors and creators who can discover vintage finds and inspiration in equal measure. Plus, if you consider yourself a connoisseur of tea, make sure to go and find Tea Garden Co. Explore their tea production room tucked away inside Dirty Janes and smell their delicious range of teas.

Local Markets

If you are looking to browse local produce, a stop at the Capital Region Farmers Market is definitely in order. Open every Saturday morning from 7am to 11.30am at EPIC, this is a great place to stock up locally grown fruit, vegetable and meat plus sample some local delicacies like truffles and handmade chocolate.

One of our favourite markets, the Old Bus Depot Markets has used the covid-19 related closure time to upgrade their facilities. We look forward with anticipation to their re-opening in the second half of 2021.

Shop Big Brands

If you are looking for a shopping centre experience then head to Canberra Centre. Opened almost 60 years ago, it was the first fully enclosed shopping mall in Australia, a few renovations later and this modern shopping experience has over 260 national and international retailers.

Harry Potter fans need to make the short drive over to Fyshwick to visit Quizzic Alley to shop Australia’s largest range of official Harry Potter merchandise.

Boutiques Supporting Local

Just driving around Canberra, you will come across vibrant precincts with shops and boutiques nestled in every corner. Love shopping local at boutiques like POP Canberra, Timber and Tailor and The Hive in Braddon. Come away with artisanal pottery and handcrafted items of all descriptions as a memento of your exploration of Canberra shopping.

Ready for a shopping weekend in Canberra? Check out our latest offers to book in your getaway today.

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Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures
National Film and Sound Archive
10 August 2018 to 10 February 2019

Heath Ledger with Bell & Howell, 70D 16mm motion picture camera, 19 April 2001. Photo: Karin Catt

A true talent and a life cut short, Heath Ledger is a beloved Australian icon whose films continue to entertain and challenge. Best known for films such as The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain, his signature smile and commitment to his characters is something that continues to endure. This exhibition is made up of a host of objects from costumes and props, his own character research journals, portraits and awards that tell a story of his life and work. Enjoy a glimpse into Heath’s professional works and personal passions. The collection has been thoughtfully curated in collaboration with his family.

American Masters 1940 – 1980
National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
24 August to 11 November 2018

Jackson Pollock, Blue poles 1952, oil, enamel, aluminium paint, glass on canvas, National Gallery of Australia © Pollock-Krasner Foundation/ARS/Copyright Agency

This Jackson Pollock work Blue Poles was acquired by the NGA is 1973 and was, at the time, the most expensive American painting ever. Adding this to their collection was quite a coup for the gallery and has fuelled a passion for art of this type. This exhibition is pulled together exclusively from the gallery’s collection and features modern works by American artists from the 1940s to 80s. Pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Chuck Close, Donald Judd, Eva Hesse and Louise Bourgeois are on display.

Also, make sure to put the NGA’s next major exhibition in your diary, Love and Desire – Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate is opening 14 December.

So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history
National Portrait Gallery
9 June to 1 October 2018

Dana Bergstorm, Penguin, 2018 By Linde Ivimey

This exhibition features ten Australian female artists and works that centre around the history of our country. Each work was newly created for the exhibition and both the specific subject matter and artistic medium are as diverse as the artists themselves.

Rome: City and Empire
National Museum of Australia
21 September 2018 to 3 February 2019

At one time the Roman Empire was the centre of economic, military and social power. This ancient civilisation continues to enthral us with stories of battles, gladiators and epic religious and mythological tales. Take a journey to ancient Rome with the exhibition featuring more than 200 objects from the British Museum.

Love art and local galleries?

Click the below links to check out upcoming exhibitions at some of our favourite galleries including smaller boutique spaces.

• ANCA Gallery
• ANU School of Art Gallery and Drill Hall
• Beaver Galleries
• Belconnen Arts Centre
• Bilk Gallery
• Canberra Contemporary Art Space
• Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre
• M16 Artspace
• Megalo Print Studio and Gallery
• Tuggeranong Arts Centre

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra. Take advantage of our central location in Canberra’s CBD, close to many galleries. Discover our accommodation packages and get in touch.

Feature image: Heath Ledger in the Yellow Kitchen at Jacksue Gallery Perth 1999 @Frances Andrijich

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