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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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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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Ski, Snow and Outdoor Adventure

For a fun winter experience in the heart of the city, Winter Festival will bring open air ice-skating, European style markets, entertainment and more to Canberra from 23 June until 17 July 2016, located within walking distance of Crowne Plaza Canberra.

With its close proximity to the NSW Snowy Mountains, Canberra is the ideal stopover for a trip to the snow. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, Murrays Canberra Snow Service offers daily coaches to and from the NSW Snowy Mountains in July and August. For the perfect first snow experience, Corin Forest offers tobogganing and snow play only 45 minutes from Canberra’s CBD.

For something different, join an afterDARK – Winter Lantern Tour at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.  On several Saturday nights through winter you will make your own lantern then set off on a guided night tour, followed by supper and toasted marshmallows.

School Holidays

There are lots of family activities in Canberra on offer for the July school holidays. The National Portrait Gallery has a special program of events including Family Space: I.D. Identifying Self, with all day screenings and activities inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s collection for families to enjoy together. Portrait Play offers children aged 4 to 8 the opportunity to explore portrait through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

The Happy Birthday Play School: Celebrating 50 Years exhibition is showing at the National Museum of Australia until 24 July 2016. You’ll find those favourite characters including Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima – plus the Rocket Clock and all the windows. The Spiders Exhibition on show at Questacon until 9 October 2016 allows visitors to explore the vast and fascinating world of spiders.

Art, Culture and History

Art, culture and history enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice during winter, with a number of exhibitions and events in Canberra.  Tough and Tender is an exhibition being held at the National Portrait Gallery from 15 July until 16 October 2016, featuring photographs by a group of American and Australian artists from the 1960s to now, exploring the complexities of personal relations and individual expression. Fiona Hall’s exhibition Wrong Way Time, direct from the 2015 Venice Biennale, is being hosted by the National Gallery of Australia until 10 July 2016.

Reality in flames: modern Australian art and the Second World War is showing at the Australian War Memorial until 7 September 2016.  This exhibition explores the creative response of Australian modernist artists to the Second World War. Behind the Lines 2015: The year’s best political cartoons displays 80 cartoons from 39 cartoonists at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, celebrating the role of political cartoonists in Australia.

Food and Wine

There is also a range of experiences on offer in Canberra for lovers of good food and wine. 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. The World Curry Festival is being held in Canberra’s CBD on the weekend of 8 to 10 July 2016, showcasing authentic flavours, along with cultural performances and market stalls.  Or stay in and enjoy a warming and nourishing meal from the new winter menu at Redsalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza 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. The Winter Glass Market, a celebration of glass, will be held on 18 June 2016 at the Canberra Glassworks. The Handmade Market, which features only Australian made and designed products, will be held over the June long weekend and offers unique items with a chance to chat to the makers as you browse the 220 plus stalls.

Stay With Us

With so much to see and do in Canberra 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 Canberra Centre where shopping, bars and restaurants are easily accessible, and local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site, making travel even easier.

Winter Savings – Up to 30% Off!

For a limited time only, book your accommodation in Canberra and save up to 30% off our advance purchase rate. Rates begin at $126* per night, and are available for stays until 31 August 2016. Click here for more information and to book.

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. 

Images: Cover page: Tobogganing at Corin Forest © VisitCanberra; this page: Ice Skating in the City © CBD Canberra Ltd

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