1. FROSTY FUN

Snow sports or snow play

If you are heading to one of New South Wales’ magical snowfields this ski season, Canberra is the perfect stop along the way only a short detour from the highway to the Snowy Mountains. Kosciuszko National Park has four ski resorts including Thredbo home to Australia’s longest ski run.

Never seen snow before? This winter is your chance and Corin Forest is the perfect first snow experience for all ages. Winter wonderland tasks to tick off your snow bucket list include build your first snowman, throw a snowball and go tobogganing which can all be enjoyed in the Snowplay area which runs three 2.5 hour sessions daily. Plus, learn to ski or board on the specially designed beginners run and at snow sports school.

Skating At Festival

Embrace the magic of winter as you twirl on ice at Skating At Festival. The pop-up ice rink is located at Garema Place, a 7-minute walk from the hotel and is open daily until evening (9pm Mon-Wed, 10pm Thurs, Fri & Sun and 11pm Sat). How about a romantic evening on ice? Each Tuesday is Skate & Date night or if music from the 90s and 00s is more your jam then come on Thursday for Ice Ice Baby. There is also a bar and winter food market and all sorts of rides in addition to the rink.

2. LOVE LEARNING

Headhunt! at the National Portrait Gallery

Perfect for the art enthusiast of the future, Headhunt! is a new and fun way to experience the gallery. Free for families on weekends and during school holidays, iPads are available for this interactive activity. Specifically designed for kids 7 to 15, it gives them the tools to independently explore or take charge and lead your family on your own tour with fun facts and details about the works in the National Portrait Gallery.

Marvellous Motifs at the National Museum of Australia

Perfect for your kids who love art and design or different cultures, Marvellous Motifs is a kids’ activity running from July 9 to 20. The session centres around the exhibition So That You Might Know Each Other which explores the faith and culture of Islam and focuses on the artistic motifs found throughout Islamic art and design. The activity includes a tour of the exhibit and a screen printing craft with Megalo Print Studios where kids will create take-home hand-printed cards. Pre-booking essential, fees apply.

National Dinosaur Museum

Ready to travel back in time 700 million years? The dinosaurs are the big show-stealers at the National Dinosaur Museum but the exhibitions also include a variety of fossils and beautiful murals. Make sure you visit the Dinosaur Garden and get a selfie with your favourite prehistoric beast!

Mid-Winter Nights @ Questacon

For four nights in July, have an up late experience with Mid-Winter Nights @ Questacon. Exciting for all ages, enjoy a science show, stargazing, winter crafts plus food. You can also explore all eight of Questacon’s galleries. The sessions run from 5.30pm to 9pm over four nights from July 11 to 14. For more other current activites, visit our recent best Canberra winter activities.

3. DELICIOUS DINING

Truffle Market Day at Westfield Belconnen

Canberra goes truffle mad in winter with the annual truffle festival. This great event on July 28 allows you to marinate in all things truffles without leaving the city or braving the cooler weather outdoors. The Westfield Belconnen Truffle Market Day will showcase cooking demonstrations from some of Canberra’s top chefs who are experts in truffles plus food and wine samplings and free kid’s activities. Get inspired to include truffles in your cooking and learn how you can be creative in the kitchen.

Five Course Truffle Dinner

For something truly indulgent, how about five courses featuring Canberra truffles and paired with matched wines. On Saturday August 4, Blue Frog Truffles and Contentious Character wines will join forces for a night to truly scintillate the taste buds. Bookings essential.

Blue Frog Truffles Truffle Hunts

Or how about trying truffle hunting yourself? Blue Frog Truffle Hunts are happening every Sunday during the Truffle Festival at 10am. The farm is located close by to the city, only a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The experience includes the hunt with truffle sniffing dogs, information, tastings and the chance to buy truffles and truffle related products to take home and enjoy!

Start planning your winter escape to Canberra now with our winter accommodation specials. 

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Image credits:

Corin Forest image, National Dinosaur Museum and Questacon Image from Visit Canberra, Westfield Belconnen Truffle Market Day courtesy of trufflefestival.com.au