Your summer story starts in Canberra this holiday season. With so much to see and do, you’ll need more than just one weekend!

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