Enjoy a Canberra winter adventure this season with a range of unique activities and experiences for single travellers, couples, families and groups of friends.
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
