Winter Escapes in Canberra
As the winter chill settles in, you may feel inclined to hibernate until the warmer months return. However, there's no need to succumb to the cold weather blues when you can escape to Canberra. From snow sports to cultural events, gourmet food and wine experiences, there's something for everyone in or near Australia’s capital. So, pack your bags and lock in your accommodation for Canberra City to enjoy the following winter escapes.
Hunt for truffles
Image via TripAdvisor
If you're looking for a unique winter experience in Canberra, try your hand at truffle hunting. The region is known for producing some of Australia's finest truffles, and several farms offer truffle hunting tours over the winter months. You’ll explore truffle farms with an experienced guide and their trained truffle dog and learn about the growing process and history of truffle farming in the Canberra region.
Hit the snow at Corin Forest
Image via HerCanberra
Winter fun in Canberra means one thing; Corin Forest. This alpine resort, located just a short drive from your Canberra City accommodation, offers a range of winter activities for the young and old. Enjoy a friendly snowball fight, snowman building or toboggan ride in the Snowplay area. Or, for the more adventurous, hit the ski slopes or go snowboarding for the ultimate winter escape in Canberra.
Canberra International Music Festival
Image via Canberra International Music Festival
The Canberra International Music Festival is one of the most anticipated events on the city's cultural calendar. Held annually in May, the festival draws musicians from around the globe to perform in some of Canberra’s most iconic venues. With a line-up featuring diverse musical genres, including jazz, classical, and experimental, the Canberra International Music Festival is a winter festival in Canberra that no music lover should miss.
The Canberra Writers Festival
Image via Damsel and Sprout
The Canberra Writers Festival is an annual event that celebrates the power of the written word by bringing together some of the most exciting voices in literature from Australia and around the world. From panel discussions and author talks to workshops and book signings, the festival provides a platform for established and emerging writers to share their work and discuss timely topics.
Visit the Snowy Mountains
Image via Visit NSW
Located a short drive from your Canberra accommodation, the Snowy Mountains are a popular winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts some of the best ski resorts in Australia, including Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass, making it the ideal spot for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Day trip to Goulburn
Image via Museums & Galleries of NSW
When you base yourself at our Avenue accommodation Canberra, you’re within an hour’s drive of Goulburn. With its rich colonial history, heritage-listed buildings and beautiful countryside, Goulburn is the perfect destination to explore during a winter escape to Canberra. Make the most of the scenic drive, visit nearby Mount Selwyn Ski Resort, admire the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, or learn about the town’s railway history at the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre.
Get cultured at The National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
Image via National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia is home to an impressive Australian and international art collection by renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock, Sidney Nolan and Pablo Picasso. In winter, the NGA is a great place to escape the cold as you explore the galleries at your own pace or as part of a guided tour. One notable upcoming exhibition being Ngura Pulka - Epic Country which will be conceived, created, directed, and determined by Aṉangu people. When you've finished checking out the art, enjoy the fact that you’re only a short distance from Canberra’s best restaurants near Avenue Hotel, such as BentSpoke Brewing Co. Avenue and BentSpoke have partnered together for a unique offer, allowing you to sample the incredible flavours of their Brewery.
Sample Canberra’s wine region
Image via Canberra Wine District Association
Canberra's wine region is easily reachable via a short drive from your Canberra City accommodation and is known for producing some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia. Many of the wineries in the region have cellar doors that provide the chance to taste their wines and learn about the winemaking process. Of course, nothing says winter winery tour better than ending the day with a glass of red wine by a cosy fireplace, so you’ll want to know about these top wineries to visit near Canberra.
Spot the scarved trees at the National Arboretum
Image via Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects
The National Arboretum Canberra is a beautiful spot for guided tours, winter walks, and exhibitions. During the winter months, the gardens come alive with the “scarves for trees” initiative that involves members of the public knitting colourful scarves to protect the collection of trees from frost and cold temperatures. Once you’re done exploring the great outdoors, the on-site cafes and restaurants offer hot drinks and meals to warm up before returning to your accommodation Canberra.
Take a dip at Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pools
Image via News.com.au
The Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pools are a must-visit attraction near Canberra. Located in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park, the Yarrangobilly Caves are a series of limestone caves formed over millions of years. The mineral-rich thermal pools are fed by a natural spring that maintains a temperature of 27°C, making it the perfect spot to relax and take a dip, even in the middle of winter.
