This year, we’re in for one of Canberra’s coldest winters yet, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun. Canberra winters can be brutal, with an average minimum temperature of 0.9 degrees, but there are still endless opportunities to get out there, stay active, and stay happy even in the colder months. While it can be tempting to spend the whole seasoned curled up indoors with a book and a hot chocolate, these activities will make you want to embrace the winter chill. Whether you like being outdoors, enjoying culture at one of the winter festivals, or staying warm inside, there’s something for you.
Corin Forest Mountain Resort
Corin Forest Mountain Resort is the perfect alpine adventure playground an hour from Canberra, offering a range of activities for all ages. The Snowplay area is perfect for families, featuring tobogganing, snowman building, and snowball fights. This area is safe and supervised, making it ideal for kids. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, the Alpine Slide offers a thrilling ride down the mountain on a 1.2-kilometre track. Beginners can take advantage of ski and snowboard lessons, with professional instructors and equipment rentals available on-site. Corin Forest also has a cosy lodge with a café serving hot food and drinks, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow. We’re lucky to have an alpine region so close to Canberra!
Cost: $55.00 for 3 hours in the ski area. Check the Corin Forest Mountain Resort website to see pricing for more of their activities.
Where: In the Tidbinbilla Mountains, at 1268 Corin Dam Road.
When: Corin Forest is open all year round, but there’s only snow when the temperature falls below freezing.
Make the Most of Truffle Season at The Truffle Farm
During the months of May to September, you can participate in a truffle hunt at The Truffle Farm. At the farm, you’ll have the chance to observe expert truffle dogs as they locate black truffles, and even try your own hand at truffle hunting. Following the hunt, you can indulge in a fine dining experience at The Barn, the farm’s restaurant. Here, you can savour dishes crafted with freshly unearthed truffles, accompanied by local fine wine. This experience is ideal for foodies who want to treat themselves, and the opportunity to witness the skilled truffle dogs at work is an added treat!
Weekend truffle hunts tend to book out pretty early, so make sure you book a spot through The Truffle Farm website in advance!
Cost: The Truffle Hunt and degustation lunch is $215.
Where: 23 Mount Majura Road Majura Valley.
When: Hunts run every weekend from early May to September.
Christmas in July Festival
Winter might not feel like the most magical time of year for some, but this festival can at least make you feel like it for an evening. The Christmas in July Festival at Parkes Place Lawns brings the magic of a European winter market to Canberra. From June 27th to June 30th, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with authentic wood huts, Christmas lights, and falling snow. The festival features a Mulled Wine Garden with craft beers, boozy hot chocolate, and live music. Food lovers can indulge in the Melted Cheese Stations offering fondue, raclette, and roasted camembert. For a cosy experience, book a spot in the VIP Fire Pit Garden to toast marshmallows and sip mulled wine. Wander through Snow Lane and let the snowfall transport you to a winter wonderland.
Cost: The event is free, but booking a spot in the Fire Pit starts at $76. It includes a glass of mulled wine and unlimited marshmallows.
Where: King Edward Terrace, Parkes.
When: June 27th to June 30th, from 10am to 11pm. Strange that it’s not in July!
Winter in the City Festival
The Winter in The City festival, held by the city renewal authority, runs from July 6th to July 21st in the Canberra City Centre and Braddon. It features a daily ice skating rink, with tickets available from June 12th. Watch fire performances that light up the night, and visit Wonder In The Park for snowman building and snowball fights. During the festival, there will also be a few specials and themed food and drinks available around the city, including a winter-themed cocktail menu at Blue Eyes and some great deals at the Central Social Club. Both these venues are in Garema Place, in the heart of the city. During the festival, kids can also eat free at the Assembly in Braddon!
Cost: Free, although ice skating is ticketed.
Where: City Centre and Braddon.
When: July 6th to July 21st.
Phillip Swimming Pool and Ice Skating Rink
Want to go ice skating all winter long instead of just during the Winter in the City festival? Phillip Pool & Skate will be hosting a variety of ice skating activities on its Olympic-sized rink. Public skating sessions are available daily, including a Friday Night Disco. If you’re new to ice skating, they offer a wide range of lessons catering to skaters of all ages and skill levels. There are group lessons for both kids (ages 6-15) and adults, with 10-week programs for kids priced at $250 and 5-week programs for adults at $150. Private lessons are also available, with prices ranging from $45 to $50 per half-hour. No booking is required for public sessions. The on-site kiosk serves hot and cold snacks and drinks so you can refuel!
Cost: Public skate sessions start at $17.
Where: 1 Irving Street, Phillip
When: Every day!
Enjoy Canberra’s Wine Scene and Warm Up With a Wine Tour
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Canberra’s wine region. Nothing will warm you up like one of Canberra’s fantastic Shirazes at a cozy vineyard. There are over 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries within a 30 to 40-minute drive from the city centre, so you’re spoiled for choice! Some notable mentions include Mount Majura Vineyard, known for its Tempranillo and scenic tastings; Clonakilla in Murrumbateman, famous for its Shiraz Viognier; and Shaw Wines, which has a cozy tasting room with a fireplace. At Four Winds Vineyard, you can enjoy tastings paired with wood-fired pizza. Van Du Vin provides guided tours to multiple wineries, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience without driving. These tours often include tastings and insights into the winemaking process. Check out the Canberra Wine District website for more information about these wineries and to see upcoming events!
Cost: A private half-day Canberra winery tour with Van Du Vin is $175 per person.
Where: All around the Canberra region!
When: Every day!
Take a Day Trip to the Snowy Mountains
A day trip to the Snowy Mountains is the perfect place for a winter adventure. Head to popular resorts like Perisher and Thredbo for skiing and snowboarding, with runs for all skill levels. Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, while Thredbo boasts Australia’s longest ski run. Both resorts provide equipment rentals and lessons. Located within Kosciuszko National Park, about a three-hour drive from Canberra, the Snowy Mountains feature picturesque towns like Crackenback and Jindabyne. The park is home to Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, with a 13km return hike reaching an elevation of 2,228 metres. The ski season runs from June to October, with the best snow in July and August. If skiing isn’t your thing, try snowshoeing or take a scenic chairlift ride to enjoy the alpine views. Enjoy the winter wonderland and make the most of your day in the snow.
If you’re looking for some more day trips to get you out of the house this winter, check out our comprehensive list of the best day trips from Canberra.
Cost: A single-day pass to Perisher is $226 on weekends.
Where: Koskiosko National Park.
When: Ski season is from June to October.
Visit One Of Canberra’s Many Markets
I can’t think of a better way to spend a winter weekend than wandering around a market with a hot chocolate in my hand, browsing locally-made products and enjoying some arm food. Fortunately, there are so many opportunities to do just that every weekend in Canberra. The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, open every Sunday, sell handmade crafts, local produce, and gourmet food. Capital Region Farmers Market at EPIC runs every Saturday morning, selling fresh produce from local farmers and artisans. On Sundays, the Haig Park Village Markets include food stalls, live music, and crafts. The Hartley Hall Markets in Hall, held on the first Sunday of each month, have a mix of local products and entertainment. Each market is a great way to explore Canberra’s community and support local businesses. For a more detailed guide on Canberra’s markets, read our article on the best markets in Canberra.
Tips For Surviving Canberra Winter
Canberra winters can be brutal, and your first winter in Canberra can be a big shock to the system. Here are some of my tips to help you get through it:
- Layer Up: Wear multiple layers to trap heat. Start with thermal undergarments, add a warm sweater, and finish with a windproof and waterproof jacket. Always wear a beanie, gloves, and warm socks. Personally, Uniqlo’s Heattech range has been revolutionary for me. Thermals can cost up to $200, but the Uniqlo ones are a lot more affordable while still being effective.
- Stay Active: Keeping active helps maintain body heat. Consider winter sports, indoor gyms, or brisk walks. Even simple home exercises can keep you warm.
- Invest in Quality Winter Gear: Investing in good-quality gloves, hats, scarves, and boots is essential. Materials are everything – merino wool, down, or cashmere is the way to go if possible. Sheepskin insoles can keep feet warm and dry, which is especially important if you’re prone to chilblains.
- Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can dry out the air, so using a humidifier can keep the air moist and make breathing easier.
- Take Care of Your Skin: Winter can be harsh on your skin. Use moisturisers to prevent dryness and keep your skin hydrated. You don’t need anything fancy – just carrying around Vaseline will do the trick, especially around your nose and lips. Drinking plenty of water also helps.
We hope you manage to warm, happy and cozy this winter! Let us know if we missed out on some Canberra winter activities you love.