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Canberra experiences to gift this Christmas

Updated 3 Dec 2024

Give the gift of a memory they’ll never forget this Christmas

 This Christmas, surprise your loved ones with a gift that will create lasting memories far beyond the festive season. Give the gift of unique experiences in Canberra—a thoughtful and meaningful alternative to traditional presents.

A man in a hot air balloon soaring across Canberra national attractions

The gift of a birds'-eye view

Ascend at dawn in a hot air balloon above Canberra, with Balloon Aloft. From your basket, take in the sights and sounds of the early morning, as you skim over the city and Lake Burley Griffin. A customary champagne toast upon landing will bring you back down to earth for a perfect day spent in the capital.

Woman taking a bath with tigers outside the window

The gift of a wild night in

For animal lovers, a stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge is an unforgettable treat. Sleep next to a lion, bathe near a bear, or chat with a giraffe over coffee. This all-inclusive experience not only provides luxury accommodation but will also enrich your understanding of the conservation practices undertaken by the National Zoo & Aquarium.

The gift of a unique picnic

Swap the traditional picnic spot for something special with GoBoat or Love Boats. Take to the waters of Lake Burley Griffin on a self-drive electric boat for a picnic upon the aquatic centrepiece of Canberra. 

A woman holding a glass of white wine as she watches kangaroos near vines.

The gift of tasting the region

From stately cellar doors to rustic tin sheds, the Canberra District Wine Region champions variety in their impressive array of cool climate wines and the venues that serve them. Don’t chance the discovery of your new favourite drop, leave it to the experts to curate your day amongst the vines. Van du Vinhelicopter tours and e-bike tours are some of the many keys to unlocking the region.

A massage bed and basin at a stylish and modern day spa.

The gift of tranquility

Give the gift of providing the time and space for your loved ones to do nothing other than enjoy themselves. From the immersed-in-nature Jindii to the refined Hale, allow these experts to put the ‘treat’ into ‘spa treatment’.

A woman gazing at art.

The gift of knowledge

For the history buffs, why not give a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Canberra's national attractions? The More Than Politics tour at the Australian Parliament House  offers a fascinating look at the building’s art collection, followed by High Tea crafted by their executive chefs. The Big Histories tour at the National Museum of Australia  lets you explore the most significant stories of the museum alongside a museum curator, ending your journey at the lakeside Museum Cafe.

The Soul of the Nation tour by the Australian War Memorial takes you behind the scenes to discover the stories behind the collection. And at the National Gallery of Australia, enjoy Feast of Icons, a unique opportunity to enjoy a degustation dinner inspired by the gallery’s artistic masterpieces.

A tour guide under a wisteria tree.

The gift of insight

Uncover the untold stories of the nation with a She Shapes History tour. This guided walk through the National Triangle delves into some of the inspiring ways women and queer people have helped shaped Australia’s history.

Or go on a jaunt with Tim the Yowie Man, to explore Canberra’s underground secrets, haunted corners, and hidden political history—perfect for lovers of the mysterious and historical.

A graphic of a volcano erupting over a village.

The gift of worldclass exhibitions

Stuff the Christmas stockings full of double passes to blockbuster exhibitions for history buffs and art lovers alike.

Get tickets to explore the vibrant works of Ethel Carrick and Anne Dangar (7 December 2024–27 April 2025) at the National Gallery of Australia or journey back to ancient Pompeii (13 December 2024–4 May 2025) at the National Museum of Australia.

A family of a mum, dad and two daughters smiling as they walk up a ramp at Questacon

The gift of a year full of fun

Give the gift of a whole year of fun and learning with annual passes to some of Canberra’s best attractions including Questacon, the ultimate science wonderland. Or check out the Canberra Mega Pass and Gold Creek Adventure Ticket for family passes promising endless entertainment for all ages.

Image of a young boy in a life jacket at Canberra Aqua Park.

The gift of a cool-down in the lake

Water lovers of all ages will love a day pass to Canberra Aqua Park, which allows its water-sliding visitors to experience the central lake like never before. Get ready to have an awesome day out with friends or family as you climb, splash, slip and slide through the giant, inflatable obstacle course on top of Lake Burley Griffin. Or gift a pass to SUPCBR stand-up paddle boarding to combine fun, sightseeing, and exercise for all the water lovers in your sphere.

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