Canberra experiences to gift this Christmas

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.

Dream beside a snoring lion, bathe beside a bear, or wake up to coffee chat with your friendly neighbourhood giraffe at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. This all-inclusive stay not only provides luxury accommodation but enriches your understanding of the conservation practices that the National Zoo & Aquarium undertakes.

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 Vin, helicopter tours and e-bike tours are some of the many keys to unlocking the region.

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, and refined Hale, allow these experts to put the ‘treat’ into ‘spa treatment’.

For the culturally astute in your life, why not take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of some of Canberra's national attractions? Australian Parliament House’s More Than Politics tour spans their art collections, followed by High Tea crafted by their executive chefs. The National Museum of Australia's Big Histories tour helps you explore the most significant stories of the museum alongside a museum curator, ending your journey at the lakeside Musem Cafe.

The Soul of the Nation tour, by the Australian War Memorial, takes you behind the scenes of their extensive collection, and through their galleries. And the National Gallery of Australia’s Feast of Icons is the unique opportunity to enjoy a degustation dinner inspired by artworks in their collection.

Gift a She Shapes History tour and uncover the stories of friendship, survival, creativity, rebellion and love. Enjoy a guided walk through the National Triangle and learn about the story of the nation, and Australian women's invaluable contributions. 

Or go on a jaunt with Tim the Yowie Man, who tours of underground secrets in Canberra, eerie haunted corners, and top-secret fact-finding-missions within political corridors. Something the history lover in the family will surely delight in.

Give a years’ access to one of Canberra’s major attractions like Questacon, where kids (young and old) can marvel at the magic of science. Other family favourites like the National Zoo & Aquarium and Gold Creek Adventure Ticket also do annual pass options, that will give the gift of enjoyment again and again.

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 a pass to experience SUPCBR stand up paddle boarding to combine fun, sight-seeing, and exercise for all the water-lovers in your sphere.