What's on this winter
Updated 5 Jun 2025
Explore the best things to do in Canberra this June, July, and August.
Canberra knows how to celebrate every season - and winter is no exception. Whether it’s snowball fights at Corin Forest, truffle hunting, or warming up at world-class exhibitions at museums and galleries, you’ll find winter magic in every corner. Winter in Canberra is a season of contrasts — crisp air and warm welcomes, quiet moments and lively festivals, indulgent meals and outdoor adventures. It’s a time to slow down, savour the season, and see the capital in a whole new light.
Canberra. There’s more than they’re telling us.
Hunt for truffles
Don’t miss the seasonal festivities during Canberra’s truffle season. From mid-June through to August, enjoy a paddock to plate experience or join a truffle hunt as you sample the delights of the Canberra region’s truffle growers. Get involved with Canberra’s truffle season festivities and keep an eye out on the prized Black Perigord truffle featured on the menu at restaurants, cafes and wineries across the capital.
Winter in the City
Canberra’s city centre transforms into a winter wonderland for 15 days (5–19 July) of free, family-friendly entertainment by day and fire performances by night. Keep an eye out for a range of exciting activities happening in the City during the school holidays including Mission to the Moon– a family-friendly theatre experience; Circus Firemen – a high-energy, comedic circus performance; and Circus Oz – a professional circus troupe delivering large-scale ensemble acts and nightly fire performances. The event will culminate in a special edition of The Forage (19 July), a beloved street food festival with live music, performances, and delicious local fare.
Snow play just 45 minutes from the city
Corin Forest is Canberra’s closest snow destination and an ideal spot for first-timers to see snow and families, without a long drive from the city centre. Corin Forest offers gentle beginner slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Prefer a more relaxed pace? Build snowmen and make snow angels before feasting on woodfired pizza and hot chocolate at the indoor cosy café.
Warm up with blockbuster exhibitions
One of this winter’s cultural highlights is at the National Gallery of Australia's latest major exhibition, Cézanne to Giacometti: highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie (until 21 September). This exclusive exhibition brings together masterpieces of European modernism, where you’ll see pieces from some of the most influential artists of the 20th century such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Henri Matisse, Tériade Éditeur, Edmond Vairel, Draeger Frères, Jazz. Icare [Icarus], 1947, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1980 © Succession H. Matisse/Copyright Agency, 2025
Nature walks and winter wildlife
Even in winter, Canberra’s outdoor offerings shine. Just six kilometres from the city centre, find a moment of calm amongst 44,000 trees at the National Arboretum Canberra. Each July trees are wrapped in crocheted colourful scarves to keep them warm during winter.
Just a 45-minute drive from the city centre you’ll find Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Known for its amazing views and walks, the reserve helps protect and breed native, endangered animals. Winter is a great time to spot superb lyrebirds, sight platypus in the sanctuary ponds, and listen to the calls of native frog species.
In nearby Namadgi National Park, snow occasionally dusts the mountains, and kangaroos can be seen hopping through frosty fields.
Retreat into nature
Canberra’s natural surroundings offer a peaceful contrast to the city life buzz, especially in winter. There’s something deeply restorative about waking up to mountain air, the crackle of a fire, and the distant calls of native birds. Whether you stay in a cosy cabin, a boutique eco-retreat, or a cleverly designed tiny house like Dinny by Cubby and Co at Mount Majura Vineyard or Little Baxter at Lake George Winery, the focus is on slowing down and reconnecting. Enjoy the stillness, sip a hot drink by the firepit under the stars, and let winter in the bush work its quiet magic.
Indoor fun for all ages
When you’re ready to turn up the fun indoors, the Canberra Centre offers entertainment for all ages. The quirky world of Hijinx Hotel combines quick-play challenge rooms and mind-bending puzzles, while Holey Moley offers a playful way to enjoy mini golf. At Kingpin you’ll find bowling, karaoke, immersive escape rooms, and a huge selection of arcade games.
Fireside feasting
Few things are more comforting in winter than a meal shared by a roaring fire. Canberra offers a range of dining experiences that pair hearty seasonal and local fare with cosy settings. For a leisurely lunch with a view, head to Nick O’Leary’s restaurant and cellar door, Heywood - with vast views of the Brindabellas outside and a log fire inside, you simply can’t go wrong. Or stay in the city centre to warm up by the fireplace at Monster Kitchen and Bar housed in Ovolo Nishi. Here, you'll discover a menu of innovative snacks and share plates that celebrate seasonal produce, all served in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
Dare to discover Canberra’s spooky side
Not everything in Canberra is as it seems. While many are familiar with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia as a cultural destination, there’s a lesser-known side to this iconic attraction that promises spine-tingling thrills. Join Tim the Yowie Man to discover the strange, the ghostly and the disturbing stories lurking in the National Film and Sound Archive basement and under the stairs… if you dare. Book soon as spots fill fast.
Tuck into shows at the Canberra Theatre Centre
The Canberra Theatre Centre program is brimming with shows over winter. There’s sweeping drama and passion at Carmen – The Australian Ballet and enchanting adventures of The Gruffalo’s Child for kids and families, you’ll quickly discover there’s something for every age and taste.
Markets to explore
Sample flavours and shop from local makers and artists in the Handmade Market (14-15 June) at Exhibition Park in Canberra showcasing over 260 Australian designers and producers in an indoor market. Certified by the Australian Made Campaign, the market is the ultimate place to support small businesses and find something special to take home. The Capital Region Farmers Market held every Saturday morning brings together over 100 stallholders selling everything from honey to nitrate-free bacon, and warming breakfast options. For a more relaxed pace, soak up the Sunday serenity at the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon, where fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts accompanied by live music create the perfect picnic atmosphere. Don't forget to explore The Little Burley Markets along Lake Burley Griffin on Saturdays or indulge in Canberra's iconic Sunday Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston.
Cheer with the crowd
Canberra’s stadiums come alive in winter with big games, passionate fans, and fierce rivalries. Cheer on the Canberra Raiders and Brumbies with plenty of home matches at GIO Stadium during winter. Manuka Oval will see the GIANTS take on fierce rivals (7 June and 10 August). With heated rivalries and epic matches, winter in Canberra is the perfect time to come together, show your team spirit, and experience the excitement of top-tier sporting events. So, grab your mates, scarves, hats, and jerseys, and get ready to cheer on your team to glory.
See glass artists in action
Canberra is well-known for its national galleries, but art lovers in the know flock to the local arts scene. At Canberra Glassworks, watch artists shaping molten glass in kilns reaching 800 degrees, turning glowing orbs into beautiful, intricate pieces, which you can discover for yourself at the gift shop. Watch from the viewing gallery at your own pace or take a tour to learn more about this fascinating and fiery craft.
Keep planning your getaway
Keep in touch
Be among the first to discover the latest and greatest things to see and do, taste and try, explore and experience in Canberra by signing up to our newsletter.
Accommodation deals
