What's on this winter

Enjoy a paddock to plate experience or join a truffle hunt as you sample the delights of the Canberra region’s truffle growers from mid-June through to August. Get involved with Canberra’s Truffle Season festivities including the much-awaited Truffle Festival returning this year. The prized Black Perigord truffle is on the menu at restaurants, cafes and wineries across the capital thanks to the region’s cool climate growing conditions.

You don’t have to travel to the ski fields to hit the slopes. Just 45 minutes from the city centre, Corin Forest has easy beginners’ slopes designed to show kids the snow ropes from tobogganing to the basics of snowboarding. Build snowmen or start an epic snowball fight before feasting on woodfired pizza and hot chocolate at the indoor cosy café.

Diving, catching crustaceans, and racing each other through the water, the little penguins that call the National Zoo & Aquarium are always entertaining to watch. All named after famous rappers, these penguins are part of one of many breeding programs. Meet and feed giraffes, white lions, meerkats, owls and cheetahs. 

Image by @harper.yeats

Step into the whimsical world of Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley mini golf in the Canberra Centre for an indoor adventure like no other. From quick-play challenge rooms to mind-bending puzzles, Hijinx Hotel offers an unforgettable experience for all ages and group sizes. Plus, don't miss the chance to putt your way through all the uniquely themed mini-golf holes at Holey Moley. The fun continues with an array of arcade games, bowling, and immersive escape rooms at Kingpin.

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 see superb lyrebirds, sight platypus in the sanctuary ponds, and listen to the calls of native frog species. 

Time it right and in nearby Namadgi National Park you'll see snow capped mountains and 'roos hopping through winter scenes.

Taste award-winning craft beers at brewpub BentSpoke Brewing Co. in the heart of Braddon. Gin lovers flock to The Canberra Distillery famed for its collaborations and unique flavours. For those who fancy both, head to the Dairy Road precinct where you’ll find Capital Brewing Co. neighbouring Big River Distilling.

Not sure where to start? Join Dave’s Tours to taste all the capital’s best drinks or head on a foodie tour with Eat Canberra Food Tours for a relaxing day out.

Get ready to show your support and cheer on your favourite teams as winter brings plenty of thrilling home matches to Canberra's stadiums.

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 throughout the AFL season. 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.

Canberra is well-known for its national galleries, but art lovers in the know flock to the local arts scene. Watch glassmakers working with 810-degree kilns in the hot shop at the Canberra Glassworks, see Sir Sidney Nolan's iconic paintings at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, or explore galleries nestled throughout the suburbs, including the newly revamped Tributary Projects.

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.