From riding a toboggan to going truffle hunting, there are plenty of things to do in Canberra during winter. Plus, if you’re keen to hit the slopes out of town, they’re only a couple of hours’ drive away.
Here are five winter activities in and around Canberra that’ll make you glad the weather’s cold.
GO TOBOGGANING IN CORIN FOREST
Just 45 minutes’ drive southwest of Canberra is Corin Forest Mountain Resort. It’s the closest snowfield to the city.
One section is devoted to snow play – so you can go tobogganing, throw snowballs and build snow people to your heart’s content. The other is for learning to ski. Beginners can enrol in lessons (either privately or in a group), then spend the day honing their skills on the gentle slopes.
When it’s time to take a break, warm up in the cafe, complete with roaring fireplace.
ATTEND THE CHRISTMAS IN JULY FESTIVAL
Take a side trip to Europe at Canberra’s Christmas in July Festival, which takes place over four days every year.
Visit an artisanal market housed in wooden chalets imported from Europe, drink in a mulled wine garden while listening to live music, feast at melted cheese stations and roast marshmallows around a fire spit in a snow-filled lane.
It’s mostly free, though there are small fees for some experiences, which should be booked in advance.
WARM UP WITH A HIKE UP ONE TREE HILL
There’s no better way to warm up than by getting moving. Canberra, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and with national parks in every direction, has loads of walking trails.
One of the easiest to reach is One Tree Hill, near Hall, in the city’s northern suburbs. The walk is a steady, 4.1-kilometre-long climb to the summit, and, once you’re there, you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views.
One Tree Hill trail is part of the Canberra Centenary Trail, a 145-kilometre loop around and through the city.
GO TRUFFLE HUNTING IN CANBERRA
Canberra’s truffle season runs from May to September. The perfect place to experience it is The Truffle Farm, which is just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
First, you’ll join the farmers and their dogs for a truffle hunt in the forest. Whatever the pups find will go straight to the chefs, who’ll create a truffle-inspired degustation. Every dish is matched with a local wine, and served in the cosy barn.
If you’re travelling on a weekend, then be sure to book in advance. Also, the Truffle Farm isn’t the only spot in Canberra that celebrates truffle season – look out for truffles on the menu at the city’s many excellent restaurants.
HIT THE SLOPES OUT OF TOWN
For skiers and snowboarders, Canberra is one of Australia’s best-situated cities. It’s just two-hours’ drive from the Snowy Mountains – home to four ski resorts: Perisher Blue, Thredbo, Selwyn and Charlotte Pass.
Perisher Blue is hard to beat for size and variety of runs, while Thredbo is well-known for its expansive, family-friendly beginners’ area and having Australia’s only alpine gondola.
Meanwhile, Selwyn is NSW’s most affordable snow resort, and Charlotte Pass is the highest. It’s snow-bound, which means you can’t travel by car. Instead, drive to Bullock Flat (where parking is free), then take the Skitube to Perisher and catch oversnow transport.
GETTING TO CANBERRA
Canberra is three hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and seven hours’ drive northwest of Melbourne. If you’re driving from Melbourne, then check out our road trip guide.
Short on time? Fly to Canberra Airport, then pick up a car rental from SIXT. If you’re visiting Canberra with kids, then find more tips for things to do over here.
