Ask Aunt Katie: What are the best Canberra winter activities?
It’s that time of year, when the transition from feeling slightly chilly to “I may turn into a human icicle if I walk outside” occurs. As they would say in Game of Thrones: ’winter is (well and truly) coming’ to Canberra… but before you get too comfortable holed up inside, bingeing on TV series and raking up your electricity bill, remember that Canberra offers some of the best winter activities around
What are they, you ask? Lucky for you I’m not just apt in the area of Networking Icebreakers, but also know a few fun ways to “break the ice” over this winter… Here are my Top 4 cool Canberra activities.
- Snow no pity. While most Canberrans are pretty in-the-know when it comes to the snow, it’s easy to take these nearby wintery wonderlands for granted when they’re right on our front door. From snowboarding, to skiing, to getting in touch with your inner-child and building a snowman, you can take your pick of snowy locations around the area. While the usual slope go-to’s like Thredbo and Perisher are only a day-drive away, you also don’t have to leave the ACT to see the snow! Simply head over to Corin Forest Recreation Park (45-minute drive from Civic) and check out their purpose-built snow area… Of course, followed by a warm woodfired pizza at their café.
- Warm your belly. To ensure that you’re kept warm inside and out, why not eat and drink your way through Canberra region’s endless list of local wineries, markets and other cool eateries. As a grape starting point, ‘wine not’ head to one of the 30+ wineries located within a 40-minute drive of the city. Or if you need more of a warming hit to the system, enjoy some local gin, distilled through a cryofiltration process using water flowing from the Brindabella Mountains. Beer drinkers, don’t worry you can stay ’hoppy’ during winter too, with local breweries accessible on-tap throughout the city. Bentspoke Brewing Co. and Capital Brewing Co. are my top two picks if you’re looking for delicious seasonally made brews. Once you’ve had your fill of winter spirits, make sure you also explore the great winter eats around Canberra. While there are simply too many great places to list, Lonsdale Street in Braddon is always a good place to start if you’re looking for warming winter food and great coffee. Otherwise, you can head over to the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays, to get your fill of locally made sweet or savory treats and hot mulled wine or warm spiced cider while you explore the quirky stalls and get your hands on some unique hand-crafted knick knacks.
- “Alpaca-coat”. If you’re an animal lover, you can’t go without saying hello to Canberra’s most winter-prepared friends, (in-built wool jacket and all), over at Alpaca Magic. With an abundance of llamas, donkeys and of course, alpacas, Alpaca Magic is known for having some of the best animal tours and events in town. From having breakfast with a llama to knitting your very own alpaca winter attire – you can check out when and how to get involved here: www.alpacamagic.com.au.
- Take in some art. Canberra’s renowned museums and galleries are always a good way to keep your mind and body warm. If you’re a lover of impressionist art or simply needing some sunny soul food over the darker season, the Monet: Impression Sunrise exhibition will be beginning over at the National Gallery of Australia from June. Otherwise, since ’tis the season to be pollie’ with the recent election, it seems only appropriate to take some time to wander around the beautiful historic halls and exhibitions of Old Parliament House.
All in all though, my top tip is to simply chill during winter! Once you’ve hit your local winter activity bucket-list, there’s nothing wrong with curling up with a good book and a hot cup of tea at home… After all winter is the season for hibernation!