17 free (or cheap) activities to do in Canberra this winter
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There’s nothing quite like a Canberra winter to bring out your inner recluse—but these activities might just (hesitantly) lure you out of the house.
Not to mention they are—gasp! —free (or surprisingly affordable). Here are 17 winter activities that won’t break the bank. You’re welcome.
Thrift shopping
Credit: Lauren Sutton.
Not only will the environment and your bank account thank you, but thrift shopping is the perfect way to find hidden, one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else has. So, if you are looking to reinvent your wardrobe and simultaneously help the planet, this carefully selected list will guide you through Canberra’s best second-hand clothing shops. It’s a north star for every fashion lover.
Head to the National Gallery
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Art is always worth rugging (and masking) up for. At the National Gallery, there are plenty of free-and cheap exhibitions to get lost within. There’s something about art that has the power to bring us back to life—yes, even in the middle of a Canberra winter.
Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT | nga.gov.au
Visit your local bookshop
There’s something so magical about a book shop, the oh-so-knowledgeable staff, the hard-to-pinpoint new book smell, and the shelves oozing with endless possibilities. It’s almost impossible for a winter hermit to resist, and lucky for you, there’s plenty of places to visit. Check out this list of 14 Canberra bookshops that we love—which includes a book café, because nothing sparks more joy than a good book, a roaring fireplace and freshly brewed coffee.
Explore Canberra’s bushland
Female hiker with backpack stands on a rock admiring views while bushwalking in Australian bushland
If you are suffering from cabin fever, a walk-through Canberra’s beautiful bushland might be just what you need. Take advantage of the flickering moments of winter sun and crisp air on one of many trails throughout the region—it’s a humble reminder of why we all love Canberra. If you are struggling to find a place to start, this long list will help.
Take a day trip out of the city
Credit: Destination NSW
Every now and then, it’s nice to have a change of scenery, especially when there are so many picturesque towns just a stone’s throw away from the Capital. Galivant to Braidwood for one of its life-changing (literally) pies or explore the magic of the Snowy Mountain region at Cooma. Perfect for those who are craving travel but can’t bear the thought of facing airports at the moment. Need some inspo? Check out our list of four ideas for a picturesque winter day trip.
Explore the Canberra Glassworks
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Step inside this hot and creative world that is the Canberra Glassworks. From group tours to regular events where you can experience the artists in action, it’s a gathering point for endless inspiration and creativity, a feast for your eyes and soul.
11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Try ice skating
A humble reminder of some of the little joys winter can bring, and in case you missed Winter in the City, Phillip swimming and ice- skating experience has sessions running morning and afternoons for you to live out all your figure skating fantasies.
1 Irving St, Phillip | swimskate.com
Get adventurous at Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing
It seems like everyone is trying rock climbing at the moment, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Whether you are inspired by the documentary Free Solo, or the impressive strength form someone on your Instagram feed, Canberra Indoor Rock climbing has plenty of cheap and affordable options to get your hands around(literally).
North Rocks 38-40 Essington St, Mitchell, South Rocks 26 Raws Cres, Hume | canberrarockclimbing.com.au
Visit Dendy Cinema on cheap Tuesday
If the cost of movie tickets has put you off going to cinemas, let us introduce you to cheap Tuesday. That’s right, at only $8 a ticket it’s the perfect excuse to ditch Netflix and lose yourself within the beauty that is cinematic escapism. Oh, and because your ticket was so cheap you can treat yourself to that large popcorn. Tempted? You should be.
Level 2, North Quarter, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St | dendy.com
Enjoy the National Arboretum
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There are endless opportunities for exploration and gardening inspiration at the National Arboretum. You will quickly forget about your cold toes as you marvel at the 44,000 native and endangered trees, living alongside glorious landscapes and an endless array of native species. With guided and daily walks on country, you can view Canberra from a fresh perspective.
Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov
Peruse the National Library
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The ‘Nash’ is a beautiful building to have a quiet moment within. Whether you are there to study or settle into a good book, it never seems to lose its charm. It also has free exhibitions all year round, should that tickle your fancy.
Parkes Place | nla.gov.au
Get lost in the National Botanic Gardens
Image via VisitCanberra
A celebration of Australian natives like no other, with nearly a third of Australia’s known flora species on display, it’s a hypnotic fusion of nature and history. It doesn’t matter how many times you have visited the National Botanic Garden—it never seems to lose its enchanting beauty.
Clunies Ross St, Acton | parksaustralia.gov.au
Spend time at the markets
Via facebook.com/haigparkvillagemarkets
Markets are the perfect place to experience local produce and find some great deals. The Old depot Markets, Haig Park Village Markets and the Capital Region Farmers Markets (to name a few) never cease to disappoint. Check out our list on the Her Canberra website for guidance.
Visit the National Museum
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With free heating and art to go with it, a visit to the National Museum is a no-brainer. From many ongoing exhibitions (such as Talking Blak to History and First Australians), there’s something for everyone.
Lawson Cres, Acton | nma.gov.au
Learn about changemakers at Old Parliament House
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Filled with rich history and the complex layers of Australian politics, MOAD is always well worth the visit. Its current exhibition, Changemakers, is a timely and much-needed celebration of women who have worked and continue to work for the equality of women around the world. It’s an empowering body of work that will touch the heart of every woman, daughter and male ally.
8 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Go roller skating
Yep, that’s right—roller skating is making a comeback. If you are enticed by the colourfully and effortless cool roller-skating girls (and guys) on your Instagram feed, we don’t blame you. Minus the initial cost of the skates, roller skating is a fun way and affordable way to get out of the house, use some muscles you wouldn’t normally and awaken your inner Derby Girl. Canberra has plenty of skate parks to work on your skills—the Belconnen skate park has the reputation of being the best in Australia, with plenty of space to turn, glide and fall along the way.
Walk around Lake Burley Griffin
Whether you’re a Northsider or Southsider, we can all agree that the lake has a special place in our hearts. With beautiful views along the way, it’s the perfect place to get in your daily steps or perhaps to have a picturesque moment of pause. Such is the beauty of Canberra.
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
