How to make the most of the warm weather this weekend
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Is that…sun?
After a wet and grey week, the news that the weekend forecast is looking warm and sunny is making us more excited than the moment we realised that Canberra basically has its own ice cream precinct (yes, it’s a thing and yes we were very excited – it’s the small things in life).
And with two days to fully enjoy temperatures ranging from 29 to 32 degrees, it feels only right that we make the most of the weekend to celebrate the return of summer – with some seasonally appropriate activities of course.
Here’s your weekend itinerary (including where to eat, and what you need to do) for two days very well spent.
Kick off the weekend with brunch (preferably al fresco)
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Summer and brunch go hand in hand like spring and florals (ground-breaking). Grab some friends and the taste of Canberra’s summer while sitting al fresco – and preferably with something cold in hand.
Need some inspiration? Snapper & Co is open for breakfast on the weekends from 8 am (hello lakeside Mimosas and avo on toast), while Pollen at the National Botanic Gardens offers a great dining experience in the lush natural surroundings. Dockside Kingston is right on the Foreshore and has some amazing options (one strawberry smoothie, please) and Two Before Ten Aranda has a great alfresco area for a lazy morning spent next to their courtyard garden.
Hit the water
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Dreaming of the beach but don’t have the time (or energy) to make a quick trip down the coast? Canberra has plenty of local swimming spots that are perfect to tip your toes in and cool down. Here are some of our suggestions for humans and some doggy swimming spots as well – just make sure to check the water quality and safety advice!
Don’t want to get in the water? How about a relaxing few hours on the water instead? GoBoat and Love Boats in Kingston both offer the opportunity to hire electric boats that you can captain yourself as you see some of Canberra’s most iconic attractions from the water. Have a picnic on the boat, enjoy a glass of bubbles, and set sail to escape the city!
Cool down with a sweet treat
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Nothing says ‘summer’ like ice cream, and with warm temperatures it would be rude not to treat yourself. Here’s the scoop on the seven ice creameries that are serving cold treats in the City, all within walking distance of each other (this is the ice cream precinct mentioned earlier), and here are some of our other favourite spots around town.
Ice cream not your cup of tea? How about an iced coffee instead? These five cafés are taking classic iced coffees and turning them on its head – and they had us at Messina Hokey Pokey.
Make the most of free air-conditioning
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Cool off with some culture – and with some free air-conditioning! Here are 10+ exhibitions you need to see this summer (some are ending soon so you better hurry), but if none of those grab you, why not spend a few hours exploring our other institutions?
But if you’d rather indulge in some retail therapy, exploring some of Canberra’s independently-owned clothing stores is always a good idea. And for the families, here are some places to take the kids to keep them entertained (and cool as a cucumber).
Say ‘cheers’ waterside!
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There’s nothing quite like being by the water with a cold drink in hand, especially when the day is hot. Luckily there are plenty of relaxed waterside venues to cross off your list. But if you’re craving a frozen margarita, might we suggest a visit to Cartel Taqueria? Overlooking the Queanbeyan River, sipping on one of these while watching the sunset sounds like heaven. Want some more tips on how to live it up lakeside? Here are some suggestions – thank us later.
