Five things to do on a winter’s day in Canberra
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Trying to escape the cold? Here are five things you can do in Canberra.
When Canberra’s winter sends the mercury plummeting, the temptation to hibernate is strong, but the city’s indoor offerings are even stronger. Skip the seasonal shutdown to discover vibrant cultural experiences, mouthwatering meals, and more – all while staying deliciously warm this winter.
Explore our local institutions and galleries
With so many on our doorstep, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to be able to see some major blockbuster exhibitions without having to travel far from home. Need a reminder of what’s out there to explore?
Head along to the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Film and Sound Archive, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, National Portrait Gallery, National Capital Authority and National Library of Australia.
Want to look beyond the national cultural institutions? You’ll find about 40 contemporary galleries in Canberra. Check out M16 Artspace, Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Platform, Strathnairn Arts, ANCA, CMAG, Canberra Art Gallery and more.
Head to the movies
Why not book tickets to one of our more boutique cinemas? The National Film and Sound Archive is home to the Arc Cinema, the perfect spot for the culturally curious. With a carefully curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures, there’s something for every kind of movie lover. Don’t miss their Winter Film Festival, and make sure to pop into their on-site café and bar to stock up on snacks!
Palace Electric Cinema in Acton is home to some of the best selection of international cinema, arthouse and quality new release films. Often playing host to prestigious premieres and festivals, keep an eye out to see what’s coming up.
Curl up for a cosy meal
Why not embrace the cosiness and snuggle up somewhere atmospheric and warm? All home to comforting food and chairs you can curl up in while you sip a hot coffee (or a cold cocktail), some of the places that pop to the top of mind include Corella, Pulp BookCafé, Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery and Volstead Repeal. But here’s our full list for all the inspiration you need.
Get physical
This is your sign to take your fitness routine indoors this winter and shake it up with something new. The Canberra Racquet Club has opened in Fyshwick to offer a premium experience like no other with six padel courts and four pickleball courts available for booking seven days a week.
Looking for something a little different? BlocHaus Bouldering in Fyshwick is home to 850 square metres of bouldering so you can get your body moving without need for ropes, partners, or other gear. And while technically throwing an axe isn’t ‘exercise’, there’s no doubt you’ll work up a sweat at Axxe while releasing some stress.
Browse an independent bookstore
Because there’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a cold day. Luckily, there are plenty of independent bookstores in Canberra to help you do just that, including Book Lore, Lifeline Canberra’s Book Lovers Lane, Book Passion, National Library of Australia Bookshop, Book Face, Canty’s Bookshop, Paperchain Bookstore, and The Book Cow. Read our full guide to our favourite independent bookshops here!
Want more ideas? Check out our What’s On section for hundreds of events in and around Canberra!
