A uni student’s guide to Canberra in winter
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Winter has come in strong this year.
So we’ve constructed a list for the perfect day out in Canberra during these chilly months – curated for the uni student, by a uni student. Meaning: this won’t break the bank but will be perfect for the Instagram feed.
There are two ways people welcome the chilly months here in Canberra; either seeking warmth and good food or are after activities to embrace the cold months with open arms.
If you need fun things to do, places to catch up with your friends or catch up on that overdue assignment (we’ve all been there) or cheap eats – we’ve got you.
Limited edition: great one-off events coming to Canberra this winter
European Christmas Markets
A personal favourite is the Xmas In July Festival, which takes place near Old Parliament House each year, bringing a European December to a Canberra June.
Running from 27-30 June (this weekend!) the festival will take place at Parkes Places Lawns in the middle of the National Triangle. Picture: authentic wooden chalets, melted cheese, mulled wine, hot chocolate and the picture-perfect winter wonderland.
Winter in the City
This is a classic Canberra winter experience which happens annually at Glebe Park and in Garema Place in the city.
Ice skates are available for rental upon arrival and tickets are on sale now. Entertain your inner child and if you fall, no worries, you’ll be too cold to feel anything anyway.
Skinonskin
French DJ Skinonskin is coming to Canberra this July. The event will take place at Dairy Road in warehouse event space The Vault and it’s one night only so get your tickets while they’re still available.
Handmade Canberra market
Held across the weekend of 29-30 June (this weekend!), Handmade Canberra is the perfect way to spend a weekend during winter and is the perfect place to find unique gifts, souvenirs and keepsakes.
The hustle doesn’t stop just because we’re cold: warm places to study
The Museum Cafe
The Museum Cafe at the National Museum of Australia near ANU combines unique architecture and stunning views over Lake Burley Griffin to create the perfect space to study while you enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Make sure you also check out the exhibits once you knock that assignment out of the way.
National Library of Australia
Speaking from experience, the National Library of Australia has the perfect atmosphere for studying. Everyone there is there for a similar reason, so you are unlikely to get distracted or interrupted. You can put your head down and finish your work.
Kita
Every university student knows about Kita. It’s one of our best-kept secrets as it’s the best for an overnight study session.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 6 pm to 6 am, it offers delicious Indonesian-inspired cuisine and, of course, coffee.
On a budget? Cheap places to eat
The Strawberry Van
Fresh strawberries covered in melted chocolate are the perfect treat for a cold winter’s day.
The Strawberry Van pops up all around town so make sure you check out their Instagram page @thestrawberryvan to find out their next location.
Melted Toasted Sandwich Emporium
Taking the humble toastie into delicious territory with unique twists on the winter classic and loaded on thick Three Mills Bakery sourdough, Melted in Fyshwick is worth the drive.
Our office favourite is the Mi Goreng toastie with chilli jam and fried eggs.
CBD Dumpling House
Packed every night and for good reason, CBD Dumpling House located right at the heart of (you guessed it) the CBD and has delicious options that cost less than $20 per person.
The seasonal blues hitting you? Here are some fun things to do
Markets
Walking around weekly markets and supporting local businesses is a great way to spend your weekend.
You can catch the Capital Region Farmers Market every Saturday in Mitchell for fresh produce, The Old Bus Depot Market every Sunday in Kingston for second-hand items, fine handcrafted wares, jewellery, and good food, or the Fyshwick Niche Markets, open Thursday to Sunday, for everything combined (because they’re right next to the iconic Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets).
Dirty Janes
The best vintage place in Canberra with one of the most stunning and delicious cafés, Dirty Janes is located in Fyshwick and is surrounded by several other second-hand and vintage stores as well as Canberra Outlet for a full day of shopping.
Guild
Board games, pizza and drinks anyone? Guild House in the city is the perfect catch-up place for groups and is known for its wood-fired pizza, craft beer and large board game library that even includes video games.
Palace Electric Cinemas
Enjoy a night out at the cinemas with Palace Electric Cinemas in Acton. What makes this cinema so special is their $8.50 student tickets available every Wednesday.
