Ski, Snow and Outdoor Adventure

Corin Forest is the perfect first snow experience for all ages, located only 45 minutes from Canberra’s CBD. In the Snowplay area you can build a snowman, throw a snowball and go tobogganing. Choose from one of three 2.5 hour sessions daily – book online to avoid disappointment. Plus, learn to ski or board on the specially designed beginner’s ski slope and at Snow Sports School as part of your Canberra winter adventure these July school holidays! Try A 2 hour ski or snowboard lesson on our purpose built Joeys ski hill with one of the welcoming instructors.

Heading to Thredbo Resort at the snowy mountains? With 60cms up top and 25cms in the village to see in the Queens’s birthday long weekend, expect a bumber of a season! What’s really unique about Thredbo is its beautiful vibrant village right at the base of the mountain with a range of accommodation, restaurants, bars, cafes and retail shops. Winter lift passes are currently on sale from $169* per adult and under $100* per child (age dependent). And the best part? We’re only a short 10 minutes from the Monaro Highway, that leads directly to the snowfields.

Embrace the frosty season with the return of Wintervention at the Canberra Civic Centre, a short 4 minutes away from the hotel’s park surrounds. Civic Square will become a winter pop-up ice-skating venue from June 25 to July 11, with entertainment, activities, food and market stalls set up around the rink. Markets will run across two weekends – June 25 – 27 and July 2 – 4 – and “Stars on Ice” will entertain crowds with live performances on Fridays and over the weekend.

Food and Wine

There is a range of winter Canberra activities on offer for lovers of good food and wine.

We can’t give enough praise to Four Winds Vineyard in Yass, a 40 minute trip via the Barton Highway. This micro-winery and vineyard in the Canberra District, serves award winning wines and wood-fired pizzas five days a week. The outdoor dining area is also pet friendly. And did we mention you’re now able to purchase a Riesling Gin, courtesy of a unique partnership The Canberra Distillery. Here the winery undertook trials using varying percentages of Riesling juice and a range of botanicals.

Searching for a food delacacy? The Truffle Festival Canberra Region runs from June until August with a range of events to choose from, including degustation dinners, truffle hunts, cooking classes, truffle and wine tastings and more. Try the unique Silverback winter beer, created by local brewery Bentspoke Brewing Co.. This special winter beer is rich and malty, infused with kumquats, cinnamon star anise, nutmeg and truffles and is only available from the brewpub in Braddon.

Looking for a family-friendly day out? Try Truffle tasting at L’Air Du Wombat Truffles at 1211 Oallen Road. There is nothing quite like using the truffle you hunted, for the home cook creation. Coming from the Hunter region or Northern Sydney? This is a great stopover! L’Air du Wombat Truffle farm is located in the tiny town of Oallen on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, 2.5 hours from Sydney, 1 hour from Goulburn, Nowra or Braidwood and 1.5 hours from Canberra.

Market Shopping

If you would like to do some shopping during your visit to Canberra, try one of the local markets for something unique. The Old Bus Depot Markets have been running for 22 years and are held every Sunday in Kingston. Choose from a range of arts, craft collectibles, homewares or garden accessories.

Christmas in July is coming to the National Rose Garden between Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 July. Enjoy a series special winter markets , French food and drinks and Christmas movies. Picture stalls boasting sweet and savoury crepes, melted cheese stations and plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm. Canberrans and travelling Sydneysiders can expect a dash of festivity in the wake of suspended European holiday plans!

Accommodation in Canberra city

With so much to see and do in Canberra in winter, you’ll be able to do as much or as little as you like. Crowne Plaza Canberra’s location in the heart of Canberra’s CBD means you will be within easy walking distance to the city’s major shopping mall, the Canberra Centre, along with restaurants, bars and entertainment. Local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site from $26 per night, making travel even easier. Plus refuel and recharge your mornings with a full breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant, served between 06:15am – 9:45am weekdays & 6:30am – 10:00am each weekend.

Book your Canberra Winter Escape now and save

For a limited time only, book your accommodation in Canberra and save up to 35%* off your accommodation in either a Deluxe, Superior, Premium Room or Suite when you book by 30 July 2021. For more details on this package explore winter accommodation in Canberra.

Please note: some activities may attract a fee and/or require bookings.  There may also be special conditions associated with some activities. Please check the websites or speak with our Concierge team for more information. 

Top image: Snow fun at Corin Forest by Damian Breach for VisitCanberra.

The post Best Canberra winter activities appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Enlighten Festival

Enjoy the magnificent displays of the Enlighten Festival from Friday 1 March until Sunday 17 March, incorporating several spectacular events.

Enlighten Illuminations 1-11 March

See Canberra in a different light this March as six of its most iconic buildings are lit up after dark with moving large scale projections. While you are wandering around Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, enjoy entertainment including roving artists, live bands, unique performances and a vast array of food on offer at the Canberra Night Noodle Markets.

Canberra Night Noodle Markets 1-10 March

Immerse yourself in a foodie paradise of authentic Asian dishes, bespoke desserts and refreshing drinks at Reconciliation Place alongside Lake Burley Griffin.  

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 9-17 March

Set your alarm a bit earlier this autumn to enjoy the graceful and spectacular sight of more than 30 hot air balloons rising during Canberra’s beautiful sunrise.

The annual Balloon Spectacular is a highlight on Canberra’s autumn event calendar and is regarded as one of the world’s best hot air balloon events. The sight of the balloons rising into the early morning sky creates a spectacular backdrop to Canberra’s iconic attractions.

This event is weather dependent, so please check for updates on social media or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81 from 6.15am.

Symphony in the Park 10 March

Bring a picnic and enjoy an incredible free outdoor musical experience as the sun sets over Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park.

Hit 104.7 Skyfire 16 March

2019 is the 31^st year of Skyfire – a popular event on Canberra’s annual calendar. Watch as Lake Burley Griffin is illuminated with spectacular fireworks along to a soundtrack broadcast on HIT 104.7. Take your friends and family, along with a picnic dinner, and enjoy the fun festival atmosphere of this event.

Canberra Comedy Festival 18-24 March

If you are after a night of belly laughter, the 7th Canberra Comedy Festival offers a jam-packed program of shows from Australian and international comedians. The line-up includes shows from Jimeoin, Dave Hughes, Ronny Chieng, Nazeem Hussain, John Safran, Charlie Pickering and more. There’s even a comedy show for kids by Matty Grey. Various venues. Check the website for details and to book your tickets.

Love & Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate

Love & Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate continues to run throughout March until 28 April, exclusive to the National Gallery of Australia. Click here to find out about our accommodation package, which includes two exhibition tickets.

Crowne Plaza Canberra – the perfect base for your stay in Australia’s capital

Make the most of your time in Canberra with our City Escapes package. Book now and enjoy accommodation, breakfast for two at Redsalt Restaurant, car parking, and late check-out on a Sunday.

Or for that relaxing weekend getaway, book our Weekend Special package which includes accommodation, buffet breakfast for two at Redsalt and late checkout on Sundays.

The post Enliven your March with a Canberra getaway appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.