Canberra in Winter: Our 3 Favourite Things to Do
Canberra often gets a reputation for being a bit sleepy, especially when the winter chill sets in. But we've found that the nation's capital comes alive with some truly unique and cosy experiences when the temperature drops. Forget hibernating – a winter trip to Canberra can be packed with fun, food, and a bit of friendly competition.
We’ve put together a list of our three favourite activities that are perfect for a crisp winter's day in Canberra.
1. Hunt for Black Gold at The Truffle Farm
There's something a bit luxe about going on a truffle hunt, and doing it on a frosty Canberra morning feels just right. The Truffle Farm, located just a short drive from the city centre, offers one of the most unique winter experiences you can have. Before you start going on your hunt for some truffles, you start inside one of the dining halls and hear about the owner's very entertaining story on how he got involved in the truffle business. After that, the whole adventure kicks off with you following the owner and one of his incredibly clever dogs as they sniff their way through the oak and hazelnut trees. There’s a genuine thrill when they start digging and you see them uncover a fresh black truffle. It feels like you're uncovering buried treasure.
After the hunt, you head into their warm, cosy dining room for a truffle tasting. Think warm, comforting food infused with the earthy, delicious flavour of the truffles you just helped find. It’s the perfect way to warm up and a must-do for any foodie. We found the whole experience to be a really special and memorable way to embrace the winter season.
2. Captain Your Own Love Boat on Lake Burley Griffin
Okay, hear me out – boating in winter sounds a bit crazy, but a sunny winter's day on Lake Burley Griffin is honestly stunning. We hired one of the electric Love Boats for an afternoon and it was so much fun!
These little boats are super easy to drive (no boat license needed!) and because they’re electric, they glide along almost silently. It’s such a peaceful way to see all the iconic Canberra landmarks like Parliament House and the National Carillon from a completely different perspective.
Now, there's two options when it comes to hiring an electric boat - GoBoats and Love Boats. Both are similarly priced, and after experiencing both I would 100% choose the Love Boats every time. They feel like a more luxurious fit out with speakers and an onboard refrigerator. And, the main benefit, is that it is completely enclosed in transparent blinds meaning that you don't feel any of the cool breeze.
3. Get a Hole-In-One at Holey Moley
When the weather is just too chilly to be outside, Holey Moley is the perfect indoor escape. This isn't your average mini-golf course. It's a labyrinth of pop culture-themed holes that will have you putting your way through everything from The Simpsons' living room to King Kong on a huge tower.
Located in the Canberra Centre, it’s a super convenient spot to drop into for a round or two. The holes are creative, a bit cheeky, and will definitely bring out your competitive side. Plus, they have a fully stocked bar serving up some wild cocktails.
We loved that it was a fun, lighthearted way to spend a couple of hours indoors. It’s a great activity for a group of friends or a date night, and a fantastic way to warm up before heading out for dinner in the city.