Staff Secrets - Winter in Canberra

You could easily be fooled into thinking that hibernation is your best option when it comes to winter in Canberra, but you couldn’t be more wrong! We’ve asked our staff what their favourite things to do in winter in Canberra are. From exercise spots to foodie havens, they’ve covered just about everything! Think again before deciding staying indoors is your best choice.

Penny

For the kids, I like to take them to Play Up at Old Parliament House, they just love it. There are craft tables, costumes, and endless books and toys for the kids to play with. By the time they finish playing it's usually warmed up enough for a run through the rose gardens outside. Love following it up with some of the delicious wood fire pizza on offer at Four Winds Vineyard, you can’t beat it!

Jackie

During winter, my family and I love to ride our bikes around Lake Burley Griffin, and take a picnic to have a break along the way! The kids love pointing out all of their favourite attractions like the water fountain, Governor General's House and the Zoo. Another of our favourites is to head out to Bungendore (roughly 30 minutes from the city) and have lunch out there and take our time meandering through the antique shops. Highly recommend a trip out there, there are so many hidden treasures to be discovered.

Emma

I love visiting the Capital Region Farmers Markets in Epic on a Saturday morning and taking the time to wander and soak up all of the beautiful local produce. Having fresh flowers in the house is always a must, particularly when it’s dull and bleak outside, so a trip to my faves at Moxom & Whitney is always on the cards! Food wise, can’t go past a soup from 1or2 cafe in Manuka for a quick and delicious winter warmer meal.

Stefan

I would go Mountain biking at Mount Majura, I like to hire a mountain bike from Cycle Canberra - they even deliver it to you. Mount Majura has trails from beginner to experienced; I recommend starting with The Flash or Crazy Crab Walk. Can’t go past dinner at Kinn Thai in the city for some reasonably priced, delicious food! Plus, shopping at the Capital Region Farmers Markets on a Saturday to pick up some local organic produce. Can’t go past the Barbell Biltong!

Sally

In winter, I tend to spend all my money on the best proper vintage winter fashion at Designer Op Shop in Braddon. When in the area, I can’t go past a coffee at Barrio. I love to run the lake in the late morning when it’s a little sunnier. I’m a huge fan of Four Winds vineyard – best pizza ever - and just down the road is Robyn Rowe chocolates - perfect stop on the way home from a winery visit.

Roy

I love visiting Little Oink in Cook, where they have bacon schnitzel - best thing known to mankind! Also love dinner at 86 in Braddon; my tip is to go for the all you can eat (for $86pp) and sit at the bar with the chefs. Also love Molly’s in civic for a decent scotch to warm the bones, and salsa dancing at Highball Express from 8pm on Tuesdays.

Rachael

For the family, we like to visit the snow for the day to get the kids out, and take them out to the movies. Myself, I enjoy a wander through the amazing wineries the Canberra region has to offer such as the Lake George Winery, Mount Majura Vineyard, and the Barton Estate Winery. Canberra is great for winery tours… endless choices.

Nadia

Of a weekend, I love to get a mulled wine or a hot lemon drink at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays, go for a walk at Cotter Bend, visit Hall Markets and enjoy some Dutch pancakes or practise yoga in the Bejing Gardens. You can walk there from the Southern Cross Yacht club, where you can grab a meal or drink.

Tallara

I enjoy going to Sweet Copper Cafe in Gold Creek Village. It’s an old school house with cosy fireplaces, antique decor and a creative menu.

Sam

I frequent the hiking trails at Namadgi National Park and enjoy taking trips to Corrin Forest. Namadgi has a range of hikes, from the short 30 minute Boroomba Rocks hike to the more challenging 2 hour Yerrabi Track. The 360 degree views from both of these hikes makes it all worth it - not to be missed! Corrin Forest is great in winter, particularly for night skiing - it’s a pretty amazing experience, would highly recommend booking yourself in, plus it's only $30.

Pooja

In winter, I still enjoy eating icecream by the lake (at least it doesn’t melt!) and people watching. My favourite icecream is from Frugii in the Ori Building on Londsdale Street. A must try.