The 10 best things to do in Canberra this winter

Canberra’s arts and culture scene comes to the rescue every winter with exciting new exhibitions and events. Leave your puffer jacket at the door and step into the warm embrace of the National Gallery of Australia’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Cézanne to Giacometti: highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie. Running from May 31 to September 21, this avant-garde exhibition marks the first time works from this 170-strong international collection will be showcased in Australia. Names to look out for include Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, alongside Aussie artists like Russell Drysdale, Grace Cossington Smith, John Passmore and Dorrit Black.

Time Out tip: After defrosting inside, venture out to the NGA’s manicured Sculpture Garden, featuring pioneering light artist James Turrell’s permanent installation, ‘Within without’. While it’s tranquil in the daytime, you won’t want to miss the light show, which floods the chamber with colour at dawn and dusk.

Once a rarity exclusive to the faraway foodies of Europe, Canberrans now have some of the world's finest truffles right on their doorstep. The region's homegrown truffle scene has exploded, thanks to dedicated local truffle farmers, like Jayson Mesman and his adorable truffle-sniffin’ pooches. Every winter, you can rug up and join Canberra’s most charming truffle dog duo on an interactive truffle hunt through the picturesque forest of 8,500 oak and hazelnut trees in the Majura Valley. After hunting down a handful of these prized little fungi, you can retreat to the warmth of The Barn for a lavish degustation lunch, prepared by ex-Quay chef Kanarith Kim, and paired with local Mada wines. The Truffle Farm hosts these magical winter experiences most weekends from May to September.

Time Out tip: If you've got little ones or are looking for something more casual, join Jason and his dogs for a 90-minute Truffle Hunt and Taste experience for just $75. 

If you’re craving action, a few rides on the snaking 1.2-kilometre alpine slide – the longest in the Southern Hemisphere – at Corin Forrest will do the trick. Around a 40-minute drive from the centre of town, the slide winds through a gum forest, and it’s not unusual to spot kangaroos as you zip your way down the hill.  In the cooler months, Corin Forrest cranks out the artificial snow machines (often augmented by the real deal) and offers a novel day out for Australians unused to the white stuff.

Time Out tip: Adult adrenaline junkies may be a little less impressed with the slide’s velocity – but its proximity to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve makes it a worthwhile stop anyway.

Canberra’s dining scene has come leaps and bounds in recent years, now home to a wealth of restaurants that rival the ranks of Sydney and Melbourne. One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the recently opened Beltana Farm. Tucked away amongst the truffle trees on a picturesque Pialligo estate, this charming farmhouse serves up rustic Australian share plates and top-notch wines. In winter, cosy up by the two-sided fireplace and enjoy elevated comfort classics, including potato damper with macadamia dukkah; cauliflower and gruyere croquettes; smoked lamb rump with burnt pear; and Anzac biscuit cheesecake for dessert.

Time Out tip: Too cold to commute home? You can stay the night in one of Beltana Farm’s country cottages or enchanting yurts.

Fun fact: Canberra is one of Australia's sunniest capital cities. When the big yellow ball comes out to play, follow the locals to one of Canberra's newest waterside markets for a morning meander. Hosted on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, The Little Burley Market showcases the best local artisans and gourmands. You’ll find everything from freshly baked bagels and sizzling Austrian sausages to cosy cups of chai, fragrant candles and pretty potted plants. 

Time Out tip: The Little Burley Market is positioned right in front of Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia. Grab a bite and let the sightseeing begin!

Rug up and embrace the cool, crisp air on a hike to one of Canberra’s most beautiful lookout points. The short but steep trail to the summit of Mount Ainslie offers breathtaking panoramic views, stretching from the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House to the mountains of Namadgi National Park and beyond. Time your walk with the sunset – around 5pm during winter – for a memorable end to the day.

Time Out tip: If you’re not tough enough to brave the cold, then you can also drive to the summit for a sunset car boot picnic. 

Piping hot potato stuffed pierogies, toasty sourdough flatbread brushed in toum, and a spatchcock served with garlic bread sauce… Your winter comfort food cravings are answered at Such and Such – the cooler, more colourful sibling of Canberra’s award-winning Pilot restaurant. Each dish here is a playful masterpiece, featuring super seasonal and contemporary takes on nostalgic snacks and share plates. Add an extra buzz of warmth to your night with a glass (or three) of lo-fi, organic wines from both local makers and faraway places.

Time Out tip: Feeling snacky? Such and Such has a ripper Three till Five snacks menu, featuring $3.50 oysters with Champagne mignonette.

It’s physical, it’s sweat-inducing and at times, it’s even heartbreaking. But for those who try their hand at it, glassmaking is mesmerising – a fact that visitors to the Canberra Glassworks will soon discover. Happily, as a newcomer to the medium, you won’t have to toil for hours over a hot furnace to get a sense of what’s possible. Every weekend, Canberra Glassworks hosts Make Your Own Vessel classes, where their artists will help you shape liquid fire into a glass tumbler or vase

Time Out tip: It’s not just the furnaces here that are hot. These courses are popular, so book ahead.

After a day of dilly-dallying around the capital, you’ll long for the comforts of one of Canberra’s finest hotels. Snuggle up under pillowy king-sized doonas, soak in free-standing bathtubs with city skyline views, and order fluffy stacks of pancakes straight to your doorstep. You can find our top hotel picks here.

Time Out tip: If you're in planning mode, book dinner at one of Canberra's best restaurants too.