Canberra embraces each season and winter is no exception. While winter in Canberra is synonymous with nearby snow-capped mountains and an excuse to get your favourite coat; the skies remain blue and the sun shines bright. It's the ideal time to visit galleries, cosy up for some fireside dining and of course hit the slopes (or enjoy a toboggan ride).

Discover black gold 

Winter means truffle season and Canberra celebrates in style with the Truffle Festival. Join a hunt and watch talented truffle dogs in action, taste this indulgent ingredient for yourself at a cooking demonstration or long lunch, or purchase some truffle and begin creating magic at home.

Ready, Set, Snow 

If you want to brave the cold, then take a visit to Corin Forest – Canberra’s snowfield. Even if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Corin Forest offers snow play for all ages. Ride a toboggan, build a snowman or make a snow angel in the purpose-built snow play area. Right next door you can explore huge granite boulders, Alpine Ash forests and Snow Gum woodlands at Square Rock. The Square Rock Lookout is around 1400 metres above sea level with stunning views of the Australian bush. 

Get cosy with fireside dining 

Enjoy a leisurely long lunch at Contentious Character Winery. Picture rolling hills and distant views of the Snowy Mountains and you can imagine the view at Contentious Character’s cool-climate winery. While the kitchen serves up a fresh, local sharing menu, paired to the wines, look across the vineyard and surrounding countryside for a special time, with family and friends.

Learn to ski… indoors 

If your ski form gets an icy reception, Canberra is well-equipped to enable you to learn from the best. Get the heart pumping with indoor alpine thrills at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports. There are all types of lessons designed with skill level in mind, from first timer through to advanced, so is suited to kids, novices and avid skiers alike.

Dine in a dome 

Unique to Canberra is the arrival of Dining Dome, unlocking a new (and stylish) way of dining under the stars. You may be interested to know that Dining Domes have been custom designed to ensure warm, comfortable conditions during the cooler months, so be assured of maximum comfort even when dining outdoors. The dome is located at the popular pub, The Dock, on the glistening Kingston Foreshore. 

High tea time 

For the traditional high tea experience fit for a queen, visit the heritage-listed Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel. Buvette High Tea at the Burbury Hotel also offers an elegant afternoon soiree. Enjoy sweet and savoury treats with tea or champagne as you take in the sweeping views of the city and Lake Burley Griffin from the terrace.

For a high tea with a twist fall down the rabbit hole and devour in a bountiful array of delectable savoury bites and moreish dessert treats at White Rabbit Cocktail Room’s Tipsy Tea.

Relax and rejuvenate 

Keeping in the theme of indulgent affairs, mudd The Spa located in Hotel Realm will relax your mind, body and soul. The Spa provides head-to-toe treatments using ancient healing traditions within the contemporary surrounds. Then if you feel like a workout, hydrotherapy spa, or a gentle swim, pop into the Evo Health Club next door.

Stroll through a gallery or two

It is no secret that Canberra is home to an extensive number of gallery and exhibition spaces, showcasing the works of talented local artists and national cultural collections including: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra Glassworks and Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery. If you would like to delve deeper into the art world, wander through Grainger Gallery, an emerging art gallery in the heart of Canberra’s revitalised Dairy Road Precinct in Fyshwick.

Catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus 

Platypus spotting is great in August at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The platypus are just one of the many creatures you can spot at Tidbinbilla. With snow gum woodlands and open grasslands in its valley, Tidbinbilla is home to more than 160 species of birds as well as echidnas, koalas, wallabies, emus, kangaroos and more. It’s a place where you can sit quietly, watch and hear the bush come alive. Drop into the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre and pick up a copy of the Reserve Map and Visitor Guide to help plan your visit.