Kick the bluesy chills with these warm winter thrills in Canberra
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Kick the winter blues with these warm suggestions—you (and your frozen fingers) can thank us later.
From food to winter wonderland markets, here are 10+ warm winter thrills to kick the chills.
Head to the local markets
Markets are the best place to round up the kids and the beloved pooch for a day out and about. The Haig Park Village Markets are a great place to try and buy some of the region’s best farmers and foodie produce, offering a range of delicious treats, that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And to make it even better, on 24 and 31 July, they’ll be hosting their Winter Wonderland Event. It’s the perfect opportunity to warm up with a hot gin toddy or a hot cider in our beverage garden, relaxing to the sounds of live music.
Sunday 24 and 31 July | Haig Park (on the Braddon side) | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.
Avoid the cold and grab a coffee
Why not cosy up next to an open fire, with freshly roasted hot coffee, snuggling in for a few hours of warmth by the fire at Rye Café, in Braddon (or one of these other cosy places to eat)? It sounds like the perfect outing that still avoids frostbite.
Spend a day among the vines
A red here, a cheese platter there, and a whole lot of laughter to follow with the crisp air of the Canberra regions finest wineries. Offering more than 40 wineries, tastings, and delights of vines that grasp perfection to the taste buds, wine-not spend a weekend exploring the local wineries? Simply sip-back and check out this ultimate guide to Canberra’s wine region.
Experience the escapism of the Scandinavian Film Festival
Dreaming of a Nordic winter? Experience the escapism of the Scandinavian Film Festival at Palace Electric Cinemas. Imagine the taste of hot, buttery popcorn at your fingertips and a vino in hand to accompany the thrills of a cosy theatre chair. Can you think of anything better?
Wednesday 13 July- Sunday 7 August | Palace Electric Cinemas, New Acton | palacecinemas.com
Get on the write-track with the Canberra Writers Festival
Why not delve into the realm of fantasy, fiction, or a good biography to get you through the cold days, with the Canberra Writers Festival? On from Wednesday 10 August through to Sunday 14 August, there’s something for every kind of literature lover..
Wednesday 10 August – Sunday 14 August | Various locations | canberrawritersfestival.com
People watch from one of Canberra’s best cafés
When thinking of Olympic sports, people watching is top of the list. And where is the best place to take place in this spectator’s sport? Well, a café of course. Check out our fave coffee joints to help you procaffeinate or look at this list of the best Canberra cafés to write in (perfect for if you want to look busy while taking a peek at people).
Book a luxurious trip to the north of Italy (without leaving town)
Wanting to indulge indulging the taste buds with a hearty Osso Bucco? It feels like everyone is in Italy at the moment but if a trip halfway across the world isn’t on the cards just yet, recreating your own version of your favourite Italian dish from the comfort of your own home might be on the cards for this winter. This tomato and burrata recipe boasts the classic Italian features of good quality egg pasta, slow-roasted sauce of tomatoes, onion, and garlic, and (of course) burrata)
Or cure your carb and travel cravings with Amici Bar’s weekly bottomless pasta night. Mark Tuesday night as busy in your calendar and settle in with a different dish each week. Tastes run more to pizza? We love Briscola Italian’s puttanesca pizza…but you can’t go wrong with anything here.
Explore a vintage trail
Why not visit Dirty Janes in Fyshwick, navigating years of collected and restored retail items, old and new, and finishing with a nice hot lunch and coffee to top a shopping filed trip? And if you need more inspo check out these six other ideas for the best vintage shopping in Canberra.
Open seven days a week, from 10 am – 5 pm | 80 Collie St, Fyshwick | dirtyjanes.com
Grab a book (or three)
When turning each nail biting or thrill inducing page, it’s hard to turn to a new book to fill the same void. So, why not visit one of the 14 bookshops we love? You’re sure to find a good read.
Wander along the Molonglo Gorge
If you’re willing to brave to the cold for a day, why not walk alongside the riverbank of the Molonglo Gorge, chasing trains along trails of greenery and escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city? Molonglo Gorge is situated a few minutes from Queanbeyan and is a quick drive from Canberra, offering a picturesque trail for the whole family to embark on.
Say cheers with an interactive cocktail class
Why not clink to the high jinks- of an interactive cocktail class. Admittedly the idea of being behind the bar, shaking up a storm, does sound appealing. This interactive class offers the skills needed to muddle, churn, and build the delight of a perfect cocktail in the comfort of a private venue, ready to show off at your next dinner party.
Running until Saturday 27 August | High Jinks, 15 Edinburgh Avenue | highjinks.bar
Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens
You might think it’s too cold to head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, but their latest exhibition is worth a visit. After the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires, growth, and regeneration, were key contributors to the prospering of new life. Regenerate, a communal creative exploration of the way Australian bushland responds to fire, presents the workings of community and spirit. The exhibition showcases the materials and colour surge in environmental factors of beauty and resilience.
Until Sunday 31 July. | Australian National Botanic Gardens | parksaustralia.gov.au
Head to South America with Loquita
Feeling a spontaneous escape to South America? Well, Loquita has you covered. A Mexican inspired tequila/mezcal bar and taqueria, with $4 taco Tuesdays, and the best cocktails you could ask for, it’s the perfect excuse to get out of the house Why not get your hands on a delicious, creamy, and zesty taco accompanied by the best margarita? ¡Olé!
Tuesday – Saturday 4 pm – late | 17 Garema Place, Civic | loquita.com
