Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Visit Canberra

Canberra makes the most of winter, from snow at Corin Forest to winter hikes and time spent in its museums and galleries. Cold air, warm spaces, quiet moments and lively events all sit side by side. The upcoming season is one to slow down, settle in, and see the city a little differently.

Canberra in Winter

Winter casts Canberra in a cinematic light, with sunlight glinting off Lake Burley Griffin and misty hills rising in the distance.

The city’s wide avenues and open spaces invite reflective walks through the Australian National Botanic Gardens or up Mount Ainslie for sweeping views of the capital. Frost‑touched trees, heritage parks, and quiet streets reveal a side of Canberra often missed in summer.

Inside, culture thrives with the winter calm. The National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery showcase iconic works and intimate stories of the nation’s people, while the Australian War Memorial feels especially atmospheric in the winter light. Historic streets and stately buildings hint at Canberra’s carefully crafted story as Australia’s capital.

Canberra is, overall, an ideal getaway for a real taste of winter.

Top Reasons to Visit Canberra in Winter

With lakeside strolls, misty bushwalks, and cosy cafés and restaurants, winter offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, history, and culture in Canberra, inviting visitors to experience the city in a totally different light.

Here’s how to make the most of Canberra in winter on your next trip.

1. Take Crisp Lakeside Walks

Although a simple option, a walk or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin is a great way to get some fresh winter air. Flat paths here run right along the water so no thinking is required for a good morning walk.

Start near Commonwealth Bridge and follow the Central Basin loop, about 5km, which takes around 1–1.5 hours on foot. This section keeps you close to the main landmarks, including National Carillon on Aspen Island, with clear views across the lake towards the Parliamentary Triangle. Otherwise, if you want something shorter, just walk one side of the lake and turn back, or extend it by crossing the bridge and completing the full loop.

2. Explore Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain

Fancy a view? Head up to Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain for views over the city.

For a walk up Mount Ainslie, start at the base of the Kokoda Track near the Australian War Memorial. Find a steady uphill climb to the summit here, around 2km one way, with a clear path all the way up. At the top, you look straight down to Anzac Parade towards Parliament House. An iconic view for a morning walk!

Then there’s Black Mountain. Take the drive up to the summit near Telstra Tower, or walk one of the shorter trails through the reserve. Tracks vary from quick 1–2km loops to longer routes through bushland, with different perspectives back across the lake and city.

3. Visit the National Gallery of Australia

Spend some time inside National Gallery of Australia, home to one of the country’s largest collections of Australian and international art. You should allow at least a couple of hours to make your way through the main galleries, including Indigenous Australian works and major exhibitions. Then if you feel like it, afterwards, step outside into the Sculpture Garden, where large-scale pieces are scattered out along the lake’s edge.

4. Discover History at the Australian War Memorial

Spend a winter’s afternoon visiting the Australian War Memorial; one of the most popular things to do whilst in town. Allow time to head through the galleries, which cover Australia’s military history in detail.

The daily Last Post Ceremony takes place in the late afternoon and is worth planning around. Afterwards, walk through the courtyard and along Anzac Parade, which runs directly from the memorial towards Parliament House. No matter this weather, this is a must!

5. Enjoy Cosy Cafés and Seasonal Dining

There’s nothing like a cosy coffee on a winter’s morning, or a warm dinner in the city during a cold evening. Braddon, Lonsdale Street and the New Acton precinct are where most of the city’s cafés, restaurants and bars are clustered, all within a short distance of each other.

For coffee (or a brunch), try ONA Coffee House or The Cupping Room, both known for consistently good coffee and simple, well-done menus. Then, for dinner, Rebel Rebel in New Acton is a strong option, or head to Corella in Braddon for something a bit more low-key.

If you’re after a local drink (a great way to see Canberra!) Bentspoke Brewing Co. is one of the city’s best-known breweries. For wine, Clonakilla Cellar Door sits just outside Canberra and is worth the short drive if you want to get out of the city.

6. Wander the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Now it’s back to nature! On a crips winter’s day, head into the Australian National Botanic Gardens and follow the walking trails through native bushland, rainforest sections and more structured garden areas.

Start from the main entrance and pick one of the shorter marked routes, around 1–2km, or link a few together if you feel like staying longer. Make sure you pass through the Rainforest Gully, one of the standout sections, with shaded paths and dense planting, before continuing on to spots that open up towards views back over the city.

7. Explore Historic Streets and Heritage Buildings

Spend some time around Old Parliament House and the surrounding government precinct, where many of the city’s historic buildings are concentrated.

In winter, the streets can be quieter, making it a good time to walk through the Parliamentary Triangle, including King George Terrace and nearby avenues. You’ll pass a mix of older architecture and more modern government buildings, with the option to step inside Old Parliament House or continue exploring the area on foot.

8. Head Out to the Snowy Forest

Snow isn’t something you come across often around Canberra, which is exactly why Corin Forest feels a bit exciting during the winter months! Less than an hour from the city, the landscape changes; winding roads, snow gums, and then finally actual snow underfoot! Corin Forest has that slightly European feel, small alpine-style lodge, people in ski gear, hot drinks in hand, without needing to go anywhere near a major ski resort.

Most people come here for the snow play area, tobogganing, building snowmen, and spending a couple of hours outside before warming up inside. There’s also a beginner slope if you want to try skiing or snowboarding, but even just being there is enough to feel the winter vibes!

9. Warm Up with Winter Events and Markets

Winter in Canberra isn’t just about where you go, it’s also about what’s on while you’re there. Across the season, the city hosts a mix of food events, local markets and smaller cultural programmes that tend to feel more local than large-scale. You’ll find weekend markets with hot food and produce, along with indoor performances, live music and gallery events that are easy to drop into. It’s worth checking what’s on during your visit and building something around it!

Where to stay in Canberra

If you want to stay close to the city, ibis Styles Canberra is the more central option, within easy reach of the lake, Braddon and the main attractions. Rooms are comfortable and affordable, making it a very practical base for a few wintery days in the city.

For something more spread out, ibis Styles Canberra Eaglehawk sits further north on large, open grounds surrounded by bushland. It has more of a resort feel; with plenty of space, plus the Winter Garden Restaurant, Café Munch, the Jolly Brewer Bar, some tennis courts, and a swimming pool.