Discover more than you expect in Canberra

Canberra’s changing seasons bring a revolving calendar of experiences all year-round. From picnic and wine tours in the summer, golden leaves with hot air balloons in autumn, truffe hunting in the winter, through to springtime floral festivals and hikes with wildflowers.

Summer (December to February)

There are events in Canberra all summer long and you won’t want to miss the much-anticipated National Multicultural Festival. For outdoor and foodie adventures you can't go past lakeside dining and outdoor cinemas. Explore the many cafes, restaurants and bars along the Kingston Foreshore. Watch the sunset with a side of fish and chips at casual outdoor eatery, Snapper & Co. or both Water's Edge and The Boat House restaurants offer upscale dining and stunning sunset views across Lake Burley Griffin. Hire bikes or e-scooters from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, or jump on a Beam or Neuron e-scooter using a mobile app. Grab picnic food and pilot an electric-powered GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin from the Kingston Foreshore. Alternatively, join a leisurely lunch or dinner cruise on the MV Southern Cross or a sightseeing cruise with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is an extraordinarily beautiful time to visit Australia’s capital Canberra, when the stunning cityscape plunges into hues of red, gold, russet, ochre and crimson. Head to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon, or the National Arboretum Canberra to take in the kaleidoscope of colourful trees first-hand. 

Visit during March when the Enlighten Festival sees iconic sites lit up by digital artworks and feast at mouth-watering food stalls. Wake up to a sky full of hot air balloons during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular or watch as the pink, purple and gold colour burst of sunrise gently lights up the surrounding mountains as you float across the capital with Balloon Aloft in your very own balloon. Depending on the way the wind takes you, sights include the iconic National Museum of Australia and its looping Uluru line sculpture and the impressive architecture of Australian Parliament House.

Winter (June to August)

In winter, join talented dogs on a truffle hunt before enjoying a three course meal at The Truffle Farm or Pialligo Truffles. It’s the ingredient on everyone’s radar come winter. At The Truffle Farm, you can get the full truffle experience. Throughout truffle season — from late May to early September — the farm runs interactive truffle hunting experiences. You’ll follow truffle hunting dogs through the forest of over 6000 oak and hazelnut trees in pursuit of the black treasures. If you sign up for the degustation option, the hunt will be followed by a decadent six-course feast prepared right in front of you in the truffle shed — featuring truffles in each dish, of course.

Take the little ones skiing at Corin Forest where snowmen making competitions, snowball fights, toboggans, hot chocolates and woodfired pizzas await you. Corin Forest will have you channelling your inner child in a winter wonderland. Hot chocolate and cosying up to the fire will definitely be on your mind after all of that action. Luckily, Corin Forest has a cafe with an open fire where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious woodfired pizza.

Spring (September to November)

Floriade, Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring, returns to Commonwealth Park each year in September. The festival features extensive displays of flowering bulbs with integrated sculptures and other artistic features. Visit the Parliament House courtyard gardens in their most spectacular season of colour and bloom. Led by Parliament House’s expert horticulturalist Paul Janssens, the spring garden tour includes colourful spring bulbs, stunning blossom trees, garden nutrition, and more treats for garden lovers. Discover the unique approach to landscaping and explore how the gardens help communicate the architect’s vision. Canberra Nara Peace Park is the home of the annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival held in October. It features a small Japanese themed garden, traditional wooden gate and gazebo, and a number of iconic cherry blossom trees. A distinctive feature of the park is its views to landmarks such as Lake Burley Griffin, Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie.

Whatever the season, Canberra is known for its fresh air and stunning blue skies and is the perfect place to visit year round. Fly from Singapore to Canberra via Sydney or Melbourne with Singapore Airlines now and travel in comfort with the world’s most awarded airline! For more information, visit UOB Travel or drop us an email at UOBTP-Leisure@UOBgroup.com.