Challenge the ‘Canberra is boring’ rhetoric – there’s so much out there to explore this summer! Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Plenty of Canberrans load up the car and head to their favourite summer destinations as soon as Christmas is done and dusted, but what about those who stay home?
Don’t fret – whether the flavour of the season is indoors, outdoors, art, food or sports, there’s a plethora of open venues and attractions for mum, dad and the kids to visit that don’t involve an overnighter.
For those staying local these summer holidays, here are some of our favourite places to take the family in and around the nation’s capital.
The National Library is home to more than books – plenty of mysteries and treasures of history await. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
National Library of Australia
When: 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm Friday, 9 am to 5 pm weekends and public holidays
Where: National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes
Cost: Free entry.
Australia’s National Library is open every day but Christmas Day these holidays. Reading rooms are closed over the end of year break, but reopen on 2 January.
Bring the kids to a sports and games day run by local clubs or explore the treasures gallery to discover unique depictions of Australian history and culture that perplex, captivate and inspire.
Finish off your visit with a coffee at Bookplate cafe or peruse through The Bookshop for that perfect piece of Australian writing.
Find out more about summer exhibitions or book a free guided tour at National Library of Australia.
Established to ‘reflect the face of Australia’, the National Portrait Gallery has long appreciated expression through many art forms. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
National Portrait Gallery
When: Open every day except Christmas Day (25 December), 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free entry.
With so many events and exhibitions running in all areas of the National Portrait Gallery between late December and early February, visitors are certainly spoiled for choice these holidays.
Just a few highlights include free tours of the gallery’s finest works (daily from 2:15 pm), free kids’ art sessions in the family space (daily from 10 am), portrait play in the design corner, Summer Story Time sessions (4 January and 17 January), and of course multiple celebrations of self portraits, historical trends in Australian art and culture, notable national figures, films, forms, faces and more.
Bookings required for some events. Check out the full list of what’s on at National Portrait Gallery.
Ancient Egyptian fascinations such as the Book of the Dead of Padikhonsu are on display at the National Museum until September 2024. Photo: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
National Museum of Australia
When: Open every day except Christmas Day (25 December), 9 am to 5 pm
Where: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Cost: Free entry, Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition tickets from $12.50.
There’s something about Ancient Egypt that keeps everyone coming back for more. Luckily for Canberrans, the National Museum of Australia presents the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition, open until September 2024.
Closer to home is the free Great Southern Land exhibition, which delves into rich stories of the vast Australian continent.
School holiday programs include sculpture and jewellery workshops and the Museum Shop provides a perfect opportunity to solidify the day’s experiences with a gorgeous keepsake.
Some exhibitions/events are ticketed. Book your visit at National Museum of Australia.
Fyshwick Markets have long been a favourite weekend passtime, but did you know they’re open on Thursdays and Fridays too? Photo: Ben Calvert.
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets
When: Regular trading hours: Thursday to Sunday, 7 am to 5:30 pm. Christmas trading hours: 6 am to 5:30 pm 22 December, 5 am to 5:30 pm 23 and 24 December. Closed on public holidays
Where: Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick
Cost: Free entry.
Canberra’s oldest markets have evolved a fair bit since their humble beginnings in the 1970s.
For the pre-Christmas catering scramble, old-school butchers, bakers, delis, grocers and liquor merchants have ACT residents covered – alongside a number of specialty food stores.
If last minute gifts are on the agenda, market retailers host plenty of knick knacks, jewellery, fashion, homewares, books, toys, and bath and body creations.
Browse store specifics online at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets.
View the iconic green dress from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) at the Australians & Hollywood exhibition, closing on 28 January. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA)
When: Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Otherwise open 10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. NFSA Cafe open 8:30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays
Where: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton
Cost: Free entry.
Avoid the same old movie theatre these holidays – why not catch a cult favourite, restored classic or latest release at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema?
On offer in the NSFA Library is a chance to view stunning vintage camera equipment and historical artifacts, including the Ned Kelly armour worn by Heath Ledger.
This summer also marks the last chance to experience the exclusive Australians & Hollywood exhibition, which closes on 28 January.
Some events and exhibitions are ticketed. Make a booking on the NFSA website.
Visitors to MIT Narrabundah Ballpark can expect a couple of thoughtful changes this season, including a refresh of Sarge’s Saloon and Bunker Boxes. Photo: Canberra Cavalry.
Canberra Cavalry vs Brisbane Bandits
When: 11 to 14 January
Where: MIT Narrabundah Ballpark, Kyeema Street, Narrabundah
Cost: Single game tickets from $10.
The Canberra Cavalry returns to home grounds for round nine of the 2023/24 Australian Baseball League, taking on the Brisbane Bandits from 11 to 14 January at MIT Ballpark.
Enjoy a beverage or have a nibble in Sarge’s Saloon, or check out the new first class ticketing options for courtside Bunker Boxes.
Secure MIT Ballpark seats for the summer at Canberra Cavalry.
Japanese National Monica Okoye is a recent addition to the UC ‘Caps’ team and will play against the Lynx in January. Photo: Mark Nolan, Getty Images.
UC Capitals VS Perth Lynx
When: 11 January 2024. Doors open at 6 pm
Where: National Convention Centre Canberra, 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City
Cost: Tickets from $15.
Canberra’s professional women’s basketball team, the UC ‘Caps’ put their skills to the test against the Perth Lynx this summer for round 11 of the 2023/34 Women’s National Basketball League season.
The Capitals kept their core players from 2022 this season alongside some fresh faces – all keen to show off masses of potential and pride on their home grounds.
Tickets available online.
Did you know 2023 marks 35 years of science, inspiration and innovation at Questacon? Photo: Questacon.
Questacon
When: Open every day except Christmas Day, from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Admission from $17.50.
Finding a Canberran who’s never been to Questacon would be quite the task. But far from old news, this sciencey staple has plenty of attractions on these holidays for the whole family.
Performed by the Questacon Excited Particles team, Spectacular Science shows are held in the Japan Theatre daily.
Exhibitions and workshops such as Born or Built, Awesome Earth, Q Lab and The Shed are on intermittently – check in with staff during admission to confirm.
Be sure to stop at the Atomic Cafe after your visit.
Find out more online at Questacon.
Artist Hannah Quinlivan with a maquette of her installation, Drawing Breath, which will be installed at the National Arboretum next year. Photo: National Arboretum Canberra.
National Arboretum
When: Arboretum grounds open 7 am to 5:30 pm daily. Village Centre and Bonsai/Penjing Collection open 9 am to 4 pm daily, excluding Christmas Day
Where: National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
Cost: General admission is free.
Experience one of the world’s most extensive collections of rare, endangered and uniquely symbolic trees right here in Canberra.
Guided forest walks, welcome walks and Ngala Indigenous Tourism sessions, nature craft and playgroups, and family orienteering session are just some of the fantastic programs on offer.
Some experiences and events are ticketed. Visit National Arboretum to plan your day.
Canberra’s National Zoo is home to four beautiful giraffes: Skye, Shaba, Mzungu and Khamisi. Photo: National Zoo & Aquarium.
National Zoo and Aquarium
When: 9.30am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day
Where: National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla
Cost: Admission from $32.
From Aussie natives to exotic favourites, the privately owned National Zoo and Aquarium is filled with the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Enjoy close encounters feeding big cats, giraffes, hyenas and bears, or spend some time up close and personal with cheeky meerkats and lemurs.
Keeper talks and viewing activities are held intermittedly throughout the day, free to attend with admission.
Some experiences require booking ahead of time. Discounts apply for tickets purchased online at National Zoo & Aquarium.
GoBoat started in Denmark in 2014, launching in Australia in 2017. Photo: GoBoat Australia.
GoBoat Canberra
When: Open 9 am to 8 pm
Where: GoBoat Central: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes. GoBoat Kingston: 8 Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Cost: From $99 for eight people sailing for one hour.
See Lake Burley Griffin from a unique angle with GoBoat Australia’s eight-person picnic boats.
The Danish-designed picnic boats are built using recycled materials and use electric motors, so they get the eco friendly stamp. Packages also come with plenty of optional extras to make the experience extra special, from grazing boxes and cheese boards to speaker and esky hire.
Find out more and book online at GoBoat Australia.
‘Bouldering’ is essentially rock climbing with a twist – there’s no ropes or harnesses. Don’t worry, climbs are low-height and done over safety mats. Photo: BlocHaus Canberra.
BlocHaus Canberra
When: Open 6 am to 10 pm Monday and Wednesday, 10 am to 10 pm Tuesday and Thursday, 6 am to 10 pm Fridays and 8 am to 10 pm on weekends. Closed only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Where: BlocHaus Canberra, Unit 2, Building 2, 1 dairy road, Fyshwick
Cost: 2 week entry and shoe hire membership for first-time customers for $49.
Embrace rock climbing with a twist this summer at BlocHaus Canberra. Praised for its social, community-focused nature and ability to build great physical and mental strength, bouldering can be fun for climbers of all ages.
Bould Moves classes are run at a variety of levels throughout the week to tweak the finer details and get climbers boulding better. Personal equipment can be bought from the Bloc Shop, and brew from redbrick coffee roasters and other light refreshments are also available in-haus.
Find out more at BlocHaus Bouldering Canberra.
Can you solve the puzzle to escape within an hour? Find out at Escape Rooms Canberra. Photo: Escape Rooms Canberra.
Escape Rooms Canberra
When: Open 9:30 am to 9:30 pm Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am to 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 10 pm Sundays. Contact (02) 6281 5729 for holiday opening hours
Where: 2/24 Dundas Circuit, Phillip
Cost: From $35 per person.
The House on the Hill: The Devil has come to Salem, and all fingers point to The House on the Hill. The Vault: The world has already ended. You’ve got to stop it from ending again. Curio: The show must go on, but if it does, it could spell disaster.
It takes at least two to tackle just one of the three puzzles at Escape Rooms Canberra, and with just an hour on the clock, it’ll take plenty of critical thinking and a level headed attitude to succeed.
Acting as cherry on top is the ultra-exclusive Garden Party. This cocktail bar, beer garden and function space only available to recent escapees.
Book your escape room at Escape Rooms Canberra.
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