By Brianna Elliott
Are you spending your summer in Canberra this year and dreading being bored? Here are some things to keep your mind from wishing you were in Australia’s bigger and less ‘boring’ cities.
Fun ways to cool off:
With summer fast approaching, staying cool is an absolute must. From November onwards, Canberra’s Aqua Park has returned to Lake Burley Griffin for another year.
This giant inflatable obstacle course is perfect for friends wanting to spice up the competition. With affordable prices, this activity can be an all-day adventure or a mere few hours.
You can even pretend Canberra has a beach and go for an open-water swim in Lake Burley Griffin!
However, if going into Canberra’s lake doesn’t sound appealing, another option is Big Splash Waterpark.
While this water park is nothing compared to Sydney’s Raging Waters (formally Wet n Wild), the South Coast’s Jamberoo, or the Gold Coast theme parks, Big Splash has recently undergone major updates and is now looking revamped and ready for summer.
Can’t Swim? Good thing you’re in Canberra…
While these two activities result in definitely getting wet, an alternative option is to GoBoat on the lake. Departing from Kingston or Queen Elizabeth Terrace, this electric picnic boat hire allows you to see the city from a different perspective.
With no requirement for a boating licence and up to eight people allowed on board at a time, this is a perfect occasion to pop open a bottle and enjoy a peaceful but fun afternoon.
A small drive outside of Canberra is the Corin Forest Alpine Slide, where there is a 1.2 kilometre slide through the Mountain Ash Forest. While bookings are essential, this activity gives you an excuse to get out of town for the day while still being close enough to home that needing to find accommodation is not necessary.
After a long day, watching a movie is the best way to relax and unwind. Held at the Australian National Botanical Garden, Sunset Cinema or Canberra’s Outdoor Cinema has a wide range of movies, from Christmas specials to new releases, that are being shown until the end of February.
Enjoying a movie with fresh popcorn and numerous food trucks means there is something for everyone wanting to enjoy a nice summer evening in walking distance from many ANU residential halls.
Food and drink:
Alternatively, those staying in Canberra can spend an afternoon learning how to make their own cocktails in a private venue at High Jinks.
For a two-hour session, there is the opportunity to learn how to mix three different cocktails amongst other fundamental bartending skills.
Being within walking distance from University Avenue, this activity means no need for a designated driver.
The local Canberra community holds the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon every Sunday, bringing together a mix of market stalls to ensure there is something for everyone. Simultaneously, for the month of December, these markets encourage the Christmas spirit by also selling themed products and foods.
Another activity held just outside of Canberra’s city centre is a range of wine-tasting experiences. Places such as Mount Majura Vineyard, Poachers Pantry and Lake George Winery offer a variety of tasting experiences and specialise in locally made wines and beverages.
Don’t rule out the national institutions:
It is also worth remembering that Canberra is the museum capital of Australia. The National Museum of Australia has two virtual reality experiences. The first is the Beyond the Milky Way Experience which is narrated by Brian Cox and explores space through the SKA telescope. Alternatively, there is the Antarctica Experience, giving viewers a firsthand account of Antarctica’s climate, work and ecosystems.
After these outgoing activities and events, sometimes the best thing you need is an independent day walking around a museum or exhibition. ANU has opened its Classics Museum for free guided tours that do not require a booking to be made.
Additionally, celebrating the 2023 School of Art and Design graduates, an Exhibition of their final projects is being held throughout December, accompanied by live music and a range of food and drink vendors.
If you find yourself ‘stuck’ in the Canberra bubble this summer, no need to fret! There is something for everyone, and maybe you’ll find that Canberra isn’t so ‘boring’ after all.
Graphics by Annisa Zatalini
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