Surviving Winter in Canberra

Image Credit: Silas Brown

Canberra is known for it’s cold winters – locals will tell you they’re easy (they’re not), and visitors avoid coming from May-September. Unfortunately for students at the University of Canberra, we’re stuck here, so may as well take part in the best winter activities in the region!

1.    Corin Forest

Corin Forest is located in the Brindabella Mountain Range, only a short drive from Canberra. There are plenty of activities here for all ages, with toboggan rides and a 1.2km alpine slide. Also within the park is a café, and cycling tracks.

The important stuff: Corin Forest is open from 10am-4pm daily, providing that surrounding roads are open. In the area, you can also visit the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station, Namadgi National Park, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Don’t forget warm clothes!

2.    Undertake Work Experience

Work experience or an internship is a great way to gain experience while getting out of the cold! For most degrees at UC, they’re required but even if they aren’t, work experience always looks good on your resume!

The important stuff: Take a look at the subjects you need to do and talk to your course convenor about where you might like to do your work experience. You would be surprised at the connections they have!

 3.    Take up a winter sport

Netball, soccer, and football are all sports that are played in winter in Canberra. Join a team and make some new friends while getting fit! They’re also a great way to ensure that you’re still getting your weekly dose of Vitamin D in the winter months.

The important stuff: You can sign up for most of these sports through the uni. Contact the UC Redbacks (Netball) here, the UC Hockey Club here, and the UC Soccer Club here.

4.    Go Iceskating

Speaking of physical activity – there’s no harm in embracing the weather and heading out for a good old-fashioned ice skate. Canberra has a few options for ice-skating. The first of these is the outdoor rink – ‘Skate in the City’ – that is erected in Garema Place in Civic for a month over winter, and the second is Philip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre.  Both places provide skates as part of the entry fee, and it creates a an hour or two of fun for you and your friends.

The important stuff: A 2 hour session at Philip costs $18. You can find more info about Philip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre here, and ‘Skate in the City’ here.

5.    Treat yourself

Go to one of Dendy Cinema’s premium sessions in Canberra Centre. There’s no better way to stay warm than inside one of Canberra’s best cinemas. A premium package entitles you to food and drink that are delivered right to your chair!

The important stuff: Find out more and purchase tickets here.

So scrape that ice off your windscreen and experience Canberra in one of it’s most beautiful seasons!

Story by Elly Mackay.