Published on 20 Nov 2025

What to do in Canberra this summer

Hello Canberra

Reading time: 5 minutes

Summer is officially here and Canberra is showing off. Think sunny days, cold drinks and those long evenings where the sky refuses to get dark until 9pm. If you’re planning how to spend the warmer months, we’ve got you covered. There’s a lot happening around the capital and it’s the perfect time to explore.

Dine al-fresco

Not to brag, but Canberra does views really well. And when the weather warms up, it’s prime time to make the most of the scenery with good food in hand. A favourite spot is Margot Wine & Espresso Bar, tucked right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. It’s got that Euro-summer energy with a Canberra twist, plus woodfired pizza and waterside views that never miss.

A woman sits outside Margot Wine & Espresso bar on a wicker seat, outdoor waterfront café in Canberra.

Lakeside views with wine, coffee and pizza? Say less.

Embrace the outdoors

If the sun is out, you may as well lean into it. Canberra is the bush capital for a reason, with nature wrapping around the city on every side. So why not go all in and try Treetops Adventure, a high ropes outdoor course that’s in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where you climb, balance and wander your way through the bushland canopy. It is also a seriously fun thing to do with friends.

A woman goes down the zipline between the trees at Treetops Adventure in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in Canberra.

The summer vibes are high when you’re flying through the sky. Image credit: Nathan Darma, Treetops Adventure.

Take a refreshing dip

Our region is full of beautiful natural waterways that make the warmest summer days feel bearable. Most of Canberra’s favourite swimming spots are fed by the Cotter River, which keeps the water calm and the temperatures ideal for long afternoons outside. Many of these places also have barbecue and picnic areas, so you can easily make a whole day of it.

Local favourites include:

Kambah Pool
Casuarina Sands
Uriarra Crossing
Pine Island

A sunny day at Kambah Pool in Canberra, showing the waterways, trees and rock formations.

There’s nothing quite like swimming and being surrounded by beautiful nature. Image credit: Region

Get festive at a Christmas market

Summer brings a bit of a collective exhale across the city. You can feel the year winding down and the holiday season starting to take over. And if you want to lean into the festive mood, a themed Christmas market is the perfect way to do it. Canberra has plenty popping up through December, including:

Christmas at The Little Burley Market (Saturday, 6 December, 9am-2pm)
South Canberra Community Markets (Saturday 6 December, 10am-2pm)
Christmas at Haig Park Village Markets (Sundays, 7, 14 and 21 December 2025)
Old Bus Depot Markets Super Christmas Sunday (Sunday 11 December, 9:30am-2:30pm)

Special Christmas-themed wrapped mince pies at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Canberra.

Canberra loves Christmas and gets in the holiday spirit with lots of festive cheer. Image credit: VisitCanberra

Get inspired at the National Museum of Australia

One of the perks of living in the capital is having iconic national institutions right at your doorstep. And when the heat sets in, spending a day wandering through the National Museum of Australia is a great way to cool off and get inspired (hello, air-conditioning!)

Make sure to catch the notable exhibition ‘Hallyu! The Korean Wave’ running from 12 December 2025 to 10 May 2026, which explores the global influence of South Korea across music, beauty and pop culture.

A birds eye view of the National Museum of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin at sunset.

You could spend an entire day at the National Museum of Australia and never get bored. Image credit: Grant O’Loughlan, VisitCanberra

Watch some summer sport

Summer is a great time to watch sport, with atmosphere at an all-time high and the ultimate vibes.

Check out the summer of cricket at Manuka Oval
Head out to GIO Stadium to watch the ACT Brumbies kick off their season
Cheer on local WNBL champions UC Capitals at AIS Arena
See some of the best tennis players in the world compete at the Workday Canberra International 2026.

A golden sunset fades over GIO Stadium in Bruce, Canberra.

The Canberra sports crowd are some of the most passionate in the country! Image Credit: VisitCanberra

Screen your favourite film under the stars

When the weather is this good, sitting in a warm sunset while watching your favourite movie feels like the dream. Sunset Cinema turns that into real life with screenings all summer in the beautiful setting of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Fresh popcorn, snacks, food trucks, new releases and cosy classics like Love Actually or The Holiday. It is the perfect place to spend a summer night.