After dark is when the fun begins: 8 things to do this summer
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When it comes to ‘doing’ things in Canberra, we’ve discovered that the sun doesn’t always have to be shining in order to have a little fun. Whether you love the suspense of venturing through the night or illuminating the scurry of wildlife under the brightness of a torch, exploring the nation’s capital under a blanket of darkness is thrilling, a little exhilarating and definitely exciting! So rather than head home for another evening in your PJs or drinks out with friends, why not inject a little nighttime madness into your life and try out one of the activities below this summer?
Discover the hidden secrets of Tidbinbilla at night
With the warmer weather upon us, Canberrans and visitors have a unique opportunity to explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to watch native animals emerge from their hiding places come nightfall. A natural gem in the ACT and just a 45 minute drive from the centre of town, Tidbinbilla is home to iconic Australian wildlife set in the surrounds of a beautiful valley and rocky-topped mountains. Organised by Conservation Volunteers Australia, the Tid by Torchlight program runs every Friday and Saturday night (pending minimum booking numbers) until 30 April 2015, and is an opportunity to see and learn about our local, native flora and fauna in the stunning reserve with an expert guide.
Day or night Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is an absolutely remarkable place. Photo: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Dusk is the perfect time to explore as the reserve comes to life with kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, long-nosed potoroos, emus, possums, and more as they venture out to feed in the clearings and bushlands. Tours run for five hours beginning with a dusk wildlife walk and gourmet bush BBQ before venturing in the forest (yes, at night) to discover animals you wouldn’t normally see in daylight hours. With a guide on hand to lead you through the reserve sanctuary and teach you about the wildlife, the Tid by Torchlight is your chance to witness the magic of Australian native animals in their home environment and see why Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is renowned for close encounters with wildlife.
Limited numbers are set for each tour to ensure your experience is intimate and quiet and allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the peace and natural beauty of the reserve. Tickets are $80 per adult and $65 per child. The ticket price includes the cost of transportation to and from Canberra hotels for visitors to the nation’s capital.
Tickets sales support wildlife conservation at Tidbinbilla with a portion of the cost donated directly to Tidbinbilla’s endangered species breeding programs. For more information call the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre on (02) 6205 1233 or visit the Conservation Volunteers.
The essentials
What: Tid by Torchlight
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Ring Road, Paddys River
When: 4pm to 11pm, every Friday and Saturday night until 30 April 2015.
How much: $65 children (min. age 7yrs); $80 adults; and Family (2 adults, 2 children) $265
Tickets: Book online or phone (02) 6205 1233
Vibe: Family-friendly, great date-night idea or Christmas gift for the person who has everything
Flip Out bounces into Civic Square
Imagine bouncing away in the magical glow of Christmas light while listening to cool music after dark! Grab your children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents for a flippin’ good time come the end of November when the Flip Out craze bounces its way into the city centre.
Flip Out will be flippin’ great fun this Christmas!
For the first time ever, Flip Out will set up their trampolines outdoors, running back-to-back sessions from 9.00am to midnight (that’s a lot of flippin’ fun) beginning Friday 28 November. Capable of holding 35 bouncers at any one session, Flip Out in the City is part of Christmas in the City and will run until Boxing Day (closed Christmas Day).
It will also coincide with the beginning of the SIDS & Kids Christmas Lights in the City, which aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest LED image display in the world while raising further funds for the SIDS & Kids ACT. Tickets are now on sale.
The essentials
What: Flip Out in the City
Where: Civic Square, Civic
When: 9.00am to midnight, Friday 28 November to Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day); closed Christmas Day
How much: $10 for 20 minutes of springy fun
Tickets: Phone Flip Out on (02) 6209 1991 to purchase tickets.
Vibe: Bounce in for some flippin’ good fun with family, friends, work colleagues and the kids.
Sunset Cinemas
With summer well & truly on the way, the IMB Sunset Cinema has returned to Canberra for its third season. So grab the blanket, pack the picnic basket and head outdoors for a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather with friends & family on the Eucalypt Lawn of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Catch your favourite flick or the next blockbuster film on the big screen on balmy evening.
There’s something for everybody with a range of films screening until Saturday 20 December. Enjoy latest releases, children’s and classic films in the beautiful garden surrounds. Don’t want to pack a picnic? No fuss, you can purchase food (including dinner) on location.
The essentials
What: IMB Sunset Cinema
Where: Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: Wednesday to Saturday (evenings only) until Saturday 20 December
How much: Various ticket and seating options available
Tickets: Check out the program here before purchasing your tickets online
Vibe: A great night out for everyone.
TropFest
The world’s largest short film festival, TropFest returns to Stage 88 Commonwealth Park on Sunday 7 December. A celebration of great stories and talented storytellers, TropFest Canberra is the largest TropFest outside of Sydney and you’re invited!
TropFest returns to Stage 88 Commonwealth Park in just two weeks! Photo: Developing Agents
Spend the afternoon in the sun listening to live performances by some incredible local musicians including Canberra’s own DJ Felixx, pick up a bite to eat from one of the street food vendors on site or claim the best seat in the house by purchasing a ticket to the Reserve Lawn and receive the VIP treatment. Keep it simple with a BYO blanket and basket of goodies to enjoy while soaking up the bustle of Commonwealth Park before kicking back for the premiere of the 16 finalist films of TropFest Australia 2014!
The essentials
What: TropFest 2014
Where: Stage 88 Commonwealth Park, Civic
When: 4.30pm to midnight, Sunday 7 December
How much: Free with paid ticket options available
Tickets: To book your Reserve Lawn tickets visit TropFest Canberra.
Web: www.tropfest.com
Vibe: Everyone is welcome but if you have children be mindful that TropFest films are exempt from classification. Some films may contain coarse language, violence or sexual references. TropFest is recommended for mature audience of 15 years and over.
Twilight Trail Rides
Why not ‘horse’ around with friends and head out of town for a Twilight Trail Ride?
Experience the very best of summer riding on horseback through 3500 acres of unique beauty that is the Australian countryside along the outskirts of Canberra. Located 30 minutes from the nation’s capital between Murrumbateman and Gundaroo, and coupled with a Smoked Meats & Wine Tasting, this two-hour trail ride is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy local produce from some of Canberra’s finest establishments, whether with friends or that special someone. Accompanied by an experience instructor, there are a variety of horses to suit riders of all levels and experience. With the weather warming up and the wattle blooming, it all makes for spectacular riding, but bookings are essential.
The essentials
What: Burnelee Twilight Trail Rides
When: 5pm to 8.30pm, Saturday 29 November and Saturday 13 December
Where: Burnelee Excursions on Horseback, Dicks Creek Road, Murrumbateman
How much: $85 per person or $105 for the Tasting Experience
Book: Phone (02) 6227 5850 or email info@burnelee.com.au
Vibe: Something to enjoy with girlfriends or friends, even a Hen’s night or try something different for your Saturday night date night.
afterDARK Tours
These extremely popular ‘adults only’ tours are soon to return with new menu and wines to experience. A perfect way to spend a warm summer’s evening in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, commencing next month and continuing through to March 2015. Avoid missing out by registering to receive first notification of online bookings.
The essentials
What: afterDARK Tours
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: December 2014 to March 2015
Book tickets: Dates and prices are yet to be release but avoid missing out by registering your interest.
Vibe: Just for the grown-ups, but there’s no reason not to be a big kid!
Explore the rainforests and gardens this summer with AfterDARK tours suitable for adults only or families.
afterDARK Scavenger Hunt Tours
What will you find in the Australian National Botanic Gardens at night? Gather your family for a night-time botanical scavenger hunt with treasures and treats to be found. Take your torch, follow the clues and discover the fascinating plant, insect and animal life in the Gardens at night. Be the first to complete the scavenger hunt challenge and take home the coveted ‘super-sleuth’ prize. Finish your evening enjoying supper and toasting marshmallows over the open-air fire.
The essentials
What: afterDARK Scavenger Hunt Tours
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: Visit the website for more information.
How much: $26 adult, $21 child | Not suitable for children under five years
Vibe: A fun night out for the family, but walking is involved.
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