Canberra’s cool new wine experience doesn’t need a designated driver

By Kassia Byrnes
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Hop on and hop off at some of Canberra’s best wineries.

Looking for a new wine region to explore? Forget South Australia, heck, you can even forget the Hunter Valley and Mudgee in New South Wales. Canberra’s wine region is booming, and a new Wine Hopper Tour is making it easier than ever to get around.

What began in the 70s, after some CSIRO scientists decided to take advantage of the region’s cool climate and soil types, is now a thriving wine region with plenty of incredible wineries to fill up a weekend.

wine hopper tour canberra bus

Hop your way around Canberra’s wine region.

The problem? As with all wine regions, it so often means someone in the group has to play designated driver. This is where the new Wine Hopper tour comes in. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service from 10am to 5pm on weekends that follows a route around Canberra’s most celebrated wineries. So, unlike other wine tours, it means you can set your own pace and path (and they promise there’s enough time to visit three to four places in a day, before making your way back to the Canberra CBD).

Clonakilla Winery vines canberra

Visit up to four wineries in one day.

Stops include the likes of boutique McKellar Ridge Wines with their award-winning handcrafted wines, the family-owned Clonakilla with gorgeous vineyard views from the tasting patio and the award-winning wines and carefully curated experiences of Shaw Estate.

Tickets start from $89 per person and include round-trip transport from Canberra with expert driver-hosts, a route map, winery guide and unlimited hops throughout the day.

Sign us up.

Clonakilla Winery canberra

Taste the wines of picturesque Clonakilla. (Image: Destination NSW)

Let everyone enjoy their wine and try booking Wine Hopper, but first, read more about our top Canberra winery picks, and discover some other lesser-known wine region gems.

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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This snowy day trip is magical for kids and just 45 mins from Canberra

    By Emily Murphy
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    Forget the alpine resort haul.

    Dreaming of snowball fights, toboggan runs and frosty fun without the long drive to the ski fields? You don’t need to trek to the Snowy Mountains to get your winter fix, because Corin Forest, Canberra’s only commercial snowfield, is just 45 minutes from the city.

    Tucked into the Tidbinbilla Range in Namadgi National Park, Corin Forest delivers a full-blown snow experience for families looking for a quick, easy and affordable day trip. And thanks to snow machines, you’re guaranteed a snowy playground even when the rest of Canberra is dry.

    Corin Forest snowmaking by SandwichCafe

    You’re guaranteed snow thanks to snow machines. (Image: SandwichCafe)

    The main event at Corin Forest in winter is the Snowplay area – a safe, supervised space designed for tobogganing, snowman-making and general chilly chaos. Snowplay sessions run for two hours, and you’ll want to book ahead: they’re incredibly popular during weekends and school holidays.

    You don’t need to bring anything with you. All the snow gear you need, including toboggans, jackets and pants, is available to hire onsite.

    If your crew is keen to try skiing or snowboarding, Corin Forest also has beginner lessons on a gentle 80-metre slope, complete with a magic carpet lift. Packages include everything from equipment hire to instruction, so all you have to do is show up and try not to stack it. Corin’s ski and snowboard instructors are friendly and patient, and the slope is perfect for first-timers, young and old.

    After you’ve had your fill of frosty fun, head to the lodge for a hot chocolate and a bite to eat by the crackling wood fire.

    Need-to-know details

    Two children tobogganing at Corin Forest

    Corin Forest is perfect for kids. (Image: VisitCanberra)

    Where: Corin Forest is a 45-minute drive from Canberra.

    When: Snowplay sessions run multiple times a day through winter.

    Cost: Snowplay from $25, with gear hire extra. Lesson packages start from $149, including gear.

    Whether you’re travelling with kids, trying snow for the first time or just chasing that winter wonderland vibe, Corin Forest delivers all the thrills – no ski lift pass required.