In fact, in Canberra in the winter, it's tempting to do simply that: snuggle up before a roaring, warm log fire, and pass the time that way.
Canberra in the winter is cool to cold with a mean daily maximum of 11.2°C in July, the coldest month, and a mean daily minimum of -0.2°C. On occasion Canberra can be foggy, but winter is also the time when the national capital experiences clear sunny days and light winds, and you're tempted to do a bit of walking around Lake Burley Griffin or visit the region's wineries.
Warm up to winter
For those traveling to the Snowy Mountains for a spot of skiing, Canberra is an ideal overnight stopover or for more than a day or two. You'll hear of Ski Canberra packages which include hotel stays in the national capital before and after hitting the slopes.
Suitable winter activities are mostly indoor ones and involve catching the latest exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia or the National Museum of Australia.
The Australian Parliament takes a winter break, usually from sometime in June to early August, but you can always visit Parliament House.
Then there's that visit to the Australian War Memorial and, for the kids, Questacon with its hands-on exhibits and earthquake experience.
Enjoying the restaurant scene — particularly with, yes, a log fire — is an exhilarating and satisfying experience in the cold.
Theatre, sports, wineries
Check out what's on at Canberra's live theatre venues and night spots.
For the sports-minded, find out what competitions are being played and when matches are on, and throw in a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport where Australia's future Olympians train.
This winter, over four weekends in August, enjoy fine food, wine and live music by open fires in Canberra's Fireside Festival. And there may be another festival or two, particularly around the Winter Solstice.
Some of the wineries in the Canberra region participate in the Fireside Festival, but you could, if you wish to, go on your own-wine-tasting tour. Check at the visitor centre on Northbourne Ave for winery locations, get maps, visit the Canberra wine region.
