Canberra’s summers are hot and dry (think: T-shirts, shorts, and sandals all day). Get your dose of Vitamin D and head out into the city’s vast open spaces and freshwater lakes. Temperatures dip a bit in the evening so we suggest snagging a spot at a rooftop bar during the sunset hours to grab a cocktail or two.

Lake Burley Griffin is the beating heart of Canberra’s summer. Live your best lake life and go sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, or even stand-up paddleboarding. You can also lounge shore-side—whatever floats your boat.

Nothing beats the summer heat quite like a quick dip. Canberra’s got two swimming holes where you can perfect that cannonball: Cotter Bend and Gibraltar Creek.

The Jamala Wildlife Lodge within the National Zoo and Aquarium is the closest you’ll get to an African safari experience right in Australia. The biggest draw? You get to spend the night next to lions, tigers, cheetahs, and bears—safely behind glass.

Grab some much-needed shade under the canopy of over 44,000 trees at the National Arboretum Canberra. Throw a summer barbie or (temporarily) lose the kids to the massive Pod playground, a series of giant acorn cubbies connected by tunnels, slides, and ladders designed for endless fun.

Canberra’s winters are chilly, but the sun still shines bright from June to August. Though snowfall’s rare, mornings and evenings are particularly brisk so we consider it a good-enough excuse to warm up with mulled wine and eggnog at the annual Christmas in July markets, an Aussie tradition of getting a little holiday spirit going during their colder months.

The cold weather also signals the start of truffle season. Join the hunt and sniff out the wild aromas of black winter Périgord truffles at Canberra’s top truffle farms. The city’s finest restaurants also dish up this seasonal ingredient as part of the annual Truffle Festival. Truffle pizza, anyone?

Canberra’s world-class museums and art galleries are fantastic any time of year but winter adds some festive cheer to the calendar of events. The school holidays mean there are lots of fun, kid-friendly activities and exhibits going on all season.

Over at the Canberra Glassworks Hotshop, a winter lineup of events will have you seeing your glassware in a whole new light. There are glass-blowing demonstrations by international artists, glass markets, and winter illuminations, too.

The city’s gardens and parks literally come to life in the spring—with thousands of flowers blooming in a rainbow of hues. But spring also ushers in the wettest months of the year…so pack an umbrella, you know, just in case.

Join in Australia’s biggest spring celebration—the annual Floriade Festival at Commonwealth Park. It’s a month-long floral display, plus there are other festival highlights like the Floriade NightFest, when the park is transformed into an illuminated playground after the sun goes down.

The warmer weather is ideal for exploring Canberra’s burgeoning wine region. Stroll through vineyards and enjoy a long lunch in the outdoors, with a glass of crisp Chardonnay in hand, of course.

Up for a little cardio? Take in the city’s iconic landmarks along the well-connected cycling networks. But do be warned: It’s magpie swooping season. The birds can strike from above, so local cyclists attach streamers, flags, and other curiosities to their helmets to keep them at bay.