What To Do in Canberra According to the Pollen Count – Hay Fever Friendly Activities

Canberra, being the capital of Australia, is a city full of culture, arts, nature and more, with many hidden gems for you to enjoy. Pollen counts can be very high in Spring and Summer here. During this time, it will be handy to have a tool like Kleenex’s Pollen Count, so you can plan ahead and make the most of those days with a low forecast of pollen levels. To make it easier for you, it includes tips on where to go, and what to do. On days when pollen counts are high, it can direct you to activities you can still enjoy while keeping your symptoms at bay.

Below are just some examples of the suggestions you can look forward to when you use the tool.

Extreme pollen levels

Indoor doesn’t need to be boring. In fact, Canberra has a great variety of cultural venues for you to learn while having fun.

Arts and culture

Kids of all ages, including adults, will enjoy an interactive wonderland at Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre. If you have a hunger for more science, learn more at the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

Explore our ancient Indigenous history and view Australian treasures at the National Museum of Australia. Visit one of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings, the beautiful, iconic Parliament House. Here you can learn about the nation’s political activities with tours available every half an hour from 9am until it closes at 5pm. Bury yourself in knowledge at the National Library of Australia or visit the Australian War Memorial for a slice of history. Immerse yourself in art at the National Gallery of Australia, a world-class facility. If you are a sports lover, take a 90 minute tour at the Australian Institute of Sports and then challenge yourself and have fun at the state-of-the-art interactive sports exhibit, Sportex.

Have the closest experience to flying a plane without getting on a real one. On Canberra’s Jet Flight Simulator you get to steer like a captain and have and adventure on a Boeing 737.

Catch an indoor event

Floriade is the flower festival, held in September, that also includes music and comedy performances to enjoy. For premier arts and live entertainment, you can check the schedule for Canberra Theatre Centre to immerse yourself in music and performance.

Dine or stay at a hotel

Canberra has some lovely hotels to book a staycation. If you opt not to stay, you could catch a cab or drive in to the hotel to dine at their venue, thereby avoiding being outdoors as much as possible. These hotel options offer ample opportunities for fine dining and cocktail experiences.

For example, the Ovolo Nishi in New Acton has an incredible entrance and interior, it is a design feast which will make your outing and visit worth it in itself. There is even a cinema on the ground floor for convenience. They have a range of other wonderful amenities, including yoga, gym, delicious breakfast, free mini bar and more, which means you don’t need to leave the hotel itself.

There is also the Hyatt Hotel Canberra approaching its centenary. Enjoy a slice of history, luxury and heritage at this 5 star hotel by taking a getaway from life’s routine or just dining at their superb options such as at The Promenade Café or the Speaker’s Corner Bar with open fire. With its location near the Parliamentary triangle and many of Canberra’s national attractions, including the National Museum Australia it will help minimise exposure to pollen so you can duck out to any of these attractions.

Moderate pollen levels

On such days, you can still head out, but it will be ideal to pack some Kleenex tissues with you, antihistamines and a mask in case, Choosing destinations where there are indoor places to duck into and can help you have a pleasant day out.

Animal experiences

Experience Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium facility, at the National zoo and aquarium. The ZooVenture two hour tours give you a chance to feed and pat animals like giraffes, a bear and rhinos.

Browse markets

Take home some homemade goodies and the freshest local produce direct from the growers, from the Old Bus Depot Markets and the Capital Region Farmers Markets. Each Sunday, you can enjoy a lovely morning out of flowers, food and handmade goods at the Haig Park Village Market. Each first Sunday of the month, explore a huge variety of products, food, live entertainment at the Hartley Hall Markets and the Love Local Markets.

Explore Canberra’s iconic buildings

Australian National University a significant Australian icon, is also a gorgeous campus to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Learn more about Canberra at the Canberra Museum, and the National Capital Exhibition. Other lovely heritage buildings to enjoy in and around Canberra, include the Lanyon Homestead and Blundells Cottage.

Low pollen levels

It’s time to get out and take advantage of the outdoors when the pollen level forecast is low! Canberra has an abundance of activities to enjoy outside. During Winter when pollen levels are expected to be low most of the time, the city lights up with many Winter festivities.

Snow adventures

Have your snow experience at Corin Forest, located in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra. If you are there during Summer time and the Kleenex Pollen Count tool shows a low forecast, Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are right next door. Take an exhilarating ride through the forest on the 1.2km Alpine. For other day trips nearby, there is Square Rock, Gibraltar Falls and Tidbinbilla.

Parks

Explore regional Canberra at parks such as Namadgi National Park where you will be among stunning rugged landscapes, beautiful fauna and forests and colourful birdlife. This park is listed on the Australian National Heritage List.

See what Australia is known for, its gorgeous wildflowers at the National Botanic Gardens, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk and picnic. You can even take a 45-minute bus tour of the Gardens.

Catch an outdoor event

During March each year, the Enlighten Festival is held. One of the festival’s most popular events, Symphony in the Park is performed by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. It is free and no tickets required. Sit back, relax and take in a night of great tunes and delicious eats. While in Winter, Canberra turns into a beautiful Winter Wonderland. Starting mid June, taste the delights of the Canberra region’s truffle growers during the twelve-week Capital Region Truffle Festival. Join a truffle hunt, and enjoy gourmet treats. To celebrate Christmas in July, experience the four-day festival indulging in mulled wine, French inspired food, live entertainment and unique winter markets.