tourist sites canberra

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Canberra

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Crammed with cultural treasures, Canberra, in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), is the carefully crafted capital of Australia. It's no accident that the city lies between Sydney and Melbourne . The site of the capital was chosen as a compromise between these two rival cities in 1908. American architects, Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, won an international competition for the city's design, which incorporates vast greenbelts and geometric shapes.

Lake Burley Griffin , in the city center, is Canberra's sparkling jewel. Many of the city's top tourist attractions and things to do lie along its shores, including the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, and the National Library. The parliament buildings, as well as some of the city's other top tourist attractions, lie within the Parliamentary Triangle, formed by Kings Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Lake Burley Griffin.

Canberra is also known for its fantastic festivals, including the famous Floriade, a celebration of the city's many spring blooms. Find out more about the best places to visit in Australia's dynamic capital with our list of the top attractions and things to do in and around Canberra.

See also: Where to Stay in Canberra

1. Australian War Memorial

2. new parliament house, 3. museum of australian democracy at old parliament house, 4. stroll around lake burley griffin, 5. find inspiration at the national gallery of australia, 6. questacon: the national science and technology centre, 7. national portrait gallery of australia, 8. national library of australia, 9. admire the views from mount ainslie lookout, 10. wander through the australian national botanic gardens, 11. national zoo and aquarium, 12. national museum of australia, 13. national carillon, 14. hike the trails at black mountain nature park, 15. royal australian mint, 16. jerrabomberra wetland, where to stay in canberra for sightseeing, canberra, australia - climate chart, day trips from canberra, snowy mountains, tidbinbilla, lanyon homestead, cockington green, map of attractions & things to do in canberra.

The Australian War Memorial is Canberra's most poignant attraction. Inaugurated in the middle of WWII, the massive Byzantine-style monument commemorates Australia's war fatalities. But it's more than just a war memorial. The site combines an excellent museum, archives, art gallery, and library.

The Commemorative Courtyard at the entrance to the memorial is a haunting introduction. Inscribed in bronze on the walls of the colonnades are the names of every Australian who has died in war since 1885, and the length of the list is spine chilling.

Beyond the entrance, different galleries retrace the stories of Australia's armed conflicts from colonial days to the present. The exhibits are constantly evolving, but highlights include the collection of old aircraft and the child-friendly Discovery Zone packed with interactive displays.

If possible, you should set aside several hours to appreciate this thought-provoking memorial, and if you're visiting near the end of the day, try to stay for the Last Post , a moving tribute to the fallen played at 4:55pm daily. Visiting the memorial is one of the best free things to do in Canberra, and the 90-minute tours are highly recommended.

Address: Treloar Crescent (top of ANZAC Parade), Campbell

Official site: https://www.awm.gov.au/

The final fulfillment of architect Walter Burley Griffin's vision for Canberra in 1912, New Parliament House is a marvel of modern architecture. The boomerang-shaped structure nestles comfortably into Capital Hill and was designed to replace the Provisional Parliament House at the base of the hill, now known as Old Parliament House .

A New York-based architect won an international competition for the design of the new building, and on May 9, 1988, the Queen officially opened Parliament House. The date in May was chosen to commemorate the first meeting of Federal Parliament in Melbourne in 1901 and the first meeting of Parliament in the Old Parliament House in 1927.

From the expansive grassed walkway, which forms the roof, you can enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and see how Parliament forms the central focus of the city's street layout.

Architectural highlights of the building include the two huge circular walls, composed of granite, which mirror the curves of the hill; the towering 81-meter flagpole; and the Ceremonial Pool. In the foyer, 48 columns of illuminated greenish-gray marble create the impression of a eucalyptus forest. Throughout the public spaces, exhibits display important documents (the Magna Carta is a highlight) and retrace important events in Australian history.

From the gallery running around the first floor, you can gain admission to the public galleries of the green-hued House of Representatives, and the Senate, traditionally dressed in red. A visit during sitting times is a great way to view first-hand how parliament functions, and the free guided tours offer fascinating details about the building.

After visiting, you can take the 3.5-kilometer Parliament House Walk to the city center and learn about the Parliamentary Triangle along the way through interpretive signs.

Address: Parliament House, Canberra

Official site: http://www.aph.gov.au/

A short walk from New Parliament House at the base of Capital Hill, Old Parliament House is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy. Not only can you soak up the history of this National Heritage-listed building, you can also learn about the important foundations of Australia's government.

Opened by the Duke of York (later King George VI) in 1927, the building is designed in the "stripped classical" style and was occupied by the Australian Parliament until 1988, when New Parliament House was officially opened. It was formerly called Provisional Parliament House, and was only standing in until a permanent structure could be designed and built – a feat finally realized 61 years later.

The museum is like a time capsule. You can learn about past Australian Prime Ministers; sit in the old Prime Minister's Office, a relatively humble affair; visit the Press Room; and read important historical documents. The chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate are modeled on the British House of Commons and House of Lords with paneling and furnishings made of Australian woods, and wall hangings displaying Australian flora. Parents will appreciate the child-friendly exhibits and free daily craft activities.

After a visit to the building, you stroll among the National Rose Gardens . Free, guided tours help you get the most out of your time here, and you can also take a fascinating Indigenous Experiences of Democracy tour.

Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes

Official site: http://moadoph.gov.au/

Beautiful Lake Burley Griffin is the centerpiece of Canberra. Named for the city's architect, this artificial lake was included in his original plan of 1912, but didn't come to fruition until 1958. Today, it's a picturesque setting for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Tourists and locals alike come here to bike and stroll along the waterfront paths; picnic along its park-fringed shores; and fish, sail, or paddle the glistening waters. Looking for things to do in Canberra at night? Book a dinner cruise on the MV Southern Cross and see the twinkling lights of the city as you glide around the lake feasting on gourmet food.

Six islands lie at its center, the largest of which is Aspen Island , home to the National Carillon, a gift from the British government with 55 bronze bells .

Sprinkled around the lake are some of Canberra's top things to see and do, including the National Gallery, National Library, Questacon, and National Museum.

Standing on the shores of the central basin, you can see the Captain Cook Memorial Jet , a 147-meter-high fountain inaugurated in 1970 on the 200th anniversary of Cook's discovery of Australia. A globe sculpture depicting the path of Cook's voyages lies on the shores of the lake at Regatta Point.

On the north side of the lake, Commonwealth Park is a great place to visit with children. Here, you'll find play areas, paddling pools, waterfalls, an amphitheater, and a path round the park.

In spring, the park is the venue for the famous Floriade festival, a celebration of spring, when more than a million flowers are in bloom.

On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia contains Australia's largest collection of art . The cubic concrete structure was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1982 and consists of 11 main galleries on three levels, as well as a large Sculpture Garden laid out according to the four seasons and a Fern Garden.

The purchase of the extensive collection began in 1968 and includes works from Australia, Asia, Europe, America, and the Pacific, as well as the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world . Among the museum's collection is Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles , purchased in 1973 and now one of the gallery's most famous paintings.

Mediums range from oil paintings and watercolors, to sculpture, decorative art, drawings, book illustrations, sketchbooks, photographs, films, ceramics, costumes, and textiles. Locals and tourists alike will also enjoy the many special exhibitions.

After exploring the gallery, you can visit the adjoining High Court of Australia , with graceful fountains, Carrara marble-paved floors, and murals.

Address: Parkes Place, Parkes

Official site: http://nga.gov.au/Default.cfm

Traveling with kids? Questacon is one of the top Canberra attractions for families. Between the High Court and the National Library on Lake Burley Griffin, it's an interactive National Science and Technology Centre with all kinds of hands-on science displays and do-it-yourself experiments designed to delight and inspire.

The exhibits seek to promote understanding of the importance of science and technology in everyday life. Science shows, special events, and guest lectures complement the 200 hands-on exhibits .

In the Technology Learning Centre, budding innovators can participate in workshops and build and play with technology. Highlights of the permanent exhibits include the H2O-Soak up the Science room with water-related fun, the Free Fall slide, and Earthquake House. No wonder this is one of the top things to do in Canberra for families.

Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes

Official site: http://www.questacon.edu.au/

Near the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery , the National Portrait Gallery of Australia displays some 400 portraits of the nation's most influential people. You can easily spend an hour or two coming face to face with Australia's movers and shakers, brought to life through paintings, photography, and sculpture.

Multimedia presentations divulge fascinating details about the lives of the people who helped shape the nation, and special exhibitions provide new things to see. Visiting the gallery is a breeze: parking is free, and the popular café and bookshop are a great way to top off a tour.

Official site: http://www.portrait.gov.au/

Opened in 1968, the National Library of Australia is a treasure trove of Australian books, manuscripts, newspapers, historic documents, oral history, music, and pictures. Its most valuable possessions are Captain Cook's journal (1768-71) and Wills' diary of his expedition with Burke in 1860-61.

Architecturally, the building is a dramatic contrast from the National Gallery and High Court. Built in the style of a Greek temple, its classical effect is underscored by the lavish use of marble and travertine on the columns and walls. Marble from Greece, Italy, and Australia was also used in the decoration of the interior.

In the foyer are superb stained-glass windows by Leonard French and three Aubusson tapestries woven from Australian wool.

On the lower floor, the Treasures Gallery displays highlights from the library's collection, and the Exhibitions Gallery hosts special visiting displays, which often require advance booking.

Official site: http://www.nla.gov.au/

To really appreciate the layout of this carefully planned capital, head to the lookout of 843-meter Mount Ainslie. It's one of the city's most popular vantage points. A well-paved walking/biking trail winds for just over two kilometers from the rear of the Australian War Memorial . Along the way, you can pause at the commemorative plaques to learn about historic Australian battles, and you might even see some kangaroos, as well as an array of beautiful birds.

It's also possible to drive up to the lookout. Thanks to Walter Burley Griffin's vision, the lookout aligns perfectly with Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin, Old Parliament House, and, in the background, the sleek lines of New Parliament House. On breezy days, be sure to bring a jacket.

Other popular lookout points include Red Hill , to the south of here, and Black Hill , to the west.

Address: Mount Ainslie Drive, Canberra

About a kilometer west of the city center, the 50-hectare National Botanic Gardens are a must-visit for green thumbs. Spread across the slopes of Black Mountain, these carefully tended collections display a range of different habitats and present all the important species of Australian flora. Kids will also love to run wild here.

The Rain Forest Gully is particularly impressive. Look for water dragons among the lush foliage. Other highlights include the Red Centre garden, with deep red earth and a spinifex grassland, as well as the Children's Discovery Walk . The gardens are also a haven for birds and butterflies.

From the gardens, you can access Black Mountain Nature Park and hike to the summit for glorious city views.

Wondering about other Canberra gardens to visit? You'll also enjoy exploring the National Arboretum Canberra , about a six-minute drive away. This 250-hectare nature area encompasses forests of rare native and exotic trees, the National Bonsai and Penjing collection, a Gallery of Gardens, picnic areas with panoramic viewpoints, and a fantastic children's playground.

If you're looking for cheap things to do in Canberra, this is an excellent option. Entry to the gardens is free, but you'll pay a small fee to park at the on-site parking lot.

Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton

Official site: http://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/index.html

Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium, this privately owned venture is a hit with families and anyone who loves animals. It's only five minutes from the city center.

The National Aquarium displays a wide range of marine life, from the tiny denizens of the reefs to huge sharks.

In the neighboring zoo, you can view all the important species of Australian fauna, as well as exotic species as such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears, and more. The animal encounters are extremely popular and allow visitors to go behind the scenes and interact with a range of exotic creatures. You can meet a meerkat and get up close with cheetahs, giraffes, sun bears, and rhinos, among other animals at this popular Canberra zoo.

Address: 999 Lady Denman Drive, Western Creek, Yarralumla

Official site: http://www.nationalzoo.com.au/

On a peninsular jutting into Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia spotlights the nation's social history. The contemporary building itself is a conversation piece, with beautiful lake views. Inspired by a jigsaw, it was intended to underscore the interconnected stories that helped shape the nation.

A major theme of the exhibits is the cultural history of Indigenous Australians. Other highlights include exhibits on the Gold Rush, Australian industry, clothing, and migration. Children will also find a few interactive displays to keep them busy.

Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula

Official site: http://www.nma.gov.au/

On Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, the white Carillon Tower was a gift from the British government on Canberra's 50th birthday in 1963. The 50-meter-high tower incorporates three sleek columns clad in opal chip and quartz. Within the towers are 55 bronze bells ranging from seven kilograms to six metric tons.

You can bring a picnic and relax on the surrounding lawns. Better still, visit during a recital (Wednesdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:20pm), when the music of the bells wafts across the lake. The tower looks especially beautiful when it's lit at night.

Location: Kings Park, Aspen Island, Canberra

Black Mountain Nature Park is a great wilderness experience to combine with a visit to the adjacent Australian National Botanic Gardens . It lies just west of the city center.

Walking trails wind through the bushland, where you can see many species of native birds and other wildlife, including wallabies. The Black Mountain Summit Trail is a popular 2.7-kilometer (one-way) trail , which takes you to Telstra Tower , where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

At the foot of Black Mountain, the Australian Institute of Sport is the training center for Australia's top sportsmen and women, with a swimming stadium and tennis center.

Address: Black Mountain Drive, Acton

The Royal Australian Mint is a great place to spend an hour or so and learn about the heritage of Australia's currency. All Australian coins are minted here.

You can watch the manufacture of coins from a gallery, learn about the history of Australian coins through a video presentation and multimedia displays, and discover some of Australia's rarest coins. Looking for unique things to do in Canberra? Try minting your own $1 coin. You can also meet Titan, the mint's money-making robot.

Take advantage of the free tour at 11am and 2pm Monday through Friday. In the foyer of the Mint is a small museum with a souvenir shop.

Address: Denison Street, Deakin

Official site: http://www.ramint.gov.au/

Craving a nature fix while you're in the city? Drive eight minutes from the city center to Jerrabomberra Wetland, and you can be wandering through tranquil wetlands listening to the sounds of nature.

Ironically, this bird-rich wetland was created when Lake Burley Griffin was filled, causing the water table to rise on the Molonglo River floodplain.

If you're an avid birder, you're in luck. You'll find more than 170 different species here, including the purple swamphen, black swans, eastern rosellas, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Bird hides make it easy to spot some of the more skittish species.

Boardwalks, walking tracks, and signs make it easy to explore this urban oasis, and bird-watching tours and other specialist talks enhance a visit. You can also explore three different trails and learn more about the unique features of the wetland by downloading a free app.

Address: Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT

Official site: https://www.jerrabomberrawetlands.org.au/

Many of Canberra's top attractions cluster within the Parliamentary Triangle overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, so anywhere in or near this area is a convenient place to stay. Nearby, the suburbs of Manuka and Kingston are known for their fantastic shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city center, north of Lake Burley Griffin, also makes a handy base and is minutes away by car from the Parliamentary Triangle. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• Smack dab in the Parliamentary Triangle near Questacon, the five-star Hyatt Hotel Canberra has a wonderful pool and fitness center, and serves high tea in its lounge.
• Also in the Parliamentary Triangle at the foot of New Parliament House, modern Hotel Realm lies within walking distance of Manuka and Kingston's many restaurants.
• Trendy Hotel Hotel has views to Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin and occupies a funky honeycomb building. Inside, it's all smoky hues and mottled light.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In Kingston, near shops and restaurants, the stylish East Hotel offers excellent value for money – especially for families and extended stays. Its studios and apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens, as well as washers and dryers.
• Also offering spacious apartments, as well as King rooms and spa suites, the contemporary Avenue Hotel Canberra lies near shopping malls in the city center.
• Minutes from New Parliament House, the quirky and minimalistic Little National Hotel offers excellent value, with sleek, compact rooms and comfy beds.

Budget Hotels:

• Quality hotels with budget rates are rare near the city center and the Parliamentary Triangle, but the Leumeah Lodge offers clean, crisp rooms with large showers, about a 20-minute drive from here.
• Cheap rates compensate for the petite rooms at the Ibis Budget Canberra . It's about a 15-minute drive from the Parliamentary Triangle.

Wondering about places to visit near Canberra in winter? You can ski the slopes of some of Australia's best ski resorts about a two-hour drive south of Canberra. Rising to a height of 2,228 meters, the rugged Snowy Mountains host top resorts, including Perisher, Thredbo, Smiggin Holes, Charlotte Pass, Guthega, and Mount Blue Cow.

But you'll find plenty of things to do in the Snowy Mountains year-round. In the summer, the region offers fabulous hiking, horseback riding, water sports, and fishing.

At Tidbinbilla, about an hour's drive from Canberra, you can learn about Australia's role in space exploration at the Canberra Space Center in the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, one of only three in the world . Budding astronauts can see the largest antenna complex in the Southern Hemisphere , explore models of different spacecraft, and learn about the foods astronauts eat on the space shuttle.

Just south of here, the excellent Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife such as grey kangaroos, rock wallabies, emus, koalas, and the elusive platypus. Hiking trails weave throughout the reserve, allowing you to soak up all the natural beauty and spot animals along the way.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

• Address: Paddy's River, Tidbinbilla, 421 Discovery Dr, Paddys River ACT
• http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

• Address: Paddys River Road, Paddys River ACT
• https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/

About 40 kilometers south of Canberra, the historic homestead of Lanyon is a lovely spot to spend a morning or afternoon. Set in attractive parkland on the Murrumbidgee River, the homestead recalls 19th-century rural life and is still a working farm with sheep, cattle, and horses.

You can step back in time and tour some of the homestead's rooms, filled with antique treasures, or stroll through the beautiful gardens. After exploring the grounds, the café is a great place to enjoy a snack.

Address: Tharwa Drive, Tharwa

Official site: http://www.historicplaces.com.au/lanyon-homestead

About an hour's drive from Canberra, Goulburn is the center of a wealthy farming district at the junction of the Wollondilly and Mulwarry Rivers. The discovery of gold at Braidwood, 87 kilometers south, brought the town wealth. Today, many handsome buildings bear witness to the town's prosperity in the 1870s. Of particular interest are Riversdale Historic Homestead , the town hall, courthouse, and St. Saviour's Cathedral .

Rocky Hill Lookout offers great views over town, and you can visit a WWI memorial here. On the western outskirts of town is the Big Merino , a 15-meter concrete tribute to Australia's wool industry, with a small shop and museum. Train buffs will enjoy the Rail Heritage Centre .

The little settlement of Berrima was founded around 1830 and is one of Australia's best-preserved Georgian towns. In the last few decades, the beauty of the Georgian buildings has been rediscovered, and the town is now protected as a national monument.

Many artists and potters have settled here. It's worthwhile spending a few hours browsing the art galleries and shops and relaxing at the cafés. In addition to a number of old inns, you can explore the historic buildings on the Berrima Historic Walk .

Cockington Green, about nine kilometers north of the city, is a favorite place to visit for families. Set amid pretty gardens and sprawling lawns, it's a picturesque English village in miniature, as well as a display of tiny buildings from around the world. Hop aboard the miniature steam train , explore the Waverley Dollhouse, and admire the tiny castles and cottages.

Address: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nichols

Official site: http://www.cockingtongreen.com.au/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit near Canberra : Feel like embracing winter and carving up some slopes? Less than a three-hour drive away from Canberra, you'll find some of Australia's top ski resorts . Visiting in the summer? You can explore The Kosciuszko Walk, one of the Australia's top hikes . If you need help deciding what other things to see and do during your visit Down Under, see our article on top Australian itineraries .

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National Carillon

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20 things to do in and around Canberra

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

01 August 2023

We’ve done the sleuth work for you and found 20 capital reasons to head to the ACT.

Looking for the best things to do in Canberra ? Well, a weekend in the national capital is now, more than ever before, an extremely exciting proposition. If you want to stay indoors, then its bars, breweries, restaurants, galleries, museums and boutiques will keep you happy in the rain or sunshine.

But this eminently liveable city is also known for its great outdoors. Whether you’re tackling one of Canberra’s stunning walks , stopping to smell the flowers during Floriade , hiring an e-bike to zip around the lake, or enjoying brunch al fresco .

Floriade blooms into action in spring. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Forget whatever preconceived notion you have of Canberra. Residents will tell you it’s an extremely liveable city with lots of fun things to do. Here are just are few of them.

Lesser-known Canberra attractions

Lake Burley Griffin has become the shining jewel in Canberra’s crown. And while big-hitting attractions such as its galleries, museums and architectural landmarks are on everyone’s radar, super-smart travellers are also exploring corners of Canberra that are less well-known from cycling trails to playground picnic spots and swimming pools.

1. Cycle or scoot around Canberra

One of the best things to do in Canberra is loop around the lake on two wheels. Places such as NewActon Bike Hire and Cycle Canberra have options to suit a range of riders. Adrenaline junkies can head out of town with experienced guides from Mulga Bicycle Tours , while families can look into Share A Bike , which has child bikes and bike trailers. Cycle City Hire will take keen cyclists via shuttle bus to tackle Stromlo Forest Park. You can also hire a scooter from Beam or Neuron to whiz around the water.

Stroll around while riding a scooter. (Image: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra)

2. Visit the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum

There are a plethora of places to take children under the age of 10 when visiting Canberra. The Pod Playground and Forest Sculpture Gallery are great to explore. These popular Canberra attractions are adjacent to the National Arboretum , a living mosaic of forests and gardens with more than 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site. There are also several places to picnic such as the Bonsai Garden and designated barbecue areas that offer views over Canberra’s cinematic landscapes.

Surround yourself with lush foliage. (Image: VisitCanberra)

3. Take a dip in one of Canberra’s pools

Canberra can cook over the summer. So there’s something to be said about its swimming pools. Manuka Pool was the first public swimming pool in Canberra and this Art Deco beauty is a great place to go in the height of summer. In addition to providing puddles of shade for a picnic, the recently refurbished pool (which opened in 1931) has a toddler pool for tiny tots. Canberra Olympic Pool will appeal to teenagers as it has the city’s only diving board.  The Australian Institute of Sport is a world-class facility on the fringes of Canberra, and you can swim in the 50-metre and 25-metre heated pools.

4. Admire the iconic architecture

There are a number of notable mid-century modern buildings in Canberra that are worthy of a visit in their own right. If the style of the buildings looks cohesive, it’s because they were mostly designed by architects from the Federal Capital Commission. Time your visit to coincide with the Design Canberra Festival, in September, which runs small-group architecture tours of iconic Canberra buildings. Use Parliament House as your starting point, then loop to the War Memorial and National Gallery.

Marvel at Australian War Memorial, a gallery that pays tribute to war veterans. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Canberra’s museums and art galleries

You will find a lot to inspire in Canberra, a city that centres around music, dance, museums and theatre. Culture vultures converge on the nation’s capital whenever there’s a show or exhibition they want to see. There are more than 30 galleries and museums in Canberra to find inspiration, including kid-friendly spaces such as Questacon and the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

The Free Fall attraction at Questacon highlights the science behind gravity. (Image: VisitCanberra)

5. Discover our story at The National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia is located on Acton Peninsula, a finger of land that juts out into Lake Burley Griffin.

The extensive Australian gallery is nestled on a lake.

You can take a guided tour or wander solo through the many exhibitions that present a range of rich and diverse Australian stories.

The gallery shelters fossilised bones of a dinosaur. (Image: Richard Poulton)

The new Great Southern Land gallery tells a uniquely Australian story. Take a tour to get an introduction to the museum highlights.

Appreciate your Australian heritage upon immersing in the museum. (Image: Richard Poulton)

6. Visit the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery has more than 166,000 words in its permanent collection, which strikes the perfect balance between old, new, modern and masterpiece.

History buffs and art lovers will delight in the gallery’s amazing displays. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Defo spend a day in the oft-overlooked Sculpture Garden, which includes works by Henry Moore. The National Gallery has one of the world’s largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Find art sculptures around here. (Image: VisitCanberra)

7. Dine at all of Canberra’s hatted restaurants

In a state of only 390,000 people, the fact that the ACT has 10 chef’s-hatted restaurants is very impressive. The great news is you can dine out every night of the week and still have reasons to return!

Drink wine by the fireplace at Bar Rochford. (Image: VisitCanberra)

From family-friendly restaurants to restaurants designed for romance, here are the hatted restaurants that should be on your hit list: Onzieme , Mu Omakase , Italian and Sons , Terra , RAKU , Bar Rochford , XO and Pavilion Dining at Pialligo Estate . Pivot toward Pilot in Ainslie if only two hats will do.

RAKU is a classy, modern Japanese bar and restaurant. (Image: VisitCanberra)

8. Embrace the freak shake

Food trend forecasters would never have predicted that an over-the-top milkshake would make Canberra a must-visit for Instagrammers. While some fads fade away, the freak shake remains. It’s that remarkable. But there’s a lot more on the menu at Patissez in Manuka. For instance, the crispy corn and zucchini fritters and Tijuana tacos have been trying to elbow the freak shake out of the way since 2016 (when the craze took off).

9. Take a glass-blowing class at Canberra Glassworks

Watch the artists perform their magic forming everything from one-off figurines to vases and glasses in the working studio dubbed the Engine Room at  Canberra Glassworks . You can take a free heritage tour of the Kingston Powerhouse, which celebrated its centenary in 2015 or sign up for a class designed to fire up your imagination.

The glass-making workshop will surely blow your mind. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Experts in the field conduct state-of-the-art workshops that demonstrate how to mould glowing glass into amazing shapes and colours. Sign up for a sample session on weekends where you can learn to blow, fuse and sculpt your own paperweight (in 20 minutes) or a tumbler (40 minutes).

Take a look at some of Canberra’s heritage in this contemporary glass centre. (Image: VisitCanberra)

10. Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is not just for gazing at over a cocktail from one of the city’s busy bars. Although we thoroughly endorse a bar crawl around the nation’s capital as a fun option. But you should also consider earning those pina colada calories by hiring a canoe, kayak, row boat or paddle board from providers such as GoBoat Canberra and Capital Paddle. Pick up a bike from Canberra Electric Bikes and do a lap of the lake, which curves around Capital Hill.

Go on a scenic bike tour around Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: Damian Breach for VisitCanberra)

Canberra wineries, breweries and distilleries

You can whet your whistle on an elegant wine, bold brew or hand-crafted spirits thanks to the next-gen winemakers, brewers and distillers who take advantage of the city’s cool climate and pristine water supply.

11. Knock the top off a cold one at BentSpoke

BentSpoke is one of the best brewpubs in Canberra for a tipple or two. The brainchild of Champion Australian brewers Richard Watkins and Tracy Margrain, this brewery has opened up a production-scale facility to cater to demand. Crack open a Cranking IPA or Barley Griffin to get into gear. You can also include Brew Nation and Capital Brewing Co in your pub crawl.

Sample cold brews on tap at BentSpoke Brewing Co. (Image: VisitCanberra)

12. Taste the terroir over a top Canberra District drop

Winemakers in the Canberra District use the crisp, cool climate and regional terroir to their advantage to craft complex and elegant wines. The first vines were planted in the region in the 1840s and re-emerged in the 70s thanks to some fine work by scientists at the CSIRO.

Start at Helm Wines , where you may be lucky enough to meet Ken Helm, one of the region’s pioneering winemakers. There are now three distinct wine regions in the area, news that will certainly please serious oenophiles who can drop a few pins in the map app to meet the makers at their cellar doors. We’ve collated a curated list of the top wineries in Canberra to make it easy to plan ahead.

Grape bushes swirl around the fertile vineyard. (Image: Helm Wines)

13. Sip spirits at Canberra Distillery & Big River Distilling Co.

Blood Orange Gin, French Earl Grey Gin, and Old George Reserve Whisky are just some of the drinks that will attract spirit geeks to The Canberra Distillery , just 10 minutes out of the city centre.

The Canberra Distillery will have you coming back for more. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Lean into the experience of visiting Big River Distilling Co. with a tour and tutored tasting with founder and distiller Clyde Morton. Australia’s first certified organic spirits company is also in Canberra and it’s where you will find The Antipodes Gin.

Chill with a cocktail in hand at Big River Distilling Co. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Canberra markets and shopping

The food markets in Canberra are so good that it’s worth travelling with an esky to stock up on artisan goods and fresh produce.

14. Try artisan baked goods at the farmers’ markets

The iconic Old Bus Depot Markets is one of the best farmers’ markets in all the land. There’s also the new Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon and The Little Burly Market on the lake.

Fill your bread basket at Old Bus Depot Markets. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Grab breakfast or brunch before heading to the Hartley Hall Markets on the first Sunday of the month. The Handmade Market is another hip, happening hub for lovers of food and design markets. The Pialligo Market Grocer, Poachers Pantry and Urban Providore Food Boutique are also top spots to pick up gourmet foods.

Spend your Saturday shopping at The Little Burley Market. (Image: VisitCanberra)

15. Hit up the shops at the Canberra Centre

Shopping in Canberra is a cinch. It’s brimming with boutique stores, local homeware shops, major department stores and fashion brands. The Canberra Centre is the largest shopping centre in the city, and you can browse happily here without the crowds. In addition to Zara, H&M, Muji and Myer, the Canberra Centre has also opened a new dining precinct dubbed Tiger Lane . You will also find malls all over Canberra, from Westfield Woden to Westfield Belconnen and Southpoint in Tuggeranong.

Canberra is brimming with boutique stores like Landspeed Records. (Image: Visit Canberra)

16. Find vintage vibes in Canberra’s thrift shops

If your main objective is to go thrift shopping, then best don your crocheted beanie and join Canberra’s cool crowds for a fossick. Whether you’re wandering a weekend market or hitting up some of the op shops that specialise in second-hand clothing, you will surely find something to suit. Bounce between Dirty Janes Canberra , the Designer Op Shop Emporium (DOSE as it’s known in Canberra) and Material Pleasures , which specialises in upcycled clothing.

Browse fashionable items at Designer Op Shop Emporium. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Canberra events and festivals

From flower festivals to get-togethers with boujee vibes, and performances in the great outdoors, here are a few key events and festivals in Canberra.

17. Take to the skies during Canberra Balloon Spectacular

One of the best times to visit Canberra is during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular held in March. Book a hot air balloon ride during the nine-day festival to revel in 360-degree views over the city and beyond to the Brindabellas.

If you’d prefer to stay grounded, you can still enjoy the spectacle of seeing the colourful balloons drift across the skies.

Hop on one of the hot air balloons. (Image: 5 Foot Photography, Davey Barber for VisitCanberra)

18. Round-up of the best festivals and events

Canberra’s roster of events and festivals rotates with the seasons.

There’s the picturesque Floriade in spring , the tantalising Truffle Festival in winter , Canberra Folk Festival , Canberra Moon Festival , Canberra Writers Festival and the Canberra Comedy Festival . There’s also the Canberra Running Festival for fitness fanatics.

Moon lanterns surround the capital during the annual Canberra Moon Festival. (Image: Martin Ollman for VisitCanberra)

Canberra walks and hikes

The choice for keen walkers and hikers is off the charts. Here are some of the best hikes and walks in Canberra.

19. Climb Canberra’s mountain hiking trails

Pack your boots. Pull your socks up. There are more than enough mountains to climb in Canberra. You can take a self-guided hike up Black Mountain and Mt Ainslie, or return to conquer the southerly Red Hill in autumn when leaf peeping is at its best.

Hike Red Hill for sweeping views of the Aroona Valley. (Image: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra)

Tackle the easy Dairy Farmers Hills Circuit in the National Arboretum for 360-degree city views. Mt Taylor Zig Zag is another easy trail.

Breathtaking views of Mt Ainslie at dusk. (Image: Rob Mulally for VisitCanberra)

20. Some of the best walking trails in Canberra

Got something to prove? Tackle the Centenary Trail, which is a whopping 145 kilometres long. One Tree Hill is a manageable 90-minute return walk with views over the Brindabella Mountains. One of the ultimate ways to show respect to the Ngunawal people of Canberra is to join Dhawura Tours for a walk on Country in Mt Majura or Namadji National Park .

The park features hundreds of varied walking tracks. (Image: We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra)

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37 Unforgettable Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Canberra

Canberra is the national capital city of Australia. It sits at the northern end of the Australian Alps in the Australian Capital Territory in New South Wales State. The city is a repository of the nation’s history and culture. The majority of the best things to do in Canberra , Australia revolve around these museums, memorials, cultural venues, government buildings, and national monuments.

This region was inhabited by Ngunnawal people before European settlement began here in the 19th century. There are also a few Canberra tourist attractions such as St. John’s Anglican Church & Blundells Cottage, that hail from the early settlement period. But, the best places to visit in Canberra to learn the entire history of the region are the city’s museum. This city is home to national museums dedicated to history, archeology, science, art, culture, currency, library, horticulture, botany, sports, and more. You can basically learn all about Australia when you visit Canberra.

This place was chosen to build the capital of Australia. The city was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Many of the Canberra attractions are named after them including the city’s central lake. The entire city is built around the lake, which too was artificially created. Around the lake, you will find some of the most popular things to do and see in Canberra including the parliament buildings, national museums, war memorials, and huge public parks.

If you want to admire the work of the architects, you need to get a little higher. Fortunately, there are quite a few vantage points on the hill for Canberra sightseeing . The most well-known among these is on Mount Ainslie. You can also take a Hot Air Balloon Ride to cruise over the city to get an even better view.

But, Canberra travel is not all about museums, monuments, and historical buildings. The city is surrounded by beautiful hills, forests, and wetlands. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to do in Canberra including hiking, camping, stargazing at night, swimming in waterfall ponds, and even skiing (more on that in the next section). There are also several themed gardens and amusement parks for fun things to do in Canberra with family. The city has something for everyone.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

Top 37 Tourist Places to Visit in Canberra, Australia

1. national museum of australia.

This museum focuses on the history of Australia, specifically the social aspects. The museum narrates history through stories, belief systems, folklore, artifacts, archeological findings, and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Canberra, Australia if you want to truly understand the culture of the country. The building housing the museum is also quite admirable for its contemporary architecture. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to tour this vast museum.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of the National Museum of Australia with an Entrance Ticket .

2. National Zoo & Aquarium

The museum houses hundreds of land and aquatic animals originating from all around the world. You can see Tasmanian devil, Humhead Fish, Owls, Alligator, Barbary Sheep, Dingos, Reef Shark, Hyena, Kangaroo, African Lions, Tigers, Koala, Leopard,  Ostrich, and many more. But, the zoo is included among top things to do in Canberra with family for its animal encounter experiences. You can feed tigers, bears, rhinoceros, giraffe, lions, and others. You can get into a room with cute little meerkats and red pandas. The place is a venue to make beautiful memories when you visit Canberra. You will need about 2 hours to explore this zoo and aquarium, more if you are staying for the experience.

3. Canberra Museum & Gallery

Sitting right in the middle of the city, the Canberra museum tells the story of this metropolis and its people. This is one of the top places to begin Canberra sightseeing. It will give you context on the rest of the trip, especially the historical attractions. The museum sheds light on various social, political, and cultural aspects through historical artifacts, photographs, documents, and archeological exhibits. In the same building, you can explore the Canberra Gallery, which has more than 160 exhibits dedicated to regional, international, classical, and contemporary artworks. You will need an hour for this museum and gallery.

4. Jamala Wildlife Lodge

This lodge is part of the National Zoo & Aquarium and you can stay overnight in the zoo watching animals going about their nocturnal activities. If you are looking for fun things to do in Canberra at night, this place has a lot of experiences for you. You can feed animals with your hands. You can also have dinner and spa-facing glassed enclosures. The animals can see you and you them. Basically, each window in the lodge is a view to the wild (or the ocean). Take 24 hours from Canberra travel to experience this place.

5. Australian War Memorial

Built during the second world war, this memorial is dedicated to fallen heroes of Australia. It is one of the most majestic things to see in Canberra, Australia. The memorial is built like a byzantine palace. The central structure has a dominating presence, which is further enhanced by the large green dome. The structure’s courtyard has the name of every Australian who died in the war in 1885 inscribed in bronze. This complex is home to several Canberra tourist attractions including galleries and exhibits dedicated to wars, soldiers, and military divisions. You need an hour to tour this monumental site.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Tour to see the different attractions of Canberra, including the Australian War Memorial .

6. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is popular for lots of outdoor activities to do in Canberra, Australia. The reserve has a beautiful forested landscape with different types of hiking and walking trails. The reserve has both expert-guided & self-guided trails to see several Australian animals including koalas, grassland earless dragons, wallabies, kangaroos, Platypus, and more. The reserve is also one of the top Canberra attractions for family tourists including bbq picnics, campsites, and guided bush walks. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours with nature at this place.

7. Corin Forest Mountain Resort

This resort is part of the Tidbinbilla nature reserve and is known for some very cool things to do in Canberra, Australia. Literally! You can come here for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowball fights, forest hikes, and much more. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this place.

8. New Parliament House

Built-in 1912 and designed by Burley Griffin, this government building is famous for its architecture. The structure is designed like a boomerang. The two circular granite walls with a ceremonial pool in front of it. In the foyer, you will see 48 green marble columns that create an illusion of a eucalyptus forest. If you are interested in architecture, this complex is one of the best places to see in Canberra. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to tour the New Parliament House.

9. Namadgi National Park

This is one of the 11 protected areas that cover the Australian Alps. You will see beautiful mountains, valleys, forests, river basins, waterfalls, rock formations, and grasslands. It is one of the best places for outdoor activities to do in Canberra, Australia. People come here for hiking, trekking, camping, stargazing, birdwatching, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The national park is also home to cultural Canberra tourist spots concerning aboriginal tribes and early European settlements. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the wonders of nature in this park when you visit Canberra.

10. Capital Region Farmers Market

This market is held every Saturday at the Rotary Club of Hall. It is one of the most fun places to go in Canberra. You can find regional fresh produce, street food, baked goods, dairy products, plants, flowers, meat products, wines, beverages, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring this market.

11. Lake Burley Griffin

This lake is the centerpiece of the city and is named after Burley Griffin, the architect who designed the city’s plan. There are several things to see and do in Canberra centered around this lake. The lake is surrounded by tourist attractions and has six islands. It is also popular for outdoor activities to do in Canberra including boating, dinner cruise, hiking, nature trails, and so on. You can spend an hour or so cruising this lake.

12. Australian Institute of Sports

Australians absolutely love their sports and this institute sheds light on Australia’s sporting history. It is a must-do in Canberra if you are a sports enthusiast as well. The Sportex exhibit at this museum is an amazing interactive immersive experience. Sportex has gamified exhibits for football, bobsleigh, rowing, wheelchair race, cycling, skiing, wheelchair basketball, and more. You need about an hour and a half from Canberra travel to tour this museum.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Australian Institute of Sports with an Admission Ticke t.

13. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

This building was built in 1927 for King GeorgeVI (Duke of York at the time) and was the former parliament building. Aside from its classical architecture, the building is also included among Canberra’s famous places for the Museum of Australian Democracy. This museum looks at the political history of the nation, especially the country’s prime ministers and their work. You can also tour the old parliament building’s House of Representatives, Press Room, House of Commons, House of Lords, and other chambers. You will need 2 hours to tour this complex.

14. Jet Flight Simulator

This simulator lets you pilot a Boeing 737-800 airplane, virtually of course. It is one of the best things to do in Canberra, Australia if you want a unique experience. You can pick from 22,000 airports and weather conditions to fly the plane for 60 minutes. The simulation also throws unexpected challenges such as storms and engine failures making the experience all the more exciting. You will need an hour for this experience.

15. Mount Ainslie Lookout

Sitting 843 meters high, this lookout is one of the best spots for Canberra sightseeing. The view from this lookout is amazing. A tree-lined path leads to Burley Lake and the parliament building on the other side. Then onwards is an endless expanse of hills and forests all the way to the horizon. You can get here by car. But there are also cycling and hiking trails to get here. You will need about 2 hours for this Canberra tourist attraction.

16. National Gallery of Australia

This gallery has the largest art collection in the country. The gallery exhibits artworks hailing from Australia, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific from different eras. It is also the best place to visit in Canberra, Australia to see aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. The sculpture garden is especially a sight to behold. You will need 2 hours to tour this art museum.

17. Australian National Botanic Gardens

Spread over 50 hectares on the slopes of Black Mountain, these gardens present all kinds of Australian fauna. This is one of the best places to visit in Canberra if you are fond of plants, trees, flowers, or horticulture. There are more than four thousand species of plants along with rock gardens, fountains, sculptures, and art installations. It is also one of the top tourist spots in Canberra for clicking Insta worthy pictures. The gardens, water features, and installations make for an amazing backdrop. You will need about an hour to tour this garden.

18. Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre

This science center has some amazing tech-based interactive exhibits. If you are looking for fun things to do in Canberra with family then this is the place to be. The center has exhibits dedicated to robotics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography, and several other scientific disciplines. But, it is more popular for the variety of indoor activities to do in Canberra. This science center has many labs where you can participate in fun experiments. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this place.

19. Black Mountain Nature Reserve

Spread over 434 hectares, this nature reserve covers the Black Mountain and the forested area around it. The reserve is known for its rich natural heritage and native Australian wildlife. People come here for outdoor activities to do in Canberra including cycling, hiking, and birdwatching. The reserve also has facilities for picnics. You will need at an hour to complete one of the nature trails in the reserve.

20. Telstra Tower

Perched at the top of Black Mountain, this communication tower is an iconic landmark. Surrounded by wilderness, this tower is one of the best observation decks to see the city and the surrounding hills. You can hike the trails in Black Mountain Nature Reserve to get to this tower. You will need 20 to 30 minutes from Canberra travel to enjoy the views from here. If can manage, go watch the sun rise or set from this tower. It is an incredibly beautiful sight.

21. Old Bus Depot Markets

This quirky market is a popular spot for shopping and eating in Canberra. The 200 stalls in the market sell everything from handmade jewelry to street food. If you are looking to sample some local dishes and buy souvenirs, take an hour or so from Canberra sightseeing to explore this market.

22. National Portrait Gallery of Australia

This gallery exhibits over 3,000 portraits depicting the most influential Australians. You will see aboriginal leaders, founding fathers of the country, writers, politicians, musicians, writers, and other icons of the nation. The gallery also exhibits paintings, photographs, and sculptures. You will need an hour to tour this art gallery when you visit Canberra.

23. Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

This wetland was created when they were trying to fill Lake Burley Griffin and the water level rose in the Molonglo river floodplain. Ironic, right? This wetland is one of the most popular Canberra attractions for birdwatching. The wetlands become home to more than 170 species of birds. But, it depends on the season which birds you will get to see. Some of the popular birds to spot in these wetlands include purple swamphen, eastern rosellas, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, and black swans. It is one of the top things to do in Canberra for families as well. The wetlands have special tours for children and family groups with activities. You will need at least an hour for a guided tour through these wetlands.

24. National Library of Australia

This library has a collection of historic Australian literary materials including books, novels, newspapers, oral history, music, folklore, pictures, manuscripts, and more. The most well-known artifacts in this library include Wills’ Diary of Expeditions with Burke and Captain Cook’s Journal. The building housing the library is one of the most amazing things to see in Canberra, Australia. It is designed like a Greek Temple using marble brought from Greece. You will need about an hour to tour this gallery.

25. National Carillon

This tower sits on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. It was a gift to Canberra from the British government to commemorate the city’s 50th anniversary. It is one of the most unique Canberra tourist spots. The white tower is 50 meters tall and adorned with quartz and opal chip. The tower holds 55 bells, the heaviest among these weighs 6 metric tons. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this tower.

26. Royal Australian Mint

This mint houses the history of Australian currency. You will see all types of coins including circulation coins, commemorative coins, collector’s coins, investment coins, and premium coins. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Canberra, Australia. This is also the place where all of Australia’s coins are made and you can watch the process from a viewing gallery.  You will need an hour to tour this mint.

27. The Glassworks

This studio is dedicated to the art and craft of shaping glass. If you have enjoyed the videos of craftsmen shaping molten glass, you will love this place. You can see several artists at work and even take workshops with them. It is one of the coolest things to do in Canberra. In these workshops, you can make your own glasswork. The studio also exhibits glass artworks and provides stories and context about the works. You can also buy beautiful souvenirs from the studio. You will need an hour or so to experience this studio.

28. Truffle Farm

Sitting in the laps of Majura Valley, this farm is dedicated to cultivating, hunting, and cooking truffles. This is one of the most fun places to go in Canberra if you are looking for some pastoral experiences. You can see trained dogs and pigs hunt for truffles in forests and grasslands. Alongside the hunt, you can also experience luxury dining of truffle-based cuisine with fine wine designed by a Michelin-star chef. This is definitely a must-do in Canberra if you are looking for something memorable and offbeat. You will need about 2 hours to experience the Truffle Farm.

29. Cockington Green Gardens

This garden recreates miniature English villages and monuments. It is one of the most interesting things to see and do in Canberra for families. Aside from miniature models, you can take a ride in a miniature steam train and tour a 3-story doll house with Georgian interiors. You will need an hour to tour this place when you visit Canberra.

30. Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

This space center sits in the middle of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. It is the largest antenna complex in the Southern hemisphere. This centre is a must-do in Canberra if you are interested in space science, the life of astronauts, and astronomy. You can learn about the history of space exploration, find out what astronauts get to eat,  check out models of space shuttles, and more. You will also find equipment that has actually been to space and a 3.8 billion years old piece of the moon. You will need about an hour to tour this complex.

31. National Arboretum

The arboretum is spread over 250 hectares of forests and gardens with native Australian fauna, even some rare and exotic ones. The place has more than 73,000 plants and trees belonging to over 6,000 species. It is included among Canberra’s famous places for its collection of Bonsai and Penjing creations. You will need an hour or so to tour this place.

32. Batemans Bay Tour

This bay is about 2 hours drive away from the city and makes for a perfect day trip during Canberra travel. The bay is known for its incredibly beautiful beaches, coastal trails, islands, rock formations, and other natural wonders. It is also one of the best places to visit near Canberra for hiking trails. You can walk along the coastal forests exploring scenic beauty. You will also find oyster farms and a few historic towns along the Batemans Bay coast. You need at least half a day for this trip.

If you love adventure activities then I suggest you should go for a Kayak Tour at Batemans Bay .

33. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Ascend to the sky in a Hot Air Balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the beautiful forested hills that surround it. The view of the sun rising from behind the hills is one of the most beautiful things to see in Canberra. You can also fly over the popular landmarks in the city like the parliament buildings and lake Burley Griffin. It is one of the most fun things to do in Canberra, Australia. You will need an hour for this experience.

34. Pink Lake

Also known as Millennial Pink Lake, this pond is one of the most picture-worthy Canberra tourist attractions. The water is not actually pink but is covered by the petals of Azolla Pinnata. You will also find ducks swimming around in this pond. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to click pictures with this pond.

35. Mount Stromlo Observatory

This observatory is perched atop Mount Stromlo and is one of the best Canberra attractions for stargazing. You should visit this place during public astronomy nights held between April and September to get a guided tour of the night sky. The visitor centre at the observatory has several interactive exhibits that tell you about the wonders of space. You will need an hour from Canberra travel to tour this place.

36. Gibraltar Falls

This waterfall sits in the Gibraltar Special Purpose Reserve. It is one of the top spots for outdoor activities to do in Canberra. People come here for exploring the forests, camping, picnics, birdwatching, and swimming in natural streams and ponds. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying nature in this reserve when you visit Canberra.

37. Gold Creek Village

This amusement and adventure park is filled with rides, themed attractions, a zoo, gardens, games, activities, and more. This is one of the best things to do in Canberra with family. The park includes a dinosaur museum, a reptile zoo, an aviary, a toy train ride, and themed eateries. Children get to learn about animals and even interact with some of them. You can spend an hour or more from Canberra sightseeing to enjoy here.

If you are looking for more cool things to do in Canberra, Australia check out the sections below. We have put together a complete list of all the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in and around Canberra city.

Things to do in canberra, australia, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in canberra, australia.

• Australian War Memorial
• National Museum of Australia
• National Gallery of Australia
• Questacon – National Science & Technology Centre
• Old Parliament House
• New Parliament House
• National Portrait Gallery
• Royal Australian Mint
• National Library of Australia
• Canberra Museum & Gallery
• National Carillon Tower
• National Capital Exhibition
• National Dinosaur Museum
• National Film & Sound Archive of Australia
• Anzac Parade
• Australian Institute of Sports
• Drill Hall Gallery
• The Shine Dome
• Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial
• Mount Stromlo Observatory
• Craft ACT Gallery
• The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection
• Gorman Arts Centre
• Captain James Cook Memorial
• Australian Korean War Memorial
• Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Memorial
• Saint Christopher’s Cathedral
• Hellenic Club of Canberra
• John Night Memorial Park
• Government House
• Canberra Railway Museum
• Lanyon Homestead
• Aboriginal Tent Embassy
• Calthorpes House
• Belconnen Arts Centre

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Canberra, Australia

• Lake Burley Griffin
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
• Namadgi National Park
• Mount Ainslie
• Black Mountain Nature Reserve
• Mount Kosciuszko
• Blundells Cottage
• Black Mountain Peninsula
• Booroomba Rocks
• Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
• Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve
• Acton Peninsula
• Gibraltar Falls
• Canberra Nature Park
• Pine Island Reserve
• Mulligans Flats Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Canberra, Australia

• Australian National Botanical Garden
• National Zoo & Aquarium
• National Arboretum
• Canberra The Glassworks
• Cockington Green Garden
• Weston Park
• Commonwealth Park
• The Truffle Farm
• CSIRO Discovery Centre
• Tulip Top Gardens
• Canberra Jet Flight Simulator
• Lenox Gardens
• Canberra Nara Peace Park
• Manuka Oval Stadium
• Pod Playground
• Beijing Garden
• Power Cart Raceway
• Senate Gardens
• Telopea Park
• Capital Wines
• Canberra Aqua Park
• Yarralumla Play Station
• Queen Elizabeth II Park
• Mount Majura Wineyard
• Big Splash Waterpark
• Canberra Miniature Railway

Shopping in Canberra, Australia

• Old Bus Depot Markets
• Hall Markets
• Canberra Centre
• Capitol Region Farmers Market
• Garema Place
• Southside Farmers Market
• Bailey’s Corner
• Haid Park Farmers Market
• Manuka Street
• Queanbeyan Market
• Lonsdale Street

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Canberra, Australia

• Wildlife Spotting
• Birdwatching
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Nature Trails
• Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Canberra, Australia

• Mount Ainslie Lookout
• Telstra Tower
• Civic Square
• Australian High Court Building
• Kingston Foreshore
• Canberra Centenary Trail
• Red Hill Lookout
• Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Canberra, Australia

• ONA Coffee House
• Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery
• Bar Rochford
• Verity Lane
• Griffith Vietnamese
• The Old Canberra Inn
• Pollen Cafe
• Two Before Ten
• Corella Bar
• CBD Dumpling House
• Paranormal Wines
• Intra Coffee
• Space Kitchen
• The Cupping Room
• Gelato Messina
• The Boat House
• Sweet Bones Cafe
• Bario Collective Coffee
• Three Mills Bakery
• Mocan & Green Grout
• Snapper by the Lake

Where to Stay in Canberra?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Canberra. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Canberra.

Luxurious Hotels

• Hyatt Hotel Canberra
• Mercure Canberra
• Avenue Hotel Canberra
• Hotel Realm
• Brassey Hotel
• Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection
• Mantra on Northbourne Canberra
• QT Canberra
• Mantra MacArthur Hotel Canberra

Mid-Range Hotels

• Deco Hotel Canberra
• Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
• Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel
• Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra
• A by Adina Canberra
• Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra
• Quest Canberra City Walk
• Burbury Hotel
• Ovolo Nishi
• Alpha Hotel Canberra

Budget Hotels

• Pavilion on Northbourne
• Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson
• Mercure Canberra Belconnen
• Forrest Hotel And Apartments
• Abode Narrabundah
• Quality Hotel Dickson
• Canberra Parklands Central
• Abode Hotel Woden
• Canberra Accommodation Centre
• Ibis Budget Canberra

Custom Tours Package in Canberra

How to reach canberra, australia.

The city is served by Canberra International Airport sitting 8 km outside the city centre. You can get direct flights to visit Canberra from several cities in Australia including Newcastle, Melbourne , Sydney , Brisbane , Gold Coast, Perth , Adelaide , and Hobart . The airport will soon connect with several international destinations starting with Doha and Singapore .

You can get buses and cabs to get to places to visit in Canberra city from the airport.

Canberra sits on the NSW Countrylink train route. This route connects the city with Sydney, Melbourne, and several cities in between. You can also get connecting train to reach Canberra from Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and other cities falling on the route. You can get buses to get to Canberra from several cities in the southeast region of Australia.

If you want to reach Canberra by road, you should head for routes M23, B52, A23, or A25. These routes will take you to the Australian Capital Territory.

There are no direct water routes for Canberra travel.

Image Reference

• National Museum of Australia – Sam Ilić / Flickr
• National Zoo & Aquarium – David Burke / Flickr
• Canberra Museum and Gallery – SandwichCafe / Flickr
• Jamala Wildlife Lodge –
• Australian War Memorial – Patty Jansen / PixaBay
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Joy VanBuhler / Flickr
• Corin Forest Mountain Resort – spelio / Flickr
• New Parliament House – Lee Chandler / PixaBay
• Namadgi National Park – Steve Bittinger / Flickr
• Capital Region Farmers Market –
• Lake Burley Griffin – Design n Print / PixaBay
• Australian Institute of Sports – DaHuzyBru / Wikimedia Commons
• Old Parliament House & Museum of Australian Democracy – Stu Rapley / Flickr
• Jet Flight Simulator – SuperJet International / Flickr
• Mount Ainslie Lookout – Orion Kahza / Flickr
• National Gallery of Australia – Nick-D / Wikimedia Commons
• Australian National Botanic Gardens – Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons
• Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre – Ruth Ellison / Flickr
• Black Mountain Nature Reserve – Jordan Hatch / Flickr
• Telstra Tower – Squirrel_photos / PixaBay
• Old Bus Depot Markets – David / Flickr
• National Portrait Gallery of Australia – Thennicke / Wikimedia Commons
• Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve – SandwichCafe / Flickr
• National Library of Australia – MattExMachina / Flickr
• National Carillon – Squirrel_photos / PixaBay
• Royal Australian Mint – Simon Yeo / Flickr
• The Glassworks – Steve Bittinger / Flickr
• Truffle Farm – Marc Dalmulder / Flickr
• Cockington Green Gardens – Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
• Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex – Neerav Bhatt / Flickr
• National Arboretum – John / Flickr
• Batemans Bay Tour – denisbin / Flickr
• Hot Air Balloon Ride – Neuroxic / Wikimedia Commons
• Pink Lake – Grahamec / Wikimedia Commons
• Mount Stromlo Observatory – Sharen / Flickr
• Gibraltar Falls – Elliott McFarlane / Wikimedia Commons
• Gold Creek Village – Pursuedbybear / Flickr
• 15 Beautiful Tourist Places to See and Top Things to Do in Osh, Kyrgyzstan
• 12+ Amazing Tourist Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Darwin

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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There's more than they're telling us

Go for the iconic museums and galleries, stay for the classic Canberra experiences.

Delight in a foodie wonderland with a side of world-class art, breathtaking nature and family fun all within easy reach. Take a heart-pumping hike or cycle the trails through one of the world’s most sustainable cities. Top it off with a taste of the thriving cool-climate wine region. It’s more than you expect and it’s waiting for you.

Top 10 things to do in Canberra

Inspire young minds, meet native animals, discover the australian story, wander through wineries, get inspired by art, enjoy festivals, explore our lake, discover all ten, featured events, canberra and region heritage festival 2024, anzac day dawn service 2024 | australian war memorial, ralph heimans: portraiture. power. influence., canberra international music festival, emily kam kngwarray, safeguard global act brumbies vs fijian drua, experiences.

Canberra is well-known for its national attractions, but art lovers and history buffs in the know also love the city's local arts scene and heritage sites.

Natural beauty is right on your doorstep in Canberra with popular lookouts, challenging hikes, mountain bike trails in the inner suburbs. Discover waterfalls, gorges, forests, and snow-capped mountains just 45-minutes’ drive from the city at national parks and nature reserves.

Immerse yourself in some of the oldest and richest cultures in human history with the extensive collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and history at Canberra’s museums and galleries.

From nature themed playgrounds to Questacon's science wonderland, the kids will want to keep coming back each school holidays.

Home to 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries within 35 minutes’ drive of the city, Canberra's wine region is the perfect weekend getaway

Canberra takes its foodie culture seriously. From award-winning coffee to long lunches and craft beers, tantalise your taste buds during your getaway to the capital.

Whether you want to cycle from the city centre to the bush or try new jumps in a forest, Canberra has your biking holiday sorted.

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Canberra Uncovered: 29 Top Tourist Attractions and Where to Stay

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Let’s Go See Canberra 🌏

My husband’s fondness love and undying devotion for the Canberra Raiders NRL team has taken him on several trips trips to Australia’s capital city (and occasionally to the pits of despair, but let’s not talk about those seasons). On this particular occasion, we decided to turn his annual pilgrimage to Canberra, into a family holiday featuring Canberra’s best tourist attractions.

I hadn’t heard many exciting things about Canberra before I began our vacation planning. Not a lot of Australian’s visit it as a holiday destination – at least, not a lot I have met… and working in the travel industry since my teens, I have met a lot of travellers! However, once I know I’m going to a new destination, I research the absolute heck out of it to plan an itinerary. I didn’t know how many amazing Canberra tourist attractions, landmarks and tours existed, until I started down this rabbit hole.

Since you’re here, I guess you’re on the same path I was. Hopefully I can save you some time and effort with this list of top tourist attractions in Canberra! Whether you’re spending a day in Canberra, enjoying a weekend getaway, or taking a longer vacation – you will not be disappointed.

⬇ Skip to List of Top 29 Canberra Tourist Attractions ⬇

Getting to canberra.

Flying into Canberra is probably the easiest option, as there are many flights each day from cities all across Australia.

However, we really wanted the convenience of our own car, and were super keen for a road trip. We live in Brisbane, Queensland. This makes the driving distance to Canberra around 1,200 kilometres. The driving time from Brisbane to Canberra is around 12 hours, not including the many, many, many pit stops when travelling with two kids and a husband who has a Pepsi Max addiction.

So, on the way to Canberra we stopped overnight in some Newcastle accommodation , to break up the long day of driving. There are loads of hotels and motels here which made it very convenient, plus, it left us with less than 5 hours of driving the following morning.

When my husband, Shayne, does the trip without us, he drives straight through. On the way home from our family holiday in Canberra, we also did a straight trek through to Brisbane without stopping.

Where to Stay in Canberra

When choosing where to stay in Canberra, we wanted our accommodation to be close to major Canberra tourist attractions, have car parking facilities, be family friendly, and not cost a fortune. Tall order, I know.

On this trip, we selected the Ibis Styles , which was GREAT. It was conveniently located, comfortable for all four of us, and was affordable.

During my own research, I also short listed a bunch of others – which I have outlined below for your convenience! I’ve booked several of these hotels for my husband’s solo adventures to Canberra, when he visits to watch a Raiders home game.

You can browse Canberra accommodation here or take a look at my list 👇

Hyatt Hotel Canberra A Park Hyatt Hotel

This luxury Canberra hotel is located in a heritage-listed building and features spacious rooms, a fitness center, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Check Price and Availability

Knightsbridge Canberra

My husband says this has been his favourite accommodation in Canberra so far. It offers air-conditioned rooms and apartments with free WiFi, minibar items, free basement parking, smart LED TVs, living areas, balconies, full kitchens with dishwashers, rainfall showers, and access to a seasonal infinity pool and fully equipped gym, just 4km from Canberra CBD.

Little National Hotel

This boutique hotel in Canberra offers stylish and modern rooms with high-quality amenities, including a library, a rooftop lounge, and a gym.

Vibe Hotel Canberra

This contemporary hotel offers stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with views of the city.

Abode Woden

This Canberra apartment hotel offers self-contained units with modern furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and a laundry. It also features a gym, a restaurant, and free parking.

AAC Apartments

These spacious apartments are located in the Canberra suburb of Griffin and feature a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry, and free parking.

Brassey Hotel

This elegant Canberra hotel is set in a restored heritage building and offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.

Pinnacle Apartments

These serviced apartments in Canberra offer modern and spacious accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and a balcony with views of the city.

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra

This historic hotel features stylish and spacious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a fitness center, and a garden.

Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. It also features a gym and free parking.

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

This contemporary hotel offers stylish and spacious rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry, and a balcony. It also features a restaurant, a gym, and free parking.

Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection

This trendy Canberra hotel features stylish and modern rooms, a rooftop bar and lounge, a restaurant, and a gym.

Abode Narrabundah

This Canberra apartment hotel offers modern and spacious units with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and free parking.

Crowne Plaza Canberra

This upscale hotel features spacious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. It also features a gym and a sauna.

QT Canberra

This trendy hotel in Canberra offers stylish and modern rooms, a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine, a bar, and a gym.

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

This modern hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.

Ibis Styles Canberra

Budget-friendly motel style accommodation located in Canberra, close to shops and restaurants.

Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra

This boutique hotel is located in the NewActon cultural precinct, close to the Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin.

Top 29 Tourist Attractions in Canberra

We spent just over a week exploring the city and surrounds, and to be honest, we could have spent LONGER. Unbelievable, right?! Who’d have thought Canberra would be so cool? (Sorry, Canberrans!)

Below I’ve listed all the fun things we did and Canberra attractions we visited, as well as all the things we wanted to do, but didn’t have time.

• Australian War Memorial
• Questacon Science Centre
• Parliament House
• Royal Australian Mint
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
• National Gallery of Australia
• Australian Institute of Sport
• National Carillon
• National Museum of Australia
• Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra
• Old Bus Depot Markets
• National Dinosaur Museum
• Lake Burley Griffin
• Catch a Game at GIO Stadium
• Canberra Glassworks
• National Botanic Gardens
• Mount Ainslie Lookout
• National Film and Sound Archive
• Cockington Green Gardens
• Namadgi National Park
• Canberra Brewery Tour
• Canberra Winery Tour
• Canberra Railway Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• Mount Stromlo Observatory
• National Police Memorial
• Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
• Canberra Outlet Centre
• Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

1. Australian War Memorial

This was on our must-do list of Canberra tourist attractions. The museum and memorial honours the sacrifices of Australian soldiers who fought in various wars. It contains a vast collection of war artifacts, memorabilia, and personal stories. I wondered how our kids would go, given they are prone to boredom, but the interactive exhibits, such as the Discovery Zone, held their attention. Interactive experiences included dressing up in military outfits, crawling through tunnels, and exploring a submarine. We also attended the Last Post Ceremony, a moving daily service honouring a soldier’s life.

The grounds around the building are interesting as well, with statues and a life size tank just begging for a family photo.

2. Questacon Science Centre

The National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon, is a science museum that features over 200 interactive exhibits. Each one explores a principle of science and/or technology. While we were here, we attended science shows, participated in hands-on activities, and explored the museum’s many galleries.

Our kids had an absolute blast, and Shayne and I enjoyed ourselves, too. Some exhibits are permanent, but they also change others, so you could definitely visit each time you’re in Canberra and experience something new. The gift shop here is great, and I have even ordered gifts online from the store after having visited in person.

3. Parliament House

It’s mandatory. As a tourist, you are obligated to visit Parliament House, the home of the Australian federal government. I’m joking, of course, but it’s definitely recommended to drop in!

You can take a guided tour of the building, which includes a visit to the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the opportunity to watch parliament in session. We especially enjoyed the Parliament House art collection displayed throughout the building, which includes over 6,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photos.

4. Royal Australian Mint

Australia’s official mint is responsible for producing Australia’s coins. We took a guided tour of the facility and learnt about the history of coins in Australia, how they are made, and saw the coin-making process in action. Tours are free , but you should book ahead as numbers are limited.

5. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

It wouldn’t be a “Gear family holiday” without a wildlife adventure! This beautiful natural area is home to a variety of native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.

6. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is the country’s premier art museum, and it houses an impressive collection of Australian and international artworks. The gallery’s permanent collection includes works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Sidney Nolan, and John Glover. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing works from around the world.

7. Australian Institute of Sport

The Australian Institute of Sport is our country’s premier sports training centre. You can take a tour of the facility, which includes a visit to the athlete’s gym, the recovery centre, and the sports medicine clinic.

8. National Carillon

This striking bell tower is located in Canberra’s Aspen Island. It is incredibly impressive in person, and photos really don’t do it justice. You can take a guided tour of the tower, listen to the carillon’s beautiful music, or if you’re lucky, attend one of the many concerts that are held throughout the year.

9. National Museum of Australia: First Australians Tour

Explore Australia’s rich and diverse history and culture with this guided tour of the National Museum. The First Australians Tour offers a fascinating insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, cultures, spirituality, and connections to the country. Before or after the tour, you can explore the museum, including world-class touring exhibitions, as entry to the museum is included with the tour price.

10. Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra

Experience the beauty of Canberra from the skies on this hot air balloon flight . Rise slowly with the sun and take in the stunning cityscape from above, including Canberra tourist attractions like Parliament House.

11. Old Bus Depot Markets

One of the most popular markets in Canberra is held every Sunday in the old bus depot building, which was built in 1926 and is a heritage-listed site. We enjoyed browsing the diverse range of stalls, there are over 200 of them, selling everything from handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories to artwork, homewares, and gifts. We also bought some fresh produce, baked goods, and snacked on a variety of tasty treats!

12.  National Dinosaur Museum

As we stepped into the National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra, we were transported back to the prehistoric era. With over 23 complete skeletons on display, it’s like you’re walking among the dinosaurs themselves. From the towering Tyrannosaurus Rex to the long-necked Brachiosaurus, the size and scope of these magnificent creatures is amazing.

13. Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is a man-made lake that is a focal point of Canberra’s landscape. We enjoyed walking around it, but we saw locals jogging and cycling here as well. The lake’s 40-kilometre path is perfect for it, plus, it offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

14. Catch a Game at GIO Stadium

Take your seat and get ready to cheer on your favourite team as they battle it out on the field. With a capacity of over 25,000, the stadium provides a top notch atmosphere for sporting events. The modern facilities ensure that you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with plenty of food and drink options available. Whether you’re a die-hard fan (like my husband) or just being a good partner and going along for moral support (kudos to me), GIO Stadium is the perfect place to experience the thrill of live sports.

15. Canberra Glassworks

We loved this place, which we stumbled upon because of it’s close vicinity to the Old Bus Depot Markets. It was free to observe glassblowers as they shaped molten glass into intricate designs, and then we visited the exhibition galleries to see finished pieces by local and international artists. If you’re interested, you can book a paid workshop and try your hand at glassmaking in one of the classes offered here at the Canberra Glassworks.

16. National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is a beautiful park that features native Australian plants and flowers. You can explore the gardens on foot, take a guided tour, or attend one of the many events that the gardens host throughout the year, like Floriade.

17. Mount Ainslie Lookout

Enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and the surrounding areas. You can hike to the lookout or drive to the top, where you can take in the stunning views and learn about the history and significance of the area.

18. National Film and Sound Archive

This unique museum and archive collects, preserves, and shares Australia’s audio-visual heritage. You can explore the archive’s collections, attend film screenings, and participate in educational programs. It’s a must-visit for cinema and music lovers. It’s home to a vast collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts, music, and sound recordings. As you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of entertainment, where you can explore the history of Australian cinema, watch rare footage of iconic moments in Australian history, and listen to some of the most famous voices of Australian music and radio.

19. Cockington Green Gardens

This miniature village features detailed models of iconic Australian and international buildings, each created with outstanding precision. The surrounding gardens showcase immaculately manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and water features reflecting the diversity of the Australian landscape, with replicas of famous landmarks. You can also ride the miniature steam train that winds through the park.

20. Namadgi National Park

Located just south of Canberra, this vast wilderness area covers over 1,000 square kilometers and offers visitors a diverse range of wildlife, plant species, and landscapes to explore. From rugged mountain ranges and deep gorges to subalpine woodlands and lowland forests, the park has something for everyone. Explore over 170 kilometers of walking trails and spot wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, and even platypus.

21. Canberra Brewery Tour

For a fun way to spend a few hours in Canberra, join this brewery tour where you’ll get to meet the brewers, learn about their unique processes, and sample plenty of local brews.

22. Canberra Winery Tour

Immerse yourself in the best of Canberra’s wine regions with this day tour. Join a small group and visit two boutique wineries for tastings, where you can sample some of the best local wines. You’ll also get to try local gins and enjoy a variety of sweets such as chocolate, cakes, and gelato.

23. Canberra Railway Museum

This this museum boasts an impressive collection of historic steam locomotives, passenger carriages, and freight wagons, all beautifully restored and maintained. You can take a self-guided tour and explore the many exhibits, including the original railway station building, which dates back to 1914. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of rail travel in Australia and see how it has evolved over the years. Don’t miss the chance to climb aboard some of the trains and carriages on display, to experience first-hand what it was like to travel by rail in a bygone era.

24. National Portrait Gallery

The gallery features a vast collection of portraits, both historic and contemporary, and serves as a platform for storytelling through the faces of people who have made significant contributions to Australia’s history and culture. The gallery’s collection spans from paintings, sculptures, and photographs to multimedia displays and digital art. Visitors can explore the gallery and see portraits of famous Australians, such as politicians, artists, athletes, and scientists, as well as lesser-known but equally important figures.

25. Mount Stromlo Observatory

Located just a short drive from Canberra city centre, this observatory offers stunning views of the night sky and a fascinating insight into the world of astronomy. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the telescopes and research conducted at the observatory, or simply spend a quiet evening stargazing and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

26. National Police Memorial

Located in Kings Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this striking memorial pays tribute to police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial features a wall with the names of over 800 officers who have died, as well as a bronze statue of two officers on horseback. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on the important and dangerous work that police officers do every single day, to help keep our communities safe.

27. Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

This wetland area spans over 120 hectares and provides a natural habitat for a diverse range of bird and plant species. As a visitor, you can explore the wetlands on a network of walking trails and boardwalks, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the reserve up close. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including pelicans, swans, and a range of waterfowl.

28. Canberra Outlet Centre

If you’re looking for a shopping destination in Canberra, the Canberra Outlet Centre is a must-visit. The centre features over 100 stores, offering discounts of up to 70% on a wide range of popular brands. It’s located just 10 minutes from the city centre, with plenty of parking available, and a food court.

29. Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

A highlight of any visit to Canberra is a twilight bushwalk tour through Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary. This area has been designed to protect endangered native animals from predators, and you will have the chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures such as Eastern Bettongs and Eastern Quolls. With the help of a trained guide and a red light torch rental, you will be taken deep into the sanctuary to observe various kangaroo and wallaby species feeding in their natural environment. If you’re lucky, you may even see a tiny sugar glider eating nectar from the top of a flowering eucalyptus tree. During the tour, you will learn about the importance of conservation ecology and the efforts to reintroduce these animals back into the wild. This experience is a unique opportunity to explore a critically endangered ecosystem and get inspired by science’s ability to restore it.

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17 Best Things to Do in Canberra, Australia

Although it is often overlooked in favor of Sydney and Melbourne , Australia’s capital, Canberra, is an increasingly popular destination to visit. While it has plenty of impressive civic monuments and sights relating to its seat of government, it also has vast swathes of beautiful bushland and countless gardens and verdant forests to explore.

Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra started out life in 1913 as an entirely planned city, with even its lakes being man-made. Initially only inhabited by politicians, civil servants and their families, it has slowly developed into a thriving metropolis and there are now plenty of things to do in Canberra. Aside from its many museums, art galleries and nature spots, it has some great shopping, dining and nightlife scenes to enjoy.

With numerous parks and outdoor activities on offer and rolling mountain ranges lying nearby, the cosmopolitan city certainly has something that will appeal to everyone.

17. Cockington Green

Long one of Canberra’s most popular attractions, the quaint and quiet Cockington Green contains amazing miniature buildings from all around the world. Located on the northern outskirts of the capital, its grounds are a delight to explore with small model houses, gardens and figures wherever you look.

First opened to the public in 1979, displays initially only depicted cozy cottages and countryside scenes from around Great Britain, before later expanding to include buildings from Australia, Chile and Argentina.

Besides taking in the intricate details of the handcrafted houses, guests can enjoy the lush gardens, hop aboard its miniature steam train or see umpteen dollhouses in its Rose Room.

16. Museum of Australian Democracy

Formerly the seat of the country’s government from 1927 to 1988, the Old Parliament House now hosts the excellent Museum of Australian Democracy. Fascinating to peruse, its innumerable artifacts and exhibits document not only the history of the nation and its founding but particularly important protests and prime ministers too.

On tours around the perfectly preserved chambers, halls and offices, guests can get to grips with the political process, see historic photos and even sit in the old Prime Minister’s Office.

Surrounded by exquisitely manicured gardens, the ‘Stripped’ Classical style building is certainly interesting to explore and actually faces the current Parliament on Capital Hill.

15. National Portrait Gallery

Located next door is the superb National Portrait Gallery, which is packed with incredible portraits of influential figures from throughout Australia’s past. Alongside images of indigenous Aboriginals and the founding fathers, you can spy those of writers, musicians and politicians represented in a wide variety of artistic forms.

Founded in 1998, the museum occupies a striking modern building that features sharp angles, interesting shapes and lots of airy galleries. In total, it showcases around 3,000 or so portraits with multimedia presentations highlighting the impact and influence of each famous person on the country.

While hundreds of photos and paintings are hung up on its walls, splendid sculptures, digital works and even textiles also feature.

14. Old Bus Depot Market

Popular with locals and tourists alike, this bustling market takes place in what was once an Old Bus Depot, just east of Capital Hill. Held every Sunday, it has countless stands and stalls for visitors to stroll around that seemingly sell everything under the sun.

While one hall is dedicated to fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as baked goods and local artisanal products, the other is full of vendors selling handmade jewellery and ornaments. In addition, it has a fantastic food court to try out while musicians and street performers add to the lively yet laid back feel of the market.

13. Australian National Botanic Gardens

Lying on the lower slopes of Black Mountain you can find the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens. A peaceful and picturesque place, it sprawls across a huge site and remarkably boasts the largest living collection of native Australian flora on the planet.

Amidst its gently sloping hillsides and dipping gullies are more than 4,300 species of plants with rock gardens and water features set alongside pristine bushland and steamy rainforest sections.

Wild in places, with other parts being immaculately landscaped, its pretty paths take you past colorful flowers, plants, trees and shrubs. While tours and talks can teach you all about the gardens’ lush foliage and dense vegetation.

12. Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

As it is one of only three such stations in the world, the epic Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is definitely well worth visiting when in town. Set around forty minutes’ drive southwest of the city, the state-of-the-art NASA facility provides around-the-clock contact with numerous spacecraft and probes out in space.

Launched in 1965, its humongous antennas – the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – lie nestled in the secluded Paddys River Valley. Aside from ogling at their staggering size, visitors can explore the complex, see models of spacecraft and learn more about space exploration, astronauts and NASA through its interactive exhibits.

11. Telstra Tower

Perched atop Black Mountain overlooking both the botanical gardens and city below, is one of Canberra’s standout symbols and sights: the enormous Telstra Tower. Rising dramatically above the surrounding countryside, it offers the best and most breathtaking views in town from its cafe, indoor observation deck and outdoor viewing platforms.

Sporting a distinctive design, the now iconic telecommunications tower and its spindly spire reach 195 meters in height with umpteen satellite dishes studding its exterior. At its base, guests can learn about the history of the tower since its opening in 1980 before taking an elevator up to see the simply spectacular 360-degree panoramas of the city and its surroundings from up high.

10. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Home to striking landscapes, scenery and nature, as well as all kinds of classic Aussie critters, the terrific Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve lies just a stone’s throw from the Deep Space Complex.

At its visitor center, you can learn all about the local fauna and flora with guided walks also taking you to see some of its amazing wildlife.

Protected since 1939, its scenic confines center around a wide, open valley with the towering Tidbinbilla Mountain and Gibraltar Range lying to either side. Scattered about are some important Aboriginal sites to check out while koalas and kangaroos, emus and wallabies can often be spotted ambling about the reserve.

9. National Arboretum

Another pleasant spot to stop by is the National Arboretum which is located just to the west of the center overlooking the Molonglo River. Ever-expanding, many of its verdant forests and various tree species were planted following the devastating bushfires that ravaged much of the Australian Capital Territory in 2003.

Officially opened in 2013, it now encompasses almost a hundred different forests with both themed and landscaped gardens tucked away amidst the trees.

While wandering along its shady paths and trails you’ll come across playgrounds, picnic areas and public artworks. Lookouts and a large outdoor amphitheater are also on offer alongside its internationally recognized bonsai and penjing collections.

8. Questacon

Right next to the Old Parliament House and National Portrait Gallery is yet another of Canberra’s top tourist attractions: the excellent Questacon.

At this thought-provoking museum, visitors can delve into the fields of science and technology with intriguing interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. A firm favorite with families, it was established in 1986 with its galleries focusing on everything from art and inventions to ancient mythology, robotics and space travel.

On top of trying out its earthquake simulators and coming up with experiments in its lab, guests can watch awesome live science shows or attend interesting talks on all the latest technological innovations.

7. Royal Australian Mint

The sole producer of every single one of the country’s circulating coins, the Royal Australian Mint is situated in the Deakin suburb of the city, some ten minutes’ drive from the center. At its facility, you can learn all about the history of Australia’s currency and even watch countless coins be minted before your very eyes.

Since 1965, millions of the country’s coinage have been produced on-site with note printing instead taking place in Melbourne. On tours, a knowledgeable guide will teach you about the coin making process and point out the giant robot ‘Titan’ who helps churn them out at such an unrelenting pace.

Afterwards, you can mint your own Australian dollar and shop for commemorative coins in its store.

6. National Museum of Australia

Not to be missed when in town is the outstanding National Museum of Australia, which is perched at the end of a peninsula jutting out into Lake Burley Griffin. Its extensive array of artifacts, artworks and archaeological findings paint a comprehensive picture, not only of the nation’s past and present, but prompts debates and discussion about its future too.

Founded in 1980, it now occupies a phenomenal purpose-built museum that itself is a work of art. Its looped layout and knotted rope theme symbolically tie together the stories of Australians from all walks of life.

Inside is just as alluring as its huge collection of over 200,000 objects shines a light on the history and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that of the Europeans who first arrived in Australia in 1788.

5. Lake Burley Griffin

As Canberra is centered around Lake Burley Griffin, no visit can ever be complete without spending at least some time either exploring its shores or cruising about its waters.

Named after the American architect who designed the city, it offers up lots of fun outdoor activities and watersports with scenic cruises taking you to see all its sights.

Created in 1963 following the damming of the Molonglo River, the artificial lake is surrounded by picturesque parks and gorgeous green spaces with many of the capital’s most important institutions lining its shores.

Besides walking, biking and running along its paved three ‘loops’ pathways, which are also frequented by politicians, you can always rent a kayak, boat or paddleboard and explore its secluded coves and islands.

4. National Gallery of Australia

Arguably the most impressive of the city’s many museums, the National Gallery of Australia houses an incredible collection of artworks. Featuring masterpieces by renowned artists, such as Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali and Claude Monet among others, its grand galleries really are a treat to amble around with fantastic paintings, photos and sculptures all on show.

Set alongside Lake Burley Griffin, the purpose-built gallery was founded in 1967 with its stunning Brutalist-style, angular shapes and concrete surfaces making for quite the sight amidst the glorious grounds that surround it.

As well as awe-inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, its large holdings of some 160,000 items also include sizeable sections of Western and Eastern works, while a wonderful sculpture garden can be found outside.

3. Australian Parliament House

A remarkable piece of modern architecture, the elegant and now iconic Australian Parliament House is certainly one of Canberra’s main tourist sites. The seat of the country’s government, the enormous edifice seems to emerge from Capital Hill and has tours that highlight how Australian democracy works in practice.

Built between 1981 and 1988, its distinctive design is based on the shape of two boomerangs with a gigantic flagpole rising up dramatically above its blinding bright white facade. Aside from snapping photos of the beautiful building and exploring its halls, chambers and artworks, visitors can venture up onto its grass walkway roof which boasts breathtaking panoramas of the city and lake before it.

2. Mount Ainslie Lookout

If you’re after an even better view of Canberra from above, then you’ll have to head to the top of the nearby Mount Ainslie which looms above the center. From here, you can clearly see how the city is laid out with all its most important buildings, institutions and attractions aligning almost perfectly.

Reaching 843 meters in height, its lofty summit is one of the most popular vantage points in town along with Telstra Tower to the west. In addition to basking in the exquisite views from its lookout, you can also hike and cycle around the mount’s pristine bushland or stop by the moving Australian War Memorial.

1. Australian War Memorial

Even with all the city’s architectural marvels, the art-deco Australian War Memorial still manages to stand out as a highlight. Unveiled in 1941 as World War II was going on, the massive Byzantine-style monument commemorates all of Australia’s war fatalities from each major conflict.

Set on the lower slopes of Mount Ainslie, the pretty and peaceful site encompasses both a pool of remembrance and a commemorative courtyard while its Hall of Memory is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Much more than just a memorial, it also has a museum to check out which is full of artifacts and exhibits on Australia’s military past. Although not part of the complex, the adjoining Anzac Parade which leads up to the Australian War Memorial is also lined by other impressive monuments and military memorials.

Best Time to Visit Canberra

As spring and summer are when the city is warmest and sunniest, September to December is the most popular period to visit Canberra. Besides being the best time to hike and bike in its bush, numerous important events are held.

After the cold winter, massive crowds visit in September and October with prices rising too. Averages of 16 to 19°C (61 to 66°F) are great for touring about its Parliamentary Triangle. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest flower festival, Floriade, also paints a very pretty picture.

While November is slightly quieter, December is its absolute peak season due to Christmas, New Year’s and the school holidays. Kayaking and sailing around Lake Burley Griffin is very popular in the hot weather.

Averages of 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) mean many people visit in summer when exciting events like its National Multicultural Festival and Canberra Balloon Spectacular take place. The prices and crowds drop though after the end of the school holidays.

Many Canberrans actually consider April and May to have the best weather. Aside from the autumnal foliage, conditions are ideal for sightseeing and enjoying its National Folk Festival.

With the nights often dipping below freezing, winter is very quiet in Canberra. July does see a spike in numbers though as people have holidays.

Map of Things to Do in Canberra

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30 Best Things To Do In Canberra You’ll Love 2024 Guide

Trying to find the best things to do in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory? If you’re not sure what are the best places to visit in Canberra, fear not! In my experience, we visited recently and we were actually so surprised that there’s much more to this capital city than we ever imagined!

If you’re looking for a weekend away from Sydney , you’ll be pleased to know Canberra should be on your list! In my experience, you could spend a weekend in Canberra and have an action packed time without spending much money at all.

Expect tourist attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, National Science Museum, Parliament House, the awesome National Gallery of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin, some fantastic National Parks and so much more!

Table of Contents

Do A Day Trip To Canberra From Sydney

If the idea of having to sort out your own Canberra sightseeing trip sounds like too much of a mission, I recommend  pre-booking this Sydney To Canberra tour  which has had great reviews. Instead of planning your own trip, let someone else do it for you so you can sit back while being chauffeured around for the day. Sounds perfect!

Expect to visit the following places:

• Hear about the secrets of Parliament House on a guided tour
• Explore the National Museum of Australia at your own pace
• Learn about the ANZACs at the Australian War Memorial
• Drive through the NSW Southern Highlands
• See views over the city from Mount Ainslie

1. Hire your own boat for the day

Enjoy a day on Lake Burley Griffin by checking out this eco-friendly electric boat hire ! No experience or boat licence is required for you to enjoy being the Captain for the day! Bring some beers and a picnic and have fun with your family, friends or partner.

2. Tick off all the sights with a highlights tour

Staying in Canberra of visiting for the day and would prefer to have a local show you around? Check out this Canberra Highlights Tour where you’ll be taken to the main Canberra attractions such as the Australian Parliament house, Australian war memorial, National Arboretum national zoo and more!

3. Book a unique mystery picnic lunch

Book this fun mystery picnic and you’ll start off with an empty basket before solving clues to pick up each gourmet food item to fill your basket before your mystery picnic location is revealed. This would make a fantastic date idea in Canberra or perfect for friends or families to enjoy!

4. Go on a brewery and beer tour in Canberra

Have a love for craft beer and breweries? Book this brewery full day tour and spend the day touring some of the best breweries in Canberra. Enjoy getting to know the locals and how their beer compares to back home!

If you don’t have time for a day trip when visiting Canberra, you can book this 3 hour brewery tour instead.

5. Check out Ovolo Nishi – the most unique hotel in Canberra

Whether or not you decide to stay at Ovolo Nishi, you should 100% go and check it out anyway because the entrance itself is incredible. We stayed there and we absolutely loved it which you can read about in  Our Review Of Ovolo Nishi . Based in New Acton, there’s some great reasons to visit this area including the stylish Mocan & Green Grout restauran!

6. Canberra Hot Air Balloon At Sunrise

If you really want to make your weekend a memorable one, we recommend going on a  Canberra hot air balloon experience  at sunrise. Rated as one of the best things to do in Canberra, it’s the best way to see how beautiful the city truely is.

7. Visit National Gallery of Australia

One of our favourite free things to do in Canberra is to visit the  National Gallery of Australia . Honestly the National Gallery of Australia is mind blowing and is easily one of the best art galleries in Australia. We couldn’t believe how few people were walking around (however, it was during Floriade at the time). Most of all there’s some absolutely brilliant global artists housed in this gallery, we couldn’t quite believe it – art lovers will love it!

We absolutely loved seeing the famous Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room and couldn’t believe that we didn’t even need to line up for it. We also loved James Turrell’s Skyspace – an amazing piece of art you can take some epic photos of.

We also couldn’t believe the amount of other artists in this gallery – from the Chapman Brothers, to Warhol to the infamous Pollack which was bought back in the 1970. Make sure you check out the sculpture garden to see work by Anthony Gormley and more.

Honestly, I’d make the effort to visit Canberra if it meant all we could see is the National Gallery of Australia. It’s brilliant and full of some fantastic Australian art as well, including the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world! And that’s just the beginning of our chat about Canberra’s museums – they are all amazing!

8. Visit Floriade Festival

Floriade is the flower festival which brings in the crowds to visit Canberra. We were lucky to visit during the season and it’s especially good for the October long weekend as they have loads of bands and comedians lined up to perform. There’s also Night Fest which you need to know about.

9. Visit The Pink Lake In Canberra

Who knew there’s a pink lake in Canberra? Yep, the pink pond in Canberra is located at Eardley Street in Bruce, which is about a 10 minute drive from the city centre. It equally makes a good Instagram photo too!

Make sure you check out our  top 10 pink lakes in Australia  guide to find out more mind-blowing hidden gems located all around Australia!

10. Enjoy A Fun Winery, Distillery & Tasting Tour

Did you know Canberra has a thriving winery scene? Let the locals show you around by  pre-booking this fun Canberra Winery Tour  with Dave’s Travel Group. You’ll visit three wineries, a distillery, a chocolatier and you’ll have lunch thrown in too! This is a fun day out to meet other like minded people, and support local tourism which is needed right now.

11. Visit The Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is one of the best Canberra attractions and it’s free just off the Anzac Parade. Make sure you go upstairs at the memorial to pay your respects to the soldiers who are no longer with us and learn about Australian history while here.

The memorial is very beautiful and somewhere you just need to visit on your trip to Canberra to learn about Australian military history.

12. Visit Cockington Green Gardens

Don’t you just love a miniature garden? We saw one back in the Cotswolds years ago and what do you know? Canberra’s got its very own miniature English gardens at Cockington Green Gardens. Located just 15 minutes north of Canberra, it’s a must visit for the whole family. I’m sure kids will love the miniature steam train too!

13. Visit Parliament House

Parliament House is the first place you should probably visit on your Canberra trip. The iconic building is something to see for yourself! It’s quite fascinating to see the chambers of the Australian parliament, something we’ve all seen on TV. It’s really interesting to be able to walk around and learn about the political history of Australia’s government in a free tour. Look out for the random dude outside with his alpaca (or is it a lama?), you can have a very candid photo with!

The good news is, it’s free to go into Parliament of Australia and parking is free outside as well. Again Parliament House is somewhere you really should visit on your first trip Australia the nation’s capital and city. You can also jump on  guided tours of Parliament House  as well to learn more about Australian democracy.

14. The National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia is one of the best things to do in Canberra with young kids around. The rooms are full of information, maybe a little too much for us to take everything in, but it’s a great meeting place for school trips, younger kids or school holidays activities.

15. Questacon – National Science And Technology Centre

Although we didn’t have time to visit Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, it would be at the top of our list to visit next time. The science museum is located right near to a lot of the other museums in Canberra and would be a great visit for the whole family.

16. Explore The Street Art In Canberra

Move over Melbourne, because the Canberra street art is hidden away in some awesome spots around the central Canberra. We loved the Canberra street art on Tocumwal Lane a lot which is worth exploring to see a more artsy side of the capital city for art lovers.

17. Visit National Portrait Gallery in Canberra

Continue your art gallery adventure and stop by the  National Portrait Gallery  which is a gallery full of prominent Australian portraits. The National Portrait Gallery is a fantastic place to learn more about Aussie culture and famous Australians from the ‘notorious, remarkable and glorious’.

18. Old Bus Depot Markets

Weston Park is located just a 10 minute drive out of Canberra and has lots of playgrounds, dog parks and cycling tracks. When we visited it was very dry but if you pick the right time of the year, you’ll be able to see the trees filled with so much colour, especially in Autumn and in Spring. It makes the perfect weekend activity for a few hours to kill.

19. Weston Park

20. Mount Ainslie

If you’re looking to get the perfect Canberra photo, prepare yourself to climb up to Mount Ainslie. The 4km walk takes about 1.5hours return. Fear not, you can always drive up to it as well to see the natural beauty of the city and Lake Burley Griffin, making it one of the top Canberra attractions!

21. Visit The Bonsai At National Arboretum

Just 12 minutes west of Canberra is the National Arboretum. We loved the National arboretum Bonsai Collection which holds some of the best Bonsai trees we’ve ever seen anywhere in the world. There’s loads of walking tracks in the arboretum and a big canteen to grab some food at. Also, there’s a big playground there to entertain the kids and we noticed they seem to love rolling down the hill in the amphitheatre too.

22. Admire Lake Burley Griffin

One of the first tourist attractions you’ll see in Canberra is Lake Burley Griffin. This man-made lake is located in the middle of the city and is a central point for Canberrans and tourists alike. The 5km walking path is popular for runners and cyclists.

If you’re looking to visit some of the best Canberra museums, you’ll find them around Lake burley griffin. Work your way around Questacon, National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia with ease.

23. Where To Eat In Canberra

If you’re looking for Canberra restaurants, we found Braddon to be the suburb with the most variety of restaurants, especially on Lonsdale Street.

We went to  Lazy Su  for dinner which is excellent. The cocktails are amazing (make sure you order the Sumo Bowls) and we had the Miso Banquet – a five course tasting menu. Honestly it was awesome. Make sure you have enough room for the Nutella Gaytime Bao – it will blow your mind!

Other options for food include Mocan and Green Grout which is a great option if you want to have dinner nearby Ovolo Nishi Hotel. Eighty Six is the go to place for brunch and Molly is a super cool underground jazz bar in central Canberra. 

We went to  Bar Rochford  for a glass of wine before dinner and it’s a great little place, perfect for a spot of fine dining too.

Places to visit near Canberra

There are so many fun things and many places to visit just outside of Canberra so here’s out extended list so you can make a great plan for the weekend.

24. Tulip Tops Gardens

Whilst we were in Canberra one of our follower on Instagram told us about  Tulip Tops Gardens  and so we visited on our way back to Sydney (just 20 minute drive out of Canberra). Although Tulip Tops Gardens is located just off the highway, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Although it’s only during Spring, make sure you make the effort to visit because it’s stunning.  Read our Floriade Guide  to find out more about our visit to Tulip Top Gardens too.

25. Mount Stromlo Observatory

A 20 minute drive South West out of Canberra will bring you to Mount Stromlo Observatory. They also hold  FREE public night tours  which you should check out.

If you’ve got a particular interest in space, make sure you also go and check out the Deep Space Communication Complex as well when you visit Canberra, which has interactive displays so you can learn all about space.

26. Swim At Gibraltar Falls

A 45 minute drive South of Canberra will lead you to Gibraltar Falls in Namadgi National Park. It’s a lovely 2km hike. It’s suggested it takes around 1hour return but as always, if you’re going to swim here, just be very, very careful.

27. Climb Mount Kosciuszko

We have wanted to climb Australia’s highest mountain for years now and when we visited Canberra recently, we couldn’t do it because it was still snowing there. It supposedly takes 6-8 hours to hike 18.6km to hike to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, and is usually completed in one day.

If walking for 6-8 hours doesn’t sound like fun, catch the chair lift up most of the way to the top. It takes just 15 minutes and to be honest, with that in mind, it makes me wonder if I would be happy to walk 6-8 hours. But, it doesn’t go directly to the top – you’ll still need to walk around 4 hours return from the chair lift to the summit. Think about ticking off this bucket list activity when you’re planning your next  long weekend from Sydney !

28. Go Skiing At Thredbo or Perisher

If you weren’t aware, you can in fact go skiing near to Canberra at some of the biggest ski resorts in Australia called Thredbo and Perisher! Unsure whether it’s worth going?

Our writer Nina grew up in the French Alps and has written a huge guide for you:  13 Tips For First Time Skiing in Thredbo NSW . Learn about the difference between Thredbo and Perisher, what makes Thredbo great and everything you need to know about hiring ski equipment, where to stay, eat and drink and the legendary DJ nights on weekends you have to go to!

29. Yarrangobilly Thermal Pools

I have wanted to visit the Yarrangobilly Thermal Pools for such a long time now! Located nearly a three hour drive from Canberra, it surely is worth it if you’re heading down to Kosciuszko National Park or to Thredbo to go skiing. Imagine taking a swim in the 27C all year round pool? Pure bliss, especially if there’s snow around!

30. Head down to Batemans Bay

If you’re in need of some of the best beaches in NSW, head down to Batemans Bay, which is a 2 hour drive from Canberra. Head into the incredibly stunning Murramarang National Park and head straight to the stunning Depot Beach! You can read more about Batemans Bay in our current travel guides:

• 12 Best Beaches in Batemans Bay
• 16 Best Things To Do In Batemans Bay
• Ultimate South Coast NSW Guide To Plan Your Trip

Where To Stay In Canberra

Hopefully we’ve convinced you there’s so much more to Australia’s capital city than you may have thought. Spend a weekend from Sydney here exploring all of the amazing things to do in Canberra! If you’re looking for the best Canberra accommodation, here are our top picks!

Ovolo Nishi Hotel in Canberra

Our number one pick for accommodation is Ovolo Nishi, which we mentioned earlier in this post. It’s an amazing hotel and is really good value for money. Plus! The fantastic reviews on Booking.com above speak for itself. Find the best deal here to stay at Ovolo Nishi .

More Accommodation Options

With plenty of accommodation options to choose from, here are some of the best rated hotels and apartments we would personally stay in.

• Luxury:   Hyatt Hotel Canberra  – state of the art gym, indoor swimming pool and 5 minutes drive to Parliament House.
• Luxury:   Hotel Realm  – Super cool hotel with two day spas, two health clubs, swimming pool and five on-site restaurants.
• Mid-Range:   Avenue Hotel Canberra  – Stylish luxury hotel with a mid-range price tag.
• Budget:   T he Village Hostels  – basic but it used to be a YHA which in our opinion are always a fantastic option for anyone on a tight budget.
• Budget:   Mercure Canberra Belconnen  – amazing location, with restaurant, gym and bar.

More Canberra guides

Have you checked out our other Canberra guides yet? Check out our other guides to help inspire your trip to the ACT.

• 10 Reasons To Visit Floriade Festival In Canberra
• Is Ovolo Nishi In Canberra The Best Hotel In Australia?
• 13 Tips For Skiing In Thredbo NSW

Looking for more places to visit in NSW?

We’ve got hundreds of travel guides to help you plan your weekend getaways from Sydney and holidays in NSW. Plus, we’ve got hundreds of guides for  Queensland  and  Gold Coast  too for anyone looking for some warmer weather!

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I totally agree! Canberra is a fabulous travel destination, particularly for a short break away. For anyone who has not visited your post offers very diverse tips to consider.

Thanks so much Estelle! It’s very much an underrated city for sure!

Nice list! We are going down again this week and I have got great ideas for adult things to do and where to eat. Sadly not staying in the Ovolo, it’s a caracan park with the kids cricket team, but I will be able to escape and see some good stuff too.

Oh let me know what you get up to Seana – have a great time!

Thanks for all the ideas Annie. Off to Canberra next week and your ideas give much better advice than the sponsored web pages.

Thanks so much Steve! Hope you have a great weekend!

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Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Stuart Miller

Experience Aboriginal culture in Canberra

A selection of guided Aboriginal tours can show you around significant cultural sites in the Canberra region.

By Paul Robinson

There are many significant Aboriginal sites in the  Canberra  region and many stories to tell, but if you want a deep understanding of them, you'll need some insider knowledge.

Immerse yourself in one of Canberra’s many Aboriginal experiences and get a unique perspective into this fascinating local culture. Learn about the customs and traditions of the Ngunawal people on specially guided tours where you’ll find hidden rock art and historical artefacts, learn about “bush food” and traditional stone tools and hear the stories of the significant sites you visit.

Mount Majura two-hour tour

Dharuwa Tours, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Mount Majura is part of the Canberra Nature Park, which lies on the north-eastern edge of the city. At 888 metres (2,913 feet), it is the highest peak in suburban Canberra, mostly covered in eucalyptus trees, and home to 12 known culturally and archaeologically significant Aboriginal sites. On this two-hour Dhawura Aboriginal Cultural Tour , you’ll learn about the mountain’s importance to Aboriginal people and the wide range of wildlife that lives here (including several threatened species), identify and sample bush foods, and learn about the traditional uses of various tools. Perhaps you’ll even discover a “scar tree”, where the bark was once removed to create containers, shields or even canoes, leaving historical scars. The view of Mount Majura valley below is a fitting reward for the climb in itself.

Cultural sites in Canberra half-day tour

Red Hill Lookout, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Hop into a 4WD troop carrier for a 3.5-hour driving adventure with this Dhawura tour , which will take you to several important locations that show abundant evidence of Aboriginal occupation in the Canberra area. Highlights include the bush food sites in  Red Hill  and “grinding grooves” in the suburb of Theodore. These grooves are the result of the Aboriginal practice of shaping and sharpening new stone axe heads on the rock, creating oval indentations in local sandstone that have existed for many centuries. You will also see both a canoe tree and shield tree near  Lanyon Homestead , where bark was ripped from the trees to construct the objects, leaving scarring behind.

Ngala Tours

Ngala Tours, National Arboretum, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

At the National Arboretum Canberra , you can join Ngala Tours for a leisurely afternoon spent strolling the expansive gardens, spying treasures amid the foliage and learning about the area's rich Aboriginal history. As you wander between the property's diverse flora, a true highlight will be the breathtaking lookouts across forests, gardens and Lake Burley Griffin. Pack a picnic to continue exploring the arboretum at your own pace once the tour concludes.

Namadgi National Park full-day 4WD tour

If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, consider the full-day 4WD Dhawura Tour through Namadgi National Park, which makes up almost half the entire land area of the  Australian Capital Territory . Aboriginal occupation of the area has been dated to at least 21,000 years here, and there are many historical cultural sites – both Aboriginal and European – in the park. Forage for bush foods, spot wildlife, witness Aboriginal artefacts and hear many cultural stories. You’ll gain an appreciation for the significance of the area to the local Ngunawal people and receive a detailed Aboriginal interpretation of the landscape from your experienced guide. This tour is recommended for families with older children and runs seasonally, from September through to the March.

Feel inspired through Aboriginal art

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Martin Ollman / Tourism Australia

The art of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is among the oldest and richest in human history. Expressed through dance, song, textiles, rock engravings, body painting, and paintings, art plays a significant role in the everyday lives of First Nations people and conveys their connection to the land. Well worth visiting is the National Gallery of Australia , which is home to the world’s largest collection of more than 7,500 diverse works of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

For original, handcrafted arts and crafts and exhibitions featuring local Aboriginal artists, head to Burrunju Art Gallery . This not-for-profit gallery showcases established and emerging independent Aboriginal artists where you can also partake in a dot painting workshops. Additionally, the Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery is a commercial gallery with an extensive collection of Indigenous art, gifts and jewellery which can be viewed and purchased from its gallery in Gold Creek Village, or sister gallery Artworld ADG in the city centre.

Embark on a self-drive heritage trail adventure

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Stuart Miller

Choose your own adventure and go at your own pace with a self-drive tour through Ngunnawal Country with Canberra Tracks . Journey through this scenic area which served as a meeting place for the Ngunnawal people. Stop off at significant sites and points of interest along the way to learn the Aboriginal story of the nation’s capital and feel a sense of connection to its past, present and future. One of the highlights includes Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve , where you’ll find the oldest known inhabited rock shelter, dating back to the end of the last ice age more than 25,000 years ago. If you have the time, join an Aboriginal ranger on a guided walk through the park to see several places of cultural sacredness, Aboriginal artefacts and wildlife.

6 ways to enjoy Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal past and present

National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Displayed over two floors, the First Australians gallery is the National Museum of Australia ’s largest exhibition. It shares the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, exploring powerful issues. Learn about defining historical moments through digital interactives, sensory displays, and fascinating collections of art, craft and artefacts.

At Parliament House , the daily ‘Yeribee’: Indigenous experiences tour offers a unique insight into how First Nations peoples have brought about change through their roles in the nation’s democratic processes. The tour is free but must be booked in advance. Another historically significant site is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy , located opposite the Museum of Australian Democracy . First established in 1972 to protest the government’s approach to Indigenous Australian land rights, it remains as a permanent protest occupation site representing the political rights of First Nations peoples. Take the chance to open a dialogue with the activists.

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HRC partner in 2025 Global Humanities Institute on Indigenous Mobilities, Tourism, and Racial Capitalism

We are thrilled to be part of a team that has been awarded $200K USD from the Consortium of Humanities Centres and Institutes with the support of a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to run a Global Humanities Institute in 2025 on the topic of “Indigenous Mobilities, Tourism, and Racial Capitalism”.

The Institute will explore how Indigenous communities creatively respond to the cascading effects of mega-development projects and mass tourism—such as neglect of local needs, dispossession and displacement, destruction of local ecosystems, and other consequences—at various sites around the world.

Guiding questions include:

• What are the pressing concerns that Indigenous communities have regarding tourism and mega-development projects?
• How has this played out in different local contexts and on the land itself?
• What are strategies for centering Indigenous experiences and demands in the face of megadevelopment?
• How can a humanities-centered approach help address these crises and imagine new futures?
• Is it possible to construct futures in which Indigeneity, non-human relations, tourism, and mega-development goals align?

The main institute meeting will be hosted by Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán and held in Yucatán, Mexico in January 2026. A lead-up event will be held at the Humanities Research Centre ANU in January 2025. There will be an application process to fund up to 20 interdisciplinary scholars, with special focus on early career and emerging scholars, as well as community partners, to join the main institute meeting.

Professor Kylie Message-Jones (HRC) and Dr Yujie Zhu (CHMS) are leading the ANU component of the GHI in partnership with international collaborators from The Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Minnesota (Professor Bianet Castellanos), The Unidad de Proyectos Sociales (Center for Social Projects) at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) (Professor Samuel François Jouault ), Co’ox Mayab, Alba Sud, The Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry at the University of Arizona (Yadira Cabarello and Professor Javier Duran) and the University of California San Diego Department of Communication (Matilde Córdoba Azcárte).

The full announcement and timeline of the 2025 Global Humanities Institute is here . Queries can be directed to [email protected]

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Northern communities rattled after Chinese boat arrivals walked into Australia's unfenced Truscott air base

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ASIO chief Mike Burgess and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw are addressing the National Press Club

Remote northern residents are demanding more be done to protect the coast after Chinese men walked ashore and entered an Australian air base without being intercepted.

The men came ashore close to the northern tip of Western Australia in early April, with sources – including one of the Chinese men involved – reporting several of the group entered the unfenced Truscott-Mungalalu Airbase apparently undetected.

That's despite a document viewed by the ABC showing the Australia Defence Force started aerial activity 'in support of Operation Sovereign Borders" at the site in December.

Flight records show unmanned military drones patrolling the coast from the commercial air base — which is mainly used by the oil and gas industry —​​​​​​​   for hours at a time.

There's also been a ramping up of surveillance in the area as part of an operation targeting illegal foreign fishing boats.

Matthew Niikkula chairs the North West Defence Alliance, which represents the seven local governments in the area.

"I think the main thought on everyone's mind is, 'How on earth did this happen?'" he says.

 "If a random boat can arrive and people into an air base, what else is happening in the north?

"The most vulnerable coastline we have is along the north, so this shows that we need to see a focus of key assets, key infrastructure and a lot more of a defence presence."

He said while the increase in staffing and surveillance in response to recent boat arrivals was welcome, it is a 'kneejerk' reaction that exposed the need for a more permanent presence.

The men who arrived by boat on April 5 have since been transported to immigration detention in Nauru.

One of the men has told ABC they are economic migrants, and there is no suggestion they had malicious intent when entering the airstrip.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) did not respond to questions about the air base arrival, but said in a statement it was 'adequately resourced and prepared' to respond to security threats.

"A combination of Australian Defence Force and ABF aerial and maritime assets are always postured to detect and intercept maritime people smuggling ventures in Australia's key maritime threat corridors," the statement reads.

"In 2023-24, additional assets were deployed to support the posture.

"The ABF does not go into specifics about capability assessments and requirements, other than to say that we are adequately resourced and prepared to address … maritime security threats."

Visit to the frontline of remote coast patrols

The far north Kimberley has found itself on the frontline of northern border protection efforts in recent months.

7.30 travelled to the remote coastline in the days after the arrival of the Chinese men to see how locals are feeling about the recent increase in foreign boats.

Two of the recent landings occurred close to Truscott-Mungalalu Airbase, which was built in secret during World War II to try to protect the northern coast.

The area has long been recognised as a vulnerable section of coast due to its proximity to Indonesia and minimal population.

Truscott is now privately owned and used primarily by the oil and gas industry.

Recent arrivals 

The first boat dropped a dozen men — believed to be from Pakistan and Bangladesh  — at a beach in November.

According to a government document viewed by the ABC, within several weeks the Australian Defence Force had launched flight activities focused on the area.

"The Australia Defence Force will be conducting flying activities at Truscott Aerodrome and in the nearby coastal and offshore areas in support of Operation Sovereign Borders, from 15 December to an estimated end date of 30 May 2024," the document states.

"The expected aviation timings … are up to sixteen hours daily."

Flight records show unmanned military drones doing tight circles over the vast, mangrove-lined coastline.

Despite the ongoing operation, the group of Chinese men were able to come ashore in early April and approach the air base without being intercepted. 

One of the Chinese nationals has told the ABC several of the group walked into the facility and alerted staff, before the remainder were rounded up on the surrounding bush tracks.

A land search got underway to find the tenth member of the group, who WA Police said was found not far from Truscott in 'relatively good condition'  the following day.

The men are now being held at the Nauru processing facility, from where one of the men has told ABC he came to Australia in the hope of making money, and was now keen to return home.

Journey to Truscott

The area where the two recent boats arrived is sparsely populated, with only a handful of families living on scenic beachfront blocks.

Among them are Lancho and Joy Davey, who run a tourism campground and fishing charters at Honeymoon Bay.

Travelling across the bay, it's easy to see why the area is appealing to those attempting the late-night deliveries of asylum-seekers and economic migrants.

There is little boat traffic and the mangrove-lined creeks offer plenty of coverage to avoid the unmanned drones and spotter planes that peruse the coast.

"There have always been boats coming from overseas," Lancho reflects as the boat engine roars across the water.

Lancho says that his grandfather Les French once found a boat of Indonesian men close to the shore.

With the authorities some hours away,  his pop ended up grabbing his .303 rifle from the house, and kept it levelled at the men until reinforcements arrived.

And at night-time, from their beach-front home, the Davey family sometimes sees movement on the islands offshore. 

"We have boats that come and do illegal fishing around Niiwalarra [Island] and they'll set up on the beach and we'll find Indonesian wrappers," Lancho says,

"I think they come regularly because we'll find fresh stuff, and you might see a fire pop up on the island.

"But usually they're long gone before anyone knows they're there."

The family has noticed an increase in patrol planes in the last month, which they describe as reassuring.

What do locals think?

The nearest major settlement is the Kalumburu community, which is located 35 kilometres south-east of and is home to about 400 people.

Community CEO Madeline Gallagher-Dann says she was shocked to hear the news of the Chinese boat arrival.

"It's a pretty scary thinking they got this far and made it to land not far from us," she says.

"[Border protection] could definitely be done a bit better because we're vulnerable — we're open and there is no patrols on this side."

Locals in Kalumburu face daily challenges around overcrowded housing and inflated living costs, so national security is not front of mind for residents.

But Ms Gallagher-Dann says there are legitimate concerns about biosecurity hazards and the possibility of diseases being brought to the Aboriginal community.

"It would be good to be kept more informed," she says.

"People are wondering what's going on — we're a great community but often it feels like we end up 'out of sight, out of mind', when it comes to stuff like this."

'It's a big tough job'

Australia's northern coast is notoriously vast and difficult to patrol, due to its rugged terrain and minimal population.

There are logistical challenges. Each year the wet season rains cut across highway one, and limited mobile phone reception means locals find it difficult to phone through reports of foreign boats to the authorities.

In recent months the Australian Border Force has used the threat of crocodile attack to try to dissuade foreign skippers from entering Australian waters, publicising Indonesian reports of fishermen being mauled at an Island off the Kimberley coast.

Elders like Lancho's grandfather Les French are philosophical about the latest wave of arrivals.

He points out Indonesian boats were visiting the coast for hundreds of years before the British arrived.

"It's a big tough job they've got," he said.

"You need someone out there all the time, checking, make sure they don't come around here.

"I think they could keep in touch with us who live here, because we know the country and we can help watch for people coming from overseas."

Les was the Kalumburu chairman for almost a decade, and ran the construction crew that sealed the airstrips at Truscott air base.

He says it's the people-smuggling trade that bothers him most, and the grim prospect of groups being dropped too far from settlements to survive.

"It's very hard to survive on the coastline," Les says, as he gazes out across the glinting ocean.

"You can't survive, unless you've been born and bred up here and know the coastline, or you go inland.

"The only way they can survive is inland, not out in the mangroves around the coast area, because it’s a dangerous area and they can be picked up by the croc. They don’t know where the crocodiles are."

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