Australia is regarded as one of the best vacation spots in the world, but its capital city may not be on most travellers itinerary. Canberra sure is lesser known as compared to Sydney and Melbourne, but this charming capital city is beautiful in its own way. The city doesn’t just offer museums and memorials but a great diversity of attractions and experiences, all within a few minutes drive.
The Australian Capital Territory in the southeastern part of the country is home to many political institutions including the Parliament House. Immerse yourself in the history and culture, discovering landmarks, shops, food, and wine along the way. The easy-going city does provide an enticing Australian experience. We liked Canberra because it is less touristy and wallet-friendly as there is a lot of free stuff to do. A trip to Canberra wouldn’t be complete without ticking off these top 17 things to do and see.
Getting to Canberra
Canberra is less than 120 minutes by flight from any of the east coast metropolis like Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Daily domestic flights are also available from other Australian cities every day along with numerous international flights each week. International arrivals can opt for a metered taxi or catch a bus to the city centre.
If travelling from Sydney, there are several ways to get to Canberra. You can board a direct rail service from the city, departing from the central station. The trip takes a little over four hours and reservations can be made on the NSW Trainlink website. You can opt to travel by road as well as there are multiple bus services like Murrays Coaches, Greyhound Australia and Road Jet from all major cities in Australia. Check out their websites for routes and timetables.
Our preferred way to get around is a road trip and if you are anything like us, driving to Canberra is a breeze. Just about 3 hours’ drive from Sydney, there is plenty of scenic drives with opportunities to stop over at multiple country towns along the way like Berrima and Goulburn.
Canberra Travel Guidebook
Start your day with Hot Air Ballooning
Parliament House Tour
Visit The Australian War Memorial
Visit Pink Lake, Canberra’s latest tourist magnet
Get your Insta-worthy snap @ Ovolo Nishi
Check out the National Gallery of Australia
Drop by at the National Museum of Australia
Explore the Tocumwal Lane Street Art
Visit Cockington Green Gardens
Head to National Portrait Gallery
Stroll or ride a bike around Lake Burley Griffith
Visit the Bonsai At National Arboretum
Take in the views from Mount Ainslie
Stop by at the National Library of Australia
Explore your curiosity at Questacon
Experience the panoramic views of Canberra from Telstra tower
Explore Mount Stromlo Observatory
Start your day with Hot Air Ballooning
We understand that waking up at 4 AM while on a vacation is not something we would like to do but this activity is worth every second of your lost sleep. Watching a sunrise is special in so many ways but doing that while soaring high above clouds is a very surreal moment. You get to see the first rays of the sun slowly light up the horizon and unfold the beautiful city and its unique design beneath you.
The hot air balloon experience will give you a whole new perspective of peace and tranquillity. The ride is about an hour but give yourself 3 hours for the entire process of lift-off and landing. After touch down some operators do have the option of breakfast with a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate a breathtaking start to your day.
Parliament House Tour
Parliament house is the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word Canberra. The new parliament house is a unique and impressive architectural masterpiece and is also a good starting point for your trip. It Replaces the regal Old Parliament House since it opened in 1988 and the grand old building which was home to Australian democracy now serves as a Museum of the same.
Regardless of your interest in politics, both these majestic building and national icons are a must-visit. The interiors of the new building are elaborate and feature plenty of portraits of past political and social figures on the walls. It also has a rooftop lookout that provides some great panoramic views of the city and beyond.
The Parliament is open for the public all year round except on Christmas day. There are free self and guided tours of New Parliament House at three different sessions throughout the day. Snapping a picture of yourself or your family with this building in the backdrop is the most quintessential thing to do for any visitor. Don’t forget to pack your camera gear.
Visit The Australian War Memorial
We aspire to be travellers, not just visitors because there is more to travel than pretty pictures. Visiting the Australian War Memorial will help you gain a better understanding of the country. The immaculately built dome structure celebrates the achievements of the brave Australians who have fought in conflicts since the 1860s.
It is an insightful experience getting to learn about the triumphs and tribulations of soldiers as well as their selfless sacrifices to provide us with a peaceful life. The Australian War Memorial is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with free guided tours lasting 20, 60, or 90 minutes. It houses several galleries, displays, and artefacts that both commemorate and educate. If you enjoy history as much as we do, plan on spending at least half a day here.
Visit Pink Lake, Canberra’s latest tourist magnet
Yes, you read that right, a pink lake in Canberra. We guess Western Australia isn’t the only place to see pink lakes. The lake dubbed as Canberra’s “millennial pink” pond is on Eardley Street in Bruce. The pink dusty hue is due to the pink water plants, a native fern species called Azolla Pinnata. The fact that it is pink typically indicates good water quality.
This pond is a perfect spot for a unique social media post. You can see a lot of locals and visitors clicking away pictures on their mobiles and cameras. The place seems to be on the outskirts of town but is just 10 minutes drive from the city centre. There are a few good cafes in the area, as well as plenty of street parking. It’s not a lake or rather a pond, you would want to dive right into but it’s a good place to stop for your next Instagram post.
Get your Insta-worthy snap @ Ovolo Nishi
The entrance at Ovolo Nishi, based at the new cultural precinct of New Acton in Canberra is every social media influencer’s dream. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the Parliament House, making it ideal to stay here. The building’s exterior is as impressive as the inside. Only 3 floors make up the hotel with the cinema on the ground floor.
Ovolo Nishi’s entrance is a visual feast thanks to the meticulous attention to detail. You will want to explore each wall taking it all in. There are so many different textures throughout the hotel. Another reason to visit this area is the Nishi Gallery. A cultural space dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions that explore curiosities. The gallery is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays between 11 A.M and 6:30 P.M.
Check out the National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia is one of the largest art museums in Australia that is home to more than 166,000 works of art. This gallery in Canberra is a world-class establishment dedicated to visual art. It is not to be missed whether you’re into art or not.
Opening its door in 1967, The gallery has hosted a series of excellent permanent exhibitions that is always worth the visit. That includes over 7500 works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. There is no entry fee except for special exhibitions. The gallery is open between 10 A.M and 5P.M except for Christmas Day.
Drop by at the National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia is an exceptional architectural landmark. A great place to learn about the history, geography and culture of Australia. The museum shaped a bit like a jigsaw puzzle symbolises the coming together of stories.
If you enjoy art, you must visit this gallery and admission to the gallery, like most high-quality exhibitions like museums and attractions in Canberra is free. a world-class facility that focuses on indigenous history and culture, the nuanced history of European settlement, and the interaction of people and the environment.
Explore the Tocumwal Lane Street Art
When you think about street art in Australia, Melbourne takes the pole position in your head. After all, it is considered one of the world’s street art capitals. Canberra has designated “free places” that invite graffiti and street artists to infuse some colour and imagination into the country’s political hub, to shed its reputation as a public service town.
Tocumwal Lane, the back alley is known to locals for its free parking and smelly dumpsters. This ally with boring blank walls is now transformed into a supersized comic superhero wonderland. This has brought some excitement to this otherwise neglected spot in the city.
Visit Cockington Green Gardens
The first thing you notice as you pull up to park your car is the distinct whistle of the miniature steam train and squeals of delight from the passengers. We had a fantastic time at Cockington Green Gardens, which features meticulously designed miniature buildings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and amusing scenes.
We had seen a similar miniature Dutch village in Coffs Harbour which has replicas of the actual building in Holland while Cockington Green Gardens covers the English Village. This park is becoming ever more popular with the introduction of international exhibition grounds which incorporates incredible diversity of cultural styles and architecture. You can also take the miniature “steam’ train ride for an additional fee which covers various sections of the gardens.
The gardens’ miniature environments are truly awe-inspiring for both children and adults. Cockington Green Gardens is a very distinctive experience especially if you have an eye for detail.
Head to National Portrait Gallery
The bold concrete entrance, which complements the contemporary building, is the most noticeable aspect even before you reach the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery’s long cantilever walls and timber-framed ceiling are equally spectacular, making it a must-see for anybody visiting the capital.
Along with portraits of all the people who have helped shape this nation, the collection features some unique and unusual Australian aboriginal cultural artworks. The gallery is large and has a lot of room, and we were one of the few people that were there to view the beautiful and vibrant images. Unless there is a special exhibit, admission is usually free, and the museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas.
Stroll or ride a bike around Lake Burley Griffith
Lake Burley Griffin named after the architect Walter Burley Griffin is the city’s most well-known landmark. The lake with beautiful views is just a stone’s throw away from the other notable sites of Canberra and is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll or relax on the grass.
We hired one of the app-based electric bikes that are seen parked everywhere around the vicinity. The bike ride along the 40 km shoreline seems to be the most popular activity among children and adults alike as it’s a joy to ride this e-bike. Feel the cool breeze in your hair while slowly exploring the views. The water in the lake water is clear and the air is crisp that creates a very relaxing vibe, and the lake also features a variety of water sports for you to indulge in like canoeing, sailing and paddle boating.
Visit the Bonsai at National Arboretum
To be honest, the only reason we considered going to the National Arboretum was to take some spectacular photos of the big open gorgeous vista. The Arboretum is a 250-hectare site filled with rare, iconic and endangered trees that features lookouts, figurines, picnic areas with plenty of room to move about.
The arboretum is also home to the finest collection of the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. Up to 80 bonsais are on a permanent exhibit in Australia, designed by some of the country’s best bonsai artists. The bonsais can be purchased at the arboretum gift store if you want to take them home with you. There is also a café on-site for a quick caffeine fix or to grab something to nibble upon along with a beautiful open-spaced restaurant for relaxed and delicious dining. The arboretum is open every day and admission is free.
Take in the views from Mount Ainslie
The best time to visit Mount Ainslie is at dawn or dusk where you can see a barrage of colours. Here you can understand and appreciate Griffin’s concept of a city built on a straight axis that runs from Mount Ainslie through to Parliament House.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery by walking, cycling, or driving to the lookout. Photographers flock to this location to get picture-perfect views of Canberra. There aren’t many tourist attractions here, but you can get cold drinks, ice cream, and coffee from mobile kiosks near the top.
Stop by at the National Library of Australia
We are sure the library will not be on your list when planning a vacation itinerary but the National Library of Australia is one of the most modern libraries we have seen. The library is home to rare books and prints pre-dating the 1800s.
There is also a Treasures Gallery, which houses Australia’s most important artefacts and incredible stories. From James Cook’s voyage log to Edward Koiki Mabo’s journals and maps, discover hidden gems in the Library’s extensive collections. Many of these treasures act as a great conversation starter for curious learners. Bookplate Café and Paperplate Café housed within the library provide generous spreads and are open Monday through Friday from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM.
Explore your curiosity at Questacon
The National Science and Technology Center in Canberra is a really amazing place, despite its dull name. It appeals to children as an incredibly fun place that also serves as a portal into learning and understanding science but adults enjoy it as much as kids. Questacon’s Q Lab offers an ever-changing collection of intriguing experiments, explosive demonstrations, and unique displays for budding scientists.
Because we are both engineers, it may seem like a biased opinion, but we thoroughly loved our time here. Unlike other galleries, it is interactive and encourages you to explore, discover, and touch everything. The best science museum in Australia features over 200 interactive exhibits, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Experience the panoramic views of Canberra from Telstra tower
The bizarre structure sitting atop the Black Mountain may remind you of the eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings franchise, which like the latter is practically visible from anywhere around the city. The iconic Telstra tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, and it’s easy to see why Canberra is known as the Bush Capital.
You will need to get up to the tower’s observation deck for a small fee to experience the view as the vegetation around the base of the tower will block your field of vision. The tower, which stands around 200 metres above the summit, is one of Canberra’s most popular tourist attractions. You get to see the city’s top highlights like Parliament House, The Royal Australian Mint, The War Memorial, and Mount Stromlo Observatory.
Explore Mount Stromlo Observatory
Mount Stromlo Observatory, just outside Canberra, is currently known for its stargazing events after it was decommissioned following the 2003 firestorm. They offer private booking and free public astronomy nights where you get to hear from the astronomers themselves, observe planets and constellations, and peek through multiple telescopes that will take you deep into space.
They offer a site tour too, where you get to tag along and learn about its history, science, and future. We recommend carrying warm clothing as Canberra can get quite chilly at night. These special offerings happen about once a month or even less frequently, do check out their website to know about their upcoming events.
Where to stay in Canberra
We always prefer Airbnb with a few nights in hotels wherever we go, and Canberra was no exception. The city offers a range of accommodation from a dorm room to budget hotels and service- apartments to luxury 5-star hotels. The majority are located within the city borders, ensuring that you are close to the city’s tourist attractions and monuments.
Staying at QT Canberra, with its trademark mixture of playful and elegant décor and a great bar scene is a great way to have a good time in the nation’s capital. Ovolo Nishi, in the New Acton cultural arts neighbourhood, is another stylish hotel with an eye for detail. Avenue Hotel is a good option if you want to spend more time in the city.
You might alternatively base yourself in North Canberra, which is near to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Acton, Braddon, and Dickson. Adina Dickson, which offers decent accommodation within 2 kilometres from the CBD, is an excellent place to stay for a good price.
South Canberra is another good option as it includes many suburbs close to the proximity of the city, as well as the Parliamentary Triangle, which is a must-see on any trip to Canberra.
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