- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Canberra
Canberra's planned design, initiated in 1913 by Walter Burley Griffin, is what is Canberra famous for. Explore the geometric core, where iconic buildings like Parliament House sit atop Capital Hill, a site that literally covers the former Parliament, blending old and new history.
Lake Burley Griffin, roughly 40 km shoreline, forms the city's heart, offering scenic walks and sailing, among the best reasons to visit Canberra. Over 50% of the ACT is protected parkland, including Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Visitors can drive or hike up Mount Ainslie for panoramic city views.
For a genuine Canberra travel guide, delve into its burgeoning food scene. Beyond fine dining, discover hidden gems like the Farmers Markets at Exhibition Park, offering local produce and artisan goods every Saturday. Don't miss the multicultural delights in Dickson.
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- CanberraAustralia
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Sep-Novmild weather, spring blossoms
- Dec-Febhot, peak tourist season
- Mar-Maycool conditions, vibrant autumn
- Jun-Augcold, occasional frost
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeI
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with side trips
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- English
- English is the primary language
- #ParliamentHouse
- #AustralianWarMemorial
- #NationalGalleryOfAustralia
- #Questacon
- #CanberraCentre
- #LakeBurleyGriffin
- Hot air balloon ride over the Parliamentary Triangle
- Explore the National Museum of Australia
- Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin
- Visit the Royal Australian Mint
- Enjoy the views from Mount Ainslie
Recommended Hotels in Canberra by Experience
Things to do in Canberra
Discover
Discover things to do in Canberra, like visiting the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, and Mount Ainslie for stunning views. Uncover what to see in Canberra through diverse attractions and natural beauty.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Canberra, from outdoor adventures like cycling the local trails to enjoying cultural events at the Canberra Theatre. Join both culinary markets and seasonal festivals for a full experience.
Australian War Memorial
Honors Australians who served in wars, rich in history.
National Gallery of Australia
Showcases stunning Australian and international art.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Offers panoramic views of the city and landscapes.
Commonwealth Park
Beautiful park featuring gardens and lakeside walks.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Annual event with vibrant hot-air balloon displays.
Canberra Museum and Gallery
Exhibits local art and historical artifacts of Canberra.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Canberra, fly to Canberra Airport (CBR). The Canberra airport to city center journey is ~15 mins by taxi ($40-50). Train to Canberra from Sydney (NSW TrainLink) takes ~4 hours to Canberra Railway Station.
Getting Around
Public transport in Canberra primarily uses ACTION buses and light rail. Get a MyWay card for cheaper fares, available at newsagents. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber/Ola) are common. Biking is popular with extensive paths.
Local Essentials
When driving in Canberra, note roundabouts are common; give way to traffic already in. Parking is paid in central areas. Book popular attractions online in advance. Check bus routes for late services, they often stop earlier than in larger cities.
Where to Stay in Canberra
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
In Canberra, traditional food includes lamingtons, meat pies, and pavlova. Dining traditionally leans toward leisurely meals, often enjoyed with good wine. For the best restaurants in Canberra, expect diverse cuisines and relaxed atmospheres.
Enjoy
Explore popular spots like Akiba for its vibrant vibe and sushi plates, book ahead. For drinks, try BentSpoke Brewing Co., known for craft beers and one of the best bars in Canberra. For coffee, hit up The Cupping Room, a favorite for specialty brews.
Akiba
Japanese fusion dishes with a vibrant dining scene.
Ottoman Cuisine
Turkish cuisine in a beautiful setting, ideal for sharing.
Courgette Restaurant
Creative Australian dishes in a sleek atmosphere.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Canberra cultural activities reflect its heritage. Explore national celebrations like the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March, a must-see event. Australia Day in January features civic ceremonies, connecting traditions to the nation's story.
Enjoy
Explore Canberra's modern pulse with diverse things to do. Experience the National Folk Festival in April and the Canberra Comedy Festival in March, showcasing contemporary arts and entertainment. These are key Canberra attractions.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Majestic hot air balloons over Lake Burley Griffin, March.
National Folk Festival
Music, dance, and storytelling for all ages, April.
Floriade
Australia's biggest celebration of spring with flowers, September-October.
Canberra Comedy Festival
Stand-up acts and improv shows across the city, March.
Enlighten Festival
Light installations, performances, and fireworks, March.
CMAG Exhibitions
Art and history displays at the Canberra Museum.
Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival
Local brews and food, October.
A capital city that actually delivers
Canberra is way more fun than people give it credit for. The National Museum of Australia kept me busy for hours and I didn't even cover everything. Clean streets, easy to get around, and people are genuinely friendly.
Floriade was absolutely worth it
Commonwealth Park during Floriade is something else - tulips and flowers everywhere you look, food stalls, music, families out enjoying it. The whole city felt alive during the festival. Really well organised and not overcrowded. Loved every bit of it.
Great spot for a cultural weekend
Spent a few days taking in the galleries and museums and honestly didn't run out of things to do. The National Gallery of Australia has a seriously impressive collection for a free entry venue. City is easy to navigate and accommodation was reasonable.
Outdoors and city life all in one place
Didn't expect so much green space in a capital city. Lake Burley Griffin is great for a morning walk or a bike ride and the views across to Parliament House are pretty impressive. Good coffee spots nearby too. Really chilled experience overall.
Kids loved it and so did I
Took the family and it worked out really well. Questacon kept the kids entertained for a full day - super interactive and engaging for all ages. The city is spacious and stress-free to move around in. Felt safe and relaxed the whole trip.
Canberra in winter is underrated cold but beautiful
The autumn colours were still hanging around in early winter and the city looked stunning. Manuka has great cafes and restaurants to warm up in after a cold morning walk. Food scene is better than I expected for a smaller capital. Really solid trip.