Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular destinations like Sydney and Melbourne. However, this vibrant city has a lot to offer and is well worth a visit. From its stunning architecture to its rich cultural heritage, Canberra has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the 30 best things to do in Canberra, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Contents
- Best Things to Do in Canberra (Australia)
- 1. Visit the Australian War Memorial
- 2. Explore the National Gallery of Australia
- 3. Take a stroll around Lake Burley Griffin
- 4. Discover the Parliament House
- 5. Visit the National Museum of Australia
- 6. Explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens
- 7. Take a trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium
- 8. Discover the Australian Institute of Sport
- 9. Explore the National Library of Australia
- 10. Visit the Questacon Science Museum
- 11. Explore the Mount Ainslie Lookout
- 12. Take a tour of the Royal Australian Mint
- 13. Visit the National Portrait Gallery
- 14. Explore the Canberra Museum and Gallery
- 15. Take a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin
- 16. Visit the National Arboretum Canberra
- 17. Discover the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- 18. Take a tour of the Australian National University
- 19. Explore the National Dinosaur Museum
- 20. Visit the National Film and Sound Archive
- 21. Take a trip to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
- 22. Explore the Australian National Maritime Museum
- 23. Visit the National Capital Exhibition
- 24. Take a hot air balloon ride
- 25. Explore the Australian War Memorial Annex
- 26. Discover the Canberra Glassworks
- 27. Visit the National Capital Exhibition
- 28. Explore the National Archives of Australia
- 29. Take a tour of the Australian Parliament House
- 30. Enjoy the food and wine scene
Best Things to Do in Canberra (Australia)
1. Visit the Australian War Memorial
Start your trip to Canberra by visiting the Australian War Memorial, which pays tribute to the country’s military history. Explore the museum and attend the moving Last Post Ceremony.
2. Explore the National Gallery of Australia
Art enthusiasts will love the National Gallery of Australia, which houses an extensive collection of Australian and international artworks.
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3. Take a stroll around Lake Burley Griffin
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, a man-made lake located in the heart of Canberra. Admire the beautiful views and stop for a picnic along the way.
4. Discover the Parliament House
Take a guided tour of the Parliament House and learn about Australia’s political system. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.
5. Visit the National Museum of Australia
Learn about the country’s history and culture at the National Museum of Australia. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that are both educational and entertaining.
6. Explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens
Spend a relaxing day exploring the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to a wide variety of native plants and flowers. Take a guided tour or simply wander through the gardens at your own pace.
7. Take a trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium. Get up close and personal with a range of animals, including lions, tigers, and even sharks.
8. Discover the Australian Institute of Sport
If you’re a sports fan, make sure to visit the Australian Institute of Sport. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Australia’s sporting achievements.
9. Explore the National Library of Australia
Bookworms will love the National Library of Australia, which houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other literary treasures.
10. Visit the Questacon Science Museum
Bring out your inner scientist at Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. Enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments.
11. Explore the Mount Ainslie Lookout
Hike up to the Mount Ainslie Lookout for breathtaking views of Canberra and its surrounding landscape. Don’t forget your camera!
12. Take a tour of the Royal Australian Mint
Learn about the history of Australian currency and see how coins are made at the Royal Australian Mint.
13. Visit the National Portrait Gallery
Admire portraits of famous Australians at the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.
14. Explore the Canberra Museum and Gallery
Discover the rich history and art of Canberra at the Canberra Museum and Gallery. The museum features a range of exhibitions and displays.
15. Take a cruise on Lake Burley Griffin
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Burley Griffin and take in the sights of the city from a different perspective.
16. Visit the National Arboretum Canberra
Explore the National Arboretum Canberra, home to over 44,000 trees from around the world. Take a guided tour or enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.
17. Discover the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Escape the city and explore the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, located just outside of Canberra. Spot native wildlife and enjoy scenic bushwalks.
18. Take a tour of the Australian National University
Visit the Australian National University and explore its beautiful campus. Take a guided tour or attend a public lecture.
19. Explore the National Dinosaur Museum
Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the National Dinosaur Museum, which features life-sized dinosaur replicas and interactive displays.
20. Visit the National Film and Sound Archive
Discover the history of Australian film and sound at the National Film and Sound Archive. Watch classic films and listen to iconic recordings.
21. Take a trip to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Learn about Australia’s role in space exploration at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. Take a tour and see the antennas in action.
22. Explore the Australian National Maritime Museum
Discover Australia’s maritime history at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Explore historic ships and learn about the country’s naval heritage.
23. Visit the National Capital Exhibition
Learn about the planning and development of Canberra at the National Capital Exhibition. The exhibition provides insight into the city’s unique design.
24. Take a hot air balloon ride
Experience the beauty of Canberra from above with a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
25. Explore the Australian War Memorial Annex
Visit the Australian War Memorial Annex, located in the nearby suburb of Mitchell. The annex features additional exhibitions and displays.
26. Discover the Canberra Glassworks
Learn about the art of glassblowing at the Canberra Glassworks. Watch artists in action and browse the gallery’s collection.
27. Visit the National Capital Exhibition
Learn about the planning and development of Canberra at the National Capital Exhibition. The exhibition provides insight into the city’s unique design.
28. Explore the National Archives of Australia
Discover Australia’s history through the extensive collection of records at the National Archives of Australia. View important documents and artifacts.
29. Take a tour of the Australian Parliament House
Explore the iconic Australian Parliament House and learn about the country’s political history. Attend a parliamentary debate if you’re lucky.
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30. Enjoy the food and wine scene
Indulge in the vibrant food and wine scene in Canberra. Visit local wineries, dine at award-winning restaurants, and sample delicious local produce.
With so many incredible things to see and do, Canberra is a destination that should not be missed. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, this city has something to offer everyone. Start planning your trip to Canberra today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
