16 Best Things to Do in Canberra (Perfect for First Time Visitors)

By Lizandra Santillan

We won’t blame you if you thought Sydney was the capital of Australia. It’s actually a city called Canberra (pronounced CAN-burrah).

Mostly everyone gets that wrong.

But it would be a crime if you left Canberra off of your Australia itinerary.

Think world-class museums you could get lost in for days, foodie havens with delicious international flair, and outdoor adventures all wrapped up in a small town feel.

Plus, as a planned city designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the city is incredibly walkable and easy to explore by foot.

And did we mention the kangaroos in the wild and wine region just 30 minutes away?

While Sydney dazzles with its harbor and Melbourne charms with its culture, the understated allure of Canberra buzzes with creativity and urban polish nestled in the heart of bushland perfection.

We’ve listed the ultimate 16 best things to do in Canberra that showcases the city’s charm, each with its own story to tell.

Nestled at the head of the iconic Anzac Parade (the name of the street), the Australian War Memorial in Canberra honors the brave soldiers who have defended the nation through various conflicts.

The galleries explore Australia’s military history from the First and Second World Wars through to the Cold War.

The National Military Museum is home to a collection of war artifacts and memorabilia that walk you through Australia’s military journey.

Discover wartime experiences with fascinating multimedia displays, documentary clips, and touching personal stories that really hit home.

You won’t want to miss the Last Post ceremony, a heartfelt tribute to the Aussie service folks, which takes place every day at 4:30pm.

Ranked as one of the top ten free attractions in the world for 2023, the Australian War Memorial is a must-see, especially if you’re into history.

Entry to the Australian War Memorial is free and the galleries are open every day from 10am to 4pm (except Christmas Day).

This one is for the history and politics buffs.

A trip to Canberra would be incomplete without visiting the architectural marvel that is Australian Parliament House, the hub of Australia’s politics.

Open daily to the public, Australian Parliament House offers complimentary tours, giving you a first hand look at Australia’s political history and what goes on in government. You’ll get to watch parliamentary sessions and tour the House of Representatives and Senate.

One of the building’s highlights is its extensive art collection, featuring over 6,000 artworks. These contemporary pieces are showcased throughout the halls.

For an even better peek behind the scenes, book a guided tour in advance, especially if there’s a sitting going on (when Parliament is in session).

Australian Parliament House is open every day except Christmas Day from 9am to 5pm on non-sitting days and 9am-6pm on sitting days. Admission is free, with free guided tours and more in-depth tours available for a fee.

In my opinion, this is basically heaven for art lovers. Even for regular art enjoyers, this is an incredible gallery.

As one of the most prestigious art galleries in the country, the National Gallery of Australia forms a huge part of Canberra’s cultural fabric.

Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. You could spend a whole day exploring this collection alone (I spent the better part of an afternoon in this collection, and still could have spent more time).

Among the gallery’s other treasures are iconic pieces like Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” and Australian artist Sidney Nolan’s renowned Ned Kelly series.

While you’ll find many international masterpieces and exhibits here, the gallery focuses on Australian art from the time of European colonization to modern day works.

Don’t miss the Sculpture Garden outside, either! It lines the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with 26 cool sculptures.

The National Gallery is open every day from 10am to 5pm, and admission is free.

Check out how we spent 4 days in Canberra, with visits to many of the spots featured in this blog post!

Just across the street from the National Gallery of Australia is the National Portrait Gallery.

This is a cool spot to see incredible portraits of famous Aussies from all walks of life, be it politics, sports, arts, or sciences.

Inside, you’ll find over 3,500 portraits in all sorts of styles, including paintings, photographs, busts, sculptures, and mixed media.

Among the featured faces you’ll see key figures from the colonial era, modern Australian legends like Sir Edmund Barton and Sidney Nolan, and Hollywood Australian stars like Hugh Jackman.

The building itself is an architectural delight, designed perfectly with its surroundings, using lots of natural light and wide-open spaces.

The National Portrait Gallery is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

For things to do in Canberra with kids, nothing beats a visit to Questacon.

Located just down the street from the National Portrait Gallery on King Edward Terrace, Questacon boasts over 200 interactive science and technology exhibits.

It’s a place where science comes alive for visitors of all ages. Here, you can experience lightning strike demonstrations, immerse in a simulated earthquake, hear the fascinating sounds of coral reefs, and so much more.

There are eight galleries to explore, each filled with interactive activities and fun exhibits that demonstrate complex scientific principles.

Plus, there’s live hands-on shows to spark a lifelong love of science and technology.

Outside the walls of Questacon you’ll find the Science Garden, with more interactive natural science and challenging coding exhibits to explore.

Questacon is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm, with a general admission fee of $23AUD for adults and $17.50AUD for children ages 4 to 17. Children younger than 4 years have free admission.

Lake Burley Griffin is a crown jewel in Canberra’s landscape, featuring a mesmerizing man-made lake.

This city central lake stretches across a 40-kilometer path, lined with parks, beaches, restaurants, and popular attractions

The wide walking paths are perfect for a walk, jog, or spin on a bike with stunning views to snap photos of the sunset reflecting off the water.

One popular option is the leisurely five-kilometer bridge-to-bridge walk starting at Commonwealth Bridge, showcasing Canberra’s scenic beauty.

If you’re wanting a day out in the water, there are kayaks and stand up paddleboards available to rent at the lake. Or you can hire a picnic boat with GoBoat or Love Boats Canberra and enjoy a self-chartered cruise on the water.

At Yarralumla Beach, the Floating Sauna Lake Burley Griffin offers a peaceful way to connect with nature, combining a relaxing sauna and cold-water immersion in a scenic outdoor setting.

Bring your own picnic and lay out on the parks at the lake’s edge, or grab a bite from one of the waterfront cafes and restaurants.

When we say Canberra is a planned city, we mean you can actually see the physical design.

For the best view, hike to the summit of Mount Ainslie. This popular vantage point provides breathtaking vistas of the capital city, the shimmering Lake Burley Griffin, and the distant rolling mountains.

Start the trek at the Australian War Memorial (this hike is moderately tough, recommended for experienced hikers only). You’ll be rewarded with absolutely stunning panoramic views.

Not a fan of hiking? No worries—take the scenic drive right up to the summit. Once you’re there, soak in the jaw-dropping views of Canberra’s gorgeous layout, with icons like the Australian Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial lining up just right.

Whether you catch it at sunrise or sunset, the view from Mount Ainslie is always stunning.

For a city with many major cultural attractions, Canberra has an incredible density of green spaces.

The National Arboretum, just about a ten-minute drive from the city center, is a green haven of over 44,000 rare and endangered trees covering over 615 acres.

The Arboretum is made up of a collection of 94 forests and gardens, as well as a stunning Bonsai collection and sculpture garden.

Tracks and trails meander throughout the Arboretum, where you can walk, jog, or ride your bike among the trees.

You’re also likely to spot wildlife hiding in the trees, such as parrots, fairywrens, and possums.

It’s the perfect spot for a serene day out just basking in nature. And if the kids get restless, there’s a fantastic playground with giant acorn pods, nest swings, music-making instruments and more.

The onsite cafe is great for a cup of coffee while enjoying the views of the enormous, landscaped grounds.

The Arboretum is free to enter and open daily (except Christmas) from 7am to 5:30pm.

Set about a 40-minute drive from Canberra, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is the perfect mix of Australian bush scenery and seeing wildlife in the wild.

Tucked away in lush eucalyptus forests, ponds, and wide-open valleys, this spot has 24 hiking trails for everyone, from beginners to hiking pros.

Here you can spot emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and even those hard-to-spot platypuses hanging around.

The Koala Walk is a fan favorite, letting you get up close and personal with these cute critters, especially when they’re munching away at feeding time.

On top of the koala hangout, you might catch a glimpse of some cool birds and maybe even a bandicoot darting through the bushes.

Whether you’re there for the animals or the stunning views, Tidbinbilla is a must-visit for soaking up Canberra’s natural beauty.

Tidbinbilla is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 7:30am to 6pm and open until 8pm during the summer. Day passes are $15.53AUD.

Perched right by Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia is the spot for soaking up the country’s history and culture.

The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient bark canoes to the iconic 1950s FJ Holden car. The galleries are like a physical scrapbook of all things Australia.

One of the standout features of the museum is its guided First Australians Tour. This tour offers deep insights into the history, culture, and spirituality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Apart from its main galleries, the museum also hosts world-class touring exhibitions (though these may require a fee).

The National Museum is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm, and general entry is free.

Every Sunday, the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston hum with life.

Housed in a distinctive heritage-listed building from 1926, this vibrant market showcases over 200 stalls filled with handmade treasures.

Here, local creativity is celebrated, with a focus on local and handmade goods. You’re bound to find something you never knew you needed, from colorful clothing to delicious homemade fudge.

The market is famous for its fresh produce, delectable baked goods, and artisan treats that are sure to tempt your taste buds.

Adding to the atmosphere, live performances by local musicians are the perfect background tunes as you browse the stalls.

Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage records, antique china, or artisan crafts, the array of unique products promises an afternoon of exploration and excitement.

The markets are open every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is where that magic happens.

Set in the city center, the Gardens boasts an enormous collection of Australia’s native plant species, housing 75,000 plants from over 4,300 species.

The Gardens is arranged in themed areas, grouped by geographic origin or by how they are used by Indigenous Australians.

Take a stroll through the Rainforest Gully, where you’ll see lush plants and trees from the rainforests of tropical Queensland all the way down to Tasmania.

Explore the Sydney Region Gully, showcasing plants and flowers from the Blue Mountains region, woodlands, and coastal habitats around Sydney.

There’s also the Red Centre Garden, where you can see plants from this region of Central Australia.

The Gardens is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8:30am to 5pm. Entry is free, with a fee for parking.

Looking for a place to grab a bite to eat? The Braddon neighborhood in central Canberra is the perfect place.

Think streets lined with food trucks, hipster coffee spots, and cool bars that’ll make your taste buds happy.

Grab a coffee at Barrio Collective, then check out the weekly markets for fresh local treats. At night, the place comes alive with spots like Grease Monkey slinging tasty burgers and Riesling-focused wine bar Rizla.

One of our favorite spots is Lazy Su, a cool, retro Asian restaurant with creative dishes cooked to perfection. I had the Feed Me menu, a seven-course meal with hefty portions and incredible bites like edamame dip, wagyu cheesteak springrolls, and Japanese roast chicken.

For dessert, make a stop for some ice cream at Gelato Messina, where 40 different flavors are handmade with their own dairy farm milk and chocolate.

Turn your dream of visiting Australia into a reality with About Australia. Founded by two Aussies with a passion for authentic travel experiences, we know Australia and the South Pacific because that’s all we do. Our Travel Advisors are here to design the ultimate Australian vacation for you!

For brewery regulars, exploring Canberra’s craft beer scene is a must!

With several outstanding breweries, the capital city offers a delightful experience for beer enthusiasts.

One highlight spot is Capital Brewing, renowned for its diverse range of beers and ales. Whether you’re in the mood for a tasting paddle or prefer sampling by the glass, Capital Brewing has got you covered.

BentSpoke Brewing in Braddon has a true ‘local’ feel, with a good range of craft brews made onsite. Plus, their delicious food menu includes unique takes on pub fare made with brewing ingredients. We had excellent squid and cauliflower wings on my visit to BentSpoke.

Just a short drive from the capital, the Canberra Wine Region beckons with its sprawling vineyards and incredible wines.

Home to 140 vineyards and over 50 wineries set among the stunning Brindabella Hills, this area promises a journey of incredible flavors.

Join a wine tour from Canberra for guilt-free cellar door visits and relaxed wine tastings. Meet local winemakers and learn about how the region influences their wine trends.

Notable wineries such as Clonakilla Wines, Brindabella Hills Winery, and Lerida Estate stand ready to showcase the best of Canberra’s wine.

For the best places to grab a bite in the region, you can’t go wrong with Heywood by Nick O’Leary or Shaw Wines. Both wineries feature stunning restaurants with the most delicious food made with local ingredients.

But before you end your day, make sure to visit Murrumbateman Chocolate Co for some delicious rural chocolate and ice cream.

With the option to stay overnight among the vines, the Canberra Wine Region offers a picturesque and delicious escape from the ordinary no matter the time of year.

Ask your About Australia travel advisor about adding a wine tasting tour in Canberra to your Australia itinerary.

See Canberra from the clouds on an exhilarating hot air ballooning over the city.

Known as one of the few places globally where you can take a flight directly over a capital, the tranquil spectacle of drifting above iconic landmarks such as Australian Parliament House is a undeniably cool.

If you’re visiting in March, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a dazzling event you can’t miss. As part of the longest-running hot air balloon festival in Australia, colorful balloons dot the early morning sky, creating majestic panoramas as you float serenely above the waking city.

Ask an About Australia travel advisor about adding this experience to your trip!

Whether you’re all about history, can’t get enough of nature, or just want something different from your travels, Canberra’s got you covered.

Time to get packing and add this incredible city to your Australia trip – it’s just waiting to show you all its hidden gems.

You tell us what you want out of your trip, and we design a package with hotels, flights, and tours included. Get in touch to have a personal Travel Advisor work with you to create your perfect Australia vacation!