How to Spend 3 Days in Canberra

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore a city that was literally designed from scratch?

Welcome to Canberra, Australia’s purpose-built capital that’s way more than just politics. This hidden gem packs everything from world-class museums to wildlife encounters into one seriously cool city.

In just three days, you’ll experience the best of Canberra, from exploring the Australian War Memorial and Australian Parliament House to spotting kangaroos at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Let’s show you how to make every moment count with this 3-day Canberra itinerary.

Day one is all about getting your bearings not only in Canberra, but Australia as a whole.

Experience solemn reflections at the Australian War Memorial, the majestic grandeur of Australian Parliament House, and the enlightening National Museum of Australia.

You’ll immerse in Australia’s history in times of war, in times of peace, and then learn about the culture and government that shapes modern Australia.

Day two transitions to Canberra’s flourishing arts scene. Explore stunning artworks and pioneering exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia, appreciate compelling portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, and engage in interactive science experiences at Questacon.

The afternoon is perfect for a lakeside stroll at Lake Burley Griffin.

Day three is perfect for enjoying Canberra’s natural beauty and outdoors lifestyle. Take in the panoramic vistas from Mt Ainslie, ramble through the forests of the National Arboretum, explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens, or take a short trip to spot kangaroos in the wild at the spectacular Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Tip: Start your days early to dodge the crowds. Pick your must-sees first, then add in some relax time for lakeside walks or checking out local markets. You’ll want that down time!

Getting to Canberra is easy from an international flight. Our partner Fiji Airways now offers a flight from Los Angeles to Canberra, with a short layover in Nadi, Fiji. This is why, if your itinerary includes Canberra, we recommend starting here.

But the big reason why we recommend starting in Canberra is because the international arrivals experience at the airport is so easy and smooth. With less international traffic than other airports, the customs process is generally fast and you’ll be on your way in (almost) a flash.

If you’re coming from Sydney, a direct flight to Canberra takes about an hour.

For a scenic journey on a longer trip, hop on the Canberra XPLORER train from Sydney Central Station to Canberra Kingston Station, which runs three times a day and takes about four and a half hours. Talk to an About Australia travel advisor to book your transport to Canberra.

Once in the city, navigating around is easy. The Canberra Explorer Bus is a great way to visit major sights, while taxis and local buses are readily available. Bike rentals and rental cars offer flexible alternatives for exploring at your own pace. Uber is also widely used and reliable in the city.

Kick off your first day with exploring Canberra’s top rated must do’s: Australian Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, and Australian War Memorial.

The advantage of exploring these landmarks on your first day is that it’s all at your own pace; you can explore as much or as little as you like, depending on your energy levels after arrival.

Australian Parliament House

After dropping your bags off at your hotel, head straight to Australian Parliament House. Join a free guided tour to see where all the political action happens. If you’re lucky, you might catch the politicians in heated debates on sitting days.

If you drop by on a non-sitting day, roam around the sleek Marble Foyer, check out the art in the Great Hall, and sneak a peek into the Members Hall.

Don’t miss the chance for panoramic views from the rooftop, where you can admire the sprawling cityscape of Canberra beneath the towering flagpole.

Entry to Australian Parliament House is free, with free guided tours running every hour (tour bookings required in advance – ask an About Australia travel advisor to add a pre-booked tour to your itinerary).

National Museum of Australia

If you’re more keen on Australian culture apart from government, hop over to the National Museum of Australia.

This free museum is famous for its cool design and intriguing exhibits that dive into everything from indigenous histories to European settlement and modern Aussie culture.

With over 210,000 objects in its collection, you’ll get an incredible glimpse into the stories of Australia’s land, its people, and the moments that have shaped this nation.

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!

Australian War Memorial

In the afternoon, head to the Australian War Memorial.

This art deco monument, built during World War II, honors those who have served Australia and educates visitors through its extensive galleries. Inside, you’ll find powerful exhibitions covering conflicts from the First and Second World Wars through to the Cold War, combining detailed displays, historic artifacts, and deeply personal stories that bring Australia’s military history to life.

Capture the reflective essence of the memorial by visiting the Commemorative Courtyard, where the names of fallen soldiers are etched in bronze panels surrounding a serene reflection pool.

Between the shrine and military displays, you’ll want at least 1 hour here. After exploring, consider grabbing a meal at Poppy’s café, located on the Memorial grounds.

Tip: Plan your visit to the Australian War Memorial for the afternoon so you can stay for the unforgettable Last Post Ceremony (daily, 4:30pm – 5pm). The ceremony tells the story of sacrifice behind one name from the Roll of Honour, followed by the laying of wreaths and the sound of the Last Post. It is a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance.

Day 1 – Where to Eat

For dinner, enjoy a local spot along Londsdale Street in Braddon, the foodie precinct of Canberra. Our favorites include Lazy Su (stunning Asian fusion), Assembly The People’s Pub (contemporary Australian pub fare), and Fricken (good ol’ fried chicken served as salads, sandwiches, wings, and more).

Start your morning with breakfast at a local cafe to experience Australia’s famous coffee and delicious breakfast eats. Top picks include Cafe Capital Grind, East Row Cafe, and The Cupping Room.

National Gallery of Australia

Then, make your way to the National Gallery of Australia, brimming with amazing Australian and international art. Wander through works by notable artists like Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Australia’s very own Sidney Nolan.

This venue presents the most comprehensive display of Australian art in the country, complete with a seriously impressive collection of Aboriginal art.

Discover artworks from Australian artists spanning from the colonial times to present day. The unique style of Aboriginal art is a rapture of color and patterns, and modern Australian styles stun with their creativity of materials and mediums.

The galleries are massive; you could easily spend your whole morning here.

National Portrait Gallery

However, do make time to visit the National Portrait Gallery, located across from the National Gallery. This gallery spotlights artistic renditions of Australia’s influential figures. It’s a cool spot to check out if you’re keen on getting to know the story of Australian identity through art.

You might even find faces you recognize among the portraits!

Both the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are free to enter.

Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre

Visiting Canberra with kids (or just love science)? Questacon’s your spot for the day.

Known for its interactive exhibits, Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre makes science super fun with over 200 hands-on displays.

Feel the shake in the Earthquake Room or take the plunge on the intense Free Fall Slide – it’s a hit with both the young ones and the young at heart.

Get up close with the tech of the future at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence section. Here you can interact with robots and understand the growing world of AI through interactive displays and activities.

Take a turn at the Awesome Earth Gallery, which dives deep into the powers and mysteries of Earth, showcasing everything from volcanic eruptions to the mechanics of cyclones.

Don’t miss the live science shows! They’re a mix of fun and education and do a fantastic job of turning science wonders into reality.

This award-winning gem shows off Canberra’s love for sharing science in the coolest way possible. There’s a fee to get in, but it’s so worth it.

Day 2 – Where to Eat

When you’re hungry, head to the Civic area and explore everything from cute cafes to international restaurants. Raku in Canberra Centre is a local favorite for sushi and drinks, or head to SoLita Pizzeria if you’re in the mood for Italian.

For a more upscale and gourmet experience, make reservations ahead of time at The Meat & Wine Co for exquisite steak, or Such and Such Restaurant for delicious modern Australian with seafood-forward international flavors.

Let your last day in Canberra be all about kicking back and relaxing in the stunning natural scenery of the city. With many parks and reserves to choose from, it’s easy to find a respite that feels a world away from the city. Here we highlight the Australian Botanic Gardens, the National Arboretum, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Nestled near Canberra’s bustling city center, the Australian National Botanic Gardens makes for a beautiful morning stroll.

The gardens boast an expansive collection of 70,000 native Australian plants across its 98 acres. Whether you prefer guided tours or the freedom of independent exploration, these gardens invite discovery at every corner.

Considered a living museum, the gardens is organized in various themed collections.

From the dense, lush green rainforest gully to the bright blooms of the native daisy gardens, every section tells its own story. The Red Centre Garden, with its red desert plants and arid landscapes, will transport you to the heart of the Australian Outback without leaving Canberra.

Entry is free, though parking incurs a fee, making it an accessible destination open daily from 8.30am.

National Arboretum Canberra

The National Arboretum’s next on the list. Established as a celebration of the beauty and diversity of trees, it spans over 617 acres and houses 94 forests of rare, endangered, and symbolic trees from around the world.

Explore the trails winding throughout the different forests, each forest dedicated to different tree species. You’ll find a range of trees from tall Californian Redwoods to Canberra’s iconic Cork Oaks.

The Himalayan Cedar Forest Trail is particularly popular, while the Dairy Farmers Hill lookout provides an unparalleled 360-degree perspective of the surrounding landscape.

A must-visit is the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, showcasing perfectly manicured miniature trees.

For young kids, the Pod Playground is a delightful mix of play and nature, with acorn cubby houses and musical nest swings.

The National Arboretum is open daily from 7 am to 5.30pm, with extended hours in the summer months. Entry is free, although some attractions and events may require a fee. Ample parking is available for a small charge.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from wetlands and grasslands to eucalyptus forests and subalpine regions.

You’ll see all sorts of animals, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and the elusive platypus. Bird watchers will love the aviary acoustic of lyrebirds and cockatoos, among other native birds.

Walking trails of different levels thread throughout the reserve. For a leisurely stroll, the Sanctuary Loop offers a nice, wheelchair-accessible path through wetlands and forests with opportunities to spy on platypuses in their natural habitat.

For families, the Koala Path winds throughout the gum trees, where you might spot koalas snoozing above you. The Eucalypt Forest walk showcases a wide variety of eucalypt species.

The reserve is also an important cultural site for the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land. Visit the culturally significant sites and learn about the Ngunnawal people’s connection to the land, such as through the Birrigai Rock Shelter, one of the oldest Aboriginal sites in the Australian Capital Territory.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is open from 7:30 am to 6pm during the warmer months and closes at 5pm in the winter. There is an entry fee, which contributes to the upkeep and conservation efforts within the reserve.

Day 3 – Where to Eat

When hunger starts to bite, check out the Kingston Foreshore area for local eats.

A Canberra institution, Brodburger is the go-to place for gourmet burgers that don’t disappoint. Originally starting as a food truck, it now resides at the Canberra Glassworks, known for its juicy, flavorful burgers accompanied by crispy fries.

For lighter fare with a focus on healthy eats, stroll on over to Local Press Cafe. This local restaurant is known for its fresh wholefoods and seasonal, local ingredients. It’s also a great spot for cold pressed juices, smoothies, and coffee.

• Want to dodge the crowds? Visit during weekdays or Australian school terms – it will make a huge difference! At places like Australian Parliament House and the War Memorial, you’ll breeze right through.

• Speaking of Australian Parliament House, you’ll want to book those tours ahead of time, especially during holidays. Ask your About Australia travel advisor about adding guided tours in Canberra.

• Canberra is super walkable, so it’s easy to get around. Uber is also a popular option and highly used in the city. Plus, those bike paths around the lake are perfect for exploring.

• For the best photo spot in Canberra, head up to Mt. Ainslie at sunset. It’s one of Canberra’s most iconic lookouts, offering panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. Rising to an elevation of about 843 meters, it provides a fantastic vantage point to appreciate the well-planned layout of the city.

• Looking for something special to take home? Skip the tourist shops and check out Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays. Here you’ll find dozens of stalls run by locals selling incredible art, housewares, boutique clothing, and gourmet goodies.

Do you want to turn your dream of visiting Australia into a reality? About Australia is your perfect partner. Get in touch with us to have our Travel Advisors create your own custom Australia vacation package.

Canberra hosts several amazing festivals throughout the year, so if you have the flexibility, time your trip during one of these events!

Floriade lights up spring (September-October) with the biggest flower show you’ll ever see. Think endless gardens, cool markets, and tons of activities happening from mid September to mid October.

Mid-March brings the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where dozens of hot air balloons float over Lake Burley Griffin at sunrise.

In early March, the Enlighten Festival turns the city into an awesome cultural and light show. They project incredible art displays right onto Canberra’s most iconic buildings, including Old Parliament House, Australian Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia.

Canberra is one of those cities that totally surprises you. It has a perfect mix of culture, nature, and cool local energy that you just don’t expect from a capital city.

Whether you’re exploring the main city attractions, relaxing by Lake Burley Griffin, or exploring the parks and reserves, these three days will show you why Canberra is so special.

Just remember to keep your schedule flexible and don’t try to pack too much in. Some of the best moments happen when you’re just wandering the streets of Braddon or having an impromptu picnic by the lake.

That’s the real magic of Canberra; it has all the big-city attractions with a laid-back local feel.

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!

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