Things to do in Canberra

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Visit Canberra

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Canberra travel guide

Parliament House featuring an administrative building and landscape views

Parliament House showing an administrative building

Acton which includes modern architecture and a city

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What to do in Canberra

Popular places to visit

Parliament House

Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

Australian War Memorial

Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

National Museum of Australia

Explore the vast collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts, learn about the country’s colonial past, and see maps, vehicles, weapons and jewellery.

Questacon

Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.

Melbourne showing a city, heritage architecture and night scenes

Lake Burley Griffin

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Burley Griffin during your travels in Canberra. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's restaurants.

National Gallery of Australia

Australia’s national gallery has objects from across Asia and the Pacific, European and American works, and indigenous, colonial and contemporary Australian art.

Old Parliament House

Tour this building to see where Australian politicians met and debated for over 60 years and learn about the history and workings of Australian democracy.

Manuka Shopping Centre

Make a stop at this suburban shopping oasis in Canberra’s inner south region, for gourmet foods, fashion, coffee and specialty stores.

Telstra Tower

Climb to the top of this beloved landmark for unbeatable views of Canberra’s cityscape, plentiful parks, Lake Burley Griffin and the green hinterland beyond.

Areas of Canberra

Australian War Memorial which includes a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.

Kingston

Experience the local lifestyle in Canberra’s bold southern precinct, Kingston.

Braddon

Abundant dining options and relaxing spas are well-reviewed features of Braddon. Make a stop by top sights like Canberra Contemporary Art Space while you're exploring the area.

Belconnen

Unique features of Belconnen include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Bimbi Beach or Bargang while you're exploring the area.

Queanbeyan

Visitors to Queanbeyan enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is worth a stop.

Northern Canberra

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Frequently asked questions

Is Canberra worth visiting?

With a mix of festivals and history, there are many things to do in Canberra. When you're here, check out Mount Ainslie, a must-see attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Canberra?

Start your adventures with a visit to Mount Ainslie and Canberra Reptile Zoo. Then, check out different areas of Canberra for local dining and some retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Canberra?

Mount Ainslie is one of the top tourist attractions in Canberra and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Canberra?

Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city attractions, such as Mount Ainslie, Big Splash Waterpark and Mount Pleasant Nature Reserve. The average stay in Canberra is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Canberra Airport isn't far away.

Is Canberra a walkable city?

Some key attractions in Canberra, like Mount Ainslie and Mount Pleasant Nature Reserve, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Canberra is Canberra City Centre and Braddon is 2 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Canberra with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Canberra with kids.

What to do in Canberra for adults?

Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Canberra for adults including The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre and Australian and New Zealand 1916-1918 Memorial.

Are there free things to do in Canberra?

One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Canberra is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Mount Ainslie is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.