Things to do in South Canberra

Activities, attractions and tours

Melbourne showing a city, heritage architecture and night scenes
Australian Capital Territory which includes autumn leaves and a park
Royal Australian Mint which includes interior views
Royal Australian Mint which includes interior views
Parliament House featuring modern architecture, an administrative building and interior views

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Parliament House

Australia’s Parliament House is the standout structure in the capital. It’s in the very centre of the city and has an impressive 25 hectares (62 acres) of floor space. It’s the work of New York-based architectural firm Mitchell and Giurgola, who beat 329 entrants from 28 countries in a competition run by the Australian Government. Construction started in 1981, and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
Learn more
Parliament House which includes an administrative building

2. Questacon

Questacon is the Australian National Science and Technology Centre. It features a range of exhibits about everything from water, to electricity and light. Most exhibits are targeted at children, but there’s plenty to see and do for adults as well.
Learn more
Questacon

3. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is the largest art museum in the country. It’s home to over 160,000 works, including the most extensive collection of Aboriginal art in the world. It also holds traditional and modern works from all around Asia, statues and paintings by European and American masters, and Australian works from the colonial era to the present day.
Learn more
National Gallery of Australia which includes outdoor art

4. Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House was constructed in the 1920s as a provisional base for the national parliament. It was designed in a stripped classical style with little ornamentation, but is decorated with numerous artworks and Australian timber panelling. Today it’s home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, hosting exhibits about the evolution and workings of the Australian political system.
Learn more
Old Parliament House which includes heritage architecture, interior views and an administrative building

5. Manuka Shopping Centre

Experience a friendly village atmosphere at Manuka Shopping Centre, which provides interesting outlets for everyday needs, entertainment and luxuries all in one location. Visit for essential services and stay for the restaurants, fashion and gift shops, all in close proximity to Canberra’s major attractions.
Learn more
Manuka Shopping Centre showing autumn colours

6. Royal Australian Mint

The Royal Australian Mint was opened in 1965 by Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh ahead of the introduction of the new Australian dollar in 1966. The mint makes every single coin in circulation as well as medallions and commemorative tokens. It does not produce notes; these are produced at Note Printing Australia.
Learn more
Royal Australian Mint which includes interior views as well as a large group of people

7. National Library of Australia

The National Library of Australia is the most comprehensive reference library in the country. It was formed as the National Parliamentary Library in 1901 and became the National Library in 1960. Its collection includes Asian literary works and documents, rare books and manuscripts, photographs, maps, paintings, music and video.
Learn more
Autumn is quite a spectacular affair in Canberra as the deep reds, oranges and yellows creep into the foliage with earnest on a backdrop of the rich gold colour of the grass plains after another hot summer. Canberra comes alive for ten days and celebrates the coming of autumn with the Enlighten Festival, which literally lights up the Parliamentary Triangle. The first week in March is the time to visit. The Enlighten Festival is a must, with food, street performers, architectural projections, music, film and more to absorb over the 10 days.

8. National Archives of Australia

The National Archives of Australia was officially formed in 1961 to preserve and promote access to important documents from the country’s history. It holds everything from government legislation to blueprints and patent applications. There’s a series of permanent exhibits as well as frequent special exhibitions, lecture series and workshops.
Learn more
National Archives of Australia showing signage and interior views

What to do in South Canberra


Popular places to visit

Areas of South Canberra

Kingston showing modern architecture and a bridge

Kingston

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

Kingston
Default Image

Narrabundah

Visitors to Narrabundah appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Capital Public Golf Course and Manuka Oval might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Narrabundah
Parliament House showing an administrative building

Capital Hill

4/5(8 area reviews)

The grassy rise of Capital Hill is Canberra’s crowning feature. The perfectly circular hilltop locale is the core from which the rest of the city radiates.

Capital Hill
Manuka Shopping Centre showing autumn colours

Manuka

While visiting Manuka, you might make a stop by sights like Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval.

Manuka
Manuka Shopping Centre showing autumn colours

Griffith

Griffith is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval while you're in town.

Griffith
Default Image

Forrest

Check out the restaurants, shopping and forests while spending some time in Forrest. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Manuka Shopping Centre or Manuka Oval.

Forrest

 

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.

 


 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia