Telstra Tower Tours and Activities

Telstra Tower
Telstra Tower featuring views
Telstra Tower which includes a lake or waterhole, a city and night scenes
Telstra Tower showing a city as well as children
Telstra Tower which includes autumn leaves, a park and a lake or waterhole


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.  

On the visitors’ levels of Telstra Tower, look out in a full 360 degrees over the entirety of Canberra, lit up with glowing lights at night or soft sunlight in the morning. The city’s design has made room for trees and green spaces for its citizens to enjoy this is especially visible from the sky. See how the bushy trees of the city’s parks and avenues frame its modern architecture. The blue Lake Burley Griffin curls through the landscape. Gaze out beyond the city to the rolling hills and vineyards.  

Approach Canberra by car or air and see the Telstra Tower standing guard over the capital. Also known as “Black Mountain Tower”, an older name, or even the cheeky “Giant Syringe”, it’s a true telecommunication facility for Telstra, the national Australian telecommunications company. 

The Telstra Tower is white, gleaming and modern. The actual spike of the tower is 195 metres (640 feet) tall and its position on Black Mountain allows amazing views. The mast is made from 90 tonnes (99 tons) of steel. Three of its round levels are for technical purposes and the rest are for visitors to enjoy. Look for a postbox near the top it’s the highest one in Canberra. 

The circular top is covered with drums beneath the spire. Lower levels are enclosed, but if the weather is pleasant, venture up to the higher exposed level to enjoy very fresh air. Visit the Telstra Heritage Exhibition downstairs to see the history of the building and telecommunications in Australia, including a detailed rotating model of the tower. Have a snack in the café and pick up a souvenir from the tower’s gift shop.

Drive up on the winding mountain roads to reach the tower. Find free parking and a picnic area at the grounds. Just next door, hike in the lush foliage of the picturesque Black Mountain Reserve. Telstra Tower is open every day, late into the night for enjoying the city lights. There is an admission fee.

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Top Telstra Tower Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Deco Hotel

Deco Hotel

4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
Deco Hotel
QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
QT Canberra
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Novotel Canberra

Novotel Canberra

4.5 out of 5
65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT
Novotel Canberra
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

4 out of 5
1 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG
Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

Alivio Tourist Park Canberra

4 out of 5
20 Kunzea Street, O'Connor, ACT
Alivio Tourist Park Canberra
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

5 out of 5
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt
Ovolo Nishi

Ovolo Nishi

4 out of 5
25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra, ACT
Ovolo Nishi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Telstra Tower

At Telstra Tower in Canberra, you can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic walks around the area, exploring local art, and indulging in some shopping. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Canberra's iconic landmarks and avoid the typical tourist traps for a more authentic experience. The tower offers stunning views and serves as a great starting point to discover the beauty of the Australian Capital Territory.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, head to Canberra Centre, just 3.2km from Telstra Tower, where you can enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping and entertainment. The Capital Region Farmers Market, 6.4km away, offers local produce and a lively atmosphere, while Manuka Shopping Centre is perfect for family outings.

Recreation

Canberra Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the Royal Canberra Golf Club provides a tranquil outdoor experience for golf lovers. For a peaceful retreat, Stromlo Forest Park invites you to unwind amidst nature with walking trails and beautiful scenery, perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

At Telstra Tower, dive into fun at Big Splash Waterpark, located 3.2km away, offering thrilling slides and family-friendly entertainment. For an adrenaline rush, head to Delta Force Paintball Canberra, situated 17.7km away, perfect for an adventurous day out. Enjoy scenic hikes along the Link Walk Trailhead, 1.6km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Telstra Tower boasts a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre, indulge in family-friendly fun at the Canberra Merry-Go-Round, or stargaze at the Mount Stromlo Observatory for a unique experience. Each venue offers a delightful blend of entertainment and culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Telstra Tower

Visiting the iconic Telstra Tower in Canberra offers a blend of modern and historic attractions, including urban parks and government buildings. This telecommunications landmark is perfect for families seeking outdoor experiences and cultural insights. Don't miss exploring the surrounding points of interest, which showcase the beauty and significance of this iconic Canberra building while enjoying the panoramic views from Black Mountain.

  • Australian National University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this prestigious institution, located just 1.6km from Telstra Tower. Wander through its modern architecture and lush gardens, soaking in the dynamic city vibes and the rich academic culture.
  • Questacon: This interactive science museum, located 4.8km away, is perfect for families. Engage with hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations that spark curiosity and excitement, all while embracing a lively cultural environment.
  • National Museum of Australia: Situated 3.2km from Telstra Tower, this museum offers a deep dive into the nation's history and culture. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase Australia’s diverse heritage and stories that define the nation.

Best time to go to Telstra Tower

The best time to visit Telstra Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Telstra Tower falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Telstra Tower falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May47.8°F (8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July42.1°F (5.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Telstra Tower

If you're planning a trip to Telstra Tower, consider visiting in May, August, or December for lower accommodation rates, with Sundays being the cheapest days to stay. Avoid Saturdays for higher prices. Use Expedia to compare prices, filter by budget, and explore package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for extra savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities around Canberra and utilise public transport for a cost-effective way to explore the city. Look out for summer sales and great deals to maximise your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Telstra Tower are May, August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Telstra Tower is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Telstra Tower is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at Telstra Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.