What to do in Canberra

Activities, attractions and tours
Parliament House which includes landscape views and an administrative building

Canberra Tourist Attractions & Activities

Canberra isn’t just the capital city of Australia and home to its best cultural and historic sites. It’s also gorgeous, nestled at the foot of Australia’s highest alpine peaks alongside a pristine mountain lake. Plus, it’s smack in the middle of wine country. Suffice it to say, if you’ve never been to your country’s capital, you are missing out. There are tons of things to do in Canberra, from easygoing strolls through museums and gardens to action-packed adventures that will have you flying high in the sky—literally. Locals know that Canberra is small but mighty; it’s easy to get around and has plenty of wide open spaces. Whether you are one of those friendly folks or are just visiting, Expedia.com.au has your plans for the next few days covered.

What to Do in Canberra

This city has all the incredible museums and menageries you would expect of a capital. The National Zoo and Aquarium is the only place in the country to combine the two, so you get double the fun. They have loads of animal encounters available, including cheetahs and their world-famous white lions. Or take the Zooventure tour and hand-feed lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! If you prefer a different way to get your adrenaline going, visit the Australian Institute of Sport to see where the top athletes train, then see explosive demonstrations at Questacon, Canberra's National Science and Technology Centre. And for true museum lovers, the National Museum of Australia can’t be missed.

Wait, didn’t we mention flying? Canberra tourist attractions certainly aren’t limited to looking at things on display in museums. Rise above it all on a hot air balloon flight and get a different look at Canberra’s landmarks. From up here, Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliament House look like small specks. After that, you may find yourself in need of a libation or two. Day trips into the surrounding wine country are easy to come by, and with over 140 wineries, you’re sure to find something you like. For those who like their drinks caffeinated, Canberra has a buzzing café scene as well. It is even home to a former World Barista Champion. Pretty neat.

You won’t need too much caffeine to browse all the great offers here on Expedia.com.au. Our easy-to-use site and booking tools make it a cinch to plan your Canberra holiday, from flights and hotels to awesome activities for all ages. When you’ve got Expedia.com.au as your travel partner, you can breathe easy.


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

2. Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is where the country pays its respects to members of the military killed in conflicts around the world. It was completed in 1941 and is dedicated to servicemen and women from the colonial era to today. Inside the memorial complex is a museum with exhibits exploring Australia’s military history.
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Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

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.
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National Gallery of Australia which includes interior views

4. 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.
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Questacon

5. National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia documents and interprets the country’s history. It occupies an enormous multicoloured building designed to reflect the different stories of Australia’s past and present. The museum holds thousands of items across dozens of exhibits. They cover everything from Aboriginal history to gold mining, immigration and industrial growth.
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National Museum of Australia which includes interior views

What to do in Canberra


Discover the most popular places to visit in Canberra

Explore areas of Canberra

Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4/5(1,992 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.

Canberra City Centre
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Queanbeyan

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

Queanbeyan
Kingston showing modern architecture and a bridge

Kingston

Kingston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and The Cusack Centre while you're in town.

Kingston
Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Northern Canberra
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Belconnen

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

Belconnen
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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.

Braddon

 

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