So, you’re thinking about a trip to Australia, and your mind probably jumps to Sydney’s opera house or Melbourne’s laneways. But let me let you in on a little secret:
Canberra is the country’s undisputed hidden gem. Purpose-built as the capital, this city is a master-planned marvel, where wide-open spaces meet world-class culture. It’s sophisticated, surprisingly green, and packed with more cool stuff than you can possibly imagine.
Get ready to have your expectations completely blown out of the water. We’re about to unlock the very best this capital city has to offer. From iconic national landmarks to wild adventures and foodie havens, this list is your all-access pass.
We’ve done the legwork to find the absolute best things to do in Canberra, so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring. Buckle up, because your ultimate Canberra itinerary starts right here, right now.
1. Australian War Memorial – Best Overall & For History Buffs
Let’s kick things off with what might just be the most powerful and moving place in all of Australia. The Australian War Memorial isn’t just a museum; it’s a national shrine, and it is an absolute must-see in Canberra.
From the moment you walk up Anzac Parade and see the stunning Byzantine-style building, you know you’re someplace special. The experience here is deeply emotional and incredibly well put together.
It masterfully tells the stories of Australians in war, from World War I to contemporary conflicts, with a profound sense of respect and honor.
You can easily spend a full day here. The museum galleries are packed with historic aircraft, artifacts, and interactive displays that make history feel immediate and real.
But the real heart of the visit is the Hall of Memory, with its breathtaking dome and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. It’s a quiet, contemplative space that gives you all the feels. Make sure to time your visit to see the Last Post Ceremony, held every afternoon.
It’s a simple, daily service that commemorates an individual on the Roll of Honour, and it is guaranteed to give you chills. This is, without a doubt, one of the top Canberra activities for understanding the heart of the nation.
2. Questacon – Best for Families & Hands-On Fun
If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls, or if you’re just a big kid at heart, you need to get yourself to Questacon. This is the National Science and Technology Centre, and it is an absolute blast. Forget boring, look-but-don’t-touch museums; this place is all about interaction.
It’s designed to make science fun, accessible, and totally mind-blowing. With over 200 interactive exhibits, you’ll be laughing and learning from the second you walk in the door.
The excitement starts immediately with the Free Fall slide, a six-meter drop that safely lets you experience the feeling of a gravity fall. Yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds. You can create giant bubbles, experience an earthquake, play with lightning, and challenge your mind with puzzles.
The live science shows are a huge hit, with enthusiastic presenters who make complex ideas simple and entertaining. Planning your Canberra itinerary with family? Questacon is a non-negotiable stop.
It’s the perfect place to spend a whole day where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, will find something to spark their curiosity. It’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Canberra.
3. Lake Burley Griffin – Best for Outdoor Activities
This is the sparkling centerpiece of the city. Lake Burley Griffin isn’t just a pretty body of water; it’s Canberra’s playground. This artificial lake was designed right into the heart of the city plan, and it’s the hub for pretty much every outdoor activity you can think of.
The best way to experience it? Get out on it or walk around it. You can rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or a cute little electric goboat and putter around for hours, getting stunning views of the National Library, the National Gallery, and Black Mountain.
Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? The 40-kilometer path that circles the lake is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. You can rent bikes easily and make a full loop, stopping at major landmarks along the way. It’s flat, scenic, and super popular with locals.
For a truly iconic experience, walk or cycle across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The views of the city from the water are unbeatable. Finding the best things to do in Canberra often starts right here at the lake. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s the lifeblood of the city.
4. National Arboretum Canberra – Best for Unique Views & Nature
For a completely different and totally unforgettable perspective, head to the National Arboretum Canberra. Perched on a hill that was once devastated by bushfires, this place is a symbol of renewal and a testament to big, bold thinking.
It’s home to over 44,000 rare and endangered trees from all over the world. That might sound simple, but the scale is what will knock your socks off. The vast, sculpted landscapes are stunning, and the views over the city and Brindabella mountains are some of the best you will find, period.
Don’t just go for the view, though. Make a beeline for the award-winning Pod Playground. This isn’t your average set of swings. Kids can climb giant acorn cubbies and explore a world of nets and slides nestled among the trees. It’s a work of art.
Then, visit the stunning Village Centre, an architectural marvel with a living roof. The arboretum is a fantastic, free thing to do in Canberra that feels both peaceful and inspiring. It’s a top spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or just to sit and watch the clouds roll by. You’ve never seen anything quite like it.
5. National Gallery of Australia – Best for Art Lovers
Calling all culture vultures. The National Gallery of Australia is your paradise. This is the country’s premier public art collection, and it is massive. We’re talking over 166,000 works of art housed in a brutalist building that’s a piece of art itself.
You can journey through centuries of creativity, from Indigenous Australian masterpieces to European old masters and cutting-edge contemporary works from across the globe.
The gallery’s Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection is world-renowned. It’s a powerful and moving display of the world’s oldest continuous cultural tradition.
Then, you can turn a corner and find yourself face-to-face with Jackson Pollock’s massive “Blue Poles,” a painting that caused a national scandal when it was purchased in 1973.
The sculpture garden outside, nestled along the lake, is a perfect place for a contemplative walk. Best of all, general entry to the permanent collection is free. Dedicating a few hours here is one of the most enriching Canberra activities you can choose.
6. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Best for Wildlife Encounters
Want to see Australia’s famous wildlife in their natural habitat, not just in a zoo? Then you have to make the 40-minute drive to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This place is the real deal—a huge, protected wilderness area where kangaroos, koalas, emus, and platypus go about their daily lives.
It feels like a genuine adventure. You can drive through certain sections of the park and are almost guaranteed to see mobs of kangaroos lazily lounging in the sun.
There are plenty of well-marked walking trails for all fitness levels. The Koala Path is an easy walk that offers a great chance to spot these furry icons dozing in the eucalyptus trees. For a bigger challenge, the trails leading to the Tidbinbilla Mountain summit offer jaw-dropping views.
The Sanctuary loop is a wetland area where, if you’re patient and quiet, you might be lucky enough to see the elusive platypus. This is one of the best things to do in Canberra for nature lovers and a fantastic day trip that gets you out into the beautiful Australian bush.
7. Australian Parliament House – Best for a Free Tour
Where are the nation’s big decisions made? Right here. A tour of Australian Parliament House is a fascinating peek behind the democratic curtain. And the best part? It’s completely free.
You can’t miss the building—it’s the one with the massive, 81-meter flagpole sticking out of the top of Capital Hill. The architecture is seriously impressive, designed to blend into the hill itself. You can even walk on the grass roof for those epic, 360-degree views of the city’s layout.
Inside, you can wander through the grand marble halls and even watch the politicians in action when Parliament is sitting. The Great Hall boasts one of the world’s largest tapestries, based on a painting by Arthur Boyd. Taking a free guided tour is the way to go.
The guides are sharp and full of interesting stories about the building’s history, art, and the sometimes-rowdy political process.
It’s an engaging and insightful experience that makes you appreciate the workings of government, even if politics isn’t your usual thing. It’s a cornerstone of any Canberra travel guide.
8. Braddon – Best for Foodies & Coffee Lovers
Alright, let’s talk about the most important part of any vacation: the food. And in Canberra, all roads lead to Braddon. This inner-north suburb has transformed from an industrial zone into the city’s undisputed hipster hub.
Think converted warehouses now housing cool cafes, edgy boutiques, and some of the best eateries in town. The vibe here is laid-back, creative, and seriously delicious. This is where the locals hang out, and for good reason.
Lonsdale Street is the main strip, and you could happily eat your way from one end to the other. You’ll find everything from top-notch barbecue joints and burger bars to Asian fusion restaurants and dedicated vegan cafes.
There’s a flavor for every single craving. And the coffee? Let’s just say Canberrans are obsessed with a good flat white, and the baristas in Braddon are some of the best in the business.
Grabbing a meal here isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience. It’s one of the top things to do in Canberra for anyone who considers themselves a foodie.
9. Mount Ainslie Lookout – Best for the Classic Postcard View
You’ve seen this view on postcards, and I’m here to tell you it’s even better in person. For the quintessential Canberra photo, you have to hike or drive up to the Mount Ainslie Lookout.
The hike is a popular one, starting behind the Australian War Memorial. It’s a steady but manageable climb through bushland, and it takes about an hour to reach the summit. If you’d rather drive, no worries—there’s a parking lot right at the top.
And what a view it is. You get a perfectly framed, straight-shot view down Anzac Parade to the War Memorial, across Lake Burley Griffin, and directly to Parliament House. It visually explains the entire symbolic design of the city. It’s spectacular at any time of day, but sunset is pure magic.
As the sky turns orange and pink, the city lights begin to twinkle. It’s a breathtaking, and completely free, perspective. This is, without question, one of the best things to do in Canberra to truly grasp the genius of its design.
10. National Dinosaur Museum – Best for a Fun, Quirky Day
Ready for a prehistoric adventure? The National Dinosaur Museum in Gold Creek Village is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with the largest permanent collection of dinosaur fossils in Australia.
This place is a blast from the past, quite literally. You’ll walk among life-sized dinosaur models, get up close to terrifying skeletons, and learn all about the giants that once roamed the earth. It’s educational, but in the most fun way possible.
Kids go absolutely nuts for this place. The animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar are a huge hit. Inside, the museum is filled with fascinating fossils and exhibits on evolution.
Outside, the Dinosaur Garden lets you wander a trail surrounded by over 20 different dinosaur models, perfect for goofy family photos. It’s a little bit quirky, a whole lot of fun, and a fantastic option for a family day out.
It’s definitely one of the most unique Canberra attractions and a surefire hit with anyone who ever went through a dino phase.
11. Australian National Botanic Gardens – Best for a Native Nature Walk
Imagine being able to walk through a living encyclopedia of Australian plants. That’s exactly what the Australian National Botanic Gardens offers. Nestled on the lower slopes of Black Mountain, this is the only place in the world dedicated solely to displaying Australia’s native flora.
It’s a stunning, immersive experience. You can follow the paths through different sections, from a lush rainforest gully to a dry eucalypt forest, all without leaving the city.
The colors, smells, and birdlife are incredible. It’s a haven for native birds like cockatoos and kookaburras, so keep your eyes and ears open. The gardens are not only beautiful but also play a vital role in scientific research and plant conservation.
You can take a guided walk or just explore at your own pace. It’s a peaceful, beautiful escape and one of the most relaxing things to do in Canberra. It’s another fantastic free activity that showcases the unique beauty of the Australian landscape.
12. Pod Playground at the Arboretum – Best for Young Kids
Yes, the Pod Playground is so awesome it deserves its own spot on this list, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.
Located within the National Arboretum, this isn’t just a playground; it’s a whimsical, imaginative world that will make you wish you were five years old again. The design is inspired by the arboretum’s seed pods and the natural world, with giant acorn cubbies connected by netted tunnels and slides.
Kids can spend hours here climbing, exploring, and letting their imaginations run wild. The playground is fully fenced, which gives parents a little peace of mind, and the surfaces are soft and safe. There’s also a separate area for toddlers.
Combined with the incredible views and the open space to run around, it makes for a perfect family outing. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Canberra with young children, this should be at the very top of your list. It’s a guaranteed win.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. Your ultimate, insider’s guide to the best things to do in Canberra. This city is so much more than just a political hub; it’s a dynamic, cultural, and incredibly beautiful destination that will completely change your perception of an Australian capital.
From its world-class museums and wild nature reserves to its buzzing food scenes and stunning landscapes, Canberra is packed with unforgettable experiences.
So, what are you waiting for? The adventure of a lifetime is calling your name. Start planning your trip to Canberra today. Book your flights, pack your bags, and get ready to discover a capital city that’s bold, beautiful, and full of surprises. You’re going to love it.