Things to do in Canberra - Tips & attractions 2026

Canberra, the capital of Australia, may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip down under. Most travellers tend to head for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or Cairns instead. Yet this Australian city, founded in 1913, has plenty of interesting places to explore.We spent a few days in Canberra. In this blog, I share my experiences and the highlights the city has to offer.

About Canberra

Canberra is part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the smallest territory in Australia, situated between New South Wales and Victoria. The city was purpose-built to serve as the nation’s capital, a compromise reached in the early twentieth century when Sydney and Melbourne both refused to cede the title to the other. Construction began in 1913, and the city was carefully designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, who won an international design competition for the project.

Today, Canberra is the political heart of Australia and home to the Parliament of Australia, as well as a host of other important government institutions. The city is also where you’ll find the official residences of the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, along with numerous foreign embassies.

Practical Information About Canberra

How to Get There

Canberra is easy to reach from most major Australian cities. The city has its own airport, Canberra Airport, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other cities. The flight from Sydney takes less than an hour. Prefer to travel by road? From Sydney it’s roughly a three-hour drive, and from Melbourne around six and a half hours. There are also regular coach services connecting Canberra with Sydney and Melbourne, making it a straightforward destination to reach without a car.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Canberra is during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). Spring is particularly spectacular, as the city bursts into colour with cherry blossoms and flowers, the annual Floriade festival takes place in September and is one of Australia’s most popular events. Autumn brings mild temperatures and stunning foliage. Summers in Canberra can be hot, while winters are cold and occasionally frosty, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Why Visit Canberra?

Canberra is often overlooked by travellers, but it genuinely deserves a spot on your Australia itinerary. The city is home to some of the country’s most important museums and galleries, many of which are free to enter. It’s a clean, well-organised city with a surprisingly good food and coffee scene. For anyone interested in Australian history, politics, or culture, Canberra is an absolute must.

How Long Should You Stay?

A weekend is enough to see the main highlights of Canberra. Two to three days gives you plenty of time to visit the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and a few other attractions without feeling rushed. If you want to explore the surrounding region, including the local wineries or Namadgi National Park, you might want to add an extra day or two.

War Memorials

Beyond its political significance, Canberra is also a fascinating destination for those with an interest in history and warfare. Throughout the city you’ll find memorials dedicated to various conflicts, including the First and Second World War, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. Anzac Parade in particular is lined with imposing war monuments, ranging from large bronze statues to striking works of art.

Australian War Memorial

One of Canberra’s main attractions is the Australian War Memorial, a national monument and museum dedicated to all Australians who lost their lives in war. The building itself is an architectural gem, both inside and out. Inside, you’ll find spacious galleries with exhibitions covering wars throughout history, from the Second World War to the conflict in Afghanistan.

The courtyard of the Australian War Memorial is also well worth exploring. The names of the countries involved in various wars are inscribed on the outer walls, while along the sides, behind beautiful rounded arches, an entire wall is covered with the names of those who fought and did not return. Steps in the courtyard lead you up to a higher vantage point, offering a stunning view over the Parliament of Australia.

Martin en Jesper - Australian War Memorial

On the other side of the courtyard, an entrance leads into a truly impressive monument. Looking up, you’re greeted by a large, beautiful dome flanked by stained-glass windows, with images of sailors, pilots, soldiers, and nurses adorning the walls. It’s a magnificent space that feels almost like an old cathedral.

Parliament of Australia

The first parliament building in Canberra opened in 1927. Then, on 9 May 1988, after a seven-year construction process, the new Parliament House was officially inaugurated. It’s a very stately building, centrally located within the city. The surrounding roads curve around it in a circular layout, allowing you to drive all the way around the building.

You can admire Parliament House from the outside, but it’s also possible to join a guided tour inside to gain a better understanding of Australia’s democratic process. As a permanent resident, I found it quite special to finally visit in person. I’ve seen it on television many times, but being there in real life is a different experience altogether.

The old Parliament House is also worth a look. It stands directly opposite the current building and has a completely different architectural style. See for yourself which one you prefer ;).

Yarralumla Beach

One thing that immediately struck me about Canberra is how green the city is. Despite being an inland city, it has several bodies of water, the Molonglo River, for instance, flows right through it. Along this river you’ll find Yarralumla Beach, a spot we came across by chance while looking for a park. It’s a popular local hangout where people come to relax and enjoy the outdoors. During our visit we spotted windsurfers, dog walkers, and families having picnics. We stopped for lunch here ourselves and took a moment to properly unwind.

City Centre of Canberra

Don’t expect a buzzing city centre like Sydney or Melbourne. With around 400,000 inhabitants, Canberra is a spaciously laid-out city with a more relaxed pace. That said, the centre definitely has its own atmosphere. You’ll find several shopping centres, as well as restaurants and pubs scattered throughout the city. On the Saturday we visited, the streets were fairly quiet, though whether that’s typical of Canberra or simply down to the time of year, I can’t say for certain. With Christmas just around the corner, the city had dressed itself up with festive decorations: Christmas trees and lights adorning the squares and streets, though all done tastefully and without going overboard.

Anita Gelato

Ice cream lovers, take note: Anita Gelato is not to be missed. This gelato paradise offers more than 150 varieties of frozen yogurt, sorbets, and gelatos. The popularity of the place is immediately obvious — when we visited, every seat was taken and there was a long queue at the counter. A fun and, above all, delicious stop on a warm Australian day.

King O’Malley’s

Canberra has a varied dining scene, ranging from upscale restaurants to casual pubs. King O’Malley’s is a great example of the latter, a pub where you can enjoy a good, affordable meal. On a nice day, the large outdoor terrace is the place to be, but inside is just as welcoming, with a warm and traditional Irish atmosphere.

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

That you can stay very comfortably in Canberra was proven by The Sebel Canberra Campbell. These brand-new apartments are located just outside the city centre, close to Anzac Parade. We stayed on the ground floor in a pet-friendly apartment. The soundproofed rooms are well-equipped and have a luxurious, stylish feel throughout.

The living area includes a dining table with chairs and a small kitchenette, and there’s a small balcony to step out onto. One of the standout features of The Sebel Canberra Campbell is the bedroom — or more specifically, the incredibly comfortable bed. If a good night’s sleep is a priority, this is the hotel for you. Honestly, that bed was something else.

Pros: luxurious feel, spotlessly clean, incredibly comfortable bed, lovely bathroom, friendly staff, and great value for money.
Cons: location (a short walk from the city centre).

Canberra is a great city to visit for a day or a weekend break. If you have a genuine interest in history, it’s a particularly rewarding destination. The city is clean, spacious, and has a stately character, especially around the parliament precinct. It’s also home to many embassies and a number of impressive buildings. However, if beautiful coastlines, trendy cocktail bars, and bustling shopping streets are more your thing, Canberra might not be the right fit.

More Attractions in Canberra

Beyond the places mentioned above, Canberra has even more to offer. Here are a few other spots that are popular with visitors:

National Gallery of Australia: a must-visit for art lovers, specialising in nineteenth- and twentieth-century art. One of Canberra’s most important cultural institutions, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Admission is free.
Mount Ainslie Summit Walk / Lookout: for those who love a view, the walk up to Mount Ainslie Lookout is highly recommended. The trail is 4.5 kilometres long and rewards you with a sweeping panorama over the city, Lake Burley Griffin, and Parliament House.
National Zoo & Aquarium: a great day out for visitors of all ages, home to a wide variety of Australian and exotic animals.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre: a fantastic interactive museum that’s especially popular with families and children. Questacon makes science fun through hundreds of hands-on exhibits and live shows. A great option if you’re travelling with kids.
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Canberra: for a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies above Canberra at sunrise on a hot air balloon flight. Drift over the city, Lake Burley Griffin, and the surrounding landscape for views you simply can’t get any other way.
Highlights of Canberra Guided Day Tour: if you want to see the best of Canberra in a single day, this guided tour is an excellent option. You’ll visit Mount Ainslie, Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial — including the moving Last Post Ceremony — and more, all with an expert local guide. View the Canberra highlights tour
Winery Day Tour: explore the best of the Canberra region with a visit to one of the local wineries. Learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a tasting of some excellent local drops. View winery tours in Canberra

Canberra may not be the obvious choice when planning a trip to Australia, but it genuinely surprised me. In just a weekend, I discovered a city that is clean, green, and packed with history, a side of Australia that most travellers never get to see.

Ready to visit Canberra? Here’s everything you need to plan your trip: