For many Australians, their first introduction to the nation's capital comes at the end of their primary school years, with hundreds of thousands of students attending a school trip to experience Canberra each year.
Others make the trip to The Bush Capital to attend famous festivals like Floriade or the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, or simply to see many of our national treasures that reside in the city (from Australian Parliament House to the National Gallery of Australia).
Image Credit: National Museum of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin - Grant O'Loughlan/VisitCanberra
Whether you haven’t been since your Year 6 interstate trip or this is your first visit, it’s high time to take a break in The Berra. There are so many incredible attractions for anyone who's interested in art, politics, nature, history, or simply having a good old time.
Image Credit: Hot Air Balloons - Tourism Australia
Check out 30 of our favourite suggestions of the best things to do in Canberra, then get booking your holiday at one of our two Canberra caravan parks.
CLASSIC CANBERRA
Parliament House
Image Credit: Australian Parliament House - VisitCanberra
Overlooking the city from Capital Hill, Parliament House is Australia’s political meeting place. There are a range of guided tours (both free and ticketed), from exploring the building’s architecture to its artwork, or you can book a ticket to watch Question Time right in the room.
If you just can’t get enough of Canberra’s political flavour, head on down to Old Parliament House, where you’ll find the free Museum of Australian Democracy.
Floriade
Image Credit: Floriade - Floriade Australia
Billed as ‘Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring’, Canberra’s annual Floriade festival is bursting with colour. You'll spend hours wandering through large displays of flowering bulbs, public art, and live entertainment.
The event is free (though you'll need to pay for a ticket to NightFest) and runs for four weeks from mid-September each year.
Lake Burley Griffin
Image Credit: Lake Burley Griffin - Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra
In the heart of the city, Lake Burley Griffin is one of the most iconic sights of Canberra.
Play on the surface by hiring a kayak, canoe, boat, or stand-up paddleboard, or stick to the trails. There are plenty of companies to hire a bike from, or you can walk or run around the water’s edge.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Image Credit: Making Tracks - Tourism Australia
Canberrans are big on hot air balloons—there’s even an annual festival held in March, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular!
No matter when you’re visiting, get in on the action when you take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Canberra’s gorgeous scenery with Balloon Aloft.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Image Credit: Mount Ainslie - Tourism Australia
Mount Ainslie provides a marvellous view over the city, Lake Burley Griffin, and the many other attractions you’ll explore during your trip.
You can drive up to the lookout or hit the trails to walk or cycle your way to the top.
ART AND HISTORY
Australian War Memorial
Image Credit: National War Memorial - Tourism Australia
The Australian War Memorial stands as a stirring tribute, with its shrine, museum, and archive dedicated to the memory of those who served in the Australian Defence Force.
The daily Last Post Ceremony takes place at 4.30pm, where they share the story behind one of more than 100,000 names on the Australian War Memorial's poppy-laden Roll of Honour.
National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery
Image Credit: National Gallery of Australia - Tourism Australia
Featuring touring exhibitions, collections, art talks, and a sculpture garden, there is so much on display for art lovers at the free National Gallery of Australia. Balancing world-class International and Australian Art (including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art), it’s a feast of creativity.
Once you've finished wandering the halls, the National Portrait Gallery is just around the corner.
National Museum of Australia
Image Credit: National Museum of Australia - VisitCanberra
With free general admission and in-depth, ticketed events, the National Museum of Australia is a time capsule of the country’s (and the world’s) history, and the most famous of Canberra's museums.
Touching on topics like Indigenous history, arts, gold, migration, politics, science and technology, and sport, there’s a collection to interest everyone.
Lanyon Homestead
Image Credit: Lanyon Homestead - Tourism Australia
Got a keen eye for historic homes?
Take a guided tour of Lanyon Homestead, a restored 1850s homestead with beautiful gardens at the foot of the Brindabella Ranges (then grab a coffee and toastie from the café).
Tocumwal Lane
Image Credit: Tocumwal Lane - VisitCanberra
Also known by its alter ego – Superhero Lane – Tocumwal Lane is packed with street art that looks like it came straight out of a comic book.
OUT AND ABOUT IN NATURE
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Image Credit: Australian National Botanic Gardens - VisitCanberra
The Australian National Botanic Gardens showcase the world’s most diverse collection of Australian plants.
As you meander along nature-based walking trails, check out features like the Red Centre Garden, Rainforest Gully, and Banksia Garden.
The Centenary Trail
Image Credit: Cycling the Centenary Trail - Damian Breach for VisitCanberra
The Centenary Trail is a popular section hiking or cycling trail, stretching out for 138 kilometres, with beautiful sights of urban and rural Canberra. The trail is made up of seven sections, or there are plenty of shorter walks.
Some of the many highlights include the spring wildflowers on the way to the top of Black Mountain, the autumn scenery from the Red Hill Lookout, and the One Tree Hill Summit track that leads to views of the Brindabella Mountains.
Cotter Reserve
Image Credit: Cotter Reserve Playground - VisitCanberra
The Cotter Bend is a top swimming spot, at the point where Paddys River and Cotter River meet to form a wide pool and sandy beach.
Around Cotter Reserve, you'll also find a playground, picnic spaces, and plenty of walking tracks, like the one-kilometre Cotter Dam Discovery Trail which leads to an amphitheatre-style viewing platform of the dam.
Red Rocks Gorge
Image Credit: Red Rock Gorge - We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra
Beside the Murrumbidgee River, the Red Rocks Gorge is a pillar of natural beauty in Canberra.
Park near Kambah Pools to enjoy a seven-kilometre hike through this scenic spot, leading to a lookout over the gorge and river.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Image Credit: Gibraltar Peak within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra
Only 45 minutes away from the CBD, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to abundant flora and fauna, along with 24 marked trails for walking and mountain biking.
Go wildlife spotting as you explore your chosen walking track, from the Grade 3 Cascades Trail to the Grade 4, multi-hour hike up to Gibraltar Peak.
Namadgi National Park
Image Credit: Yankee Hat, Namadgi National Park - Tourism Australia
An hour out of the city, near the NSW border, Namadgi National Park has more than 170 kilometres of marked walking trails and many Indigenous sites of significance, such as the Yankee Hat art site.
Highlights include the walk to Booroomba Rocks and the climb up Mt Tennent.
AMAZING EXPERIENCES AND EXCURSIONS
Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre
Image Credit: Questacon - VisitCanberra
Questacon brings out all the fun and wonder of science and technology.
With more than 200 hands-on, interactive exhibits and opportunities for science engagement, from space to earthquakes, it’s a fan favourite for visitors young and old.
Australian Institute of Sport
Image Credit: AIS Basketball Hoop Shooting - Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s premier athlete training centre.
Book your spot on a public tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and the interactive Sportex exhibit, and who knows—one of those athletes you see in training could be winning first place at the Olympics in a few years!
Dhawura Tours
Image Credit: Dhawura Tours - Tourism Australia
Dhawura Tours is an incredible way to experience an Aboriginal interpretation of the landscape and hear about aspects like bush foods, scar tree, and the traditional uses of artefacts and stone tools by the Ngunnawal people.
Choose between a short tour, half-day tour, or seasonal full-day tour to combine these insights with scenic views.
POD Playground and National Arboretum Canberra
Image Credit: POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra - VisitCanberra
Families have got to check out the POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra, one of the country’s leading playgrounds with giant acorn cubbies, nest swings, and banksia pods.
It’s right beside the Village Centre, where you can plan the rest of your arboretum visit—from family-friendly walking and cycling tracks (like the Dairy Farmers Hill track) to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia.
Cockington Green Gardens
Image Credit: Cockington Green Gardens - Tourism Australia
Cockington Green Gardens is one of Canberra’s quirkiest attractions, full of handcrafted miniature buildings and landscaped gardens.
Kids will love a ride on their miniature steam train, and there’s a licensed Garden Café to fuel up.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Image Credit: National Zoo & Aquarium - Tourism Australia
Your Canberra wildlife encounter awaits at the National Zoo and Aquarium, from meeting a meerkat to feeding big cats.
It’s the only place in Australia with a zoo and aquarium in the same venue.
Canberra Glassworks
Image Credit: Canberra Glassworks - VisitCanberra
Canberra Glassworks run a range of classes, tours, and experiences for novices to try their hand at glassblowing.
It’s a fun way to learn a new skill and come away with a precious souvenir.
Jet Flight Simulator Canberra
Image Credit: Jet Flight Simulator Canberra
Budding pilots and aviation fans will love a visit to this Jet Flight Simulator, offering a range of options to learn basic flight controls, get an in-depth view of aircraft, and test their take off and landing skills.
FOOD AND DRINK
Dining at Canberra's Restaurants
Image Credit: Pialligo Estate's Pavilion Restaurant - Tourism Australia
Canberra’s food scene has made a name for itself, from Instagrammable brunch spots to chef-hatted restaurants, so make sure you carve out time to treat yourself to the best dining the city has on offer.
Markets
Image Credit: The Little Burley Market - VisitCanberra
From fresh produce to arts and crafts, Canberra has an amazing selection of local weekend markets to fill both your stomach and your luggage!
This includes the landmark Old Bus Depot Markets, the Haig Park Village Markets, Southside Farmers Market, The Little Burley Market, and more—plus, POP is always worth a visit, open all week.
Canberra District Wine Region
Image Credit: Mount Majura Vineyard - Kara Rosenlund for VisitCanberra
With over 100 vineyards and more than 30 cellar doors, the Canberra District Wine Region is home to satisfying drops, gourmet meals, and great events.
It takes less than an hour to reach the region's wineries to enjoy a lazy lunch with your favourite wine of choice.
Breweries and Distilleries
Image Credit: Capital Brewing Co - We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra
Not a wine lover? Canberra has you covered with a wide range of breweries like BentSpoke Brewing Co., Brew Nation, and Capital Brewing Co.
If gin, liqueur, or whiskey is more your style, head to a distillery like The Canberra Distillery, Big River Distilling Co., and Underground Spirits.
The Truffle Farm
Image Credit: The Truffle Farm - Tourism Australia
At The Truffle Farm, enjoy a rare opportunity to go on a Truffle Hunt, as you watch truffle dogs in action and learn about the harvesting process.
After getting a taste of one, you’ll can shop for fresh truffles—or even add a three-course brunch or degustation lunch for an additional fee.
Brunch with the Bunch Experience at Blackwattle Farm
This experience at Blackwattle Farm is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Hand-feed brekky to playful alpacas and llamas, then it’s your turn to feast on a delicious, cooked brunch in their picnic area with the Brindabella Ranges in the background.
Where to stay?
G’day Parks has two parks located in the ACT that are ideal for visiting Canberra's many attractions—from camping central to cabin accommodation.
Capital Country Holiday Park
Capital Country Holiday Park is only 20 minutes from the city centre, with a bounty of cabin accommodation options, including Lake Villas for a waterfront stay. When it comes to sites, there’s all sorts—powered, unpowered, ensuite, drive-through, or even Dog Freedom Sites (if your pup is coming with you, and you want a fenced area for them to run around safely).
Family fun awaits in the swimming pool, mini golf course, and tennis court, plus there are seasonal campfires and a tour desk to book your travel activities. As for the essentials, you’ve got shared amenities and kitchen, BBQ, and laundry facilities to amp up your stay. You’ve got all bases covered at Capital Country Holiday Park!
Discovery Parks - Canberra
Just fifteen minutes from the city centre, the sky’s the limit for what you can explore at Discovery Parks - Canberra. The park has a range of sites—grass for tents, slabs for caravans, and drive-through sites for the biggest of big rigs.
It’s got all the must-haves for your Canberra caravan park stay, including camp kitchen, BBQs, playing fields, heated communal spaces, a campfire, laundry, and dump point. For a seamless camping trip, head straight to Discovery Parks - Canberra.
Image Credit: Floriade - Tourism Australia
