Most international travellers to Down Under plan their travels around the coastal jewels of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. However, the national capital, Canberra, is fast rising up the ranks as an emerging tourist destination.
Canberra packs quite a punch for all types of travellers with its serene settings, loads of activities and a quickly developing international setting with cozy stays and gourmet offerings. Lonely Planet recognized this by ranking the city third on its top 10 cities for travellers in 2018.
A Brief History of Canberra
Australia’s largest inland city, and the country’s 8th largest by population, Canberra was established soon after the federating union of the self-governing colonies of Australia in the early 1900s.
This was done to create a neutral city between Sydney and Melbourne, both of which were vying to become the nation’s capital. This is similar to neighboring New Zealand, where Wellington was chosen in the middle of the nation, balancing Auckland in the north and cities like Dunedin in the south.
Only a 3-hour drive from nearby Sydney and well connected by rail, air and roads to other major cities, Canberra is easy to reach. It’s a small, quaint city, easily covered in a couple of days.
Here are the top 10 experiences for your visit to Canberra.
1. Lake Burley Griffin
Any tour of Canberra has to begin with Lake Burley Griffin, the sparkling epicentre and aquatic heart of Canberra.
Lake Burley Griffin celebrates several important names in Canberra’s history. For example, the name of this manmade lake commemorates American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who designed the city itself.
The other moniker worth noting is the Scrivener Dam on the Molonglo River, which has led to the accumulation of the lake’s waters. The dam celebrates Charles Scrivener, who was responsible for selecting Canberra as the location for the capital of a newly federated country.
Lake Burley Griffin attracts many water sports and connects major attractions, including the National Museum, National Gallery, Zoo, Arboretum, Parliament, and Questacon.
The lake is also home to iconic landmarks, including the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, the National Carillon and various public art installations.
Whether you’re cycling or walking around the lake, paddleboarding or simply taking in the view from a lakeside café, there’s something for everyone.
In addition, you can take a hot air balloon ride, complete with champagne, for a unique and memorable aerial view of the lake and this beautiful city.
If you visit around March, look out for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular Festival (Australia’s only hot-air balloon festival). Hot-air balloons of many shapes and sizes add zesty colours to the Canberran skyline.
2. National Gallery of Australia
On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia houses one of the country’s largest and most important collections of art. Its galleries span Australian, Indigenous, Asian, European and contemporary works.
The Indigenous collection is especially significant, with ancient bark paintings and modern Aboriginal installations that speak to the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people.
Other must-sees include works by Jackson Pollock, Claude Monet and Sidney Nolan. Don’t miss the Sculpture Garden outside, set beside Lake Burley Griffin, with thought-provoking artworks nestled among native flora and reflective pools.
Very close to the National Gallery lies the Queen Elizabeth II Island with the National Carillon bell tower – a gift from Britain to celebrate 50 years of the establishment of Canberra as the national capital.
Also close to the Gallery lie the National Library of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery.
Canberra is the capital, so don’t be surprised to find every other building with a ‘National’ tag. Names aside, most of these do live up to the heightened expectations of flagbearers in the capital city.
3. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Not far from the National Gallery lies Questacon, Canberra’s most interactive and entertaining science attraction. It is ideal for families and curious minds of all ages.
With over 200 hands-on exhibits, it covers topics like space, robotics, biology and geology in fun, accessible ways. Experience an artificial earthquake, try the Free Fall Slide (if you’re brave enough), and explore the mysteries of light and sound.
Questacon’s live science shows are both educational and entertaining, featuring explosions, experiments and audience participation. It’s not just for kids—adults often find themselves just as fascinated.
4. Parliament House
South of Questacon, located on Capital Hill, ringed by a perfectly circular road, and designed to represent the transparency of democracy, Parliament House is one of Australia’s most iconic buildings.
Its unique architecture allows visitors to walk over the top of the building on a grassy roof, symbolizing that the people are above the government.
Inside, free guided tours take you through historic chambers, the Great Hall and the Parliamentary Library, while also offering insight into the legislative process. If Parliament is in session, you can even sit in on live debates.
The building also houses stunning Australian art and photography, and its sweeping view down Anzac Parade toward the War Memorial is picture-perfect.
If you do get time, try exploring the Old Parliament House nearby, which has spectacular gardens and grand architecture.
5. National Museum of Australia
After the National Gallery, Questacon, and the Parliament, move over to the other side of the Lake by crossing the Waterloo Bridge. From here, you can appreciate the Captain Cook Memorial Jet (inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II herself).
On the other side, you will find the National Museum, which offers a fascinating journey through the country’s social, cultural, and environmental history with its bold, abstract architecture and engaging exhibitions.
The museum covers everything from Indigenous culture and colonial settlement to modern Australia and pop culture.
Highlights include the First Australians Gallery, which showcases over 50,000 years of Indigenous history and unique artifacts such as Phar Lap’s heart and the Holden prototype car.
Interactive displays, storytelling zones, and rotating exhibitions make this a dynamic space for all ages. The lakeside location also offers beautiful views from the museum café.
6. Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is both a powerful tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women and one of Canberra’s most visited sites. This world-class museum documents Australia’s involvement in wars from the Boer War through to present-day conflicts.
The experience begins in the Commemorative Courtyard, where the Eternal Flame burns and the Roll of Honour bears the names of more than 100,000 Australians who died in service.
Inside, the galleries bring history to life with immersive exhibits, personal stories, aircraft, tanks, and weaponry. The Hall of Memory, with its stunning mosaic dome and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, invites quiet reflection.
7. Mount Ainslie Lookout
Just north of the War Memorial lies Mount Ainslie Lookout, offering some of the best views in Canberra.
Easily reached by car or via the walking trail from behind the War Memorial, the lookout offers a spectacular panorama over Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, and Walter Burley Griffin’s symmetrical city layout.
The trail is a moderately steep 2.1 km walk that’s very popular with locals. At the top, interpretive panels explain the city’s design and landmarks, making it a great photo and relaxation spot, especially at dawn or dusk.
8. Australian National Botanic Gardens
Nestled on the slopes of Black Mountain, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is a living museum dedicated to Australia’s diverse plant life.
Spread across 90 acres, it features sections like the Rainforest Gully, Eucalypt Lawn and the Red Centre Garden, representing different Australian ecosystems.
It’s a peaceful retreat for walking, birdwatching, or enjoying a coffee at the on-site café. Educational programs, seasonal flower displays, and twilight concerts add to the appeal.
There’s also a Botanical Resource Centre and children’s discovery areas, making it a rich experience for visitors of all ages.
9. The Arboretum
Beyond the western edge of Lake Burley Griffin, lies a beautifully landscaped 250-acre arboretum – or botanical collection. This is the scenic National Arboretum that was created after the entire area was lost to bushfires at the start of the millennium.
Today, forests of pines cover the hills here, interspersed with rusty coloured astounding artwork that makes this place perhaps one of the most soul-seeking places in all of Canberra.
Dusk is a perfect time to see the ruddy colours of sunset, with the Telstra tower and the artworks adding to the beauty.
Close by is the National Zoo and Aquarium, which the kids will love, along with the Scrivener Dam lookout.
10. The Floriade
Though a temporary event held in Spring, from mid-September to mid-October, the Floriade is Canberra’s biggest festival – and one of the largest flower festivals in the world.
Started in 1988 as a one-off celebration of Canberra’s 75th birthday, the show was such a success that it was transformed into an annual event.
Held by the lakes of Burley Griffin, and inspired by the tulip gardens of the Netherlands, the Floriade is a smorgasbord of tulips, daffodils and other flowers in a dazzling display that proudly shows a rare ostentatious side to the city. Nonetheless, the Floriade is a must-see if you are around the eastern coast of Australia.
Exploring More of Canberra
Besides the above, Canberra has many more attractions, all packed very closely, mainly around the curves of Lake Burley Griffin.
Some of these additional attractions are the walk-in aviary, Mount Stromlo Observatory, Tidbinbilla Reserve, Black Mountain Reserve, National Dinosaur Museum, and Cockington Green Gardens.
Possibly the best part about exploring Canberra is that you are always very near the Lake and never far from world-class cafes and restaurants neatly tucked away in green spaces all around these attractions.
Take your pick, stroll around the Lake, feel rejuvenated, and correct anyone thereafter who says Australia’s gems are only ensconced on its coast.
Best Places to Stay in Canberra
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Author Bio: Ayan Adak loves travelling, writing and photography; he has travelled to over 30 countries and has published multiple books on travel and poetry.
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