Canberra Uncovered: 29 Top Tourist Attractions and Where to Stay

Let’s Go See Canberra 🌏

My husband’s fondness love and undying devotion for the Canberra Raiders NRL team has taken him on several trips trips to Australia’s capital city (and occasionally to the pits of despair, but let’s not talk about those seasons). On this particular occasion, we decided to turn his annual pilgrimage to Canberra, into a family holiday featuring Canberra’s best tourist attractions.

I hadn’t heard many exciting things about Canberra before I began our vacation planning. Not a lot of Australian’s visit it as a holiday destination – at least, not a lot I have met… and working in the travel industry since my teens, I have met a lot of travellers! However, once I know I’m going to a new destination, I research the absolute heck out of it to plan an itinerary. I didn’t know how many amazing Canberra tourist attractions, landmarks and tours existed, until I started down this rabbit hole.

Since you’re here, I guess you’re on the same path I was. Hopefully I can save you some time and effort with this list of top tourist attractions in Canberra! Whether you’re spending a day in Canberra, enjoying a weekend getaway, or taking a longer vacation – you will not be disappointed.

⬇ Skip to List of Top 29 Canberra Tourist Attractions ⬇

Getting to Canberra

Flying into Canberra is probably the easiest option, as there are many flights each day from cities all across Australia.

However, we really wanted the convenience of our own car, and were super keen for a road trip. We live in Brisbane, Queensland. This makes the driving distance to Canberra around 1,200 kilometres. The driving time from Brisbane to Canberra is around 12 hours, not including the many, many, many pit stops when travelling with two kids and a husband who has a Pepsi Max addiction.

So, on the way to Canberra we stopped overnight in some Newcastle accommodation, to break up the long day of driving. There are loads of hotels and motels here which made it very convenient, plus, it left us with less than 5 hours of driving the following morning.

When my husband, Shayne, does the trip without us, he drives straight through. On the way home from our family holiday in Canberra, we also did a straight trek through to Brisbane without stopping.

⬇ Skip to List of Top 29 Canberra Tourist Attractions ⬇

Where to Stay in Canberra

When choosing where to stay in Canberra, we wanted our accommodation to be close to major Canberra tourist attractions, have car parking facilities, be family friendly, and not cost a fortune. Tall order, I know.

On this trip, we selected the Ibis Styles, which was GREAT. It was conveniently located, comfortable for all four of us, and was affordable.

During my own research, I also short listed a bunch of others – which I have outlined below for your convenience! I’ve booked several of these hotels for my husband’s solo adventures to Canberra, when he visits to watch a Raiders home game.

Canberra Accommodation

Hyatt Hotel Canberra A Park Hyatt Hotel

This luxury Canberra hotel is located in a heritage-listed building and features spacious rooms, a fitness center, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Knightsbridge Canberra

My husband says this has been his favourite accommodation in Canberra so far. It offers air-conditioned rooms and apartments with free WiFi, minibar items, free basement parking, smart LED TVs, living areas, balconies, full kitchens with dishwashers, rainfall showers, and access to a seasonal infinity pool and fully equipped gym, just 4km from Canberra CBD.

Little National Hotel

This boutique hotel in Canberra offers stylish and modern rooms with high-quality amenities, including a library, a rooftop lounge, and a gym.

Vibe Hotel Canberra

This contemporary hotel offers stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with views of the city.

Abode Woden

This Canberra apartment hotel offers self-contained units with modern furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and a laundry. It also features a gym, a restaurant, and free parking.

AAC Apartments

These spacious apartments are located in the Canberra suburb of Griffin and feature a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry, and free parking.

Brassey Hotel

This elegant Canberra hotel is set in a restored heritage building and offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.

Pinnacle Apartments

These serviced apartments in Canberra offer modern and spacious accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and a balcony with views of the city.

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra

This historic hotel features stylish and spacious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a fitness center, and a garden.

Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. It also features a gym and free parking.

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

This contemporary hotel offers stylish and spacious rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry, and a balcony. It also features a restaurant, a gym, and free parking.

Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection

This trendy Canberra hotel features stylish and modern rooms, a rooftop bar and lounge, a restaurant, and a gym.

Abode Narrabundah

This Canberra apartment hotel offers modern and spacious units with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and free parking.

Crowne Plaza Canberra

This upscale hotel features spacious rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. It also features a gym and a sauna.

QT Canberra

This trendy hotel in Canberra offers stylish and modern rooms, a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine, a bar, and a gym.

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

This modern hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.

Ibis Styles Canberra

Budget-friendly motel style accommodation located in Canberra, close to shops and restaurants.

Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra

This boutique hotel is located in the NewActon cultural precinct, close to the Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin.

Top 29 Tourist Attractions in Canberra

We spent just over a week exploring the city and surrounds, and to be honest, we could have spent LONGER. Unbelievable, right?! Who’d have thought Canberra would be so cool? (Sorry, Canberrans!)

Below I’ve listed all the fun things we did and Canberra attractions we visited, as well as all the things we wanted to do, but didn’t have time.

1. Australian War Memorial

This was on our must-do list of Canberra tourist attractions. The museum and memorial honours the sacrifices of Australian soldiers who fought in various wars. It contains a vast collection of war artifacts, memorabilia, and personal stories. I wondered how our kids would go, given they are prone to boredom, but the interactive exhibits, such as the Discovery Zone, held their attention. Interactive experiences included dressing up in military outfits, crawling through tunnels, and exploring a submarine. We also attended the Last Post Ceremony, a moving daily service honouring a soldier’s life.

The grounds around the building are interesting as well, with statues and a life size tank just begging for a family photo.

2. Questacon Science Centre

The National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon, is a science museum that features over 200 interactive exhibits. Each one explores a principle of science and/or technology. While we were here, we attended science shows, participated in hands-on activities, and explored the museum’s many galleries.

Our kids had an absolute blast, and Shayne and I enjoyed ourselves, too. Some exhibits are permanent, but they also change others, so you could definitely visit each time you’re in Canberra and experience something new. The gift shop here is great, and I have even ordered gifts online from the store after having visited in person.

3. Parliament House

It’s mandatory. As a tourist, you are obligated to visit Parliament House, the home of the Australian federal government. I’m joking, of course, but it’s definitely recommended to drop in!

You can take a guided tour of the building, which includes a visit to the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the opportunity to watch parliament in session. We especially enjoyed the Parliament House art collection displayed throughout the building, which includes over 6,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photos.

4. Royal Australian Mint

Australia’s official mint is responsible for producing Australia’s coins. We took a guided tour of the facility and learnt about the history of coins in Australia, how they are made, and saw the coin-making process in action. Tours are free, but you should book ahead as numbers are limited.

5. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

It wouldn’t be a “Gear family holiday” without a wildlife adventure! This beautiful natural area is home to a variety of native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.

6. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is the country’s premier art museum, and it houses an impressive collection of Australian and international artworks. The gallery’s permanent collection includes works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Sidney Nolan, and John Glover. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing works from around the world.

7. Australian Institute of Sport

The Australian Institute of Sport is our country’s premier sports training centre. You can take a tour of the facility, which includes a visit to the athlete’s gym, the recovery centre, and the sports medicine clinic.

8. National Carillon

This striking bell tower is located in Canberra’s Aspen Island. It is incredibly impressive in person, and photos really don’t do it justice. You can take a guided tour of the tower, listen to the carillon’s beautiful music, or if you’re lucky, attend one of the many concerts that are held throughout the year.

9. National Museum of Australia: First Australians Tour

Explore Australia’s rich and diverse history and culture with a guided tour of the National Museum. The First Australians Tour offers a fascinating insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, cultures, spirituality, and connections to the country. Before or after the tour, you can explore the museum, including world-class touring exhibitions, as entry to the museum is included with the tour price.

10. Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra

Experience the beauty of Canberra from the skies on a hot air balloon flight. Rise slowly with the sun and take in the stunning cityscape from above, including Canberra tourist attractions like Parliament House.

11. Old Bus Depot Markets

One of the most popular markets in Canberra is held every Sunday in the old bus depot building, which was built in 1926 and is a heritage-listed site. We enjoyed browsing the diverse range of stalls, there are over 200 of them, selling everything from handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories to artwork, homewares, and gifts. We also bought some fresh produce, baked goods, and snacked on a variety of tasty treats!

12.  National Dinosaur Museum

As we stepped into the National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra, we were transported back to the prehistoric era. With over 23 complete skeletons on display, it’s like you’re walking among the dinosaurs themselves. From the towering Tyrannosaurus Rex to the long-necked Brachiosaurus, the size and scope of these magnificent creatures is amazing.

13. Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is a man-made lake that is a focal point of Canberra’s landscape. We enjoyed walking around it, but we saw locals jogging and cycling here as well. The lake’s 40-kilometre path is perfect for it, plus, it offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

14. Catch a Game at GIO Stadium

Take your seat and get ready to cheer on your favourite team as they battle it out on the field. With a capacity of over 25,000, the stadium provides a top notch atmosphere for sporting events. The modern facilities ensure that you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with plenty of food and drink options available. Whether you’re a die-hard fan (like my husband) or just being a good partner and going along for moral support (kudos to me), GIO Stadium is the perfect place to experience the thrill of live sports.

15. Canberra Glassworks

We loved this place, which we stumbled upon because of it’s close vicinity to the Old Bus Depot Markets. It was free to observe glassblowers as they shaped molten glass into intricate designs, and then we visited the exhibition galleries to see finished pieces by local and international artists. If you’re interested, you can book a paid workshop and try your hand at glassmaking in one of the classes offered here at the Canberra Glassworks.

16. National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is a beautiful park that features native Australian plants and flowers. You can explore the gardens on foot, take a guided tour, or attend one of the many events that the gardens host throughout the year, like Floriade.

17. Mount Ainslie Lookout

Enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and the surrounding areas. You can hike to the lookout or drive to the top, where you can take in the stunning views and learn about the history and significance of the area.

18. National Film and Sound Archive

This unique museum and archive collects, preserves, and shares Australia’s audio-visual heritage. You can explore the archive’s collections, attend film screenings, and participate in educational programs. It’s a must-visit for cinema and music lovers. It’s home to a vast collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts, music, and sound recordings. As you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of entertainment, where you can explore the history of Australian cinema, watch rare footage of iconic moments in Australian history, and listen to some of the most famous voices of Australian music and radio.

19. Cockington Green Gardens

This miniature village features detailed models of iconic Australian and international buildings, each created with outstanding precision. The surrounding gardens showcase immaculately manicured lawns, vibrant flowers, and water features reflecting the diversity of the Australian landscape, with replicas of famous landmarks. You can also ride the miniature steam train that winds through the park.

20. Namadgi National Park

Located just south of Canberra, this vast wilderness area covers over 1,000 square kilometers and offers visitors a diverse range of wildlife, plant species, and landscapes to explore. From rugged mountain ranges and deep gorges to subalpine woodlands and lowland forests, the park has something for everyone. Explore over 170 kilometers of walking trails and spot wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, and even platypus.

21. Canberra Brewery Tour

For a fun way to spend a few hours in Canberra, join this brewery tour where you’ll get to meet the brewers, learn about their unique processes, and sample plenty of local brews.

22. Canberra Winery Tour

Immerse yourself in the best of Canberra’s wine regions with this day tour. Join a small group and visit two boutique wineries for tastings, where you can sample some of the best local wines. You’ll also get to try local gins and enjoy a variety of sweets such as chocolate, cakes, and gelato.

23. Canberra Railway Museum

This this museum boasts an impressive collection of historic steam locomotives, passenger carriages, and freight wagons, all beautifully restored and maintained. You can take a self-guided tour and explore the many exhibits, including the original railway station building, which dates back to 1914. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of rail travel in Australia and see how it has evolved over the years. Don’t miss the chance to climb aboard some of the trains and carriages on display, to experience first-hand what it was like to travel by rail in a bygone era.

24. National Portrait Gallery

The gallery features a vast collection of portraits, both historic and contemporary, and serves as a platform for storytelling through the faces of people who have made significant contributions to Australia’s history and culture. The gallery’s collection spans from paintings, sculptures, and photographs to multimedia displays and digital art. Visitors can explore the gallery and see portraits of famous Australians, such as politicians, artists, athletes, and scientists, as well as lesser-known but equally important figures.

25. Mount Stromlo Observatory

Located just a short drive from Canberra city centre, this observatory offers stunning views of the night sky and a fascinating insight into the world of astronomy. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the telescopes and research conducted at the observatory, or simply spend a quiet evening stargazing and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

26. National Police Memorial

Located in Kings Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this striking memorial pays tribute to police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial features a wall with the names of over 800 officers who have died, as well as a bronze statue of two officers on horseback. It’s a peaceful place to reflect on the important and dangerous work that police officers do every single day, to help keep our communities safe.

27. Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

This wetland area spans over 120 hectares and provides a natural habitat for a diverse range of bird and plant species. As a visitor, you can explore the wetlands on a network of walking trails and boardwalks, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the reserve up close. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including pelicans, swans, and a range of waterfowl.

28. Canberra Outlet Centre

If you’re looking for a shopping destination in Canberra, the Canberra Outlet Centre is a must-visit. The centre features over 100 stores, offering discounts of up to 70% on a wide range of popular brands. It’s located just 10 minutes from the city centre, with plenty of parking available, and a food court.

29. Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

A highlight of any visit to Canberra is a twilight bushwalk tour through Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary. This area has been designed to protect endangered native animals from predators, and you will have the chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures such as Eastern Bettongs and Eastern Quolls. With the help of a trained guide and a red light torch rental, you will be taken deep into the sanctuary to observe various kangaroo and wallaby species feeding in their natural environment. If you’re lucky, you may even see a tiny sugar glider eating nectar from the top of a flowering eucalyptus tree. During the tour, you will learn about the importance of conservation ecology and the efforts to reintroduce these animals back into the wild. This experience is a unique opportunity to explore a critically endangered ecosystem and get inspired by science’s ability to restore it.

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