As Australia’s official centre, Canberra now houses some of our nations most unique and impressive attractions. Canberra’s planned design makes getting around between the main centres simple. All of the following are within easy driving distance.
Canberra was chosen as the site for Australia’s capital in 1908 – it was to be Australia’s first fully planned major city. After a world wide competition, New York architect Walter Burley Griffin’s design was chosen as the winner.
The city was originally designed to house just over 30, 000 people. Since then, it has grown to a population of over 300,000, and is now a bustling commercial centre with an active nightlife and some of the best restaurants in Australia.
Check out the attractions that suit you! More information about each of the attractions listed below can be collected from our friendly reception team on arrival.
History & Politics
New Parliament House
Architecturally unique, sporting marble stairs and the tallest aluminium flagpole in the southern hemisphere. Take a tour or book to see Parliament in action!
Old Parliament House
Now houses Australia’s Museum of Democracy, with many unique and interesting exhibitions. Visitors can wander freely or hear the inside stories with a 45 minutes guided tour.
Australian War Memorial
Inarguably Australia’s largest, most impressive memorial structure. Again, guided tours are available.
Australian National Museum
Unique exhibitions show-casing our history and events for the kids. Also has a first class café with seating by the lake.
Blundell’s Cottage
A museum by the lake, its exhibitions show what life was like in the Canberra/Yass region before it was chosen as the Capital!
Royal Australian MintSee how our currency is made, guided tours are available.
Art
National Art Gallery
One of the nation’s largest art collections. Check out their website to see what’s on! Guided tours are available.
National Portrait Gallery
Recently moved to their own building, the National Portrait Gallery houses over 400 portraits of the people who helped shape our nation.
Sport
Australian Institute of Sport
Take a tour with a professional athlete and see them train!
Mountains only 2 hours away
The snowy mountains, Australia’s only ski destination in just 2 hours away – an easy day trip!
Manuka OvalHosts Canberra’s biggest sporting events, just 5 minutes drive away.
Shopping
Old Bus Depot Markets
Unique hand crafted items and beautiful food from all over the world, located in Kingston and open every Sunday.
City Centre
The Canberra Centre has Canberra’s largest variety of stores.
Direct Factory Outlets
Find a bargain, we are just 5 minutes from the DFO in Fyshwick and 10 minutes from Brand Depot near the airport.
Canberra also has extensive boutique shopping in Manuka and Kingston, both of which are just a few minutes drive away.
Just for Fun!
Questacon
Great for the kids! This place makes science fun!
Cockington Green
See some of the world’s most iconic buildings in miniature. Also take a ride on the old fashioned steam train.
Gold Creek Village
Small town charm near the city! A great place to relax and have lunch after visiting Cockington Green, with a variety of boutique shopping and old style cafes.
National Dinosaur Museum
Located in Gold Creek Village, has full scale exhibitions that show what the world might have looked like 60 million years ago!
National Zoo and Aquarium
Has Australia’s only tour where guests can feed the big cats!
CSIRO Discovery Centre
Great for the kids – the CSIRO also has a variety of holiday programs that teach kids the basics of slime making, forensic investigation and genetic engineering.
National Botanical Gardens
Free guided tours and a huge collection of both native and imported species.
See Canberra
Black Mountain Tower
360 degree panoramic views of Canberra! 2 viewing platforms and Canberra’s only revolving restaurant.
Balloon rides
A unique way to see Canberra for the early bird.
Lake cruises
A range of budget options are available, see Captain Cook Fountain shooting water 150m above the lakes’ surface!
Food & Wine
Canberra has the highest number of restaurants per head in Australia.
Below are a few places you can find them:
Manuka
3 minutes drive, $8 by cab.
Kingston
5 minutes drive, $10 by cab.
City Centre
10/15 minutes drive, about $20-$25 by cab.
Dickson
10/15 minutes drive, about $20-$25 by cab.
35 wineries of Australia’s cool region wineries are within 30 minutes drive.