Most people don’t see Canberra as a tourist destination, but when I was recently asked by a friend for some recommendations for a few days in the the Nation’s Capital, I couldn’t decide where to start. So here are my top picks and advice for discovering Canberra for the first time.
Transportation
First things first. If you’re in Canberra for tourism for more than a night or two, you need a car. There’s no real way around this. Canberra isn’t called the Bush Capital for no reason. Set in a valley with surrounding mountain ranges, the city and suburbs are spread out. Scattered in between sweeping nature reserves and bush land, . Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra’s city centre is compact. Many of the corporate and government offices as well as the attractions are located outside of the centre’s limits.
Arriving in Canberra
Canberra has a modern, well equipped though small airport. The major car hire companies have offices within the airport complex.
On arrival in Canberra, pick up your hire car and head up to Mount Ainslie Lookout or Black Mountain (Telstra Tower) for views of the city centre and surrounds. This is a great way to get your bearings and a feel for the lay of the land. From here, if you have some time, stretch your legs around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (from Mount Ainslie) checking out The Carillon, Blundells Cottage and Commonwealth Park. From Black Mountain you may prefer a walk around the Australian National Botanic Gardens taking in the fresh air during your stroll amongst the flora and bird life, in particular, Rainforest Gulley. Either way, try to time it so that you end your explorations around lunchtime at the Walter Cafe (overlooking Lake Burley Griffin at the National Capital Exhibition) or at Pollen in the Gardens, one of Canberra’s favorite places to lunch.
Day 1
A visit to Canberra is not complete without seeing Parliament House. After all, this is what the Capital is all about. Once you’re fortified with lunch, head here to learn about Australia’s political system. Tours focusing on the artworks, architecture and indigenous experiences of Australian democracy are also held. If Parliament is sitting, try to time your visit so that you can pop in to one of the sessions. That way, next time you see a news story about the Senate or House of Reps, you’ll recognize it first hand.
Be sure to stop byt the Great Hall to appreciate the giant tapestry. A lot of thought and symbolism went into all the different architectural and decorative aspects of the building. In particular, note the use of different building materials to represent different parts of Australia as well as contributions from countries around the world. Once you’re done inside, head up on top. The top of Capital Hill sits only 1 meter higher now that it did before Parliament House was built here. The flag pole is iconic to Canberra and if the weather is nice, the manicured lawns make a great hill to roll down!
Just down the hill, albeit a bit too far to roll, is Old Parliament House. This was the seat of Federal Parliament for 61 years until 1988. The historic building now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy (book online). The display is interesting enough if you’re really into political history, otherwise visit for the sense of the nation’s history. After all, not every country takes democracy quite so seriously. In spring be sure to enjoy a stroll through the nearby National Rose Gardens.
If you’re still feeling energetic enough to keep going, then continue on from the Rose Gardens down towards the lake. Walk between the High Court, along past the International Flag Display to the National Library. Circle back to Old Parliament House via Commonwealth Place. From here there are wonderful views up Ainslie Avenue towards the War Memorial and back towards Parliament House.
Nearby Water’s Edge is an excellent restaurant for dinner or make a stop at The Jetty for a late afternoon drink. If it’s too chilly by the water or you’re after something more hearty, try Capital Brewing. With burgers from Brod, a wide variety of beers, beer gardens and a children’s area, it’s popular with the locals. Nearby Kingston Foreshore and Manuka are also popular areas for dining.
Day 2
If you haven’t discovered this already, Canberra is a hidden foodie haven. In and around the city and further afield there is a wide variety of great eateries. From patisseries and cafes to fine dining, you won’t be disappointed. Find somewhere busy and local for breakfast and you’re unlikely to be hungry before mid afternoon.
Back on the tourist trail there are a number of other attractions located within the Parliamentary Triangle. This is the area from Parliament House delineated by Lake Burley Griffin between Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
After breakfast head to Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre. For the young and young at heart it promises interactive exhibits and an agenda packed with educational tidbits. Don’t miss the earthquake room, the telsa coil or the terrifying vertical drop. If you have school age children, plan to spend a good half day here.
With an excellent permanent collection and an ever changing curriculum of spectacularly curated exhibits, a visit to the National Gallery of Australia is another must. Don’t miss the sculpture garden (lake side) and the ”Within Without” sky space adjacent to King Edward Terrace. With the additional benefit of free entry to the permanent exhibition, this is a favorite whether you spend half an hour or half a day.
The National Portrait Gallery is also just next door exhibiting portraits from ‘famous to notorious, remarkable to glorious’ in a range of mediums. You’re bound to recognise more than a few faces.
If you’re not into galleries head to the Royal Australian Mint in nearby Deakin or the Arboretum, also close by. At the mint you’ll discover where Australia’s currency is born as well as a living museum and cultural attraction. The arboretum will suit for a brisk walk in nature or just grab a coffee and let the little ones run out the last of their energy for the day at our favorite ’acorn park’.
Day 3
Canberra loves a good market and if you’re here over the weekend there can be multiple to choose from. The Old Bus Depot Markets are tried and tested with a great variety of local arts, crafts and food stall offerings. The Hall Markets (at Hall Showgrounds) are less frequent but have more variety with everything from fresh produce and baked goods to plants, furniture, pottery and crafts.
If your timing isn’t right for the market scene but you still want to get out and about, think about a trip slightly further afield. Murrumbateman, just over the border into NSW, is claimed by Canberra as the heart of its cold climate wine region. It’s a short 30min drive and yet a world away. Most vineyards do tastings over the weekend with Shaw Vineyards, Four Winds and Murrumbateman Winery being very popular. Poachers Pantry, Four Winds and the Murrumbateman Pub do great food to boot.
Another out of town option is Tidbinbilla Tracking Station and Nature Reserve. This is Canberra’s deep space communication centre, a part of NASA, where visitors can explore our solar system and beyond. The centre has a tracking schedule where each day the huge antennas receive and transmit data to and from various robotic spacecraft. You can learn about various projects, the deep space network and spacecraft missions. There is also a nature reserve nearby where you can see a range of native animals in their own habitat including wallbies, kangaroos, koalas, birdlife and if you’re lucky, the resident platypus.
Back in town head to Braddon and choose from among the range of bars, pubs and eateries along Londsdale Street or book a table at The Boat House for a special occasion.
Day 4
Take it easy this the morning. Although there’s still plenty to do and see, take a browse around the city or take the family to one of Canberra’s great parks. Weston Creek Park is a lovely lakeside green space and BBQ spot with the nearby Yarralumla Play Station providing a fun family day out. Boundless Park is a children’s playground situation only a hop, skip and a jump from the city if you need a quick outdoor fix.
When you’re ready, jump back in the car, head to Pialligo Estate. Plan to linger here for a while over lunch with their field to fork menu designed to nourish the soul and a nice bottle of the Estate’s wine (designed to nourish the spirit). Nearby are a number of garden centers and nurseries that also boast some lovely local gift shops and cafes.
If you’re not quite ready to settle in for the night, visit the War Memorial at the foot of Mount Ainslie or the National Museum on Acton Peninsula.
Not just reserved for Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day, the War Memorial serves as a reminder of what our nation was built from. It focuses on Australia’s part in wars and peacekeeping over the course of history, from the first white settlement at Sydney Cove to present day missions.
The National Museum of Australia focuses on Australia’s social and cultural history. The exhibitions include objects and memorabilia from a range of categories such as agriculture and arts as well as time periods such as indigenous, colonial, gold era and early explorers. The collection ”helps us to build connections between objects, memory, imagination and lived experience – across cultures, communities and time.”
Still Want More?
Other attractions include the excellent National Zoo & Aquarium, Mount Stromlo Observatory, Lanyon Homestead, Cockinton Green Gardens and the National Dinosaur Museum.
Canberra hosts Floriade, a flower and entertainment festival annually in Commonwealth Park from September to October. Another great time to visit is March during the Canberra Festival when celebrations include the annual Balloon Spectacular, Enlighten, Symphony in the Park and the ever anticipated Skyfire.
Ballooning is popular here where the location makes conditions perfect for a gentle float over the only parliament in the world with airspace clearance.
In winter this is Australia’s gateway to the Southern Highlands and ski fields. In summer Canberra and its surrounds are perfect for hiking, camping, swimming and mountain biking activities.
Where to stay
The Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Hotel Kurrajong and the Mercure Canberra (formerly Olims Hotel) are three examples of beautiful historic hotels. Both hotels are located near enough to the city to be central yet far enough away to be quiet. They combine a comfortable stay with old fashioned charm.
Good To Know
Like many places, the uncertainty that Covid has brought in recent times has affected businesses, events and attractions in Canberra. As things move towards getting back to normal, confirm timings and opening hours before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Would I Return?
Yes. Inevitably, year in and year out.