Things to Do in Canberra – Attractions, Museums, Parks & City Guide

Canberra is Australia’s planned capital city, known for its national institutions, museums, galleries, memorials, lakefront spaces, bushland reserves and family-friendly attractions. Unlike many Australian cities built around a commercial harbour or coastal strip, Canberra is organised around Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle and a series of major town centres.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Canberra, including national landmarks, cultural attractions, parks, lookouts, family activities, lakeside walks and day trips across the Australian Capital Territory and nearby New South Wales.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Canberra include visiting Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Lake Burley Griffin, Questacon, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, Mount Ainslie Lookout, the National Arboretum, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Top Attractions in Canberra

Parliament House

Parliament House is Canberra’s most important political landmark and one of the key reasons many visitors come to the capital. Located at the southern end of the Parliamentary Triangle, it offers public areas, exhibitions, views from the grassed roof and insight into Australia’s national government.

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is one of the country’s most significant national institutions. It combines memorial spaces, military history exhibitions, galleries, archives and ceremonial areas at the northern end of Anzac Parade.

Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is central to Canberra’s layout and visitor experience. Walking, cycling, picnicking and sightseeing routes around the lake connect major attractions including the National Gallery of Australia, National Library, National Museum of Australia and Commonwealth Park.

Questacon

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is one of Canberra’s most popular family attractions. It is located near Lake Burley Griffin and offers interactive science displays suited to children, teenagers and curious adults.

National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is one of the country’s major art institutions and sits within Canberra’s national precinct. It contains Australian, First Nations and international art collections, with nearby access to the National Portrait Gallery and lakefront walking areas.

Museums, Galleries and National Institutions

  • National Museum of Australia — explores Australian history, culture, identity and stories from across the country.
  • National Portrait Gallery — focuses on portraits of notable Australians and cultural figures.
  • National Library of Australia — major research library with exhibitions and historic collections.
  • Old Parliament House — historic political building now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy.
  • Royal Australian Mint — visitor attraction connected to Australia’s coins and currency production.
  • National Archives of Australia — important national collection and exhibition space.
  • Canberra Museum and Gallery — city-focused museum and gallery in Civic.

Parks, Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens sit on the lower slopes of Black Mountain and showcase Australian native plants. The gardens are useful for walking, nature, photography and a quieter break from the national institutions.

National Arboretum Canberra

The National Arboretum Canberra is one of the city’s best outdoor attractions, with forests, gardens, walking tracks, viewpoints and wide views over Canberra’s suburbs, lake and surrounding hills.

Commonwealth Park

Commonwealth Park is a major lakeside park near the city centre. It is used for walking, picnics, events and easy access to Lake Burley Griffin.

Weston Park

Weston Park sits beside Lake Burley Griffin and is popular for families, picnics, cycling and lakeside recreation.

Best Lookouts and Scenic Spots

Mount Ainslie Lookout

Mount Ainslie Lookout provides one of the best views in Canberra. From the lookout, visitors can see the planned alignment from the Australian War Memorial along Anzac Parade to Parliament House.

Black Mountain

Black Mountain is a prominent natural landmark near Civic and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. It offers bushland, walking tracks and elevated views over Canberra.

Red Hill Lookout

Red Hill Lookout gives views over the inner south, Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and surrounding suburbs. It is useful for visitors exploring the Manuka and Kingston side of Canberra.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Canberra

  • Visit Questacon for interactive science exhibits.
  • Explore the National Zoo & Aquarium.
  • Walk or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Visit the National Dinosaur Museum near Gold Creek.
  • Explore Cockington Green Gardens.
  • Visit the Royal Australian Mint.
  • Spend time at Weston Park or the National Arboretum.

Best Areas to Explore in Canberra

  • Civic — shopping, dining, city services and central accommodation.
  • Parliamentary Triangle — national institutions, museums, galleries and lakefront landmarks.
  • Braddon — cafés, restaurants, bars and inner-city nightlife.
  • Kingston Foreshore — lakeside dining, apartments and walking areas.
  • Manuka — village-style shopping, cafés and dining in the inner south.
  • Belconnen — town centre, Lake Ginninderra and shopping areas.
  • Gungahlin — northern town centre and light rail corridor.

Day Trips from Canberra

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the best nature-focused day trips from Canberra, offering wildlife viewing, walking tracks, wetlands, bushland and mountain scenery.

Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park covers a large area south of Canberra and is known for bushwalking, alpine landscapes, heritage sites, camping and scenic drives.

Murrumbateman Wine Region

Murrumbateman is a popular food and wine region north of Canberra, with cellar doors, rural scenery and country-town access.

Bungendore

Bungendore is a nearby historic town known for galleries, heritage buildings, cafés and a country atmosphere within easy reach of Canberra.

Canberra District Wineries

The Canberra District wine region includes cellar doors and vineyard areas around Murrumbateman, Hall, Lake George and surrounding rural districts.

Suggested Two-Day Canberra Itinerary

On day one, visit Parliament House, Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon and Lake Burley Griffin. Finish with dinner in Kingston Foreshore, Manuka or Braddon.

On day two, visit the Australian War Memorial, Mount Ainslie Lookout, the National Museum of Australia and the National Arboretum. With extra time, add Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Royal Australian Mint or a Canberra District winery stop.

Related Canberra Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Canberra best known for?
    Canberra is best known for Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Lake Burley Griffin, national museums, galleries, planned avenues and surrounding bushland.
  • What are the best things to do in Canberra?
    Popular things to do include visiting Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin and Mount Ainslie Lookout.
  • Is Canberra good for families?
    Yes. Questacon, the National Zoo & Aquarium, the National Dinosaur Museum, Cockington Green Gardens, parks and lake paths make Canberra a strong family destination.
  • How many days should I spend in Canberra?
    Two to three days is enough for most visitors to see the main national institutions, lake areas, lookouts and selected family attractions.
  • What is the best lookout in Canberra?
    Mount Ainslie Lookout is one of Canberra’s best-known viewpoints because it looks directly along Anzac Parade toward Parliament House.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, opening hours, admission fees, access arrangements, exhibitions, road conditions and visitor information may change over time. Verify details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.