Canberra isn't a capital you just pass through — it was planned for people to actually come and visit. Almost all of the national museums and galleries here are free, from the Australian War Memorial, which plenty of people call the most moving in Australia, to the National Gallery, which shows top-tier art from around the world. Lake Burley Griffin sits at the centre of the city, ringed by cycling paths and picnic spots. This city is calm, safe, and lovely in a way Sydney isn't.
#1 Australian War Memorial
One of the most powerful war memorials in the world, combining a military history museum with a deeply felt hall of remembrance. The exhibits cover everything from the Boer War, World War I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars through to present-day conflicts, with real combat aircraft, armoured vehicles, and rare artefacts on display. The closing ceremony each evening, called the Last Post Ceremony, reads out the names of soldiers who died and is moving every single time.
- Free entry, open 10:00-17:00 daily. The Last Post Ceremony runs every day at 16:55 — don't miss it.
- Book a free guided tour at the reception desk; several run each day and help you understand the historical context far better.
- Plan at least 3-4 hours. The museum is enormous and several exhibits hit hard emotionally — brace yourself.
#2 Parliament House, Canberra
A striking government building set into the top of Capital Hill, opened in 1988. The roof was designed as a grassy lawn sloping down so that the public can 'walk over the heads' of their representatives, in keeping with the democratic spirit. Inside, it's finely decorated with Australian artwork and timber furniture. It's open to the public for free, including while Parliament is sitting, and you can actually sit in and watch debates in the chambers. The city view from the grass roof is gorgeous.
- Free entry, open 9:00-17:00 daily (longer on sitting days). Check the parliamentary sitting calendar ahead of time on the official site.
- You can walk up onto the grass roof anytime — the 360-degree view of Lake Burley Griffin and the city of Canberra is the best around.
- The Parliamentary Library inside is open to visit, with historical documents and antique maps on rotating display.
#3 Lake Burley Griffin
The heart of Canberra, designed by architect Walter Burley Griffin, who won the 1912 competition to design the capital. This artificial lake stretches more than 11 kilometres and has the Captain Cook Memorial fountain that jets water up to 147 metres in the middle of the lake. Major landmarks are scattered around its edges — the National Gallery, National Library, High Court, and National Portrait Gallery. The 35-kilometre walking and cycling path around the lake is very popular.
- Rent a bike at Mr Spokes Bike Hire near the Acton Ferry Terminal to ride around the lake; it takes about 2-3 hours.
- The Captain Cook Memorial fountain runs every day 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 (wind permitting).
- Boat cruises and kayaking are available at various points along the lakeshore — good for families.
#4 National Gallery of Australia
The national gallery holds a collection of over 166,000 works, spanning traditional Aboriginal art, modern Australian art, Asian art, and world-class pieces from Europe. Its Aboriginal art collection is considered one of the best in the world. Louise Bourgeois's King Spider sculpture stands to greet you at the entrance, and special exhibitions rotate throughout the year. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
- Free entry to the permanent collection, open 10:00-17:00 daily. Some special exhibitions charge admission — check ahead.
- Don't miss the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art room — it's one of the most impressive displays of Indigenous art in the world.
- The cafe inside the gallery is known for its lunch and has a lovely lake view — a good place to stop and eat mid-visit.
#5 Australian National Botanic Gardens
A botanic garden on the slopes of Black Mountain dedicated specifically to Australian plants, with a collection of more than 90,000 plants covering 5,700 species found only in Australia. A eucalyptus forest and a rainforest are recreated within the same grounds. Many kinds of birds, including kingfishers, cockatoos, and waterbirds, feed naturally in the garden. Hikers and nature lovers are especially fond of the walking trails here.
- Free entry, open 8:30-17:00 daily. Free guided tours leave from the Visitor Centre every day at 11:00 and 14:00.
- The recreated rainforest (Rainforest Gully) is cool, damp, and pleasant to walk through — ideal on a hot day, with very rare plant species.
- Early morning is the best time for birdwatching; arriving before 9 is highly recommended to see native Australian birds in their natural setting.
#6 National Museum of Australia
A museum that tells the story of Australia and its people, from the Aboriginal era 65,000 years ago, through European settlement, to present-day Australia. The unusually shaped building, designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall, is a piece of architecture in its own right. Among the standout exhibitions are First Australians, on the lives of Aboriginal people, and Nation, on the making of Australia. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
- Free entry, open 10:00-17:00 daily except Christmas Day. Some special exhibitions charge admission.
- Take the ferry from Kingston across the lake to the Acton Ferry Terminal right in front of the museum — a memorable way to arrive.
- The Garden View Cafe inside the museum has a lovely lake view, good for lunch before or after your visit.
Where to stay in Canberra for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Canberra — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Hotel Realm, Canberra
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Knightsbridge Canberra
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East Hotel and Apartments
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Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
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Tours, tickets & activities in Canberra
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Canberra — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Canberra is at its most beautiful in spring (September-November), when the tulip fields at Floriade bloom, and in autumn (March-May), when the trees change colour. Plan 2-3 days to explore the museums and galleries without rushing — most are free and within easy walking distance of one another.