Canberra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Parliament House which includes an administrative building and landscape views
Canberra
Parliament House featuring an administrative building
Acton featuring modern architecture and a city
Canberra

Canberra Travel Guide Video

Australia’s capital city is at the heart of Australian politics and where you’ll find some of the country’s best museums. 

Canberra is Australia’s political capital and the home of several national cultural institutions, many of which are free to enter. It was purpose built as the capital in the early 20th century. The circular layout was the idea of Chicago architects Walter and Marion Griffin, who won a competition run by the Australian Government to design the new city.Canberra is easy to navigate, and you’ll find many of the city’s main attractions within walking distance of one another. When it’s too far to walk, take a bus, or taxi, as the fares are reasonably priced.

Tour the building where Australian politicians tackle the big issues. About 20 percent of Parliament House is open to the public, and you can even watch politicians in action from the public galleries. Learn about the history of Australia’s democracy at Old Parliament House. Take a guided tour of the classical-style building or visit the museum to learn about key events in the country’s political history.

Wander across Queen Victoria Terrace to the National Archives, where you can see the original copy of the Australian Constitution. Browse the shelves of the National Library to find rare maps and historic publications. Cross Lake Burley Griffin to visit the National Museum,home to artifacts from pre-colonial Aboriginal tribes, old furniture and weapons, as well as inventions, vehicles and artwork.

The National Gallery is the country’s largest art museum. It has famous indigenous paintings, sculptures from across Asia, and a host of works by Australian, American and European masters. Head to the Australian War Memorial and be moved by the sombre atmosphere. Explore the on-site museum to read about battles and see all kinds of military equipment.

There are plenty of attractions in Canberra aimed at families with young children, including Questacon, the national science centre. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations by staff. Check out the Royal Australian Mint to watch coins being made and even press one of your own.

At night head to the bars and restaurants in the city centre to sample wines from local vineyards and fresh produce from nearby farms.

Where to stay in Canberra

Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.

Canberra City Centre
Default Image

Belconnen

Unique features of Belconnen include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Bimbi Beach or Bargang while you're exploring the area.

Belconnen
Kingston showing modern architecture and a bridge

Kingston

Kingston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and The Cusack Centre while you're in town.

Kingston
Default Image

Braddon

Abundant dining options and relaxing spas are well-reviewed features of Braddon. Make a stop by top sights like Canberra Contemporary Art Space while you're exploring the area.

Braddon
Default Image

Queanbeyan

Visitors to Queanbeyan enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is worth a stop.

Queanbeyan
Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.

Northern Canberra
Rydges Canberra
Rydges Canberra
4 out of 5
Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
The price is £73 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£73
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (728 reviews)
EV charging not genuine
"The rooms are large; the property is getting on but well maintained. I have marked them down because they claim to have EV charging but when I enquired it was access to a 240v plug - whilst I can charge with such a plug this does not, in my mind, qualify as EV charging."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Rydges Canberra
Pavilion on Northbourne
Pavilion on Northbourne
4.5 out of 5
242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £57 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£57
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,165 reviews)
"Quiet room"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Pavilion on Northbourne
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
3.5 out of 5
30 National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
The price is £54 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£54
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sebel Canberra Civic
The Sebel Canberra Civic
4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (828 reviews)
Central Canberra stay
"Would certainly stay again - location was excellent. Room was large, clean and comfortable.Staff were friendly and helpful. Price was reasonable. Numerous food options extremely close by and even a bus stop at the front door!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
Meriton Suites Canberra
Meriton Suites Canberra
5 out of 5
40 Allara Street, Canberra, ACT
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (327 reviews)
"Enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Meriton Suites Canberra
Abode Belconnen
Abode Belconnen
4.5 out of 5
3 Grazier Lane, Belconnen, ACT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (552 reviews)
Work trip
"Always good, there was a noise issue with young hoodlums but police were called and they were removed"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Abode Belconnen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Canberra

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There are a lot of free exhibitions and children’s activities. We particularly enjoyed the National Gallery where my children participated in weaving jewellery and drawing. The Questacon was also a highlight.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of things to do with kids!