Australia · Region
Canberra
Canberra is Australia's purpose-built capital, a planned city of lake-side boulevards and national institutions rather than a port or trading town that grew organically. Its low-rise, garden-city layout puts parliament, war memorials and world-class museums within a short walk or cycle of each other, framed by bushland ridges on every horizon.
Top attractions
attraction Australian War Memorial: Canberra Travel Guide (4.8★)
The Australian War Memorial sits at the top of Anzac Parade in Campbell, Canberra, and combines a national shrine with one of the country's largest museums; general admission is free. 4.8★ (14,612 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction National Museum of Australia: Canberra Travel Guide (4.5★)
The National Museum of Australia sits on the Acton Peninsula in Canberra, on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, and covers 50,000 years of Australian history in one riverside building. 4.5★ (8,760 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction National Arboretum: Canberra Travel Guide (4.7★)
National Arboretum Canberra sits on Forest Drive in the western part of Canberra, a short drive from the city centre, and its listed hours are 9am to 4pm every day. 4.7★ (8,169 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Old Parliament House: Canberra Travel Guide (4.6★)
Old Parliament House in Parkes, Canberra, is the white 1927 building that held Australia's Federal Parliament for 61 years and now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy. 4.6★ (5,513 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Lanyon Homestead: Canberra Travel Guide (4.5★)
Lanyon Homestead sits on Tharwa Drive near the village of Tharwa, about half an hour's drive south of central Canberra, beside the Murrumbidgee River. 4.5★ (390 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Cockington Green Gardens: Canberra Travel Guide (4.4★)
Cockington Green Gardens is a long-running miniature village and landscaped park at 11 Gold Creek Rd in Nicholls, Canberra's northern Gold Creek precinct. 4.4★ (4,222 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem Old Bus Depot Markets: Canberra Travel Guide (4.2★)
Old Bus Depot Markets is a Sunday market inside a former bus depot at 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, Canberra, with stalls selling food, clothing, gifts and art. 4.2★ (2,983 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Canberra
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Where to stay in Canberra
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Frequently asked questions about Canberra
How do I get to Canberra?
Most travellers fly into Canberra Airport (CBR), roughly 8km from the city centre, then take the Rapid Bus 3 service which runs between the terminal and the City Interchange. Others arrive by direct train from Sydney to Canberra Railway Station in Kingston, or drive in (~3 hours from Sydney).
How many days should I spend in Canberra?
Allow ~2 to 3 days to take in the main national galleries, museums and memorials clustered around the lake, with an extra day if you want to range further into the surrounding bush parks.
What is Canberra known for?
Canberra is Australia's purpose-built capital, a planned city of lake-side boulevards and national institutions rather than a port or trading town that grew organically. Its low-rise, garden-city layout puts parliament, war memorials and world-class museums within a short walk or cycle of each other, framed by bushland ridges on every horizon.