The Australian Capital Territory, commonly known as the ACT, may be Australia’s smallest mainland territory, but it contains an impressive collection of national attractions, museums, galleries, natural landscapes and family-friendly experiences.
At the centre of the territory is Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Visitors can tour Parliament House, discover Australian history, explore world-class art collections, walk around Lake Burley Griffin and encounter native wildlife in nearby nature reserves.
Whether you are planning a weekend break, a family holiday or a longer road trip, these are some of the best things to do and see in Canberra and the ACT.
1. Tour Australian Parliament House
Australian Parliament House is one of Canberra’s most recognisable landmarks and an excellent place to begin exploring the national capital.Visitors can see the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, learn how Australia’s parliamentary system works and view historical objects, exhibitions, architecture and contemporary artworks displayed throughout the building.
A selection of guided experiences is available, including introductory tours, architectural tours, family tours and Indigenous experiences. When Parliament is sitting, visitors may also be able to watch political debates and Question Time from the public galleries.
General admission is free, although some tours, exhibitions and special events may require advance bookings or tickets.
2. Visit the Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial combines a museum, archive and place of commemoration dedicated to Australians who have served during war and peacekeeping operations.The galleries contain military vehicles, aircraft, photographs, personal stories, artworks and historical objects covering major conflicts involving Australia. The Commemorative Area, Pool of Reflection and Roll of Honour provide places for quiet reflection.
Visitors may also attend the daily Last Post Ceremony, which commemorates an individual listed on the Roll of Honour.
The Memorial remains open while a major redevelopment and gallery expansion continues. Entry is currently free, and guided tours are available throughout the day, although spaces can be limited.
3. Explore the National Museum of Australia
Located on Acton Peninsula beside Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia explores the people, places and events that have shaped the country.Its exhibitions cover First Nations history and culture, the Australian environment, migration, transport, industry and everyday life. Major galleries include First Australians, Landmarks and Great Southern Land, while changing exhibitions and immersive experiences provide additional reasons to return.
The unusual architecture and waterfront setting also make the museum an interesting attraction before you even enter the galleries.
General museum admission is free, although charges apply to some temporary exhibitions, events and virtual-reality experiences.
4. Discover the National Gallery of Australia
Art enthusiasts should allow plenty of time to visit the National Gallery of Australia in the Parliamentary Triangle.The national collection contains more than 155,000 works and represents Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art and modern art from around the world. The Gallery states that it holds the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Visitors can explore permanent displays, major travelling exhibitions, talks and guided tours. The surrounding sculpture garden is also worth visiting and provides a pleasant connection to the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore.
Admission to the permanent collection is free, although tickets may be required for major temporary exhibitions.
5. Have Fun at Questacon
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is one of Canberra’s most popular attractions for families.Its interactive galleries make science entertaining through experiments, demonstrations, puzzles and hands-on exhibits. Children can explore subjects such as physics, space, technology, the human body and the natural world without feeling as though they are sitting in a classroom.
Programs, live shows and exhibitions change throughout the year, making Questacon suitable for both first-time and repeat visitors.
Questacon is a ticketed attraction, and booking ahead is sensible during weekends, public holidays and school-holiday periods.
6. Walk or Cycle Around Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece of Canberra and is surrounded by many of the city’s best-known landmarks.The lakeside paths are popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, while the surrounding parks offer attractive places for picnics and relaxation. Kayaking, sailing, rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing are among the recreational activities available on or around the lake.
A self-guided lakeside tour can connect visitors with national institutions, memorials, sculptures, landscaped gardens and scenic viewpoints.
You do not need to travel around the entire lake. Shorter walks through Commonwealth Park, Kings Park, Lennox Gardens or the Parliamentary Triangle provide excellent views and can easily be combined with nearby museums.
7. Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens
Situated on the lower slopes of Black Mountain, the Australian National Botanic Gardens showcases the extraordinary diversity of Australian plants.More than 4,300 different species are grown in the gardens, with displays representing environments ranging from tropical rainforests to dry inland regions.
Visitors can follow themed walking trails, join guided walks, photograph native flowers, watch birds or simply enjoy the peaceful bushland surroundings. The main path is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, while other trails explore steeper parts of the gardens.
Free guided walks are regularly offered, although visitors should confirm the current program before travelling.
8. Enjoy the Views from the National Arboretum Canberra
The National Arboretum Canberra combines forests, gardens, walking trails, public art and panoramic views across the city.The 250-hectare site contains more than 40,000 rare, endangered and symbolic trees. Attractions include the Village Centre, National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, landscaped gardens, forest trails and several impressive lookouts.
Families should also visit the POD Playground, which features nature-inspired climbing structures, slides and play spaces.
The Arboretum is only a short drive from central Canberra and is free to visit, although parking charges and fees for selected activities may apply.
9. See How Australian Coins Are Made
The Royal Australian Mint offers an entertaining introduction to the history and production of Australia’s circulating coins.Visitors can explore the coin museum, view displays of rare and commemorative coins and look into areas where coins are manufactured. The experience appeals to adults, children, collectors and anyone interested in Australian design and technology.
Free guided public tours provide additional insight into coin production and the Mint’s history. Tour bookings are essential, so it is worth reserving a place before arriving.
10. Encounter Wildlife at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Travellers wanting to see Australian wildlife should plan a trip to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, approximately 45 minutes from central Canberra.The reserve protects wetlands, grasslands, forests and woodlands that provide habitat for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, reptiles and many species of birds. Patient visitors may also spot a platypus around suitable waterways.
Tidbinbilla has 24 signposted walking trails ranging from short family-friendly strolls to longer hikes. Picnic areas, barbecue facilities and a nature playground make it suitable for a full-day excursion.
Entry fees apply, and the reserve may close during total fire bans, severe weather or management operations. Check conditions before setting out.
11. Explore Namadgi National Park
For a larger wilderness experience, travel south into Namadgi National Park.Namadgi protects more than 106,000 hectares of alpine, subalpine and mountain bushland and covers almost half of the ACT. It is located on Ngunnawal Country and contains landscapes with important natural, cultural and historical significance.
Activities include bushwalking, camping, wildlife observation, birdwatching, mountain biking, photography and visiting historic huts and homesteads.
Conditions in remote areas can change quickly, and some roads and walking tracks may close following storms, fires or maintenance work. Visitors should check park alerts, road conditions and weather forecasts before entering.
12. Discover Canberra’s Food and Wine Scene
Canberra offers much more than museums and government buildings. Its dining scene includes cafés, restaurants, breweries, markets and cool-climate wineries.Popular dining areas include Braddon, NewActon, Kingston, Manuka and the city centre. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual cafés and multicultural dining to modern Australian restaurants and special-occasion experiences.
The surrounding Canberra District wine region contains around 140 vineyards and more than 50 wineries within approximately 35 minutes of the city. Cellar doors offer opportunities to taste regional wines, meet producers and enjoy meals overlooking the countryside.
Travellers who prefer not to drive can join an organised winery tour or begin with a tasting experience at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.
Suggested Two-Day Canberra Itinerary
Day One: National Attractions
Begin at Australian Parliament House before continuing to the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon. Spend the afternoon walking beside Lake Burley Griffin, then visit the National Museum of Australia at Acton Peninsula.Day Two: History and Nature
Start the morning at the Australian War Memorial. Continue to the Australian National Botanic Gardens or National Arboretum, then spend the afternoon at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.Travellers with an additional day could explore Namadgi National Park, tour the Royal Australian Mint or visit wineries outside the city.
Tips for Visiting Canberra and the ACT
Many of Canberra’s national institutions offer free general admission, but temporary exhibitions, guided experiences and family attractions may charge entry fees. Booking ahead is recommended for popular tours and during school holidays.Canberra’s attractions are spread across several precincts. A car provides the greatest flexibility for visiting nature reserves and wineries, while buses, cycling routes and walking paths are useful around the city and Parliamentary Triangle.
Weather conditions can change considerably between morning and evening, particularly outside summer, so carrying an extra layer is sensible.
Always check official attraction websites before travelling, as opening hours, ticket arrangements, exhibitions, road conditions and park closures may change.
Share Your Canberra Travel Tips
Have you visited Canberra or travelled through the Australian Capital Territory?Which attractions would you recommend? Did you prefer the national museums, Lake Burley Griffin, Tidbinbilla, Namadgi National Park or the Canberra wine region?
Share your experiences, photographs and travel advice in the Australian Capital Territory Travel Forum and help other travellers plan their visit.
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