Think Canberra, think parliament? Well, yes, that's an obvious connection but we've got some declassified info from locals and travellers: The country's capital is also a quiet achiever when it comes to live music. Touring the government buildings and museums is actually another really cool thing to do. So is getting a view of this purpose-built city from above. Read on for more insider deets about what to do in Canberra...
Canberra, ACT
If you are in Canberra then you might as well discover the main attraction of this purpose-built city. Split between the north and south banks of Lake Burley Griffin, you'll find some of the city's most important buildings here. Make an effort to visit Parliamentary House and the National Gallery of Australia. And stroll the lake shore and parks before dining at waterfront restaurants.
Belconnen, Canberra
Check this place out if you are into live music. It's a bit out of the way in the Belconnen suburb but well worth the trip. We caught Neville Staple from The Specials here and the line-up mixes well-known Australian and international acts. The beer garden is ideal when you want a break from the hectic main bar.
Canberra Centre, Canberra
We were on a live music trip in Canberra and over the moon to stumble upon this downtown bar. From indie to blues, there's a good mix of genres to keep everyone happy. A solid selection of beer and cider on tap is a bonus to keep you hydrated.
Braddon, Canberra
Sometimes it isn't always easy to appreciate the splendor of a city from ground level, which is where this lookout comes into play. It gives a great perspective of the systematic layout of Australia's purpose-built capital. The surrounding farmland and mountain landscapes will have you gawping too. It's about an hour's walk from the centre.
Braddon, Canberra
Burgers, finger-licking fried chicken, craft beers, cocktails and milkshakes. Food heaven for fans of classic American cuisine. For aesthetic and hipster value, it's set in a one-time mechanic's garage. There's a ton of other bars and restaurants nearby too.
Canberra, ACT
Vinyl freaks should definitely hit this record store when in Canberra. It is easy to pass a few hours sifting through the collections of soul and funk, blues, pop, metal and every other genre you can think of. The shop is south of the centre but worth making the effort.
$189
Explore the Capital of Australia! And no, it's not Sydney, it's Canberra! The city is home to Australia's national parliament and famous historic landmarks.
$189
Discover Australia's capital city, Canberra, on this day-trip from Sydney. Offering a mix of city and country, Canberra boasts both an ultra modern exterior
$14
Discover the world from a magical, bird's-eye perspective in Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra's enchanting park devoted to miniatures. Wander among tiny,
$155
Explore Canberra's best sites on a splendid day tour of Australia's capital city. Experience the charm of this peaceful and historical town by visiting its
$11
Join this guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the precinct where many of the country's superstars have trained to become elite athletes.
$8
Visit the National Museum of Australia and experience our Museum Highlight Tour. MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: This tour provides an overall impression of each of
$8
Visit the National Museum of Australia and experience the First of Australian living culture. FIRST AUSTRALIANS TOUR Tour time 3pm daily. 1 hour duration.
$60
Discover where Australia's stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Enjoy a personalized introduction to the collections of the National Museum
$33
Discover all that Australia's capital has to offer with this money-saving 3-in-Fun Attractions Pass that includes entry to the Australian Institute of Sport,
$85
Discover a world of family fun on this interactive tour of the National Zoo and Aquarium that encompasses the best bits of the zoo in a safe and relaxed
This is an easy one: spring! The air is fresh, the flowers are in bloom and the weather is perfect. However, autumn 'blooms' too, with the trees turning gorgeous reds and yellows. Summer is a great time to dive into the region's lakes and rivers, and in winter, it's all about dining paired with a nice, robust red wine. OK, we lied. Anytime is a great time to visit!
Keep in mind that Canberra has four seasons, with hotter summers and chilly winters.
Hop on a bus for an economical way to see the sights. There's even a tourist loop that takes you to spots like Parliament House, National Zoo and the Botanic Gardens, seven days a week. Canberra is also the cycling capital of Australia, so...you know what to do.
When we say you can 'zip' around Canberra, we mean it. For a major city, there isn't much traffic except during peak hours, and you'll find plenty of parking. Hire a car and we'll prove it to you.
Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Centre. National Convention Centre and Commonwealth Park are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, and Australian National University. O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Located in Narrabundah, this golf hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.
Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Burley Griffin, National Film & Sound Archive, and Australian National University. City Hill and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Ainslie, this eco-friendly motel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mount Ainslie and Canberra Centre. Kamberra Function Centre and Australian War Memorial are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Glebe Park and National Convention Centre. Civic Square and Canberra Centre are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Capital Hill, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, and Old Parliament House. Australian National University and Australian War Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.
Located in Braddon, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian National University, Mount Ainslie, and Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in Narrabundah, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, and Red Hill Nature Reserve. Manuka Oval and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Located in Braddon, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Canberra Centre, Australian War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Glebe Park and Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial are also within 1 mi (2 km).
This family-friendly Canberra aparthotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Manuka Oval, Manuka Shopping Centre, and The Cusack Centre. Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 16 minutes by foot.
Located in Acton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and National Film & Sound Archive. Lake Burley Griffin and City Hill are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Museum and Gallery. City Hill and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Capital Hill, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 24 minutes by foot.
Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin. National Film & Sound Archive and RG Menzies Walk Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.
Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Parliament House are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 26 minutes by foot.
Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Albert Hall, British High Commission, and Embassy of China. Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 10 minutes.
Located in Queanbeyan, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Trinculo Place Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Superkarts Go Karts and Queanbeyan Nature Reserve. Cuumbeun Nature Reserve is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away. Queanbeyan Railway Station is 13 minutes by foot.
Located in Griffith, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Cusack Centre, Manuka Oval, and Lake Burley Griffin. East Basin and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 5 minutes by foot.
Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Kamberra Function Centre, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Crace Grassland Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Located in O'Connor, this campground is within a 5-minute walk of Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve and O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve. Link Walk Trailhead and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are also within 15 minutes.
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