Canberra Attractions Guide

Canberra is a city which honors Australia’s past and shapes its future, yet Canberra is far more than a political capital. At the heart of Canberra’s creation story is Lake Burley Griffin. In 1911, the government launched an international design competition seeking a master plan for a brand new city. The victor, Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin, won with a garden city design focused on a man-made lake which fits perfectly within the landscape.

Canberra brings you amazing things to do in Australia's fabulous capital city. Nominated by Lonely Planet as one of the ten must-visit cities in the world in 2018, Canberra has stepped up to take its place among Australia’s top travel destinations. One must visit the Australian War Memorial and Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, get upright on two wheels around Lake Burley Griffin, take a relaxing lake cruise, explore Canberra's wine-making, craft brewing and distilling scene, and much more. Below are some of the must see places which will give you plenty of inspiration for planning your own visit to Canberra.

Australian War Memorial

- One of the most unique war museums in the world!!

-The Australian War Memorial in Canberra combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. It is widely recognised as one of the most significant museums in the world. Not just for its architectural magnificence or the millions of visitors it attracts, but because it is the soul of the nation and reveals the character of the Australian people. It is a place which will enhance your understanding of what it means to be Australian.

National Gallery of Australia

- One of the largest art museums in Australia, holding more than 166,000 works of art.
- World famous arts and paintings exhibition

Australian National Botanic Gardens

- A major scientific, educational and recreational resource. It was one of the first botanic gardens in the world to adopt the study and display of a nation’s native species as a principal goal. Approximately one-third of the known flowering plant species that occur in Australia and about half the known eucalypt species are represented in its living collection.
- Beautiful collection of Australian plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, located minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Canberra city centre. Offering a breath taking array of native plants in a spectacular bushland setting, this is the only place in the world you’ll see this diversity of Australian native plants in one location.

Lake Burley Griffin

- Probably the most beautiful artificial lake in the world situated in the centre of Canberra
- An American architect Walter Burley Griffin designed the lake with many geometric motifs, so that the axes of his design lined up with natural geographical landmarks in the area

Parliament House

- The old and new Parliament houses are few of the greatest examples of old and modern Architecture beautifully situated one after another,

- Enjoy watching parliament live in action, possibly the only experience in the world

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

- The National Science and Technology Centre

- Science with lots of fun - highly recommended to students, parents and Kids!!

Cockington Green Gardens

- Venture into the delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings at Cockington Green, located in Canberra’s Gold Creek Village.

- Featuring houses and monuments from more than 30 different countries, from Scotland’s Braemer Castle to Peru’s Machu Picchu, you’ll be captivated by this enchanting world of tiny people and tiny structures. The obvious attention to detail in the constructions and surrounding gardens is remarkable, and the miniature steam train ride is fun for everyone.

National Museum of Australia

- It preserves and interprets Australia's social history, exploring the key issues, people and events that have shaped the nation. The museum profiles 50,000 years of Indigenous heritage, settlement since 1788 and key events including Federation and the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

- The museum holds the world's largest collection of Aboriginal bark paintings and stone tools, the heart of champion racehorse Phar Lap and the Holden prototype No. 1 car.

National Zoo & Aquarium

- Get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra.

- From lions and tigers and bears to giraffes and penguins and monkeys, the Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia.

- You can even pat a cheetah, feed a bear or become acquainted with a meerkat during some of the most amazing hands-on animal experiences in Australia.

National Arboretum Canberra

-One of the newest and most popular attractions; see the forest for the trees, with its 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. Walk, drive, cycle or even horse-ride around the 250 hectare site. You’ll be struck by the range of botanical beauty, including the living artworks in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection; enjoy free guided and self-guided tours, interactive displays, Pod Playground, a café and shop, outdoor sculptures, and picnic areas boasting some of Canberra's most spectacular views

- The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre.