Book flights to Canberra (CBR)

Book your visit to Canberra

Canberra is one of Australia’s gems. It feels surprisingly relaxed and laid-back for a capital city. It’s packed full of historical buildings, parks and open spaces. And there’s natural beauty just a 45-minute drive from the city centre with waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Canberra’s museums and galleries are crammed with internationally renowned exhibits, while the culture of the local Ngunnawal people is yours to discover.

Canberra’s free-spiritedness is celebrated in festivals and events, and the food is a gastronome’s dream. There are restaurants serving dishes from all around the world and a bustling street food scene. And for retail lovers, there’s no shortage of markets, malls, antique stores and boutiques to visit.

Things to do in Canberra

Some of Australia’s most important museums and cultural attractions are in Canberra, including the National Gallery of Australia. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art on the continent.

The city is renowned for glassmaking, and you can watch the masters at work at Canberra Glassworks. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at glassmaking, the center holds classes and workshops that will help unleash your creativity.

At the heart of Canberra, Australian Parliament House is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Take a guided tour, discover Australia’s political story, and enjoy sweeping views across the capital from its distinctive grass-covered roof.

Just a 45-minutes’ drive from the city center, swap Canberra’s urban sights for the wild beauty of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Explore walking trails through native bushland and get up close to iconic Australian wildlife, from kangaroos and koalas to the elusive platypus.

Activities in Canberra

Hire a bicycle and cycle the classic ‘Bridge to Bridge’ around Lake Burley Griffin, a 5-kilometre trail that gives you some amazing views of the city. Along the way, stop and enjoy the lakeside galleries and grab an ice cream from one of the vendors. Make sure to hop over to Aspen Island and visit one of Canberra’s most important landmarks, the National Carillion. This tower was gifted to the Australian people and houses 57 bronze bells that are often rung to celebrate special occasions.

See Canberra from the water on Lake Burley Griffin. Cruise across the water, hire an electric boat, or simply enjoy the views from the shoreline. With many of Canberra’s national attractions surrounding the lake, it’s an easy way to see another side of the capital.

To embrace the café culture of Canberra, take a stroll around Braddon, a cool suburb filled with coffeehouses, a lively farmer’s market and plenty of boutiques to browse.

Food in Canberra

Like any capital city, Canberra is filled with dining options, from hatted restaurants and refined dining experiences to neighbourhood eateries and local burger joints. You’ll find a diverse range of cuisines across the city, including Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean food.

Across the city, discover a diverse food scene shaped by local produce, multicultural flavours and a mix of established restaurants and relaxed local favourites. Whether you’re settling in for a special dinner or exploring Canberra’s cafés, markets and casual eateries, there are plenty of ways to taste the capital.

Beyond the city, Canberra’s food scene extends into its surrounding wine region, where visitors can pair local wines with seasonal produce and regional dining experiences.

Shopping in Canberra

Love shopping? Canberra’s the city for you. For some trendy boutique shopping, Manuka is your go-to. It has everything from big brands to fashion labels exclusive to Canberra, as well as jewellery and ceramics.

Canberra’s weekend markets are filled with stalls offering artisanal crafts, deli delights, and more. Head to the Old Bus Markets to browse an eclectic mix of local art, handcrafted wares, fashion, food and unique finds. Be sure to check out Braddon, where you’ll not only find the hugely popular Lonsdale Street (popular for its boutiques and craft stores), but you can also wander the Haig Park Village Markets, hosted here every Sunday.

Canberra is also home to many modern malls, where you can browse retail, dining and entertainment options in air-conditioned comfort.