Canberra

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Top 10 attractions in Canberra

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Parliament House
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Canberra

Parliament House

4.9
4.4/5
226 reviews
It is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is known for its grand architecture and features extensive use of masonry and wood and a collection of fine art including one of the very largest tapestries in the world. Covering an area of 32 hectares, the building has 6 floors above ground, and the ground floor is a parking lot. The circular granite exterior wall matches the shape of Capital Mountain seamlessly. The core of the whole building is the stainless steel flagpole standing on the top of the hall, which is 81 meters high. Soaring into the sky, the Capitol offers free guided tours every 30 minutes, allowing visitors to learn more about its mysteries. Clocks are hung everywhere in the Congress, even in the toilets, reminding people of the meeting time, and if they are late, they will not be allowed to enter.Capital Hill · 10m from downtown
Lake Burley Griffin
No. 1 of Spring Outings in Canberra

Lake Burley Griffin

4.9
4.4/5
145 reviews
The construction of this lake system intercepting the Molangelo River was completed in 1963 and has a dam. It takes its name from architect Walter Burley Griffin, who won the Canberra Urban Design Competition. In keeping with Griffin's original design, the lake is located close to the geographic centre of Canberra, and many important institutions such as the Australian National University, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the National Library of Australia and the High Court of Australia are located on its shores. , the Capitol is also not far from the lake. Its surrounding area is also quite popular with recreational users, especially during the warmer months. Although few people swim in the lake, it is commonly used for various other activities such as boating, fishing and sailing. The 33-meter-tall Scribner Dam controls the lake's rise and is designed to handle a major flood every 5,000 years. If needed during dry seasons, the water level can be maintained by releasing water from the Gugong Dam, which is located on the upper tributary of the Molangelo River.Yarralumla · 1.8 km from downtown
Cockington Green Gardens
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Canberra

Cockington Green Gardens

4.6
4.0/5
57 reviews
Cockington Green Gardens allow visitors to experience a unique play spirit. Set out on an adventure into the beautifully landscaped gardens, and travel through the miniature beautifully built landscapes, Doug & Brenda Sarah Coe, creators of Cockington Green Gardens, a family-run scenic spot for the past 35 years , a total of four generations of the family run it. Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green Gardens is one of Canberra's iconic attractions, winner of the Australian Tourism Awards and the recipient of many local tourism industry awards. The park is constantly evolving and developing. In the park, you can visit the Rose Hall indoor exhibition, enjoy a coffee at the Parsons Nose Garden café, or bring a picnic, and the miniature steam train is more popular, which surrounds the entire international exhibition area.Nicholls · 810m from downtown
Australian War Memorial
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Canberra

Australian War Memorial

4.5
4.3/5
130 reviews
The Australian War Memorial is a world-class museum combined with an ancestral hall, fully archived. It is to commemorate those Australians who died in the war and to commemorate their sacrifice. Its mission is to help Australians remember, interpret and understand Australia's wars and their lasting impact on society.Campbell · 915m from downtown
National Museum of Australia
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Canberra

National Museum of Australia

4.2
4.1/5
87 reviews
Located in the capital Canberra, the National Museum of Australia is a national museum dedicated to displaying and exploring Australia's rich history and diverse culture. As a cultural and educational center, it provides visitors with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the Australian story, covering a wide range of topics from Aboriginal culture to modern social changes. The museum's architecture is a work of art in itself, attracting visitors with its unique modern design. There are several permanent exhibition halls in the museum, displaying a wealth of historical relics, artworks and interactive installations. Among them, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery is one of the highlights, showing the long history and cultural heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people. In addition, the museum also uses multimedia technology and interactive exhibits to allow visitors to experience Australia's natural environment and social development in a vivid way. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and cultural events covering a wide range of fields from art to science, attracting visitors with different interests. There is also an education center and a cafe in the museum, providing a comfortable learning and leisure environment for family visitors and student groups.Acton · 1.5 km from downtown
National Dinosaur Museum
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Canberra

National Dinosaur Museum

4.2
4.2/5
31 reviews
The Canberra National Dinosaur Museum is one of Canberra's tourist attractions. Established in 1993, the museum has grown from a small exhibition hall for dinosaurs and other prehistoric fossil materials in Australia to a larger exhibition museum. Focused on education and entertainment, the museum offers a wide variety of activities. The museum's exhibits take you through time, from animals that have existed since the beginning of the earth to those that still exist today. Through this, you can understand the evolution of life and see the historical changes of dinosaurs.Nicholls · 982m from downtown
National Capital Exhibition

National Capital Exhibition

3.8
3.9/5
29 reviews
The Capital Exhibition Hall mainly displays local history. There are a lot of text, pictures, short films in the museum, and there is a laser show of the Canberra sand table model, with explanations in seven different languages including Chinese. After visiting for half an hour here, you can get a close look at how Canberra became the nation's capital, and how the Griffins' urban design concept was selected among many planning competitions. To watch is the platform of the Capital Exhibition Hall, one of the ideal viewing points for the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain and the Capitol Triangle.Parkes · 1.1 km from downtown
National Arboretum Canberra

National Arboretum Canberra

3.6
National Arboretum Canberra is an iconic national attraction that realizes the grand vision of creating 100 forests and 100 gardens for the nation's capital. The arboretum covers approx. 250 hectares and is just 6 km from the city center, offering spectacular views of the city, Lake Burley Griffin, and the surrounding forests.Yaouk · 5.5 km from Canberra
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

3.6
4.1/5
47 reviews
Questacon is an innovative and inspiring science discovery center in the Australian capital, designed to inspire the public's interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). As an interactive science and technology Attraction, it provides a wealth of learning and experience opportunities for visitors of all ages. The Science and Technology Museum has multiple themed exhibition areas, covering a wide range of fields from space exploration to environmental science. Each exhibition area is equipped with interactive exhibits and experimental devices, encouraging visitors to explore scientific principles by themselves. Whether experiencing the operation of a simulated aircraft or exploring the depths of the ocean in virtual reality, visitors can feel the charm of science in practice. In addition, the Science and Technology Museum regularly hosts science shows, workshops and special lectures, inviting scientists and experts to share new scientific and technological advances and research results with the public. These activities not only enrich the visiting experience, but also provide valuable learning resources for students and educators.Parkes · 306m from downtown
National Gallery of Australia

National Gallery of Australia

3.5
5.0/5
1 reviews
National Gallery of Australia is located in Parkes, Canberra, the capital of Australia, and is one of the most important art institutions in Australia, dedicated to collecting, researching, exhibiting, and promoting art from Australia and around the world. The gallery was established in the late 20th century and has a vast collection of over 150,000 works of art, covering various fields such as Australian art, Torres Strait Islander art, Asian and Pacific art, as well as modern European and American art. The gallery features permanent and temporary exhibitions, and through educational activities, cultural programs, and online resources, it allows the public to gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance behind the artworks. Today, the National Gallery of Australia is not only an important venue for the collection and exhibition of Australian art but also a platform connecting local culture with international art exchange. With its rich collection, continuously updated exhibition content, and open public services, it has become a representative cultural space for understanding the development of Australian art and the diversity of world art.Parkes · 325m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Canberra

Featured Day tours in Canberra

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Canberra Capital & Parliament House 1-Day Tour with Chinese Guide | Round-Trip from Sydney [Optional Meal Included]
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4.5/5
· 28 reviews· 339 booked
Duration: 6.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From£89.71
Capital Canberra embassy district 1-day tour | Chinese and English | Mint entry | Buffet lunch | No gratuities
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From£110.50
Canberra: Majura Pines Junior Tree Ropes Course
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From£19.43£20.46
Canberra: Old Parliament House 'A Walk Through History' Tour
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 45 mins
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From£9.96£10.49
Canberra Day Tour. All major Attractions, with free entry.
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4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From£32.38£34.09
Canberra: Guided Tour + Roundtrip Transfer
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Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
From£265.91
National Museum of Australia: Guided Tour
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Duration: 1 hr
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From£10.48
Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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From£29.89£31.47

Featured Cultural experiences in Canberra

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Canberra Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
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From£5.36£6.7
Canberra: National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour
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Duration: 1 hr
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5% off
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From£7.50£7.9
Canberra: National Museum of Australia Highlights Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1 hr
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5% off
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From£9.96£10.49
National Museum of Australia: First Australians Guided Tour
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Duration: 1 hr
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Best of Brisbane Walking Tour: All Sights & Hidden Gems
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5.0/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
23 consecutive positive reviews
From£47.58

Free things to do in Canberra

What travelers say about Canberra

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二十画生JQKJune 20, 2022
5.0
Cotter Dam in Canberra is a very interesting place to visit. The waterfall of the dam looks more majestic than many natural ones. There are two hiking trails in the dam. One is shorter and you can walk to a lookout to see the dam below. This route has more trees and is very relaxing. There is also a stream. It is called the discovery trail. The other route is five kilometers round trip. There is a small hill. The scenery along the way is good. If it is a sunny day, it will be a bit sunny. You can walk to the top of the mountain to see the dam. It is called the Honyong Walking Track. Of course, it is not a problem to walk both routes. It is not particularly tiring. In addition to the dam itself, there are many small tables for picnics and barbecue grills at the parking lot. There are also facilities for children to play here. There is also a stream next to it. I saw someone fishing. It is very suitable for a family weekend trip.

Parliament House

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M13***92June 12, 2025
5.0
[Scenery] The scenery here is very beautiful, with clear blue skies and a few white clouds floating in the azure sky. The azure blue lake reflects the willow trees on the shore, which is refreshing.

Lake Burley Griffin

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AllenXieApril 18, 2025
4.0
Canberra | Step into the Real - Life Lilliput: Whose Childhood Memories Are Triggered? Hidden in the small town of Gold Creek Village, Canberra, there lies a fairytale world - Cockington Green Gardens. As soon as you step into this place, it's like entering a magical land of Lilliput. The entire garden is divided into two exhibition areas: English Country Life and World Famous Buildings. The English Country Life exhibition area is full of life. You can see villagers playing cricket or attending church services. English pubs, churches, and cottages are scattered around, and even the lawns and trees are perfectly trimmed. The World Famous Buildings exhibition area is extremely impressive. Landmark buildings from around the world are replicated at a scale of 1:12. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Taj Mahal in India, these miniature buildings are exquisitely crafted. Some even have interactive devices. Press a button, and the train speeds by, and the windmill starts to turn, creating a vivid atmosphere. Don't forget to take a ride on the mini steam train. It circles the entire international exhibition area, allowing you to take in all the scenery along the way, as if you're on a world - spanning journey in this tiny world. When you're tired from exploring, head to the Garden Cafe inside the garden. Order a cup of coffee and a serving of homemade scones, and enjoy a leisurely time.

Cockington Green Gardens

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_TX***ypJanuary 3, 2024
5.0
I went there for the Last Post Ceremony (it's free but you still have to book tickets online) and it was quite interesting. The ticket to the ceremony doesn't grant you access to the other parts of the museum but if you have enough time and are interested in Australia's war and conflict history it looked well displayed.The War Memorial is also a great starting point for a hike up to the Mount Ainslie Lookout with a beautiful view over Canberra - especially great during sunset.

Australian War Memorial

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徐徐霞客RrJuly 27, 2022
5.0
The National Museum of Australia, near this museum stands an art gallery and some museums. I feel that if you come here, you can combine several nearby attractions into a day trip. Personally, I feel that this museum has a very good sense of design and is not so boring, because its design is very abstract and forward-looking.

National Museum of Australia

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🎀彡🐾April 18, 2020
5.0
The National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra is a professional museum dedicated to displaying dinosaur fossils and dinosaur models. Australia is also a place where many dinosaur fossils have been discovered, so this dinosaur museum is also worth a visit. There are many fossils of dinosaurs unique to Australia, which are worth seeing.

National Dinosaur Museum

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juki235September 2, 2019
5.0
The Australian Capital Exhibition Hall in Canberra is a large national exhibition hall. It is very large and often hosts large international exhibitions. It is also open to the public. You can visit it, it is worth a visit.

National Capital Exhibition

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hiluolingSeptember 3, 2020
3.0
The Science and Technology Museum is quite large and not far from the National Museum. We visited the two places together. The scale of the Science and Technology Museum is quite large, and it uses a lot of modern technology for display.

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

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XiancongJune 24, 2023
5.0
The National Gallery in Canberra is an artistic treasure trove. Its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations showcases diverse artistic styles and periods. From iconic masterpieces to contemporary works, it's a visual feast that sparks creativity and appreciation. A must-visit for art enthusiasts and cultural seekers alike.

National Gallery of Australia

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Canberra?

Don't miss these attractions in Canberra: Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, and Cockington Green Gardens. If you like Day tours, try Canberra Capital & Parliament House 1-Day Tour with Chinese Guide | Round-Trip from Sydney [Optional Meal Included]. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Canberra Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Canberra Capital & Parliament House 1-Day Tour with Chinese Guide | Round-Trip from Sydney [Optional Meal Included], Capital Canberra embassy district 1-day tour | Chinese and English | Mint entry | Buffet lunch | No gratuities, and Canberra: Majura Pines Junior Tree Ropes Course. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Canberra is around GBP 9.96 – GBP 265.91. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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