Canberra Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealA$20.00≈ $13.90
- Mid-range mealA$45.00≈ $31.28
- CappuccinoA$5.00≈ $3.48
- Domestic beerA$10.00≈ $6.95
- Taxi (per km)A$2.20≈ $1.53
- Public transport ticketA$5.00≈ $3.48
- Museum entryA$0.00≈ $0.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)A$180.00≈ $125.11
Food & Drink
- Ottoman CuisineTurkish · $$$
A long-standing fine Turkish restaurant near the parliamentary triangle, popular with politicians and diplomats.
- AubergineModern Australian · $$$$
A refined modern Australian restaurant in Griffith known for degustation menus using native ingredients.
- Lonsdale Street RoastersCafe · $$
A popular Braddon cafe roasting its own coffee, a local favorite for breakfast and brunch.
- Muse CanberraModern Australian · $$$
A bar and dining spot in the National Library building overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
- The Duxton
A popular Braddon rooftop and street-level bar known for cocktails and a lively weekend crowd.
- Highball Express
A late-night karaoke and cocktail bar in Braddon, a favorite among Canberra's nightlife scene.
Culture & History
- National Gallery of Australia
Home to Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles' and the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
- Australian War Memorial
A memorial, museum and archive commemorating Australians who served in war, with the Hall of Memory and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- National Museum of Australia
Explores Australian social and Indigenous history through its distinctive architecture on the Acton Peninsula.
- Questacon
The National Science and Technology Centre, an interactive science museum popular with families.
- Parliament House
Australia's seat of government, built into Capital Hill, offering public tours and views from its grass-covered roof.
- Dendy Canberra
An arthouse and mainstream cinema in the city center known for its curated independent film program.
- Floriade
Australia's largest flower festival, held annually in Commonwealth Park with over a million spring blooms (though runs into early summer).
- Enlighten Festival
A festival illuminating Canberra's national institutions with light projections, plus night markets and events.
Nature & Outdoors
- Gibraltar Falls
A scenic waterfall in Namadgi National Park, a popular short drive and walk from the city.
- Mount Ainslie
A hill with a well-known lookout over the whole parliamentary triangle and Lake Burley Griffin, popular at sunrise.
- Namadgi National Park
A large mountainous national park south of Canberra with alpine terrain, granite peaks and bushwalking trails.
Active & Fun
- Fitness First Canberra Centre
A large fitness club in the city center with weights, classes and pool access.
- Canberra Olympic Pool
A public outdoor and indoor pool complex in Civic, popular in summer.