Canberra Travel Guide

When to visit Canberra: December to February is Canberra's summer, warm and dry, good for lakeside walks and visiting national institutions

When is the best time to visit Canberra?

Avg Temp

13–28°C

Rainfall

Low, ~45mm/month

Best Time

December to February is Canberra's summer, warm and dry, good for lakeside walks and visiting national institutions

Packing Tips (3)

Light clothing for warm days but sun protection is essential at Canberra's elevation and clear skies
A hat and sunglasses for the strong summer sun
Comfortable shoes for walking around Lake Burley Griffin and the parliamentary precinct

Show in

Local currency: AUD

Ottoman Cuisine
Turkish · $$$
A long-standing fine Turkish restaurant near the parliamentary triangle, popular with politicians and diplomats.
Aubergine
Modern Australian · $$$$
A refined modern Australian restaurant in Griffith known for degustation menus using native ingredients.
Lonsdale Street Roasters
Cafe · $$
A popular Braddon cafe roasting its own coffee, a local favorite for breakfast and brunch.
Muse Canberra
Modern Australian · $$$
A bar and dining spot in the National Library building overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.
The Duxton
Bar
A popular Braddon rooftop and street-level bar known for cocktails and a lively weekend crowd.
Highball Express
Karaoke bar
A late-night karaoke and cocktail bar in Braddon, a favorite among Canberra's nightlife scene.

National Gallery of Australia
Art
Home to Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles' and the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Australian War Memorial
History
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
History
Explores Australian social and Indigenous history through its distinctive architecture on the Acton Peninsula.
Questacon
Science
The National Science and Technology Centre, an interactive science museum popular with families.
Parliament House
Civic/history
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
September–October
Australia's largest flower festival, held annually in Commonwealth Park with over a million spring blooms (though runs into early summer).
Enlighten Festival
March
A festival illuminating Canberra's national institutions with light projections, plus night markets and events.

Gibraltar Falls
45 km
A scenic waterfall in Namadgi National Park, a popular short drive and walk from the city.
Mount Ainslie
5 km
A hill with a well-known lookout over the whole parliamentary triangle and Lake Burley Griffin, popular at sunrise.
Namadgi National Park
40 km
A large mountainous national park south of Canberra with alpine terrain, granite peaks and bushwalking trails.

Fitness First Canberra Centre
A large fitness club in the city center with weights, classes and pool access.
Canberra Olympic Pool
Public pool · 2 km
A public outdoor and indoor pool complex in Civic, popular in summer.