Best Time to Visit
March to May (Autumn)
Canberra's autumn is spectacularly photogenic. The Floriade tulip festival runs in spring, but for pure beauty, the deciduous trees around Lake Burley Griffin and in the suburb of Yarralumla turn gold and red throughout March and April.
Top Destinations in Australian Capital Territory
National Gallery of Australia
Australia's premier art institution holds the country's most important collection of Aboriginal art and an outstanding international collection, all free entry.
Australian War Memorial
One of Australia's most visited and moving cultural sites, combining a world-class museum with a deeply respectful commemoration of Australia's military history.
Namadgi National Park
Over 106,000 hectares of alpine wilderness on Canberra's doorstep. Excellent hiking, Aboriginal cultural sites and some of the ACT's most dramatic scenery.
Lake Burley Griffin
The man-made lake at the centre of Canberra is perfect for cycling, kayaking and walking, surrounded by the city's major cultural institutions.
Canberra District Wine Region
Over 30 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD produce outstanding cool-climate riesling, shiraz and chardonnay that rival any Australian wine region.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Koalas, platypus, kangaroos and birdlife in a peaceful reserve just 40 minutes from the city centre. One of the best free wildlife experiences in Australia.
Must-Do Experiences
Spend a day at the National Museum of Australia
The NMA on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin tells the story of Australia across beautiful gallery spaces. Free entry and worth 3 to 4 hours.
Walk around Lake Burley Griffin
The 28km loop around the lake links Parliament House, the galleries and the Carillion. Hire a bike to cover the full circuit in comfort.
Visit a Canberra District cellar door
Clonakilla, Eden Road and Helm are consistently excellent. The region's rieslings are world class and often overlooked.
Dawn wildlife drive in Namadgi
Early morning drives on the Boboyan Road corridor in Namadgi National Park often produce kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and eastern quolls.
Accommodation Tips
Budget (hostels, motels)
$35 to $75 per night
Canberra City YHA is central and well-run. Government-week accommodation spikes midweek during sitting weeks, so plan around parliamentary schedules.
Mid-range (hotels, apartments)
$110 to $180 per night
Serviced apartments near the CBD offer excellent value for longer stays and often cost less than hotels midweek.
Premium (boutique hotels)
$200 to $400+ per night
Hotel Realm and QT Canberra are both excellent. Prices drop significantly on weekends when government travellers return home.
Budget Breakdown
Approximate daily costs for a solo traveller in Australian Capital Territory.
Prices are approximate guides based on 2025 averages.
Murrumbateman
This small rural village 40 minutes north of Canberra sits at the heart of a booming cool-climate wine sub-region. Brindabella Hills, Murrumbateman Winery and Clonakilla are all nearby. Village Winery in the town itself does excellent Sunday long lunches for very reasonable prices.