Canberra
Visited in March 2008
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Region
- Australian Capital Territory
- Population
- 381,488
- Best time to go
- March to May, September to November
- Main airport
- Canberra (CBR)
- Coordinates
- 35.31°S, 149.12°E
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Overview
Canberra was purpose-built as Australia's capital, designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin around a lake and a grand axis of national buildings. It feels spacious, green and calm, with bush-covered hills never far away.
Its national museums and galleries are some of the best in the country, and many are free. Add a growing food scene and cool-climate wineries, and it rewards a long weekend.
Things to see
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Photo: Thennicke, CC BY-SA 4.0 Parliament House
The modern parliament is built into a hill, and you can walk over its grassy roof for views along the axis.
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Photo: Shkuru Afshar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Australian War Memorial
A moving museum and shrine; stay for the Last Post ceremony held at the end of each day.
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Photo: Thennicke, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Gallery of Australia
The national art collection, with major Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works and a sculpture garden.
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Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum of Australia
The story of Australia and its people, in a bold building on a peninsula in the lake.
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Photo: Bidgee, CC BY 3.0 Mount Ainslie
Drive or walk up to the lookout for the best view of the city's design, especially at sunset.
Things to do
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Photo: JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com), CC BY-SA 3.0 Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin
A flat path circles the lake past the main national buildings, with bikes easy to hire.
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Photo: Ashishlohorung, CC BY-SA 3.0 Floriade
A huge spring flower festival in Commonwealth Park, held each year from September into October.
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Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 4.0 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Bushwalks, wetlands and good chances of seeing kangaroos and koalas, about 40 minutes away.
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Photo: Peter Ellis at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5 Visit the wineries
Cool-climate wineries around Murrumbateman and Lake George are known for shiraz and riesling.
Where to stay
Civic
The city centre, with hotels close to the light rail and restaurants.
Hotels in CivicBraddon
Trendy cafés, bars and apartments a short walk north of Civic.
Hotels in BraddonKingston
Lakeside restaurants and close to the parliamentary triangle.
Hotels in Kingston
Getting around
Light rail runs north from the city centre and buses cover the rest. A car or bike helps, as distances are large.
The airport is about 15 minutes by taxi or bus from the city centre.
When to go
Autumn brings golden leaves and crisp days, and spring brings Floriade. Summers are hot and dry, and winter nights often drop below freezing.
Plan your trip to Canberra
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.