Guide to Canberra

Take a walk or cycle around the shore, drift along in a kayak, boat or stand-up paddleboard, or just enjoy the view from a lakeside café. There’s plenty to do here. Check out all the activities for exploring the lake, both on and off the water. 

In under an hour you can trade the city for the lush snow gum forests and sprawling valleys of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Home to a range of wildlife and adventure experiences, you may want to spend a few nights experiencing this natural haven.

Explore Aboriginal artworks, see international exhibitions, stroll through a garden dotted with original sculptures and see portraits of famous personalities. You won't regret an afternoon lost in Canberra’s museums and galleries.

Canberra is the ideal family destination. From kid-friendly ski slopes to a museum dedicated to dinosaurs, your little ones will never get bored on a trip to the national capital. Check out the best activities for families near Canberra.

The Canberra Wine District is making an impact with its stellar cool-climate shiraz and riesling. Be sure to visit the stalwarts – but don't miss the up-and-comers. With more than 140 vineyards and 40 wineries in the region, here’s where to start.

Explore about the customs and traditions of the Ngunawal people as you uncover historical artefacts and hidden rock art, learn about bush food and traditional stone tools, and hear the stories of the significant sites that you visit.

Rent an electric GoBoat for an afternoon on the calm waters of Lake Burley Griffin. With a built-in picnic table and benches, you're sure to have the best seat in the house when you book a GoBoat experience.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Parliament House on a guided tour, admire its modern architecture, wander through its exhibitions and galleries or take a sneak peek at Parliament in session to see Australian democracy in action.

Nestled among the vines of Mount Majura Vineyard you'll find the Naked Cubby Collective. Book one of their bell tents and enjoy a secluded nature escape where you can leave it all behind. 

Canberra is a capital of culture, and these hidden gems prove it. Peruvian food trucks, Chinese-style gardens and wineries that push the boundaries are just the beginning. It’s time to update your bucket list with the city’s best-kept secrets.

Surrounded by forests and mountains, the Canberra region is an adventure playground. Mountain-bike down famous trails, hike mountains, raft rivers and hit the snow. Discover all the ways you can experience Canberra’s adventurous side. 

The city’s shopping style is contemporary yet distinctive, taking its cue from the many art institutions and modern architecture and design. With creative boutiques, markets and local designs on offer, find your own sense of Canberra style.

An hour's drive from Canberra will bring you to the remote wilderness of Namadgi National Park. Reconnect with the environment on hiking trails that explore forested woods, impressive rock formations and Aboriginal heritage sites. 

Canberra is one of the only places in the world where you can board a hot air balloon and float right over a capital city. Be sure to look out to the rolling mountains to sprawling valleys as you see it all from the bird’s eye point of view. 

In winter, join the friendly truffle dogs for a walk through the oak forests of The Truffle Farm as they race among 3,000 trees to find the black gold. After, take your prize back to the cosy shed for a decadent degustation paired with local wines.  

Ready to escape to the wilderness? Join a Snowy River wilderness expedition to paddle your way through a multi-day kayak adventure. With river views by day and starry skies by night, this tour is made for nature lovers. 

Spend a relaxing day among fragrant native flowers and greenery at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Spot adorable local wildlife as you roam at your own pace, or climb aboard the Flora Explorer bus to see the garden highlights.