Balloons over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, ACT © EventsACT

Balloons over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © EventsACT

3 days in Canberra

Canberra makes for a perfect short break full of food, culture, history and outdoor activity.

The must-do experiences

Learn about Australian history, politics and culture at some of the best museums and galleries in the country
Get outdoors to explore nearby national parks and Lake Burley Griffin
Explore a sophisticated dining scene and cool-climate wines

Day 1: Lake Burley Griffin and Newacton

The heart of Canberra is Lake Burley Griffin, so get your bearings by spending the day on and around the water.

The Grand Stair, Ovolo Nishi, Canberra, ACT © VisitCanberra

Where to stay in Canberra

Brazen, bright new architecture meets grand Art Deco design in the nation's capital.

Read time • 4min

Day 2: Canberra’s icons

As the nation’s capital city, Canberra has no shortage of must-visit icons. Art lovers and history buffs will love spending the day at the city’s best museums, memorials and galleries.

Did you know?

Canberra makes for a great stopping point on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne.

Day 3: National Arboretum and Braddon

Spend your final day in Canberra seeking out more of the outdoors, joining a cultural tour and digging into the suburban food scene.

Mount Ainslie, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Canberra suburb guide

With its landmark cultural institutions, a blossoming culinary scene and outdoor activities aplenty, Australia’s capital city is big on attractions, easily reached from its central ‘hoods.

Read time • 7min

Explore more nearby

GoBoat Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

Trips and itineraries

8-day Sydney to Melbourne inland drive

Places to go

Guide to Canberra

Greenfield Beach, South Coast, NSW © Destination NSW

Trips and itineraries

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast: a 6-day road trip   