Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Canberra from the USA?

Getting to Canberra from the United States is straightforward, requiring one or two stopovers depending on where you're located.

International flight: Fly non-stop from major US gateways – including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL) – into east coast Australian hubs like Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Domestic connection: From Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL), it's a quick one-hour flight to Canberra (CBR).
Drive or coach from Sydney: Alternatively, if arriving in Sydney, you can rent a car or take an express coach (like Murrays) for the three-hour drive to Canberra.

How do I get to Canberra from the UK?

Travelling to Canberra from the United Kingdom usually involves a single international stopover followed by a short domestic transfer.

UK to Australia: Fly from the UK to Australia via an international hub such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) or Singapore (SIN), arriving in Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Domestic connection: From Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL), hop on a one-hour flight to Canberra (CBR).
Drive or coach from Sydney: If you're coming from Sydney, you can also make the three-hour scenic drive to Canberra via hire car or express coach (like Murrays).

How do I get to Canberra from China?

Getting to Canberra from China is straightforward, often only requiring one stopover.

China to Australia: Fly non-stop to Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) from Chinese cities including Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX) and Xiamen (XMN).
Domestic connection: From Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL), hop on a one-hour flight to Canberra (CBR).
Drive or coach from Sydney: If you're coming from Sydney, you can also make the three-hour scenic drive to Canberra via hire car or express coach (like Murrays).

Is Canberra a good destination for families?

Yes, Canberra has a great relaxed pace and plenty of interactive experiences for every member of the family.

A few family-friendly highlights include:

Questacon: Get hands-on with interactive science exhibits designed specifically for kids at Questacon.
Lake Burley Griffin: Cycle around the lake, climb into kayaks or rent a picnic boat and enjoy the calm waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: Head to Tidbinbilla to try your luck spotting a brush-tailed rock wallaby.

How easy is it to get around Canberra?

Getting around Canberra is easy thanks to its compact size and well-organised design.

Low traffic: Canberra has less traffic congestion than other capital cities, making it easy to move between attractions and dining precincts.
Clustered attractions: Many of the city's best attractions are walkable from one another, including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon.
Light rail and buses: Visitors can use Canberra's system of bus and light rail services, which operate between the city centre and key destinations. Fares can be paid easily with a credit or debit card.
Driving and car hire: Driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore Canberra and its surrounding regions (like the Canberra District Wine Region). Roads are easy to navigate, parking is plentiful and rental agencies are located at Canberra Airport (CBR) and the city centre.

What’s the best time of year to visit Canberra?

Canberra is a wonderful year-round destination, with spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) particularly beautiful.

Spring (September to November): Average temperatures range between 6 - 19°C (43 - 66°F), and the city comes to life with events like Floriade.
Autumn (March to May): Days are mild and nights are cool, with temperatures around 7 - 20°C (44 - 68°F). The city's parks and gardens show off an array of autumn colours.
Summer (December to February): Days and evenings are balmy, with temperatures ranging from 13 - 27°C (55 - 81°F). It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like renting a GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin.
Winter (June to August): Temperatures drop to 1 - 12°C (34 - 54°F). Get cosy at wineries or have a snow experience at Corin Forest.

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   