Canberra

Australia's purpose-built capital city, designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin in the early 20th century. Home to world-class museums, Parliament House, and iconic landmarks set around beautiful lakes and gardens.

Things to do

• Parliament House Tour — Explore the iconic purpose-built parliament building with its distinctive roof designed to blend into Capitol Hill, featuring impressive views from the Members Hall.
• National Museum of Australia — Discover Australia's social and cultural history through interactive exhibits, indigenous collections, and contemporary installations in this waterfront institution.
• Lake Burley Griffin Cycling — Ride the scenic 21-kilometre circuit around the central lake, passing through parks, past the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, and offering views of the city's architectural landmarks.
• National Gallery of Australia — View an extensive collection of Australian and international art, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks, set in a modern building with sculpture gardens.
• Australian War Memorial Canberra — Pay respects at this solemn museum dedicated to Australia's military history, featuring personal stories, weapons, and vehicles from significant conflicts.
• National Arboretum Canberra — Walk through 250 hectares of native and exotic forest across 94 themed gardens, offering panoramic city views and seasonal wildflower displays.
• Questacon Science Museum — Engage with hands-on interactive exhibits exploring physics, technology, and innovation, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Food to try

• Barton's Lamingtons — These locally-iconic chocolate and coconut-coated sponge cakes are a Canberra institution, best enjoyed fresh from independent bakeries and cafés throughout the city.
• ACT Salmon — Fresh farmed salmon from the Australian Capital Territory's cool-water fish farms appears on many restaurant menus, showcasing local aquaculture.
• Canberra's Craft Brewery Scene — Sample locally-brewed craft beers at independent breweries like Growling Frog and Capital Brewing Company, which reflect the city's burgeoning food and beverage culture.
• Bush Tucker Modern Australian — Seek out fine dining restaurants incorporating native Australian ingredients like wattleseed, native pepperberries, and quandongs into contemporary cuisine.
• Kingston Foreshore Dining — Explore the waterfront precinct's diverse restaurants and cafés offering everything from modern Australian to international cuisines with views over Lake Burley Griffin.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan ahead for attractions — Many major museums and Parliament House require advance booking or have specific tour times, so check opening hours and reserve tickets before visiting.
• Respect indigenous heritage — Canberra sits on Ngunnawal country; many sites acknowledge indigenous connections, and visitors should learn about traditional land ownership and respect cultural protocols at significant locations.
• Embrace the car culture — While cycling is popular, Canberra's dispersed layout means having a car is practical for visiting multiple attractions; public transport exists but is less frequent than other capitals.
• Spring flower festivals — Visit during September and October for the Canberra Floriade and wildflower season when the city celebrates its gardens and native flora with public events and displays.