Canberra, Australia’s National Capital.
Immerse yourself in Australia’s history in the national Capital. See first hand our culture and character in the many museums and galleries. Follow the journey from Australia’s political past to our modern democratic government at Old Parliament House and the New Parliament House. See Australia through the eyes of our artists at the National Gallery of Australia and celebrate Australia’s proud sporting achievements at the Australian Institute of Sport. In Canberra there are many great opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Walk or cycle the lake, parklands and native bushland surrounds. Canberra is a planned, modern city nestling amidst green open spaces and experiences the full gambit of four distinct seasons, from golden autumn leaves to glorious spring blooms. The city is littered with great restaurants and nightlife destinations with a calendar bursting with festivals and events all year round.
Canberra Attractions.
Discover Canberra, Australia’s capital city and a treasure trove of national attractions.
Plan your Canberra holiday using our three-day itinerary, which combines museums and galleries and World Heritage-listed Namadgi National Park. Learn more about this iconic destination, where you can bushwalk, rock climb, get up close to native animals and see ancient Aboriginal rock art. Visit the wildlife haven of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or swim, fish and camp on the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.
Read about the journeys you can take in the Australian Capital Territory like the scenic Capital and Country drive, which takes in quaint colonial villages, gracious gardens, vineyards, galleries and antique stores or the romantic Poachers Trail. Access the vast, mountainous Australian Alps.
Canberra’s Floriade.
See Canberra come alive with a million spring blooms at Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring. For 30 fragrant days in September and October, the garden beds of Commonwealth Park become canvasses for super-sized floral pictures. It’s a colourful seasonal addition to Canberra’s open green spaces and native gardens. Soak up the floral colour while browsing bustling markets and gourmet stalls and attending workshops, exhibitions and live concerts.
Canberra Balloon Fiesta.
Autumn in Canberra is heralded not just by the fiery colours of the deciduous trees, but by the iconic Canberra Balloon Fiesta. Over nine crisp mornings in March, a colourful cavalcade of hot air balloons take to the air from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Watch the magical display with thousands of other early risers or take a hot air balloon ride yourself. Either way, it’s a great way to start your Canberra day, especially when accompanied by a hot breakfast and live entertainment.
Fireside Festival.
Warm your heart and fill your stomach next to a roaring fire this winter. That’s the seductive call of the Fireside Festival, held each August in Canberra and neighbouring villages such as Yass, Hall, Murrumbateman and Gundaroo. Their month-long program of food, wine and entertainment is guaranteed to lift your spirits alongside some chill-combating flames.
Aboriginal Culture.
Immerse yourself in a rich array of Aboriginal art in the National Gallery of Australia. A total of 13 galleries now showcase more than 7,500 works, from dot and bark paintings to watercolours, textiles, prints, ceramics and sculptures. Meander through different rooms, learning about the landscapes, Dreaming legends and historic events entwined with each art tradition. This important collection is a living, evolving expression of the world’s oldest living culture.