...see for yourself...
Discover the home of the Australian story in Canberra, where our national attractions and hidden gems deliver many unexpected delights.
Uncover the Australian story through Canberra's famed national attractions which hold the story of our nation.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour with an elite athlete at the Australian Institute of Sport and feel the courage of our Anzacs at the Australian War Memorial's Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. See our country and people through the eyes of artists at the National Gallery of Australia or take a free self guided iPod tour as you explore the new state-of-the-art National Portrait Gallery.
Delve further and you can get up close and personal with a cheetah at the National Zoo & Aquarium or be greeted by one of our many local winemakers and sample the fruits of their labour at the cellar door.
An array of stylish restaurants, bars and shops are close by, and for those more adventurous our scenic natural surrounds await you.
So come on, see for yourself.
Family Fun
Forget dragging the kids behind you when you visit Canberra. With so many awesome things to do, you will be chasing after the kids! There are plenty of fun activities to keep children of all ages amused.Many of Canberra’s major attractions are free, or have low admission fees. The most affordable way to see some of Canberra’s best family attractions is a 3 in Fun Pass. The pass includes entry to Questacon, Cockington Green Gardens and the Australian Institute of Sport. You will get a 10 per cent discount plus a free pass to go back to your favourite 3 in Fun attraction! Buy your ticket from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and at participating attractions.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Family-fun.aspx
Canberra is a great destination for food lovers. You can relax in modern cafes, experience first-class cuisine at stylish restaurants, dine with a view, or taste award-winning wines and fresh food at a vineyard cafe or restaurant set amongst gorgeous rural surrounds. Most wineries are within 30 minutes drive from the city, making visiting easy. Increasingly, degustation dining and wine matching from sommeliers is a feature of restaurants in Canberra.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Food-and-wine.aspx
Discover the home of the Australian story in Canberra. The vast wealth of Australia’s culture, history and way of life is housed in the national museums, galleries and attractions in Canberra. These national icons offer an intriguing insight into Australian character and democracy, and our journey from an Indigenous continent to a modern nation.
Celebrate Australias proud sporting achievements at the Australian Institute of Sport, delve into our political history at Parliament House and its predecessor the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House; and reflect on our young nation’s experience on the international stage at the Australian War Memorial.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/National-attractions.aspx
Discover the true nature of our nation’s capital. There are few capital cities in the world where bush and parkland is so integral to the city plan. Explore and unwind on extensive trails and walkways around town. Take a stroll at sunrise or catch a sunset on the many reserves to see kangaroos, wallabies and hear a chorus of birds on Black Mountain, Red Hill, Mt Ainslie, Mt Majura, Mt Taylor and Mt Pleasant all within the city limits.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, 45 minutes' drive from the city, is where you can see native animals such as emus and kangaroos grazing freely. The Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Sanctuary allows visitors to experience the region's wildlife in a natural setting.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Outdoor-and-nature.aspx
Shopping & Markets
Satisfy your shopping urges in Canberra. With four distinct seasons you can find that beautiful winter coat and wear it. Take home some local art, craft, cool climate wine and gourmet produce. Many of the shops, galleries and boutiques only stock regional wares providing that special something for you and your loved ones.
Experience everything from luxury boutiques, malls and department stores to street markets and local designers. Browse though the precincts to plan your shopping outing.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Shopping-and-markets.aspx
Entertainment & NightLife
See the capital by night. Tucked away in the city and surrounding suburbs are many traditional pubs, stylish cocktail lounges, pumping club and bars offering live music, beer gardens and live sport. After dark you can also hit the casino, cinemas and see live performing arts.
Celebrate Happy Hour at Old Parliament House every Friday. With live music or DJ’s and reduced drink prices — relax with a BBQ in the courtyard in the warmer months, or indoors with woodfired pizzas throughout winter.
For family fun after dark, head to Black Mountain Tower, Red Hill or Mount Ainslie lookouts to see the sparkling lights of the city. Try ice-skating for an evening session, tenpin bowling or catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Entertainment-and-nightlife.aspx
Rise early, rug up and take off in a hot air balloon. Drift peacefully over Canberra’s picturesque centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin, and get a fantastic view of Canberra’s major attractions.
Canberra offers first-class golf courses, driving ranges and pitch and putt, with beautiful views of the surrounding bushland, challenging play and competitive rates. Whether you’re a single figure handicapper, or a social player, there are many fantastic golf courses where you can enjoy a game.
Come and play in extensive bushland and parks, cruise along hundreds of kilometres of connected cycle ways, descend the mountain bike course that decides world champions at Stromlo Forest Park, discover nature along trails right next to the city.
There are numerous bushwalking options from day walks to the 650 kilometre Australian Alps Walking Trail starting from Canberra and ending in Walhalla in Victoria.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Sports-and-recreation.aspx
Spas & Relaxation
Indulge in a rejuvenating and nourishing experience for mind, body and soul. Choose a place of natural and spiritual serenity or one of the Canberra region's day spas and salons. From aromatherapy, detox, hot rock to zen shiatsu massage, you can be pampered from head to toe for an hour or a day.
http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/en/Things-to-do-and-see/Spas-and-relaxation.aspx
Fireside Festival
Weekends in August
Canberra and Capital region
Firesides, flavours and friends mean plenty of fireside activities. Distinctive venues will create a warming and memorable experience offering authentic cool climate wines matched with gourmet, seasonally inspired contemporary food, music and entertainment.
Wine, Roses and all that Jazz
5–6 November
Various venues
Celebrate the art of the grape by visiting Capital region wineries. Sample award-winning reds and whites, indulge in gourmet food, relax to live music in the vineyards, take a wine tour and meet Canberra’s passionate vignerons.
Foreshore Summer Music Festival
Commonwealth Place, Parkes
A fantastic line-up of Australian and International talent returns to Commonwealth Place. Foreshore is a highly anticipated youth music event and its venue, surrounded by iconic national landmarks, sets it apart from all others.
Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring.
17 September – 16 October 2011
See over a million flowers bloom. Be intrigued by the inspired garden bed designs. Get captivated by the artistic entertainment. Take part in demonstrations and workshops.
Be fascinated with the engaging exhibitions. Get absorbed into family time with fun kids’ activities. Experience the beautiful ambience of Floriade’s ticketed night event NightFest.
