Planning a trip to Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)? You’re in for a treat! Nestled within New South Wales, this compact yet captivating region is packed with national treasures, stunning natural landscapes, award-winning wineries, and a thriving food scene.
As Australia’s capital city, Canberra is home to iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia. Beyond its rich history and political significance, the city surprises visitors with its vibrant cultural scene, boutique shopping, and outdoor adventures – from hiking in Namadgi National Park to kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin.
Food lovers will delight in Canberra’s diverse dining scene, bustling markets, and world-class wineries in the nearby Canberra District Wine Region. Whether you’re after a luxury escape, a family-friendly getaway, or a nature-filled retreat, the ACT has something for everyone.
Explore our ultimate guide to Canberra and the ACT to uncover the best places to stay, eat, and experience in Australia’s underrated capital!
Destinations
Central Canberra
If you hear the locals mentioning Civic they are referring to the Central Canberra district. You can shop till you drop at designer boutiques, enjoy a variety of dining options, head to a nightclub or bar, and enjoy theatres and museums.
Braddon offers more cafes, and shopping and is home to the hip Lonsdale Street. NewActon is the cool cultural precinct of the area.
South of the Lake
This area is home to Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, Questacon, and National "everything". You will find the National Library, various National galleries, National Archives, and museums.
Visit the suburbs of Manuka and Kingston, and be rewarded with more dining options, great coffee, and shopping.
North Canberra
North Canberra is family fun central. The kids will love Cockington Green Gardens, the National Dinosaur Museum, and Canberra Walk in Aviary.
Gold Creek Village is filled with sweet and quirky shops. Plus numerous cafes and restaurants for lunch or dinner.
You have probably worked out by now that you will not go hungry in Canberra.
Wine Country
140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors make up Canberra's Wine Region. The region produces many styles of wine such as Sangiovese, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and rare varieties like Gruner Veltliner.
Along with the colder weather truffle season arrives. Don't miss joining a truffle hunt or seeing the Blessing of the Truffle Dogs.
National Parks
Get back to nature and visit Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Namadgi is for animal lovers where you may be lucky to spot swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, wombats, emus, pygmy possums or reptiles.
You can also wander through wetlands, forests, grasslands, and sub-alpine habitats at Tidbinbilla offers hikers a mix of wetlands, forests, grasslands, and sub-alpine terrain. You may also spy a koala or emu on your walk.
ACT Highlights
Our top five picks for the Australian Capital Territory and Canberra Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Federal Golf Club
Have a round or two of golf with the local kangaroos as your spectators.
National Gallery of Australia
A visit to the Sculpture is a must. It is a magical experience outside of the gallery. You can even take your dog along.
Fyshwick
The place to go for vintage, antique, and op shopping
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Luxury accommodation which is located inside Canberra Zoo. Where the tigers, giraffes, and sharks watch you sleep.
Breakr
Like smashing things? Need to vent some anger? Then Breakr is for you. Grab a baseball ball and smash things til your heart's content.
Festivals and Events
January
Street Machine Summernats Car Festival
February
National Multicultural Festival
Canberra Beerfest
Lantern Festival Canberra
March
Enlighten Illuminations
Lights! Canberra! Action!
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Wine Machine Canberra
Symphony in the Park
Canberra Day
National Sheep Dog Trial Championships - Hall Showground
Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival
April
Enlighten Illuminations
Good Folk - Queanbeyan
A Wild Night Out - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Canberra International Music Festival
Heritage Festival
May
Collector Village Pumpkin Festival
Whisky Live
July
Canberra Food and Wine Expo
September
National Wattle Day
Craft & Quilt Fair
National Opal and Crystal Festival
October
Canberra International Film Festival
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Nara Candle Festival
December
Spilt Milk Festival
Planning Your Visit
Spring and Autumn are seasons bursting with colour and the best times to visit the ACT and Canberra. Spring flowers bloom and tulips are abundant thanks to Floriade. Canberra's many deciduous trees burst in gold, ochre, red, and crimson when autumn arrives.
Winters can be bitterly cold, but you are not far from the NSW Snowy Mountains for those who love their snow sports. Summers can be quite hot.
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting Canberra during school holidays or a festival.
Summer: Enjoy water activities on Lake Burley Griffin.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Hunt for black truffles.
Spring: Picture-perfect picnics at the many gardens and parks.
Getting Here
By Air: Canberra has an International and Domestic Airport. Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines fly directly to Canberra from overseas. Domestically there are flights to and from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth daily. There are multiple daily domestic flights to and from Sydney and Melbourne.
By Train: Trains run from Melbourne and Sydney to Canberra.
By Sea: Canberra is situated inland with no direct sea access. The closest cruising ports are Sydney or Melbourne. You then need to travel to Canberra via car, bus, train or plane.
By Bus: There are regular bus services available to and from Canberra from the Snowy Mountains, the South Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and more.