Canberra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Parliament House which includes landscape views and an administrative building
Canberra
Parliament House which includes an administrative building
Acton featuring a city and modern architecture
Canberra

Canberra Travel Guide Video

The capital of Australia has finally grown into that 'capital' role, with monuments to make you pause and think, and a fistful of exciting museums and galleries.

Canberra, as a city, has undergone a massive transformation in the last few decades. All the pieces of its design puzzle, which were once a little scattered, are now locked in place. These days, it has a clutch of top-rated cultural attractions, and increasingly appreciated wide-open spaces, and a 'big-outdoors' feel.

The National Museum of Australia is probably the cream of the crop of attractions, with its bold design, cleverly laid-out exhibits, and enthusiasm for breaking the mould.

Less obviously exciting, but acting as vital guardians for Australia's historical culture, are the National Archives Of Australia – where history is counted in the millions of its accessible documents and records – and the National Library Of Australia, whose books form only part of the collection. Thousands of posters, maps, theatre programmes and photos, collected over more than a century, make it a living multimedia resource.

Canberra's most popular museum isn't actually one. Questacon, the National Science And Technology Centre, throws away the glass-cases and fusty printed-labels for a fully-immersive, totally interactive experience, taking you to the wilder fringes of science and technology. The National Gallery of Australia lets you get a little more contemplative, with a set of unequalled collections, when it comes to Australian and Aborigine sculpture and paintings.

The central masterpiece of Canberra these days, though, is its Parliament House. Big, bold and full of Australian brash (as well as its politicians), it dominates the centre of Canberra. Its gigantic Australian flag, and long low 'boomerang' building, are cleverly integrated into the city's important viewpoints. Here is where you can see democracy in action, as much of the building, is accessible to the public.

If you want to see the political stage of a bygone era, the nearby Old Parliament House has been preserved and turned into a Museum of Democracy. Only ever meant as a temporary home for Australia's politicians, its no-nonsense design (and approach to politics) won it a special place in the Aussie heart. That's also something that can be said of the Australian War Memorial, which is an equally poignant place of remembrance for New Zealanders. A sombre reminder that capital cities sometimes have to play that worthy role, as well as the flashy one.

Where to stay in Canberra

Australian War Memorial showing a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4/5(1,992 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.

Canberra City Centre
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Queanbeyan

Visitors to Queanbeyan enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is worth a stop.

Queanbeyan
Kingston which includes a bridge and modern architecture

Kingston

Kingston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to The Cusack Centre and Lake Burley Griffin while you're in town.

Kingston
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Braddon

Abundant dining options and relaxing spas are well-reviewed features of Braddon. Make a stop by top sights like Canberra Contemporary Art Space while you're exploring the area.

Braddon
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Belconnen

Unique features of Belconnen include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Bimbi Beach or Bargang while you're exploring the area.

Belconnen
Australian War Memorial showing a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

4/5(1 area review)

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.

Northern Canberra
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The price is NZ$166 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$166
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
"I recently stayed at The Sebel Canberra Civic and while the location is excellent — centrally situated and within walking distance to Canberra City Centre — my experience left much to be desired. Firstly, although the hotel appears relatively new, the cleanliness was very disappointing. I found significant ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
Rydges Canberra

Rydges Canberra

4 out of 5
Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
The price is NZ$165 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$165
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (738 reviews)
"Charged a parking fee and didn't believe it was right."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Rydges Canberra
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
The price is NZ$189 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$189
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Great location, spacious rooms, great buffet breakfast"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Avenue Hotel Canberra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
"I recently stayed at The Sebel Canberra Civic and while the location is excellent — centrally situated and within walking distance to Canberra City Centre — my experience left much to be desired. Firstly, although the hotel appears relatively new, the cleanliness was very disappointing. I found significant ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
Meriton Suites Canberra

Meriton Suites Canberra

5 out of 5
40 Allara Street, Canberra, ACT
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (339 reviews)
"I love to stay in Meriton."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Meriton Suites Canberra
Abode Belconnen

Abode Belconnen

4.5 out of 5
3 Grazier Lane, Belconnen, ACT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (561 reviews)
"Great location and close to everything you need, close to Hospital and mall. Close eating establishments Parking is ample but tight for family vehicles"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Abode Belconnen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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