What to do in Australian Capital Territory

Activities, attractions and tours
Australian Capital Territory

Top places to visit

1. Parliament House

The Old Parliament building may have been a 'make-do' affair, with its limited 50-year shelf-life, but the new Parliament House has made up for that earlier understatement in spades. Dominating the skyline of Canberra with its enormous flagpole, this grand palace to democracy – at the very heart of the capital – was the most expensive building in the world, when completed in 1988. Over 1 billion Australian dollars were lavished on it.
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There are few parliaments that have such a dramatic view as Australia's second parliament to house its elected politicians, and so few that let the public in.

2. Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial, commemorating servicemen killed in battle across more than 150 years of conflict, holds a very special place in the heart of Australians. But it is a place of significance for New Zealanders, too. The bond between the two nations, forged in France, Gallipoli, Crete, as well as more recent deployments, is not forgotten here in the Australian capital. That sense of battlefield kinship is in evidence even as you drive up ANZAC Parade. Long lines of eucalyptus are interleaved by borders of Hebe shrubs from New Zealand.
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Canberra has placed the remembrance of its fallen servicemen at the heart of the capital. Gain some understanding at the adjacent ANZAC Hall museum.

3. National Museum of Australia

Canberra may be the political capital of the modern Australian nation, but Uluru (Ayer's Rock) is considered its spiritual heart – especially by the first Australians. And as a museum celebrating all of the Australian peoples' many stories, the National Museum of Australia has built a connection to Uluru into its very fabric. The Uluru line is a curving sculptural ribbon that starts at the National Museum's entrance, is tangled up inside the building, then streams past the adjacent Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. After that, the line leaps (unseen) towards Uluru itself, some 2575 kilometres away.
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National Museum of Australia which includes interior views

4. Questacon

Less a museum, more a playful science lab, Canberra's Questacon has become one of its most popular attractions. It lies on Parkes Place, on the lakeside between the National Library and the High Court. But there's nothing bookish or law-bound here – except obeying the maxim of having as have much fun as is scientifically possible. Ever since it opened in 1988, as the National Science and Technology Centre, it has pursued the idea that hands-on is better than glass-case. Most of its more-than-200 exhibits are interactive – some spectacularly so.
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Questacon

5. National Gallery of Australia

Australia – one of the world's youngest nations, with one of its oldest cultures – has sparked some remarkable art. It is inspired by that fusion of old and new, city and outback. And the mission of the National Gallery of Australia has been to collect, distil and broadcast its brilliance. The National has also made a name for itself as a premier collector of traditional art forms, especially from neglected Pacific Island and Asian cultures. And along the way, it has built a respected portfolio of Western art, from both America and Europe. Come to this gallery on Canberra's lakeside Parkes Place, and you're in for a rare visual treat.
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National Gallery of Australia which includes interior views

Discover the most popular places to visit in Australian Capital Territory

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Parliament House

4.5/5(872 reviews)

There are few parliaments that have such a dramatic view as Australia's second parliament to house its elected politicians, and so few that let the public in.

Parliament House
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Australian War Memorial

5/5(1,044 reviews)

Canberra has placed the remembrance of its fallen servicemen at the heart of the capital. Gain some understanding at the adjacent ANZAC Hall museum.

Australian War Memorial
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National Museum of Australia

4.5/5(659 reviews)

A daring and innovative museum that looks at the social history of a nation whose 'two tales' have intertwined, to produce the fascinating artefacts on display.

National Museum of Australia
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Questacon

4.5/5(448 reviews)

The Questacon lets you walk on the wild side of science and technology, with over 200 exhibits tailored to get your heart pounding and your brain doing somersaults.

Questacon
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National Gallery of Australia

4.5/5(871 reviews)

The styles may be wide-ranging, and the content globe-spanning, but the National Gallery takes most pride in its stunning collections of native Australian art.

National Gallery of Australia
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National Dinosaur Museum

4/5(108 reviews)

Get to know the giants of prehistoric times at this interesting and educational museum, packed with displays about the unique history of the Australian continent.

National Dinosaur Museum
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Lake Burley Griffin

4.5/5(1,470 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Burley Griffin during your travels in Canberra. Wander around the gardens or enjoy the area's restaurants.

Lake Burley Griffin
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Manuka Shopping Centre

4/5(422 reviews)

Make a stop at this suburban shopping oasis in Canberra’s inner south region, for gourmet foods, fashion, coffee and specialty stores.

Manuka Shopping Centre
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Australian National University

4.5/5(414 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Australian National University during your travels in Canberra. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Australian National University

Explore areas of Australian Capital Territory

Australian War Memorial featuring 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
Kingston showing modern architecture and a bridge

Kingston

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

Kingston
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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
Australian War Memorial featuring 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
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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
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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

Day trip destinations from Australian Capital Territory

Canberra

Canberra

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

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