Canberra is also known for its fantastic festivals, such as the well-known Floriade, which celebrates the city’s many spring blooms. With our list of the top activities and fun things to do in Canberra, you can learn more about the best places to visit in Australia’s dynamic capital.
1. Canberra: Capital Of Australia
Canberra is Australia’s capital city. It is Australia’s largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. It was founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation. The city is located at the northern tip of the Australian Alps, the country’s highest mountain range, at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory.
Canberra is one of the best cities in the world to live in and visit. The Commonwealth Government is still the single largest employer in Canberra, but it is no longer the majority employer. Other major industries in the city have grown, including health care, professional services, education and training, retail, lodging and food, and construction.
2. Top activities and fun things to do in Canberra
Hike the Black Mountain Nature Park Trails
Black Mountain Nature Park is an excellent wilderness experience to complement a visit to the nearby Australian National Botanic Gardens. It is located west of the city center.
Walking trails wind through the bushland, where you can spot many different types of native birds and wildlife, including wallabies. The popular 2.7-kilometer (one-way) Black Mountain Summit Trail leads to Telstra Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
The Australian Institute of Sport, located at the foot of Black Mountain, is a training facility for Australia’s top athletes, complete with a swimming stadium and tennis center. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canberra this weekend, this is a great option.
National Carillon In Canberra
The white Carillon Tower on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin is National Carillon. National Carillon was a gift from the British government on Canberra’s 50th birthday in 1963. Three sleek columns clad in opal chip and quartz adorn the 50-meter-high tower. Within the towers are 55 bronze bells weighing between seven and six metric tons.
Bring a picnic and unwind on the surrounding lawns near National Carillon. Even better, go during a recital (Wednesdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 1:20 pm) when the bells’ music wafts across the lake. This place is especially stunning when illuminated at night.
National Aquarium and Zoo
National Aquarium and Zoo is the best place to visit in Canberra for the family this weekend. This privately owned venture, Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium, is a hit with families and anyone who loves animals. It takes only five minutes to get to the city center.
The National Aquarium exhibits a diverse range of marine life, from tiny reef dwellers to massive sharks. All of the important species of Australian fauna, as well as exotic species such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears, and others, can be found in the nearby zoo.
The animal encounters, which allow visitors to go behind the scenes and interact with a variety of exotic creatures, are extremely popular. At this popular Canberra zoo, you can meet a meerkat and get up close and personal with cheetahs, giraffes, sun bears, and rhinos, among other animals.
Australia’s National Museum
The National Museum of Australia, located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Burley Griffin, focuses on the country’s social history. The modern building itself is a conversation piece, with stunning lake views. It was inspired by a jigsaw puzzle and was meant to highlight the interconnected stories that helped shape the nation.
The cultural history of Indigenous Australians is a major theme of the exhibits. Exhibits on the Gold Rush, Australian industry, clothing, and migration are also highlighted. There are also a few interactive displays for children to enjoy.
Explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens
The 50-hectare National Botanic Gardens, located about a kilometer west of the city center, are a must-see for green thumbs. These carefully tended collections, spread across the slopes of Black Mountain, display various habitats and present all of the important species of Australian flora. Children will also enjoy themselves here.
The Rain Forest Gully is especially beautiful. Water dragons can be found among the lush foliage. The Red Centre garden, with deep red earth and a spinifex grassland, and the Children’s Discovery Walk are also highlights. Birds and butterflies can also be found in the gardens.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canberra this weekend, this is a great option. The gardens are free to enter, but there is a small fee to park in the on-site lot.
Take in the scenery from
Head to the 843-meter Mount Ainslie lookout to truly appreciate the layout of this meticulously planned capital. Mount Ainslie Lookout is a popular vantage point in the city. From the back of the Australian War Memorial, a well-paved walking/biking trail winds for just over two kilometers.
You can stop at commemorative plaques along the way to learn about historic Australian battles, and you might even see some kangaroos and a variety of beautiful birds.
You can also drive up to Mount Ainslie Lookout. The lookout is perfectly aligned with Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin, Old Parliament House, and, in the background, the sleek lines of New Parliament House, thanks to Walter Burley Griffin’s vision. Bring a jacket with you on breezy days.
Take a walk around Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra’s focal point is Burley Griffin. Tourists and locals alike visit, bike, and stroll along the waterfront paths, picnic along the park-lined shores, and fish, sail, or paddle the glistening waters. Looking for something to do at night in Canberra? Book a dinner cruise on the MV Southern Cross to see the city’s twinkling lights while dining on gourmet cuisine.
Commonwealth Park, located on the north side of the lake, is a great place to take children. There are play areas, paddling pools, waterfalls, an amphitheater, and a path that circles the park.
In the spring, the park hosts the famous Floriade festival, a spring celebration with over a million flowers in bloom.
War Memorial of Australia In Canberra
Canberra’s most moving attraction this weekend is the Australian War Memorial. The massive Byzantine-style monument commemorated Australia’s war fatalities and was unveiled in the middle of WWII. However, it is more than just a war memorial. The site includes a fantastic museum, archives, an art gallery, and a library.
Set aside several hours if possible to appreciate this thought-provoking memorial, and if you’re visiting near the end of the day, try to stay for the Last Post, a moving tribute to the fallen played daily at 4:55 pm. One of the best free things to do in Canberra is to visit the memorial, and the 90-minute tours are highly recommended.
Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park, located 40 kilometers south of Canberra, is an excellent day trip for exploring the regional ACT. Beautiful Australian fauna can be found in Namadgi National Park, including colorful birdlife, rugged granite mountains, and habitat ranging from alpine meadows to lush forests.
Namadgi National Park is also on the Australian National Heritage List as one of the eleven protected areas that make up the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves.
Australian regional and rural scenery is as diverse as it is beautiful, and it’s definitely worth seeing this stunning example while you’re in the area. It’s one of the fun things to do in Canberra.
- Address: Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620, Australia
New Parliament House
New Parliament House, the final realization of architect Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for Canberra in 1912, is a modern architectural marvel. The boomerang-shaped structure nestled comfortably into Capital Hill and was designed to replace the Provisional Parliament House, now known as Old Parliament House, at the bottom of the hill.
From the roof’s expansive grassed walkway, you can enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and see how Parliament serves as the central focus of the city’s street layout.
From the gallery that wraps around the first floor, you can gain access to the public galleries of the green-hued House of Representatives and the red-clad Senate. A visit during sitting hours is a great way to see how parliament works firsthand, and the free guided tours provide fascinating information about the building.
Following your visit, you can take the 3.5-kilometer Parliament House Walk to the city center, where interpretive signs will teach you about the Parliamentary Triangle.
Sunrise in a Canberra Hot Air Balloon
We advise taking a morning hot air balloon ride over Canberra if you really want to make your weekend special. It’s considered one of the best fun things to do in Canberra and the best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the city.
With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, enjoy the 3:30 balloon trip over Canberra’s numerous lakes and parks, including Parliament House!
Observe the Floriade Festival
The flower festival, known as Floriade, draws large numbers to Canberra. Since there are so many musicians and comedians scheduled to perform over the long weekend in October, we were fortunate to attend during the season.
Night Fest is another event that you should be aware of. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canberra, this is a great option.
Visit Bruce Pink Lake
Who knew Canberra had a pink lake? Yes, the pink pond in Canberra is situated in Bruce at Eardley Street, around a 10-minute drive from the city center. It also makes a great Instagram picture! Visiting Bruce Pink Lake is one of the must-do activities in Canberra.
Take a trip to Cockington Green Gardens
Do you not just adore a tiny garden? What do you know, we saw one in the Cotswolds years ago. At Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra has its very own small English gardens. It’s a must-see destination for the whole family and is only 15 minutes north of Canberra. Kids would undoubtedly adore the steam train as well!
National Science and Technology Center in Canberra
Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, was on our list of must-see attractions even though we didn’t have time to go. The science museum would be a fantastic place for the whole family to visit and is conveniently positioned close to many other museums in Canberra.
Examine Canberra’s Street Art
Melbourne, get ready to make way for Canberra’s street art, which is tucked away in some amazing locations throughout the city. We really enjoyed the street art in Canberra on Tocumwal Lane, which is well worth seeing if you want to explore a more artistic aspect of the nation’s capital.
Visit The Old Bus Depot Markets
Visit The Old Bus Depot Markets if you enjoy a good market. Every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, it is open. At one of Canberra’s largest weekend markets, expect to find vintage clothing, jewelry, fresh vegetables, arts & crafts, and much more. Visiting The Old Bus Depot Markets is one of the must-do activities in Canberra.
Don’t miss Weston Park when you are in Canberra
A 10-minute drive from Canberra, Weston Park is home to numerous playgrounds, dog parks, and bike paths. The area was quite dry when we arrived, but if you go at the correct time of year, especially in the fall and spring, you can see the trees bursting with color. It’s the ideal weekend diversion for passing the time.
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Mount Stromlo Observatory is accessible from Canberra by taking a 20-minute journey to the southwest. You should take one of their free public night excursions. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canberra, this is a great option.
When visiting Canberra, be sure to stop by the Deep Space Communication Complex, which features interactive exhibits so you can learn everything there is to know about space if you have a specific interest in space.
Gibraltar Falls Swimming
It takes 45 minutes to get from Canberra to Gibraltar Falls in Namadgi National Park. A nice 2-mile trek awaits. It is estimated to take about an hour to return, but as always, if you plan to swim here, exercise extreme caution. Swimming at Gibraltar Falls is also one of the must-do activities in Canberra.
Learn about Binalong Canola Fields
The Binalong Canola Fields are located one hour north of Canberra. Make sure you make an effort to go see them if you’re in Canberra in the springtime because they look incredibly stunning!
Visit the Australian National Gallery
The National Gallery of Australia is one of our favorite free activities in Canberra. The Australian National Gallery is just amazing. We were shocked by how few individuals were present (however, it was during Floriade at the time).
Most importantly, this gallery is home to some truly outstanding international artists; art enthusiasts will adore it! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Canberra, this is a great option.
