Canberra

Travel Guide

Parliament House featuring an administrative buidling and landscape views
Canberra
Parliament House showing an administrative buidling
Acton featuring a city and modern architecture
Canberra

Australia’s capital city is at the heart of Australian politics and where you’ll find some of the county’s best museums.

Canberra is Australia’s political capital and the home of several national cultural institutions, many of which are free to enter. It was purpose built as the capital in the early 20th century. The circular layout was the idea of Chicago architects Walter and Marion Griffin, who won a competition run by the Australian Government to design the new city.

Canberra is easy to navigate, and you’ll find many of the city’s main attractions within walking distance of one another. When it’s too far to walk, take a bus, or taxi, as the fares are reasonably priced.

Tour the building where Australian politicians tackle the big issues. About 20 percent of Parliament House is open to the public, and you can even watch politicians in action from the public galleries. Learn about the history of Australia’s democracy at Old Parliament House. Take a guided tour of the classical-style building or visit the museum to learn about key events in the country’s political history.

Wander across Queen Victoria Terrace to the National Archives, where you can see the original copy of the Australian Constitution. Browse the shelves of the National Library to find rare maps and historic publications. Cross Lake Burley Griffin to visit the National Museum,home to artefacts from pre-colonial Aboriginal tribes, old furniture and weapons, as well as inventions, vehicles and artwork.

The National Gallery is the country’s largest art museum. It has famous indigenous paintings, sculptures from across Asia, and a host of works by Australian, American and European masters. Head to the Australian War Memorial and be moved by the sombre atmosphere. Explore the on-site museum to read about battles and see all kinds of military equipment.

There are plenty of attractions in Canberra aimed at families with young children, including Questacon, the national science centre. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations by staff. Check out the Royal Australian Mint to watch coins being made and even press one of your own.

At night head to the bars and restaurants in the city centre to sample wines from local vineyards and fresh produce from nearby farms.

Where to stay in Canberra

Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

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 featuring a bridge and modern architecture

Kingston

Kingston is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to The Cusack Centre or Lake Burley Griffin.

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
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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 featuring a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square.

Northern Canberra
Deco Hotel

Deco Hotel

4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
The price is P7,234 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P7,234
P7,958 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"They have Bentspoke beer and great room layout"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Deco Hotel
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The price is P5,111 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,111
P5,622 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (870 reviews)
"Very central to what we needed to do."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
The price is P5,708 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P5,708
P6,279 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Food was terrible, certainly would not recommend and would not eat there again. Great ambience but that was it which was a real shame."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

QT 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, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (870 reviews)
"Very central to what we needed to do."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
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! (573 reviews)
"This is a very good property but housekeeping needs to step it up. During a 4 night stay carpet was not vacuumed, kitchenette not wipes down and bed not changed"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Abode Belconnen
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! (355 reviews)
Short business trip to Canberra
"Excellent location as only a few minutes walk to the convention centre. Staff were excellent in every respect. Only downer was still a very noisy site despite being on the 14th floor and woke up at 6am to a huge crane outside the apartment on the last morning. Other than that this is a top location ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Meriton Suites 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.

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