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 P4,786 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,786
P5,264 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Quiet, walkable to shopping and dining. Clean and staff are friendly."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Deco Hotel
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
The price is P5,969 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P5,969
P6,566 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice hotel with large shower and new facilities. Close to many restaurants. Has own parking and was clean."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Avenue Hotel Canberra
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The price is P5,066 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,066
P5,573 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (876 reviews)
"Always a comfortable and convenient hotel to stay at."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
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! (876 reviews)
"Always a comfortable and convenient hotel to stay at."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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! (358 reviews)
"Room shower facilities where worn out including mixer and shower head, Sauna not working for some reason, had to pre book parking which was not aware of 'changed policy' apparently so had to park off site, only a 5 minute walk. Showers in pool gym area where slow to drain water away suggest full ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 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! (578 reviews)
"Stayed in a king room. Bed and pillows comfortable. Shower had good water pressure. Plenty of dinner options in the area."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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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