Canberra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Canberra Travel Guide Video

Australia’s capital city is at the heart of Australian politics and where you’ll find some of the country’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 artifacts 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

4.5/5(17 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 showing modern architecture and a bridge

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 featuring a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

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
Deco Hotel

Deco Hotel

4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"This was a great hotel. Plus an upgrade! We had a 1 bedroom apartment with all mod cons. Even motorised curtains and mood lighting - all with the touch of a button."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Deco Hotel
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The price is Rp1.460.726 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
Rp1.460.726
Rp1.606.799 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (857 reviews)
"Hotel right in the middle of the city and it served us for our 2 night stay. Hotel staff very helpful."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
The price is Rp1.548.258 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
Rp1.548.258
Rp1.703.084 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
Hotel Canberra centro
"Hotel a 5 min dal via del centro e comodo per i mezzi per muoversi… Hotel pulito e colazione internazionale buona. Ideale per un weekend per visitare Canberra"

Reviewed on 29 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (857 reviews)
"Hotel right in the middle of the city and it served us for our 2 night stay. Hotel staff very helpful."

Reviewed on 29 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (347 reviews)
"Very helpful staff attending to our needs. Pool and spa facilities were great. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 25 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 Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (566 reviews)
"I was very happy with my stay at the Abode hotel in Belconnen, but the lighting in the bathroom could be improved as it was difficult to see clearly for me to apply my makeup."

Reviewed on 25 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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