📍35 Best Fun Things To Do In Canberra, Australia. (Attractions & Activities.) (2024.)

Australia consists of six states and two territories, and within the smallest, the Australian Capital Territory, lies Canberra, the country’s capital. As the continent’s government centre, all the nation’s power plays happen there, but what is there to do for visitors?

Well, as I found out while exploring it for 4 weeks travelling throughout the NSW and the ACT, there’s absolutely no shortage of fantastic attractions, activities and things to do in Canberra, such as the poignant Australian War Memorial, the stunning views from Mt Ainslie and the epic walking trails within Namadgi National Park that pleasantly surprise all-comers as it’s nowhere near as politically inclined as it may seem.

1. Visit The Poignant Australian War Memorial. – Free.

The number one must-visit attraction in Canberra is undoubtedly the Australian War Memorial. This stunning, world-class museum is a beautiful, graphic and sobering tribute to all Australians who enlisted in Australian-aided conflicts, especially two of recent history’s most prolific global events, World War I and World War II.

Over 1.5 million Aussies signed up to serve during both wars, and tens of thousands of them died as a result. The memorial, which lies in Canberra’s north, is an exquisite shrine to all who served to protect the freedom we enjoy today.

Although the largest galleries focus on World War I and World War II, they aren’t the only conflicts on display. From the Boer War of 1899 to the recent War In Afghanistan, I strongly advise dedicating at least a few hours to exploring the numerous beautifully rendered spaces inside and outside this nationally significant place as it’s the most poignantly sombre place to remember their countless sacrifices.

If possible, stay until closing time for the Last Post Ceremony which involves honouring a fallen soldier by telling the story of their bravery and keeping their memory alive.

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2. Admire The City’s Ornamental Lake.
Lake Burley-Griffith.

One of the cool things about Canberra is that it is the only capital city that surrounds a lake. More surprisingly, it isn’t a naturally formed one, either. It was created by damming the Mongolo River in three places to create an ornamental lake for the emerging capital city in 1913. Renamed Lake Burley Griffin after the person who won the competition to design Canberra, the lake is a prominent feature of the city’s stunning landscape.

And because it is such an iconic part of the capital, there’s an abundance of dedicated recreation space surrounding its shores, which means plenty of activities to do in and around the lake. From sightseeing, walking, jogging, cycling, and kayaking to playgrounds for the kids and picnic tables for family meals and more, there’s always something fun and relaxing to do.

Oh. And there’s also the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a high-powered water fountain that comes on at random intervals near the Information Centre and is observable from many places across the city, especially the lookouts, which is a fun addition to the picturesque lake.

Note: If walking along the river outside the Info Centre and the jet starts going, you will get wet in certain wind directions as I saw happen to several people running past.

3. Drink In Canberra’s Beautiful Landscape.
Mt Ainslie.

Canberra’s most well-known mountaintop is Mt Ainslie. Not only can you see the stunning city and all its most famous landmarks from the stone-wall lookouts, but there are also plenty of views showcasing a multitude of other directions from the numerous vantage points around the car park.

But that is not the most notable thing about the lookout. It is how several of the city’s most notable buildings and attractions line up in a straight row. It peers directly at the Australian War Memorial, down Remembrance Avenue, across Lake Burley Griffin, with Old Parliament House and the current Parliament House capping off the lineup in the distance.

It is an impressive sight, and it’s all thanks to Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the husband and wife collaborators who won the competition to envision the development of the emerging capital despite never visiting Australia prior and conceptualising the unique layout of the city.

4. See What’s Behind The Famous Exterior.
Parliament House. – Free.

You can’t have a list of the top tourist spots in Canberra without including its most recognisable building and the city’s reason for being. It was forged to become Australia’s political heartland and the latest incarnation of Parliament House is synonymous with the capital. Although it’s a divisive place because of what transpires there, as anything political inevitably is, it’s also a place that captivates the imagination as you wonder what’s behind the famous architecture.

Well, you needn’t wonder anymore because surprisingly, Parliament House is open to visitors just about every day, even when MPs are working in the Senate Or House Of Representatives. You can even watch the politicians in action during Question Time.

Even on non-sitting days, visitors can roam the stunning building, see the debate rooms, learn about how laws come to be, admire the portraits of past Prime Ministers, and discover the beautiful gifts presented to them from various countries amongst other politically significant displays. Although people interested in governmental processions will enjoy this place the most, those who don’t will find plenty to be fascinated by as I certainly did.

5. See The ACT’s Spectacular Landscape.
Telstra Tower. – $.

Parliament House may take the cake as Canberra’s most recognisable landmark because it is on the news every other day, but visitors to the city will notice another structure much more prominently.

Rising over 100m from Black Mountain, the tallest mountain in the city, the Telstra Tower dominates the capital’s skyline. It looks like it’s the equivalent height of the hilltop it stands upon and is noticeable from many places across the city. It’s unmissable to see, and no visitor to the city should pass up the opportunity to visit it because it is not just a visual icon, it is also one of Canberra’s best lookouts.

“Wait, the ‘Telstra’ Tower? Telstra? Like the telecommunication company?” Yes. The dual-purpose tower is pumping out signals as we speak, but that isn’t why it’s a beloved attraction. The uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views from the external viewing deck across the entire Australian Capital Territory make people love coming here as it’s undoubtedly the best view Canberra has to offer. From the city to the mountains, you can see the entire state in all its glory from its internal and external viewing decks. It’s magnificent.

And if there’s snow around, usually on the distant peaks to the southwest, that is also often visible from the tower too. These mountains are the Australian Alps and it is the only terrain in the country that consistently receives annual snowfall every winter, adding even more magic to the unforgettable view. Furthermore, because the attraction is open well after dark, visitors can also stay to see the city’s twinkling lights, making visiting the Telstra Tower one of the most romantic and fun things to do in Canberra for couples at night.

Note: It’s pretty cold up here so I recommend bringing a jacket.

*Currently Closed.

6. Let The Kids Run Wild.
Questacon. – $.

If you’re looking for the kid-friendly activities in Canberra, you can’t go past Questacon. The highly interactive attraction is full of stuff aimed towards developing young minds by encouraging them to engage in fun, mind-bending scientific displays.

Watch their curious minds marvel at intriguing concepts that seem to defy reality as they explore the different sections of the labs. It’s so jam-packed with weird experiments and creative exhibitions that they won’t even know they’re learning because they are enjoying themselves so much.

Note: 4-hour paid parking from 8.30 am – 5.00 pm for weekdays, but weekends are free.

7. Unearth Australia.
The National Museum Of Australia. – Free.

What would a city be without a museum showcasing the heritage of a place? Probably not a very good one. I’m just kidding! For many destinations, a museum showcasing local history is often one of their biggest attractions, and in the ACT, it’s no exception. But because the city is Australia’s capital, it’s a showcase for the entire country, not just Canberra.

Encapsulating a massive continent in a single museum is impossible, but the gloriously artistic National Museum Of Australia west of the CBD does a mighty fine job of capturing the essence of our nation’s environmental and cultural history.

From the vastly different environments spanning our nation and the animals that inhabit it to the indigenous Australians who roamed the landscapes for thousands of years and the injustices they endured since colonisation to the decades of development and disasters since then, the museum is such a beautiful display of Australia’s most defining moments.

Note: 4-hour paid parking applies from 8.30 am-5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, but weekends are free.

8. Enjoy Some Art.
The National Gallery Of Australia. – Free.

They say that art is in the eye of the beholder, and adding to the already robust list of free things to do in Canberra city is the National Gallery Of Australia. The attraction has numerous spaces showcasing a variety of different artworks in an array of mediums and techniques.

Discover the range of whimsical musings, political statement pieces, taboo subject matters and provocative artworks they have on display and admire the stunning historical relics and artifacts accompanying them, such as the colourful garments collected from neighbouring cultures.

Be sure to find the gallery’s most controversial item: a painting called Blue Poles they spent an exorbitant amount on, and decide for yourself, “Is this art?” And is it really worth the $1.3 million they spent to acquire it?

Note: Paid parking is very expensive on weekdays and is charged by the hour, Weekends are $5 for all-day parking.

9. Discover The Ruins.
Mt Stromlo Observatory. – Free.

Did you know that Canberra has advanced space-observing complexes that help further humanity’s understanding of the universe? It’s a surprising fact and one of the facilities lies between the city and the beloved Cotter Precinct.

Mt Stromlo Observatory does double duty as it functions as a working research establishment and one of the nation’s capital’s most unique points of interest in the countryside, but not in the way you might think. That’s because the devastating firestorm of 2003 tore through most of the ACT and gutted much of the historical observatory along with it.

It’s now not just a destination to see equipment that unveils the mysteries of the universe but is also a poignant reminder of the horrific fire. There’s something very beautiful, haunting and impactful about seeing the shells, ruins and remains of such a technologically advanced place.

It’s very much worth visiting, and because it lies amongst beautiful scenery too, that’s even more incentive to see the beautiful remains of the still-working observatory.

Hot Tip: Make the most of your trip to Mt Stromlo Observatory and take a snapshot of the sign outside the Visitor Centre. That way you won’t miss any of the observatories and including the gutted Director’s House, which I would have otherwise not known I could go inside of!

10. See The Impressive Telescope Array.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. – Free.

The Mt Stromlo Observatory is not the only place in the ACT that contributes to furthering space research and exploration. Canberra’s Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) also does highly technical work that contributes to notable missions and landmark findings. And just like with the observatory, people can also see the incredibly cool equipment that make up the complex.

The one that stands out the most is the 70m Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43), the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere, but the most interesting one is Deep Space Station 46 (DSS-46). Before being moved to CDSCC and renamed and repurposed, DSS-46 was at the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station and was the telescope that received and first broadcast the video of the historical 1969 moon landing to the world.

The telescope gets little acclaim for its role in the groundbreaking event, which is still one of the most-watched television moments of all time, but it is great to see it has an honorary spot at the CDSCC where people can admire it, and that alone makes one of the most impressive sights in see near Canberra.

11. Dive Into The History Of Australian Politics.
The Museum Of Australian Democracy. – Free.

As Canberra was getting designed as the nation’s capital, they thought of just about everything, except the expansion of Parliament House, apparently! When the original building became too small for the politicians and their staff, they needed a new facility that could cater to the growing needs of the government. But instead of demolishing the old place or letting it fall to ruins, they turned it into the Museum Of Australian Democracy.

Those who enjoyed discovering the current Parliament House will love seeing the contrast between the old and the new facility. Walk the dark wooden halls of Australia’s forefathers and see the retro style of the spaces where they made the decisions and the rooms the staff worked and the politicians retreated to during the Hawke era and uncover the highlights of John Howard’s reign in the Howard Library.

Note: Monday to Friday is paid parking at the Old Parliament House building but around the Lawns Of Old Parliament House in front of it, there is 1 hour of free parking every day.

12. Discover Famous Faces.
National Portrait Gallery. – Free.

Another of the many fantastic free places to go in Canberra is the National Portrait Gallery. Sitting between two of the city’s most popular attractions, Questacon and the National Gallery Of Australia, the gallery sometimes goes unnoticed or is mistaken as being the latter due to the similarity of their names. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an interesting place to go.

Whereas the artwork in the National Gallery Of Australia is about displaying the artist’s perceived message through visual media, the pieces in the National Portrait Gallery invite viewers to get inside the mind of the person depicted in the gorgeous portraits.

Look deeper into the eyes of celebrities and famed personalities and discover nuances about them you never knew about and most intruigingly, see the artists’ interpretations of themselves in eye-opening self-portraits in the Who Are You section.

The gallery is worth going to because it’s a fascinating insight into the human condition and how the way we depict ourselves reveals so much about who we are as people.

Note: The Gallery has a similar paid parking setup to the National Gallery Of Australia. It’s charged by the hour on weekdays while weekends are capped at $5 a day. The best idea is to park at one of the car parks on the weekend and knock both attractions out at once.

13. See How Money Is Made.
Royal Australian Mint. – Free.

Ever been curious about how coins get made? Well, at the Royal Australian Mint, they unveil the delicate process of turning metal into currency. Not only that, but you can look down at the factory floor and see all the machinery that goes into making it.

Moreso, you can learn about how money came to Australia and how it evolved into the what we know today. Also featured at the Mint is a series of old, rare and valuable coins, including one-in-a-million coins that come out of the press wrong.

The museum is only small but intriguing, making it the perfect place to visit in Canberra on weekends and days when you don’t have a lot of time.

14. Learn About Our Prehistoric World.
National Dinosaur Museum. – $

There is something about dinosaurs that children seem to go crazy for, so anyone looking for unique places to visit in Canberra with kids shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the National Dinosaur Museum. Located northwest of the city in Gold Creek, the museum is a beautiful, newly renovated attraction that notably features many realistic full-scale dinosaurs, sculptures and animatronics, which make T-Rex and some of his friends come alive through head, tail and claw movement.

The outside garden is a particular highlight. It has an entire dinosaur scene depicted where they are doing all kinds of interesting things that wouldn’t look out of place in a Jurassic Park movie. But because it’s a dedicated kid’s space, it’s also colourful, vibrant and incredibly creative and contains so many elements of play in it, like a tiny dinosaur ripping off another dinosaur’s tail, it is utterly delightful.

For parents and adults not visiting with kids, there is plenty for them too. Learn about the evolution of the earth, the meteoric rise and fall of dinosaurs and the extinction events that lead to the present age.

15. Explore A World Of Delightful Miniatures.
Cockington Green Gardens. – $.

Of all the places to visit around Canberra, the most unusual and quirky has to be Cockington Green Gardens, the enchanting land of miniatures. Situated near the National Dinosaur Museum, the attraction essentially has two sections.

One section delightfully depicts different aspects of everyday human life, like folks playing tennis or firefighters preparing to tend a fire, while the other one is a wonderland of famous landmarks from around the world and fantasy castles from beloved stories.

While it sounds like it’s catered more towards the kids, the skill and attention to detail given to the tiny art pieces are so impressive that even the adults will enjoy it. And there are plenty of fun nuances to explore too, like a streaker running across the soccer field display. I went there expecting to be underwhelmed but left feeling the opposite. Give it a go and you may find yourself as endeared with the creations as I did.

16. See The City From The South.
Red Hill Lookout. – Free.

Situated on the southern side of the city, Red Hill Lookout offers yet another perspective of the beautiful lakeside city. Well, kind of. The official stone wall lookout itself has hindered views but you can still see many of the most famous landmarks in Canberra, such as Parliament House, the War Memorial the Telstra Tower, and Lake Burley Griffin.

However, a fraction further down the road at the gravel bay grants you a much lovelier, uninterrupted view of the landscape. It’s beautiful during the day, but it’s also one of the best places to go in Canberra at night and see all the city lights.

Also, don’t just drop by there and then take off. Head down to the end of the road where the cafe is. The place hasn’t operated for years, but a short, easy walk around its perimeter walls rewards you with even more fantastic views of the nation’s capital in every direction, not just towards the city, so do not miss it while you’re there!

17. Roam The Picturesque National Botanical Gardens. – Free.

Folks searching Canberra for picnic spots get spoilt for choice thanks to all the lakeside parklands set aside for recreational activities, but somewhere also worth considering is the beautiful National Botanical Gardens. Located at the base of Black Mountain, this picturesque location is perfect for a relaxing day out in nature, especially with young family members.

Let their sense of discovery run wild as they discover the unique collection of plants and flowers, or take some toys and sporting equipment and enjoy quality time with them before retiring with a meal on the grass or at one of the many picnic tables. It is also a lovely place to visit for people looking for a natural setting where they can lose themselves in a book or work on a project.

Note: The botanic gardens are free to visit but the parking is pay parking.

18. Explore The Trees & Lookouts.
The National Arboretum Canberra. – Free.

An arboretum is similar to a botanic garden in that it houses a collection of plants, both native and exotic. Where they differ is the latter typically showcases plants, bushes and flowers, whereas the former is dedicated to trees, and Canberra’s National Arboretum is a fine showcase of one.

The free-to-visit attraction in Canberra’s west is a stunning park containing over 44,000 rare and endangered species from all across the globe, and a bunch of trails across the place allowing folks to appreciate them. But that’s only part of why it’s such a special place to visit.

Taking up residence across a couple of hills, the arboretum is picturesque itself, but it also has scenery and a lot of it. Dairy Farmers Hill is particularly notable because it has magnificent views for days! We’re talking about a 360-degree panoramic of the gorgeous city, the spectacular Alps and everything in between. Even if you aren’t interested in trees or trails, this spectacular point within the place is well worth the venture into the park.

Note: Parking at the Visitor Centre is paid by the hour or all day, but parking around the rest of the place is free.

19. Explore the Murrumbidgee.
Murrumbidgee River Corridor.

The Murrumbidgee River is Canberra’s most prolific natural waterway. Forming part of the country’s greatest river system, the Murray Darling Basing, the Murrumbidgee starts at the alpine headwaters of the Australian Alps in Kosciusko National Park and runs for over 1600 kilometres.

Sixty-six of those kilometres flow through the ACT, beginning at Uriarra in the north and exiting near Tharwa at Angle Crossing near the state’s middle and scattered along its length, Canberra’s set aside many natural and recreation reserves worth looking at because they are some of the capital’s most serenely picturesque parks.

The most noteworthy ones are Cotter Bend, Casuarina Sand & Pool, Point Hut, Pine Island, Kambah Pool, Sheppards Lookout and Uriarra Crossing Recreation Area.

At most places, you can kayak and wild swim. Many also have fantastic walking trails and plenty of space to picnic and BBQ. A couple even allows you to bring your dog, making the Murrumbidgee River Corridor home to the best outdoor activities in Canberra.

Note: If you are looking to go swimming or kayaking, check the water levels and flow beforehand. I visited after months of deluge and wasn’t able to enter the water as it was murky, flooded and very fast-flowing.

20. Go Biking Riding.
Stromlo Forest Park. – Free.

The ACT is a very bicycle-friendly place and just about everywhere you go, from Anzac Parade to Mt Ainslie and the Cotter Precinct, you’re bound to see people cycling along the streets. But it’s not just the roads that biking enthusiasts love. They also enjoy carving it up dedicated trails on Canberra’s many mountaintops and there’s no better place to do so than at Stromlo Forest Park. 

Not only is it an expansive park with beginner and expert trails, but the peak of the trails starts at one of the capital’s best attractions, the ruins of the Mt Stromlo Observatory. This means you can knock two of the best things to see and do in Canberra off your list at once.

Better yet, you can book shuttle services to take you back up to the top once you’ve finished which is especially perfect for people looking for some thrilling outdoor things to do in Canberra on weekends with kids. 

21. Discover A Beautiful Sanctuary.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. – $

Heading out of the city and into the country, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the top places to visit outside Canberra for natural attractions, especially if you’re looking for something family-friendly. Within the expansive 54.km2 area lie 23 trails ranging from short and easy to long and challenging. Discover gorgeous views, stunning peaks, Aboriginal shelters, European homesteads and an abundance of animals. My goodness, there are so many animals.

The kangaroos and wallabies are the ones you’ll discover the easiest. The sweet, adorable hopping marsupials have seemingly taken over the place like a bunch of gangsters. (Groups of kangaroos are called gangs!) I even came across the stunning resident white kangaroo, (which I thought was an albino but after asking a caretaker, found out she wasn’t), which noticeably stood out from the rest of its mob and the landscape thanks to its rare coloured coat.

Other animals you may encounter at Tidbinbilla include emus, swans and the ever-elusive platypus. The best place to spot them is in the ponds at the Sanctuary, but quiet and patience are the key to spotting as these unusual creatures aren’t fond of noise.

The best thing about Tidbinbilla is it’s a conservation area with large, free-roaming enclosures allowing the animals to live similarly to how they would in the wild whilst protecting the already endangered creatures from predators.

The bad thing about it is it’s a little pricey, especially if travelling solo, as the entry cost is per car. And you can’t pick up or buy the access card until the information centre opens at 9.00 am while the park itself opens at 7.30 am, so you’ve already lost an hour and a half if you wanted to make the most of your day.

But if you’re looking to explore the place for more than one day, which you really need as there’s so much to explore (I went for 4 days and there were still many longer trails I didn’t get to do), an annual pass is definitely the way to go. Or skip Tidbinbilla and head to the next place on this list. It has a tonne of even more incredible natural attractions and is completely free.

22. Explore Australia’s Alpine Region.
Namadgi National Park.

Did you know that Canberra only has one national park? “Really? Only one?” Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s small or unimpressive. That couldn’t be further from the truth. At 1,061km2 Namadgi National Park occupies a third of the ACT and is rich in history, culture, and diversity.

It forms part of the Australian Alps, the only mountain range in the country that receives consistent annual snowfall and the western section of it is one of the last true wilderness zones on the continent, so it is a trekker’s dream. For the less experienced walkers, lie numerous established trails leading to many magnificent viewpoints overlooking the state’s most impressive natural landmarks, such as my favourites, the Booroomba Rocks or the Tor Viewpoint on the Yerrabi To Boboyan Trig Trail.

Furthermore, Namadgi also contains traces of Aboriginal heritage, with remnants of the Ngunnawal people who lived here for thousands of years still observable at the Yankee Hat Rock Art Site. More prominently featured throughout the national park are the homesteads from more recent history, when European pioneers and pastoralists settled in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

As for wildlife, there is no shortage of that either. Australia’s adorable endemic kangaroos and wallabies are everywhere in the southern section, while wombats and emus are some of the more well-known animals that live here too, but you need to be a bit luckier to see those.

So whether you are looking for a scenic nature walk or something much harder, or enjoying exploring Australia’s heritage or seeking out animals, Namadgi delivers spectacularly on outdoor adventures in Canberra. Oh, and it has space connections too, (Read about the Honeysuckle Creek Former Tracking Station and Orroral Former Tracking Station items further down the list for more information), so it’s a pretty remarkable place on all fronts.

Note: The southernmost 19km of Namadgi is a dirt road as is the western section, but conventional vehicles can pass through okay with caution. The national park was also devastated by the 2020 fires, so some trails may still be closed. Most were reopened when I went in 2022, but just check the official website to see if the ones you want to do are open.

23. Explore The Unique Architecture Of The Global Embassies. – Free.

As the political heart of Australia, many of the globe’s embassies take up residence in Canberra and most lie to the west of Capital Hill. While not an attraction, per se, it is interesting to drive past the different country’s buildings and admire the aspects of their culture they infused into the architecture.

24. Enjoy Music From The National Carillion. – Free.

As you look out across Lake Burley Griffith from the many vantage points across the city, you may wonder what the structure on its eastern shores is. The tall, narrow tower with an angular peak is the National Carillon, and it was a gift from the British Government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national capital. 

But the Carillon isn’t just there for decorative purposes. Comprised of a series of bells, it rings music across the landscape and can be heard up to 100m away. While it doesn’t emit a melody all the time, it is played frequently by local and visiting Carillon artists, especially on national holidays. Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating little-known landmark in Canberra worth checking out for its historical value and uniqueness.

Hot Tip: The parkland around the National Carillion is home to numerous memorials such as the National Police Memorial, so be sure to check them out too.

25. Appreciate Canberra From Another Perspective.
Mt Pleasant Lookout. – Free.

The lookouts around Canberra are some of the capital’s top attractions, but there is another fantastic viewpoint amongst all the more well-known ones that don’t get anywhere near as much attention, making it one of the ACT’s best-hidden gems.

Mt Pleasant Lookout is only a short drive from the capital’s most famous natural lookout, Mt Ainslie. It lies at the end of a road that straddles the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Duntroon Military College. There is a reason for that. The lookout and stone wall centrepiece is a memorial to all the Defence Force Artillery members, affectionately called “Gunners”, who lost their lives during various conflicts Australia participated in.

It’s a beautiful ode to them, and the view itself is spectacular. Because it is closer to the city centre than the others, it provides a much more intimate look at the landscape, including many famous landmarks. Because of that, I consider it one of Canberra’s best lookouts, so I highly recommend checking it out.

Note: The lookout closes at sunset.

26. See The Elegant Government House.
Government House Lookout.

If you’re heading out to the National Arboretum, spare a few minutes and drop by Government House Lookout. Located on Lady Denman Drive on the southern side of Lake Burley Griffth, this stunning spot is one of the most surprising hidden gems in Canberra.

As the name suggests, it looks across to the noteworthy Government House where it’s the grandeur of the establishment that makes the lookout so special. The historical mansion which houses the governor-general and their families is nothing short of breathtaking and it’s worth stopping by to see this architectural beauty that looks like it was taken straight out of the European countryside.

27. Drop By The Scrivener Dam.

Across the city, three dams contain Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s iconic lake. One of them is Scrivener Dam, named after Charles Robert Scrivener, the man who helped mark the ACT’s border and suggested Canberra have an ornamental body of water, and you can take a look at it.

It’s a nice place to drop by while exploring the western side of Canberra and it’s only a stone’s throw away from the Government Lookout, so you can tick off a couple of hidden gems at the same time.

Note: On the other side of the dam, however, there’s is a small park to look out at the edge of the lake and a few picnic tables too for those wanting to take in the views a little longer and have a bite to eat. 

28. Embark On A Self Drive Scavenger Hunt.
Canberra Tracks.

Like every city, town and landscape across the earth, traces of human history are scattered all around us. We walk past places with intriguing pasts and probably don’t even know it. But in Canberra, they have gone to great lengths to find remnants of notable significance to allow them to see the light of day with their self-drive touring routes, which is essentially like a historical scavenger hunt to see which ones you can find.

From the sacred gathering points of Australia’s original inhabitants to the homesteads of European settlers, pioneers and pastoralists to the forging of the capital and everything in between, the Canberra Tracks are a fascinating look into the evolution of the city.

While it includes many of the ACT’s most popular attractions, such as Parliament House and Mt Ainslie, and numerous other places on this list, it also incorporates an abundance of other little-known historical gems that even many locals don’t know about. And then there are finds like Rose Cottage, which I won’t spoil for you, but let’s just say it was an endearingly juxtaposing and surprising top-notch find.

29. Go Bird Watching.
Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Another surprising hidden gem in Canberra is the Jerrabombera Wetlands. Located on the outskirts of the city to the east, the landscape is an important habitat for a variety of waterbirds and provides excellent viewing opportunities for watching native species. This is why it’s an especially great place to go if you’re looking for fun activities to do with family.

The Kelly Swamp trail is the best track to follow for bird watching and photography as it follows the wetlands close to the shore and has three bird hides where you can silently view them. Sometimes, you won’t even need to wait for them. Swallows were flying in and out of the bird hides to tend to their nest while I was there, which was delightful to see.

The other two tracks at the wetlands are more scenic, but you can link them together for a longer loop walk around the picturesque place.

Hot Tip: The Jerrabomberra Wetlands are also a favourite cycling spot, especially on weekends, however, it is only permitted on certain areas of the track. 

30. See Where History Was Made.
Honeysuckle Former Tracking Station (Namadgi National Park.)

As mentioned above at no.10, Namadgi is not just a spectacular alpine national park, it also lent a helping hand in one of humanity’s greatest achievements, the 1969 Moon Landing. It’s not a well-known fact that Australia played such a critical role in the event. But the Honeysuckle Tracking Station, deep within the wilderness reserve, was the facility that received and broadcasted the groundbreaking moment Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took those iconic first steps on the distant celestial body.

Unfortunately, there’s no longer anything left of the establishment after it was decommissioned and torn down, but informational signs tell of the monumental achievement and the pivotal role Australia played in it.

While it’s probably not worth heading out there to just see the remains of the former Honeysuckle Tracking Station alone, the area where it is located is beautiful. The drive up is gorgeous, the nearby Booroomba Rocks trail is one of Namadgi’s most breathtaking short walks and there are also plenty of spectacular longer trails to explore. So for those already heading up there for the day or to camp the night away at the Honeysuckle Campground, visiting the tracking station and enjoying a picnic there is a great addition to hiking the stunning tracks.

Note: You can still see the telescope used to transmit images of the moon landing at its retired location at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.

31. Enjoy The Stunning Lake Ginninderra.

The district of Belconnen isn’t one typically on the tourist radar, which is what makes Lake Ginninderra one of Canberra’s best hidden gems. The peaceful lake is accessible from a few entry points, but the most picturesque spot to visit is undoubtedly John Knight Memorial Park.

What makes this area better than the others is that the walkway around the lake is lined with trees that perfectly frame the buildings in the distance, which makes it a beautiful and photogenic spot. Enjoy a scenic stroll, relax with a romantic picnic or fire up the BBQ with the family. It’s one of the city’s most stunning places to visit by the water and is a fantastic alternative to Lake Burleigh Griffin.

32. Look For Rare Animals.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. – Free.

Another fantastic secret place not many travellers know about in Canberra is Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary in the state’s northeast. This lovely nature reserve is one of the city’s best places to go birdwatching. There’s the potential to see beautiful birds such as kookaburras, crimson rosellas, blue fairy wrens and so much more. But that’s only part of what makes this place so special.

The reserve is 12.53 km2 of endangered woodland surrounded by an electric fence. The reason for this is to create a landscape resembling a time before colonisation by keeping out non-native animals, such as foxes and rabbits, and reintroducing regionally extinct animals that used to call the ACT home.

This makes the sanctuary the only place where you can see rare species such as quolls and bettongs in this part of the country! The only catch is they are nocturnal, so grab a headlight and go looking for these adorable creatures because searching for them is one of the most fun things to do in Canberra at night with the family.

Accommodation: Where To Stay In Canberra.

Choosing a place to stay, particularly in a city, is daunting. There are so many fantastic options and a range of features to choose from, and expense and location is often the deciding factor, so it’s hard to decide on a suitable place of accommodation. 

So from budget-friendly campgrounds to luxurious hotels, here are some places I’ve stayed at that I can recommend are great places to stay in Canberra.

➡️ Abode Canberra.

Adobe Canberra is a gorgeous 4-star, six-storey hotel offering stunning ultra-modern apartments 14kms northwest of the CBD that I absolutely loved and could imagine myself living in.

The rooms luxuriously contain a sliding glass door separating the bedroom from the rest of the apartment, a full kitchen, complete with sink, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and cupboards full of cutlery, plates, cups and glassware, a washing machine/dryer, a rainshower and roof-to-floor ceilings. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor garden area complete with a swimming pool, spa, and sauna for relaxing. Additionally, it has a restaurant, bar and gym too.

It’s the perfect place for people who enjoy cooking on their adventures but want a high-end place to come back to at the end of a day exploring but isn’t right on the CBD’s doorstep.

➡️ Ibis Styles Canberra.

For a place that is much more affordable, Ibis Styles Canberra is a great option for keeping costs down whilst visiting the capital.

The rooms at the modest hotel may not win any glamour awards but they are spacious, which is what I appreciated the most. These are sizeable rooms and contain lots of furniture so you will have no trouble finding a place to put your belongings. Ibis also has a lovely swimming pool and courtyard for chilling out, a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, a bar and a laundry room.

The hotel is most suited for road trippers travelling on a budget. Generally speaking, people hauling a lot of gear will enjoy accommodating here thanks to the low-rise buildings and nearby parking spaces, making moving in and out easy.

➡️ Cotter Camping Ground.

For those looking to spend their nights in Canberra in nature under the stars, then the Cotter Camping Ground is an excellent place to pitch a tent. This spot is beloved because of its closeness to the picturesque Cotter River and the campsites sit on the hill beside it, making it a lovely sight to see when you wake up.

Furthermore, the campground lies within the Cotter Precinct, a series of riverside picnic areas and reserves surrounding the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Not only can you wild swim at many of them, but each place also has numerous scenic walking trails to enjoy, making the campground the ideal base for exploring this fantastic area.

Lastly, it’s only a short drive to or from the city, meaning you get the best of both worlds. Oh, and it has hot showers too, which is a big plus!

➡️ Mt Clear Campground. (Namadgi National Park.)

For something a little wilder, Namadgi National Park has three official campgrounds that are all fantastic places to spend the night. There is Honeysuckle, Ororral, and Mt Clear.

Honeysuckle is just down the road from the historic Honeysuckle Former Tracking Station and is close to the trailhead for the magnificent Booroomba Rocks while the Ororral Campground sits in the valley of the same name and is a great place to explore the trails around there.

The final of Namadgi’s campgrounds is my favourite, Mt Clear, which although it is the furthest to reach, is just spectacular. Situated in the southernmost part of the national park and the ACT itself, the Mt Clear Campground is in a beautiful open area known as a frost hollow which has a gorgeous, crystal clear mountain-fed creek and uninterrupted views of the mountain it’s named after, making it by far the most picturesque of the three. It is also close to many walks making it the perfect place to explore this part of the massive national park, which has many pioneer homesteads to discover.

Furthermore, it’s frequented by one of Australia’s favourite animals. I woke up to gangs of kangaroos jumping around the campground and chowing down on the grass every morning I was there and once at sunset too which was so delightful to have so many of these beautiful creatures surrounding me. And because so many do appear there, it is an excellent place to stay for overseas tourists looking to see kangaroos in the wild.

Australia’s capital isn’t one of the country’s most highly regarded destinations for a good time, but as this list proves, there are plenty of fantastic attractions, fun activities and epic outdoor things to do in Canberra and the ACT that make this underrated state a fantastic place to visit.

If you are planning to visit the ACT, consider looking at these other posts.