Ten things to do in Canberra
To get through this list you will probably need a long weekend, or maybe a couple of Canberra weekend visits. The nation's capital isn't short of things to do and see, with something for everyone and for every season. Below are ten of our favourites, in no particular order.
1. Lake Burley Griffin
At the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is a beautiful place to be in any season (although dress warm on those frosty Canberra days). Go for a stroll, or run, around the approximately 5 km central loop or grab a bike and go for a ride around one of the large loops. The lake is a lovely place to have a picnic or stop for a coffee. Also check out the National Carillon, situated on Aspen Island and the regular chimes.
2. The numerous museums and galleries
Canberra is not short on museums or galleries and again, there is bound to be one that appeals to all tastes from the National Museum of Australia to the interactive science museum, Questacon. A personal favourite is the National Gallery of Australia.
The gallery has plenty to see with free admission, although the constantly changing special exhibitions do require a ticket. It's very easy to spend the best part of a day in the gallery.
Also worth a mention is some of the art work and sculptures you’ll see around Canberra. The guys below (John Curtin & Ben Chiefly) are also a favourite.
3. Old Parliament House
This is perhaps my personal favourite stop in Canberra (Lauren). Even if you don't love reading up on past Prime Ministers of Australia like I do, the building itself holds lots of history – even standing on the stairs alone brings back images of Gough Whitlam’s famous speech post his dismissal.
Entry to Old Parliament House is cheap and they also do free tours that take you through the old chambers and offices that previous prime ministers and ministers once inhabited, with special exhibits and displays from time to time. The surrounding gardens are also worth checking out!
4. New Parliament House
An interestingly designed building where history is being created. Again, you can do a free tour or just go for a wonder around. Come to New Parliament House to see the paintings of prime ministers past and present, the chambers and the view from the top which looks straight across Canberra to the War Memorial at the other end.
There’s also exhibits and events and if you’re lucky, you can watch question time and see bills being debated in the house.
5. Namadgi National Park
About a 45 minute drive from the centre of Canberra, this national park has lots to offer with its many bushwalks and views. Go for a picnic, visit the ‘Homestead Triangle’, see the rock art at Yankee Hat and say hi to the many, many kangaroos. If you’re planning to camp stop by the Namadgi Visitor Centre.
6. Walking trails
There are many of these and to be honest we’ve only done a couple. Perhaps one of the most well know is the Mount Ainslie summit trail, behind the Australian War Memorial. It's not a long walk, about 4km return but is steep in parts and finishes with an amazing view of the city, looking back at New Parliament House
7. Australian War Memorial
Another place where you can spend the best part of a day, I haven't included this under Museums because it is in a category of its own. To be transparent, we haven't had a real good session here, we did skip through it quicker than most. However anyone looking to get a better understanding and appreciation of Australia's war history should check the War Memorial out. It is an amazing monument and museum.
8. Winery Region
Canberra has a well established wine region that is only half an hour from the city. In all honesty, I feel like Canberra wines are a little bit underrated and punch above their weight. I also love that you can get to the wineries so easily and just go for a nice lunch. Some favourites we’ve been to include Clonakilla (famous for their Syrah), Lake George Winery, Lerida Estate Wines and Poachers Pantry for lunch.
9. Breweries
If wine isn’t your thing, or you just feel like a cold ale, then Canberra has that for you as well. There’s a few breweries in Canberra, but the two we’re most familiar with are Capital Brewing Co and BentSpoke Brewing Co. Both have excellent beers, although BentSpoke perhaps has my favourite beer. However Capital Brewing has a great location and set up, not to mention a Brodburger truck on site, health food to go with your cold beer :-).
10. Food and coffee experiences
Canberra is not short on awesome places to eat and caffeine up. From more casual eateries to fine dining, it has you covered.
On the coffee front check out ONA coffee, which thankfully now has a site in Sydney. ONA serves AMAZING coffee and the staff really know their stuff when if comes to selecting the perfect bean. You can go to their Fyshwick ONA Coffee House, although I really love The Cupping Room. Honorable mentions as well to Barrio Collective Coffee and Coffee Lab.
On the food front you can not go past Mocan and Green Grout for simple food made with fresh produce. For fine dining Aubergine is the go. Arriving at the restaurant it is all very understated, but inside is an elegant establishment and foodies delight.
that’s a wrap!
And so you have it, our top ten things to do in Canberra, There’s sure to be something that suits everyone!
