Things to do & places to visit in Australian Capital Territory, Australia

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Australian Capital Territory #8 destination in Australia 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 44.1k traveler reviews, of 39 attractions. Timezone: Australia/Sydney, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 16:58.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Australian War Memorial (10.2k reviews)
- Canberra War Memorial is 100%
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. The Memorial offers a range of guided tours, including a 1 hour highlights audio tour. See more..
5.0 Riddle Room (1.142 reviews)
- By Far the Best in Australia
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

What is an Escape Room? An Escape Room is a fun and exciting experience like no other. You are placed into a specially designed room with your friends and you have to solve a series of puzzles using only the items in the room to progress through a story and find your way out. You will have 60 minutes to successfully complete your objective. Each puzzle is different and will require you think inventively. You will need to think about clues carefully, analyse your surrounding, use objects in unusual ways and work as a team to escape. As you solve each puzzle you’ll uncover new information that will make you rethink everything in the room. Communication with your team is the most important tool to use if you want to get out in time. Escape Rooms first begun in 2007 in Japan and have quickly spread to all corners of the globe. In Australia, escape rooms started in Melbourne and then made their way across the country. As the awareness of escape rooms grew it was important that Canberra has its own escape room so we weren’t being left behind. The Nightmare Room You are contacted by the DreamWake Corp. an experimental science facility that specialise in Oneirology, the study of dreams. They have developed a new technology which can transfer a conscious mind into another's subconscious. They need your help with a particular case; a patient is trapped inside a recurring nightmare. The DreamWake Corp. believe that if you are able to go deep into her subconscious and find out what is causing the nightmare she’ll be able to wake up. This procedure has never been fully tested and once inside you'll only have 60 minutes before you lose your connection and become trapped inside her nightmare forever. Anything could happen in the Nightmare Room. See more..
5.0 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (320 reviews)
- Awesome
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The park is not huge but there is so much to discover. It was beautiful to see swamp wallabies in their natural setting. We tried to see platypus but had no success we saw only the sculpture which was not surprising. Luckier were we with the Koalas. We arrived at the feeding time and could see Koala mums with their joeys. There are many beautiful walk and viewpoints. We spent a wonderful day out. See more..
5.0 National Bonsai & Penjing Collection (158 reviews)
- A fine collection of Bonsai trees
Speciality Museums

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia displays, for public enjoyment and education, a collection of high-quality bonsai and penjing representing the diversity of styles amongst Australian artists. See more..
5.0 Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary (122 reviews)
- Live Arachnids and Venom Milking
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wildbark is Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuaries gateway! Enjoy a coffee before entering our critically endangered woodlands. Step back in time and experience Australia's woodlands before clearing and introduced predators took its unique woodland wildlife. Enter the protective predator-proof fence of the sanctuary and watch Echidnas waddle, wildflowers bloom and rare marsupials hop. Mulligans Flat is a sanctuary at the forefront of Australian wildlife conservation. Protecting the largest patch of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands in the world, they work by 'restoring nature, transforming thinking and inspiring action for conservation'. Here locally extinct animals like the Eastern Bettong and Eastern Quoll have been reintroduced to Mulligans Flat, after being absent from mainland Australia for 100 years. It is the only place in Canberra where you can see these critters in the wild. Book a guided Twilight Tour via our website, or download our app for a daytime audio experience. See more..
5.0 The Truffle Farm (89 reviews)
- The Truffle Farm - a must do!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Truffle Hunting and Cooking School. See more..
5.0 Tortured Gum Brewery (8 reviews)
- Highly recommend a visit
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Tortured Gum Brewery is a Brew on Premises and Commercial Brewery, and we even provide home brew supplies. Our world-class brewing equipment will blow you away when you walk through the door. It's an impressive set up with 6 stainless brewing kettles, 6 bottling taps, canning machine, two temperature controlled cool rooms, filtration and carbonating systems. See more..
5.0 Real Fun (1 review)
- Good old fashioned service
Gear Rentals
Canberra's leading bicycle hire business deliverers FREE to your hotel. Choose from mountain , hybrid or road bikes at great value rates. Helmets locks and maps also provided at no extra cost. Family and group rates are available. See more..
5.0 National Bonsai & Penjing Collection (158 reviews)
- A fine collection of Bonsai trees
Speciality Museums

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia displays, for public enjoyment and education, a collection of high-quality bonsai and penjing representing the diversity of styles amongst Australian artists. See more..
5.0 Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary (122 reviews)
- Live Arachnids and Venom Milking
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wildbark is Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuaries gateway! Enjoy a coffee before entering our critically endangered woodlands. Step back in time and experience Australia's woodlands before clearing and introduced predators took its unique woodland wildlife. Enter the protective predator-proof fence of the sanctuary and watch Echidnas waddle, wildflowers bloom and rare marsupials hop. Mulligans Flat is a sanctuary at the forefront of Australian wildlife conservation. Protecting the largest patch of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands in the world, they work by 'restoring nature, transforming thinking and inspiring action for conservation'. Here locally extinct animals like the Eastern Bettong and Eastern Quoll have been reintroduced to Mulligans Flat, after being absent from mainland Australia for 100 years. It is the only place in Canberra where you can see these critters in the wild. Book a guided Twilight Tour via our website, or download our app for a daytime audio experience. See more..
4.5 Australian Parliament House (3.879 reviews)
- A visit to head office
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

Australian Parliament House has daily guided tours, offering the chance to explore its unique architecture, art collections and go behind-the-scenes for a once-in-lifetime experience. Explore the symbolism and craftsmanship of the building architecture, visit the parliamentary chambers, and see our exhibitions and art collection as part of a tour or at your own pace. Foodies can indulge in sweet and savoury creations as part of a high tea or join us for an exclusive fine dining event. Remember your visit with Australian-designed and made crafts and keepsakes from the Parliament Shop. Your visit to Parliament House offers a rich layering of architecture and design, culture and political history – an experience you’ll remember forever. See more..
4.5 National Gallery of Australia (3.402 reviews)
- Cressida Campbell Exhibition
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The NGA is home to Australia's national collection of visual arts. The national collection includes 170,000 iconic and highly celebrated works of art spanning four main areas: Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art, and European and American art. See more..
4.5 Questacon (3.082 reviews)
- MUST DO WHEN IN TOWN AND NEED A WHOLE DAY!
Spent More than 3 hours Science Museums

With over 200 educational and interactive exhibits, Questacon seeks to make science fun for all. See more..
4.5 Mount Ainslie Lookout (2.300 reviews)
- Astonishing view of Canberra
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

A transfixing view of Canberra. You can see the true work of the architects who designed structures there such as the monumental Parliament House and Parliamentary Triangle, especially Anzac Parade. The view is seemingly symmetrical. There is plenty of parking and Mount Ainslie is just around 10 minutes or so from Canberra Central. It's especially spectacular at night when the city illuminates. A breathtaking view of the city. See more..
4.5 Lake Burley Griffin (1.930 reviews)
- Beautiful lake the showpiece of the country
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

The lake is quite stunning and the central part of Canberra is positioned around the waters. Everyone seems to be drawn to it with walkers, cyclists and electric scooters all making use of the tracks. We rode our bikes around the 28km circumference which took about 2.5 hrs and was a relatively easy ride for beginners with a couple slightly hilly sections at the far Western end of the lake but still doable. There is plenty of bird life and so many spots to stop and visit sights and galleries etc as well as plenty of spaces for picnics everywhere. A truly magnificent lake. We even saw the New Year’s Eve fireworks which were held on the lake and that too was spectacular. See more..
4.5 National Portrait Gallery (1.831 reviews)
- Van Gogh to Botticelli
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The purpose of the National Portrait Gallery is to increase the understanding and appreciation of the Australian people – our identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity – through portraiture. We have gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, a cafe, shop, function rooms, a theatrette, education areas and basement car parking. See more..
4.5 Royal Australian Mint (1.625 reviews)
- Royal Australian Mint public tour
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Government Buildings

A working factory, a Commonwealth Heritage Site & a multi tourism award-winning cultural attraction. The Mint puts icons of Australia's cultural heritage directly into each of the hands of its people & visitors. Images on Australian coins produced by the Mint are conversation starters & history markers; statements on who we are & where we've come from. See how the coins are made from the Factory viewing platform & interactive multimedia displays. Spot Titan, the Mint's dancing robot whose job it is to pour coins into a hopper. Discover the fascinating world of coins through a FREE guided tour. Mint your very own coin or purchase a coin from the Mint's Coin Shop as a memento of your visit or a gift for a loved one. End your visit with a coffee or light snack at the Mint's Café. Everyone has a coin story to share – coins are a great way to create lasting memorable experiences that you can share with friends & family. Visit today & join the millions of collectors across the world. See more..
4.5 National Zoo and Aquarium (1.574 reviews)
- Andy&Mary Rolleston NZ
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Aquariums

The National Zoo & Aquarium is privately owned and Australia's only combined Zoo and Aquarium. That's 2 attractions in one! We are situated on around 25 hectares of land just five minutes from the centre of Canberra. With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something for everyone. Wander in and have a casual stroll around the park, or make a day of it with family, friends and make use of our picnic areas and complimentary BBQ facilities. Our Animal Encounters provide visitors with an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the worlds most amazing creatures! See more..
4.5 National Arboretum (1.537 reviews)
- Nice visit
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gardens

The National Arboretum Canberra is a 250-hectare (618 acre) arboretum in Canberra, the national capital of Australia, created after the area was burned out as a result of the Christmas 2001[1] and 2003 Canberra bushfires:[2] The Himalayan Cedar forest lost about one third of its trees, and the commercial Radiata Pine plantation was burned out, allowing the arboretum to be created. In 2004, the Government of the Australian Capital Territory held a nationwide competition for an arboretum, which was to be part of the recovery from the 2003 bushfires. The winning design by landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean and architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer proposed 100 forests and 100 gardens focussing on threatened, rare, and symbolic trees from around the world. The site has been planted since 2005, and includes ceremonial trees planted by visiting heads of government and ambassadors. It was officially opened in February 2013. See more..
4.5 Museum of Australian Democracy (1.322 reviews)
- A must see
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

Located in the nationally heritage listed Old Parliament House, MoAD is an inspiring experience in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings. Offering authentically restored heritage spaces, thought provoking exhibitions and fun family trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Wander through the restored Chambers and Prime Minister's suite, discover first hand stories of journalists in Truth, Power and a Free Press, laugh at the year's best political cartoons in Behind the Lines and more. Kids will enjoy the free daily facilitated craft activities in our PlayUP space. Open daily 9.00am–5.00pm (closed Christmas Day) Entry: Free See more..
4.5 Cockington Green (1.089 reviews)
- Interesting for adults as well as kids
Amusement & Theme Parks

Cockington Green Gardens is a family owned and business and has been in operation since 1979.We offer a unique experience for all ages, with meticulously constructed scale reproductions of building from all round the world, set amongst beautiful gardens and lush green lawns.With other features such as a Steam Train Ride, Fully licensed light refreshment area, magnificent "Waverly"Dolls house, Barbecue picnic area and Fully stocked souvenir shops, Cockington Green Gardens makes a perfect place for the whole family to visit. See more..
4.5 Australian National Botanic Gardens (746 reviews)
- Botanic Gardens
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks • Gardens

The national collection of Australian native plants; inspiring, informing and connecting people with the Australian flora. See more..
4.5 National Library of Australia (702 reviews)
- Australia’s National Library
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries • Government Buildings

Welcome to the National Library of Australia – the home of Australian stories. Whether you are a culture lover looking to visit an exhibition, a researcher uncovering new knowledge from our 10-million-items-and-counting collection, or you need a gift from the Bookshop, plan your visit today. Our exhibition galleries and Bookshop are open from 9am to 5pm every day (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Our Main Reading Room and Special Collections Reading Room are open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday and 10am – 5pm Friday and Saturday. The Main Reading Room is open on Sunday from 1:30pm–5pm. Check out the National Library website for our opening hours, to plan your visit and to find out more information about what’s on. See more..
4.5 Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (488 reviews)
- Great place to visit
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Science Museums

The cafe is very good and the visitor centre kept us interested for about an hour. Well worth the drive from Canberra. Good for families with kids. Could combine with a visit to tidbinbilla nature reserve. See more..
4.5 ANZAC Parade Walk (451 reviews)
- Deserves to be Walked
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Hiking Trails

I was restricted by a knee injury on this visit so could not give the Parade Walk proper attention. But it is very impressive with various statues, memorials, fountains and I did 3 circuits in the car trying to take it all in. Every facet of Australia's war service is represented on both sides of the avenue as it heads up to the War Memorial. Extremely well done in my humble. See more..
4.5 High Court of Australia (344 reviews)
- Excellent!!!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Government Buildings

This building is so beautifully designed!! The inside is impressive just by the acoustics alone!! It is super easy to get in, no tickets required, you just have to go through a metal detector. If your purse is too big to go inside they will keep it for you free of charge. You can take all the photos you like. There are docents around who are quite knowledgeable so take advantage of them. Building is handicap accessible and very close to the art museum so it is a free park with an easy walk over to building. See more..
4.5 Canberra Reptile Zoo (171 reviews)
- Beautiful Reptile Experience
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Canberra reptile zoo was an amazing place this was our first visit and unplanned this turned out to be a nice live animal experience live crocodiles , turtles and other exotic reptiles around 1hr walk around. You are aloud to pet some of them there are signs indicating this. Summary: well laid out display some really beautiful animals hands on experience See more..
4.5 Namadgi National Park (137 reviews)
- Winter Walk
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM National Parks

Welcome to Namadgi National Park. Named after the Aboriginal word for the mountain ranges in the south-west of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Namadgi National Park was declared in 1984. The park covers over 106,095 hectares of the ACT and contains more than 160 kilometres of marked walking trails. In Namadgi National Park you can experience Aboriginal and European history, beautiful camping sites, an abundance of native wildlife and many bushwalking trails through a range of unique natural environments. Namadgi National Park is also the beginning of the Australian Alps Walking track which starts at the Namadgi Visitor Centre and makes its way through the Australian Alps. The track ends at Walhalla in Victoria after a total of 655 kilometres. Namadgi is also a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, pack a picnic or BBQ and get out in nature. See more..
4.5 Lanyon Homestead (133 reviews)
- Historical treasure in Canberra’s south
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Lanyon Homestead lies at the foot of the Brindabella Ranges and is one of Australia’s premier historic properties. The Precinct’s centrepiece, the 1850s Homestead, has been beautifully restored and furnished. Set within superb gardens the Lanyon includes an historic homestead and outbuildings sited within a working rural property. Sheep and cattle still graze on the timbered hills and fertile banks of the Murrumbidgee river. Tours are available, please see our website for bookings and availability. Lanyon also offers a range of exciting community and learning programs and special events. We also provide unique venues for weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations. The enticing café - The Barracks - has spectacular views and is a popular destination for week day luncheons and a weekend breakfast. NB Lanyon Homestead is CLOSED from Saturday 18th January 2021 to Wednesday 5th January 2022 inclusive. Trip Advisor listed opening hours will be inaccurate during this time. See more..
4.5 Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial (127 reviews)
- Outstanding
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Monuments & Statues

This Memorial is on Anzac Parade down the road from the War Memorial. You can park behind it to remember the Vietnam Veterans who Fought, Sacrifice, and died and are still Battling today. Lest we forget See more..