Top 10 Things to Do in Canberra on a First Visit

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You may not be too keen on the politics, but there’s a lot to love about a visit to Canberra.

The nation’s capital is a destination defined by world-class museums and galleries, fascinating historical attractions, fabulous cuisine and cool climate wines, and an all-too-delightful setting around gorgeous Lake Burley Griffin. Prepare to go into patriotic overdrive as you ricochet from one national monument and cultural facility to the next, always within sight of the giant Australian flag that flies high above the ‘house on the hill’. And who knows; by the end of your visit, even the politics may have grown on you.

Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Canberra on a first visit.

Watch our video of ten top things to do in Canberra:

Ten Amazing Things to Do in Canberra | Canberra Travel Guide, 2021

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1. Admire the view from Mount Ainslie

Located right beside the city centre, and at 842 metres high, the Mount Ainslie Lookout offers a breathtaking panorama of what evolved from American architect Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for the capital. The implementation of his plan actually took many decades and was changed and adapted along the way (for example, Burley Griffin envisaged a much more geometric form for his eponymous lake). Your eye will automatically follow the axis from the Australian War Memorial, along Anzac Parade, across the lake (formed by the damming of the Molonglo River), over Reconciliation Place to Old Parliament House, and up to new Parliament House on Capital Hill. It’s actually designed to be looked at from the other direction, so try and do that sometime during your stay.

Choose a good day to head up the mountain, as it can have its head in the clouds, literally. The drive from the city centre will take you about 15 minutes.

2. Pay your respects at the Australian War Memorial

There are few museums or monuments in the world as regal or emotive as the Australian War Memorial. Dedicated to all Australians who have served in the armed forces or lost their lives in armed conflict, this incredible facility is currently undergoing a significant expansion (due to be completed in 2028). However, the central Commemorative Courtyard — with its domed Hall of Memory, Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, glistening Pool of Reflection, and Roll of Honour halls — will be left untouched. Time becomes an abstract concept here, as you listen to a range of voices reciting the names of those who have given their lives for their country.

In the surrounding exhibition halls, you’ll find detailed displays on all the armed conflicts that the country has participated in. Give yourself the best part of a day to try and do it justice. Entry to the Memorial is free.

3. Follow in the footsteps of PMs past at Old Parliament House

While it would be naive to think that politics was less bruising back in the day when Old Parliament House was the home of our federal government, it was certainly cosier. Designed by Commonwealth government architect John Smith Murdoch in the Stripped Classical style, and completed in 1927, the low rise provisional parliament building was meant to house politicians and public servants numbering in the hundreds; by the 1980s more than 3,000 people worked there.

Today the building is open to the public as the Museum of Australian Democracy, and is essentially one large time capsule. The two legislative chambers are obvious must-sees, along with the Prime Minister’s office, which was last occupied by Bob Hawke. The tiny offices and ‘snugs’ of his staffers have been left to look as though everyone got up from their desks in June 1988 and marched out the door and up the hill to new Parliament House without a backward glance. Long silent typewriters, Dictaphones, reading glasses, and cardigans hanging on the backs of office chairs seemingly wait patiently for their return. Prepare to get a bit nostalgic for a simpler time.

4. Tour Parliament House

Somewhat incongruously (now) designed by New York architects Mitchell, Giurgola and Thorp, construction of new Parliament House began in 1981 and was completed seven years later. It’s also open to visitors and is obviously one of Canberra’s key sights. There are a variety of free tours on offer, along with the opportunity to watch the combative antics of pollies during Question Time.

5. Visit the National Gallery of Australia

It’s an easy, leafy walk from either House through the Parliamentary Triangle to many of the capital’s most prestigious cultural institutions (most of which are free to enter). They include the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, and Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre. The National Gallery of Australia is a must-visit, particularly to see its staggering holding of Indigenous art. The poignant installation in the foyer of 200 hollow log coffins from Central Arnhem Land was commissioned by the gallery to mark Australia’s bicentenary in 1988.

While the NGA’s emphasis is, understandably, very much on homegrown work, tucked up on the top floor you’ll find an exhibition of some of its international holding — including the famous abstract expressionist Blue Poles by Jackson Pollack. The Whitlam government paid a then scandalous 1.3 million Australian dollars for the work in 1973. It’s on permanent display.

6. See fabulous glass art at Canberra Glassworks 

Just a short drive from the Parliamentary Triangle is Canberra’s oldest public building — the Kingston Powerhouse. Also designed by John Smith Murdoch, this hulking edifice closed as a power plant back in 1957 and 50 years later Canberra Glassworks moved in. This is the only cultural facility in Australia dedicated entirely to contemporary glass art. It’s a production studio on an industrial scale and visitors get to observe working resident artists fashioning their fantastic creations at temperatures in excess of 500 degrees Celsius. Many of the pieces are available for purchase in the design store.

7. Stroll around Lake Burley Griffin

You’ve admired it from afar; now spend some time getting up close and personal with beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. It’s a delight to walk beside this serene body of water, which is framed by many of the capital’s key landmarks. They include the imposing High Court, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, the National Museum of Australia, Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, and the National Carillon — a gift from the Brits to celebrate Canberra’s 50th anniversary.

8. Celebrate a special occasion at Pialligo Estate

And speaking of special occasions — from giving a birthday confectionery hamper packed with sweet treats to dining in style at one of the capital’s many fabulous restaurants, there are endless ways to spoil a loved one during your stay in Canberra. For an unforgettable dining experience, head out of town to Pialligo Estate — where local seasonal ingredients define the menu. Prepare to be wowed by the flavours, presentation, and all-round culinary artistry.

9. Do a wine, beer and distilling tour

If you’re partial to a fermented, brewed or distilled libation, you have come to the right place; Canberra’s wine making, craft brewing, and boutique distilling scene is huge. And while you could drive yourself around on a fact finding/tasting mission, it might be best to let someone else take the wheel. Dave’s Tours combines all three industries into one relaxed afternoon tour, which convenes at the Bentspoke Brewing Company’s brewpub in Braddon. Here you’ll learn some of the history of brewing and taste four or five of the brewery’s top drops.

From there, you’ll head to one of the 30 or so winery cellars doors within close proximity to the city. Our tour visited Mount Majura Vineyard for a tasting and matching cheese platter (which was an unexpected treat). This vineyard’s rich clay soil produces some highly memorable reds (including their signature tempranillo).

Our final stop for the day was the Big River Distilling Company in Fyshwick, where host Clyde gave us an engaging introduction to his artisanal spirits. No matter which venues you visit on the day of your tour, they’re sure to be memorable.

10. Go where the wild things are

Tucked away on the western side of the city, and just a bonsai pebble’s throw from the National Arboretum (which includes a popular collection of the miniature trees), families will love the National Zoo and Aquarium. This beautifully presented wildlife facility is privately owned and home to some of Africa’s most iconic species. See lions, tigers, cheetahs, giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, and meerkats, alongside all your favourite native critters. Visitors can chose to take part in a range of small group animal encounters, the additional cost of which helps fund several local and international animal conservation projects.

Need a place to stay?

Quality Hotel Dickson

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is made up of number of ‘districts’, and for most visitors there’s little reason to venture too far from the city centre (Civic) or neighbouring South Canberra (home to the parliamentary precinct). Belconnen is one notable exception, as it’s home to the Australian Institute of Sport. The suburb of Dickson (just north of Civic) is another, because of its plethora of Asian-style restaurants and bustling cafes. It’s a ten-minute drive from the CBD or a short tram ride along Northbourne Avenue.

That makes a stay at the Quality Hotel Dickson a doable option even for those that don’t have a car, and the benefits are many. The hotel is part of a club complex that includes a bistro, café, lounge, wine bar and bottle shop, and gaming facilities. The guest rooms are large, contemporary in style, and offer room service from the bistro. The in-house Wi-Fi is fast and both it and the parking beneath the complex are complimentary.

Dickson is also ideally placed for those arriving by car from Sydney and is less than 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. In addition to its many eateries, the precinct has a supermarket, post office, petrol station, and various other services.

The writer travelled as a guest of Choice Hotels.

Browse our range of Canberra tours and experiences here.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Canberra? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Bigstock

 

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