10 Insta spots around Canberra

Even if Instagram isn’t your cup of tea (who are you?) these Insta hot spots also happen to be some of the best sightseeing locations in the area… so it’s imperative you add these babies to your fun and educational Canberra itinerary.

Whether it’s interesting landscapes, jaw-dropping backgrounds, great lighting for selfies, or some capital sightseeing, get to know Canberra and its most Instagrammable spots.

Lake Burley Griffin

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• The centrepiece of Canberra, the large and lovely Lake Burley Griffin is an ideal water playground. Take a stroll around the rim of the basin, or perhaps power your way around the 5km circuit? Many of the city’s best-known landmarks are either on the shores of the lake or easily visible from it. So, blow up your Insta feed with a gorgeous shot of the twinkly water after a fun little adventure at the lake.

Mount Ainslie

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• For just a short drive or a 1.5-hour return hike, you’ll get Mount Ainslie, postcard-quality, panoramic views of the city’s grid! The summit presents a prime opportunity to play ‘I spy’ with plenty of Canberra’s landmarks – including Parliament House, Anzac Parade and Lake Burley Griffin. Lovely during any time of day (obvs) but particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

National Arboretum Canberra

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• Still relatively new, the National Arboretum opened in 2013 on land recovering from a devastating bushfire. Boasting an incredible visitor centre and restaurant, a large bonsai collection and many walking trails to explore diverse and rare tree species. Be sure to look out for the ‘WIDE BROWN LAND’ sculpture, words from the poem ‘My Country’, written by poet Dorothea Mackellar. The sculpture offers great views of the landscape, and the opportunity to get some really cool shots.

Floriade

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• If you’re visiting Canberra during September or October, Floriade is an incredible spring festival to explore and get some killer Insta pics! Taking place annually in Commonwealth Park, the blooming festival is now one of Canberra’s biggest events. This is one gorgeous floral opportunity to capture a twirling botanical shot amidst the tulips… believe it or not, the pictures don’t even do it justice!

Enlighten

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• Imagine a smaller version of Vivid (with fewer crowds) – appealing, surely? Enlighten is a light and art festival that also takes place annually in Canberra throughout March. The dazzling selection of public art installations and light shows are scattered amongst the city, presenting some very unique and Insta-worthy pic opportunities.

Parliament House

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• As if a trip to Canberra would be complete without stopping by Parliament House? The hub of our nation’s political action since its opening in 1988, with the final design having been selected via an international design competition. An architectural nerds dream, whether you love or hate the big government house there’s no denying it’s photo-friendly angles!

National Museum of Australia

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• Yet another architectural marvel – the National Museum’s asymmetric building plays with angles and shapes to create an exterior that looks nothing like your regular museum! Obviously, don’t miss out on the impressive collections inside, but definitely take some time to enjoy the design and outdoor ‘Garden of Australian Dreams’.

National Gallery of Australia

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• The National Gallery of Australia is home to James Turrell’s permanent Skyspace installation ‘Within Without’. The installation from the artist who supposedly inspired Drake’s iconic Hotline Bling video is adored by style bloggers and light lovers everywhere. The walk-in chamber with a view to the sky above is a photographer’s dream: turquoise blue water, blush pink walls and earth colours bound to bend your mind in the best of ways.

• Not to mention, the new addition to NGA’s permanent collection, Yayoi Kusama’s 'Infinity Room' drawing in the masses to take their own perfect shot. 

Gibraltar Falls

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• How’s the serenity (potential caption idea)? You can never have too many whimsical waterfall shots on your Insta, so check out Gibraltar Falls. Located around 50kms from Canberra, this would make the perfect city escape. At the summit, there’s a natural infinity pool, with views of the rolling green hills and bushlands. Gibraltar Falls is beautiful. Go here. End of story.

Space Kitchen

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• Would this be a proper Insta list without a foodie recommendation? Simply, do it for the gram and a legendary treat from Space Kitchen. In addition to the magically wild desserts, they offer a full menu of breakfasts, burgers, salads and mains that taste even better than they look! Each concoction is an absolute drool fest, with Insta blow-up potential (wink, wink).

So, get Instagramming your little hearts out in our fair capital, and explore our ten spots!