The Ultimate Canberra Must-Do
Just arrived in Canberra? Our fair capital has so much to offer, and we’ve got the top things that you can’t leave without doing. Whether you’re hoping to spend as little as possible, are looking for something to splurge on or have literally $0 (feels), there are great things to do for every budget under the sun.
Splurge on…
Hot Air Ballooning
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Whilst it may be a major splurge, for the best views of Canberra’s breathtaking beauty and crisp early morning charm, take a hot-air balloon ride over the capital and marvel at our national icons. All rides are scheduled for sunrise departures, so this is one hella way to get a bird’s eye view of the city. Rides also conclude with a champagne celebration (like all good things should)!
Got a few dollars?
Tour Parliament House
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When the word ‘Canberra’ gets mentioned, Parliament House is the first thought that comes to mind: being our nation’s hub of political action since its opening in 1988, replacing what is now referred to as the Old Parliament House. The iconic building and stunning backdrop for all your travel snaps (especially around sunset), also offers tours to familiarise yourself with not only the building but the unique process of Australia’s political system. There’s also a tonne of Australian art on display throughout the building, combining both art and political history.
National Zoo and Aquarium
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Did you know, Canberra calls home to Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium? Well, now you do and if you’ve got some extra cashola, you’ll experience first-hand the great lengths the National Zoo and Aquarium have taken to do our country proud. The ZooVenture tours are particularly popular and oh so fun - you can feed a bear, pat a rhino, hand-feed a giraffe, and way more in this 2-hour behind the scene’s zoo extravaganza!
Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre
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An absolute banger of an activity for kids and big kids alike, Questacon is hands down one of Canberra’s best local attractions! Inside the National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon offers a heap of innovative exhibitions and programs full of interactive augmented reality and cutting-edge technology, making science fun and relevant to everyone. IMPORTANT NOTE: be sure to check out the best part of Questacon that being the ‘free fall’ slide!
Patissez
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Spend your money at the Instagram ‘foodie sensation’ café - Patissez… trust us, you’ll have no regrets! Get your hands on one (or three) of their mouth-watering, oozing with flavour, pimped up, elusive crazy shakes. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried one! Be sure to couple your crazy shake with some killer tasting cake or dabble in one of the many ‘brunch goal’ options available!
Got $0?
Mount Ainslie Lookout
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For picturesque views of Canberra, you can’t go past a visit to Mount Ainslie. The FREE and fitspo-type activity boasts great ‘Insta potential’, so remember to pack your camera and snap the iconic city backdrop in the distance! Attempt to spot Parliament House, the War Memorial or even Lake Burley Griffin fountain! It’s also a great spot for a picnic, or grab coffees, cold drinks and ice cream at one of the lookout kiosks.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
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In search of a $0 spend activity? A trip to suss out the National Botanic Gardens is sure to be on the cards! With an array of Australian native flora, LIVE exhibitions and gorgeous scenic walking tracks – entry is totally FREE! Get all ‘botanical’, pack yourself a picnic, take a seat at one of the picnic tables or stretch out on the lawn? This place is a horticulturalists and adventurers dream!
Lake Burley Griffin
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Lake Burley Griffin is smack-bang in the centre of Canberra, a tranquil place to get away from it all, without actually getting away. Many of the city’s best-known landmarks are either on the shores of the lake or easily visible from it! A sunset walk around the central basin is a FREE and easy way to see the city in a calm and relaxed setting – take the well-trodden path, or get off the beaten track through the wetlands. Your choice?
The National Museum of Australia
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Canberra is renowned for its high-quality museum exhibitions and galleries, many of which are not shown elsewhere in Australia. Offering FREE general admission as well as self-guided tours the National Museum is the perfect spot to get hands-on with the history and cultures of Australia. Not to mention, art lovers certainly shouldn’t miss the National Gallery of Australia, a world-class facility with a particularly excellent collection of Aboriginal art.
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