Canberra: Discover sights, culture and nature

Canberra offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: Lake Burley Griffin as the city’s centrepiece, cultural sites with different historical perspectives, and natural destinations featuring trails, trees and wildlife. Whether you’d like to spend time by the water, visiting exhibitions and memorials, or exploring landscapes can shape the focus of your stay.

Lake Burley Griffin: trails and water

Lake Burley Griffin has walking and cycling trails. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire add to the ways to get out on the water; there are also lake cruises and ferry services. This offers different ways to spend time by the water, both along the shore and on the lake. If you’ve planned to take a ferry or cruise, check the timetable in advance.

Questacon and planning your visit

For its exhibitions, café, shop and surroundings, Questacon recommends allowing at least four hours. The recommendation therefore covers more than just the exhibitions. If you want to guarantee your visit, Questacon advises booking a ticket in advance. Check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Remembrance and shared history

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and service of more than 102,000 Australian men and women who died while serving their country. Its permanent exhibitions include more than 7,000 objects from the Memorial’s collection. These two aspects—remembrance and the collection—give a visit a historical focus.

Reconciliation Place is dedicated to the importance of understanding the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Its pathway and artworks tell the story of the journey towards a reconciled nation. This offers a different perspective, with shared history and reconciliation at its centre.

Nature, trails and wildlife

The National Arboretum Canberra combines tree collections with trails and guided tours. More than 40,000 trees grow across 250 hectares. Visitors can walk or cycle along more than 20 kilometres of scenic trails, and guided tours are offered throughout the year. The Arboretum is also home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia.

The National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra is home to a variety of native and exotic animals. It has Australia’s largest inland saltwater aquarium. Interactive animal experiences include patting a cheetah, feeding a bear and getting to know a meerkat. This makes its focus different from the Arboretum: here, animals and the aquarium take centre stage, while the Arboretum features trees, trails and the bonsai collection.

Australian Capital Territory: further context for nature and trails

In the Australian Capital Territory, Namadgi National Park protects 106,095 hectares of alpine, subalpine and montane bushland. The park has several hundred kilometres of walking trails. Also in the Australian Capital Territory, the Canberra Centenary Trail is a 138-kilometre self-guided route intended for shared use by walkers, runners and cyclists. It includes sites and landscapes of significance to the Ngunnawal.

An easy walk leads to ancient Ngunnawal rock art at Yankee Hat. As access status can change, check before visiting. Animals and birds can also be observed in their natural habitats in almost every park or reserve in the Australian Capital Territory. These regional nature and trail options complement the city-specific highlights at Lake Burley Griffin, the Arboretum and the Zoo, without presenting them as being within the city limits.

Discover more destinations: Macgregor, Belconnen, Phillip, Franklin, Hall, Macquarie, Pialligo, Majura.

For the broader travel overview: Australian Capital Territory.