Top Things to do in Canberra
Things to do in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: The Best Sights & Landmarks
You can fit a lot into a visit to Australia’s capital city. Surrounded by nature parks, Canberra is best known for a vast collection of history and culture that provides a snapshot of the nation. Discover precincts housing, thriving local arts and foodie scenes, family friendly attractions, outdoor experiences and the acclaimed cool-climate wineries that dot the surrounding area.
Restaurants in Canberra
1. The Truffle Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Truffle Hunting and Cooking School.
Reviewed By lummyl
The whole experience from understanding the history of the Truffle Farm to how they are farmed, the dog training and seeing them in action together with the awesome food supplied on the day was a very memorable experience. The stories told by both Jason and Damian were not only informative but very entertaining. My (adult) family and friends had a great afternoon there and will enjoy the truffle we purchased in yet to be cooked dinner. Well done to the teams at the Truffle Farm and you deserve contiued success.
2. High Court of Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By cantrav7 - Canberra, Australia
It is certainly a very interesting building. The staff in the Court are incredibly helpful in explaining the building and what happens there.
3. National Capital Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
The National Capital Exhibition is an essential stop on any tour of the National Capital. This FREE exhibition, explores the past, present and potential futures of the capital through displays featuring the people, events, history and design of this unique, modern, planned city. Discover the people behind the design – Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion.
Reviewed By Canberrascooter - Canberra, Australia
I attended as a helper when my children went with the school. The displays and historical content were very interesting and much better than I expected. It is well worth the visit to see how Canberra was conceptualised, with the different options for design and city layout. Historical documents explore discussions about location and rational for the national capital. There are a number of artefacts and a contemporary model of central Canberra. Located next to the lake and s restaurant/ cafe is attached.
4. National Museum of Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,008 reviews
Discover where Australia’s stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum’s stunning architecture offers visitors an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.
Reviewed By PantaOz - Wuxi, China
Great place to learn about the history of this great country, and especially the Australian Aboriginal culture and people. We had fun... family of two adults and two kids can stay there all day, especially at the kids' interactive part where most of the Canberra schools take their youngsters. Exhibitions: great., service: great... shopping: great... atmosphere: great... price: great - it is free entry! If you need a taxi later, the desk will kindly ring for you. Smiles everywhere!
5. Australian Parliament House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,803 reviews
The home of Australia's Parliament and the meeting place of a nation, Australian Parliament House offers visitors to Canberra a unique experience. Visit Parliament House and experience Australia's robust democracy in action. You can watch Question Time, see bills being debated, and sit in on committee inquiries as current issues are explored in detail. You'll also find some of Australia's finest historical treasures and contemporary art on display throughout the building, and in our permanent and temporary exhibitions. You’re welcome at the meeting place of our nation. Parliament House is open every day except Christmas Day. Non-sitting days 9am-5pm Sitting days Mon-Tue 9am-6pm, Wed-Thu 8.30am-6pm
Reviewed By mancinellifamily - Wood Wood, Australia
A great clean city with lots of free activities, Parliament House was a definite must see and the rest of Canberra is just beautiful in Autumn leaves, fantastic gardens, perfect weather
6. Australian National University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By asfletcher - Nowra Hill, Australia
We had a wonderful day at the open day at ANU! I stayed with our daughter at the school of music, listening to a Jazz talk/ workshop, listening to an excellent talk by the head of the school of music , and doing a fabulous school of music tour ! Meanwhile, my husband went with our son to the STEM learning session where he got to make liquid nitrogen ice cream , drive a virtual reality car and see a solar car being designed/ made ! We then did multiple tours of the accommodation blocks at the uni ! We had a great day and learnt lots about the uni and were very impressed with what we saw! Our daughter is very keen to go there for uni! Highly recommended if you have a teenage child approaching uni age and you are considering Canberra for uni !
7. Lanyon Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
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. During the COVID era, we are currently offering precinct tours at set times, listed on Eventbrite and Facebook. These are bookable, and occur at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. 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 cafe - The Barracks - has spectacular views and is a popular destination for week day luncheons and a weekend breakfast.
Reviewed By gregoryd762
We took the tour of this wonderful historic homestead. Knowledgeable and entertaining guide.The house has been beautifully restored and was a delight to visit. We also spent hours exploring the various outbuildings, the gardens and the convict built barn, which has an excellent exhibition on convict life at Lanyon. Super friendly and helpful office and reception staff. A must see for anyone interested in colonial history
8. Changi Chapel
9. Museum of Australian Democracy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,268 reviews
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
Reviewed By 674belindam - Sydney, Australia
Loved MoAD! Great to have a peek around Old Parliament House, and particularly look through the offices exactly as they were when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister - so very different from office work spaces now. Also being able to sit in the House of Representatives and the Senate was fabulous. There are also various exhibitions held here, which are interesting. We spent a while looking through the political cartoons of the previous year, which was great for a giggle.
10. Stromlo Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By MelbournePixie - Melbourne, Australia
Saw the ruins on the Mt Stromlo observatory after the fires. Would have been an intense fire to do so much damage. Worth a look.
