While Canberra stands in the shadows of popular cities like Melbourne and Sydney, there are plenty of reasons to include Australia’s capital city on your travel itinerary.
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Exploring Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is a chance to admire some of the country’s best architecture and art while uncovering the history and culture of the nation.
1. New Parliament House
It wouldn’t be a trip to Australia’s capital without visiting the very reason the city exists, Parliament House. The current building on Capital Hill was opened in 1988 to replace the Old Parliament House, which now houses the Museum of Democracy. You can explore the inside with guided tours that depart every half an hour, showcasing the architecture of the beautiful building and the displays, art and exhibits housed within, including the Magna Carta. Visit during sitting time and you can enjoy a firsthand look into the workings of the Australian Parliament.
2. The Australian War Memorial
This sombre monument to Australians who have died in war documents the Australian experiences in war and illustrates the lasting impacts of conflicts on society. Housed inside the beautiful art deco building are exhibits, displays, photos and artefacts detailing Australia’s involvement in significant conflicts. Don’t miss the haunting Last Post Ceremony every day at 4:55pm.
3. Mount Ainslie Lookout
The lookout point from Mount Ainslie is a testament to Walter Burley Griffin’s exemplary planning of the city of Canberra. The view aspect aligns with Anzac Parade below, offering unparalleled views of central Canberra and Capital Hill. Enjoy a walk to the lookout from the Australian War Memorial following a 2-kilometre paved bike and footpath.
4. Lake Burley Griffin
The artificial lake included in Burley Griffin’s designs for the city is a centre point for the city, with many of the attractions spread around the water edge. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterway, including fishing, or sailing and boat cruises, or walk the full 5-kilometre circumference on the Bridge to Bridge walk.
5. National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia houses the nation’s largest art collection in permanent and temporary exhibits. As well as the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world, the gallery houses important Australian and international works. Highlights include several paintings from Sidney Nolan’s ‘Ned Kelly’ series, Jackson Pollack’s ‘Blue Poles’ and works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
6. National Museum of Australia
For an in-depth look into Australia’s history, you can’t go past the National Museum. The museum examines and illustrates how Australian society and culture has been shaped by its history and environment, from the Gallery of First Australians to modern day industries. The interactive displays are housed inside a beautiful building, inspired by a jigsaw to represent the interconnecting pieces of the nation’s society, with pleasant lake views.
Recommended Canberra Tours from Sydney: 1 Day Canberra Explorer Tour
Price: $145
Company: Last Minute Day Tours
Related article: Holiday Here this year
About the Author
Tahlia Goulding is an experienced travel blogger based in Sydney. Tahlia is the owner at No Plane Old Holiday.
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