So you’ve heard of Canberra and you know it’s Australia’s capital, but as a traveller, what can you do here? This young, lively city offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere with more than enough to keep you busy for days on end.
Hidden beneath leafy surrounds, Canberra is bursting with some of Australia’s best cultural attractions offering a snapshot of what it’s like to be an Aussie. Through world-class museums and galleries you can discover more about Australia’s culture, history, sports and politics.
Experience a glimpse into Australian culture at the National Museum of Australia. Take a ride in a rotating theatre, use an Aboriginal grinding stone and discover fascinating stories about Australia’s past and present.
See Parliament House, where Australia’s political decisions are made, an impressive building with panoramic views of Canberra from the rooftop, and a renowned collection of Australian contemporary art. Then take time to reflect at the Australian War Memorial, which commemorates the commitment and camaraderie of Australians in war.
There are also loads of easily accessible outdoor activities to make exploring Canberra’s stunning natural landscapes a breeze. Walk or bike ride around beautiful Lake Burley Griffin to see some of Canberra’s most famous landmarks. Wander the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays for handcrafted jewellery, art, clothing and regional food and wine produce.
Experience an earthquake or freefall six metres down a vertical slide at Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. Tour the Australian Institute of Sport with an elite athlete to get a unique insight into Australian sport and test your sporting abilities in the Sportex exhibition.
And of course after your jam-packed days uncovering Canberra’s secrets, you can enjoy fabulous food and nightlife. Relax in a stylish cafe, dine with a lake view, or taste award-winning wines and fresh produce at a vineyard cafe or restaurant.
In the city, the Canberra Centre has dished up some hot new city eats while some of Canberra’s best restaurants line West Row in the Melbourne Building. Close to the city centre, Kingston and Manuka have many fantastic cafes and restaurants, gourmet food stores and bakeries.
There are plenty of scenic trips you can do just outside of the city, with the stunning New South Wales Coast and the ski fields of Thredbo and Perisher in the Snowy Mountains, just a couple hours away. Canberra is easy to get to and also makes a great stopover en route between Sydney and Melbourne.
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