Canberra is full of interesting and captivating history and stories that do not just include politicians and public servants. A lot of people that haven’t been to Canberra or haven’t unlocked what Canberra has to offer will say that “Canberra is boring”, “there’s nothing to do in Canberra”. But those statements couldn’t be further from the truth. Canberra has a lot to offer for residents and tourists alike. You just need to look in the right places to discover it. In this article we will break down the top 5 things to do in Canberra for the ultimate Canberra experience.
What is on offer in Canberra
Parliament House
Perched on top of Capital Hill, discover and experience democracy in full swing at the Australian Parliament House. Though Parliament House is more than just a meeting place for government. It also holds historical artefacts, contemporary, symbolic architecture and art displays throughout the building as well as hosted exhibitions that are temporary and permanent. At Parliament House, entry is free, and you can discover and learn about the following things:
- If you’re lucky, you might visit on a day that parliament is sitting. You can observe sittings and listen in on Question Time, see debates being held on current bills and sit in on committee inquiries as they are explored in detail
- Learn about the flag, how it is maintained and the significance around the flag positioning
- Discover and explore the 23 hectares of gardens and landscape which includes various sculptures that have been gifted to Parliament House over the years
- Explore the architecture inside and outside the building. Each space is crafted with different materials, making the space intriguing and interesting throughout the building. Our personal favourite space within these walls is the Marble Foyer
- Learn about the history of Parliament and how it came to be in Canberra
Parliament House also has a café called The Queen’s Terrace Café that you can enjoy before, during and after your time exploring. The café offers everything from classic meals to high tea and fine dining experiences.
Australian War Memorial
Commemorating the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served Australia during times of conflict, the Australian War Memorial is a place of remembrance and understanding of the wartime experience of those Australians who fought for us. Entry is free, and you can enter the Memorial Galleries and see the Last Post Ceremony take place during your time here. The Australian War Memorial has a range of immersive and interactive exhibits to explore for all ages. Here you can find historic artefacts such as old fighter planes, letters of war, photographs and many other items that have played a part in Australia’s war history.
Anzac Day each year is held at the Australian War Memorial on April 25 as a national day of remembrance. They host the Dawn Service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Commemorative Ceremony, the ACT RSL Veterans March and the Last Post Ceremony. The Last Post Ceremony is also held each day at 4:45 PM and is held in the Commemorative Courtyard. Each night, a story is shared behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour. If you have a family member that is listed on the Roll of Honour, you can request ahead of time for their story to be told during your attendance of the Last Post Ceremony.
To end your day at the Australian War Memorial, you can visit Poppy’s Café where you can feast on a range of sandwiches, salads and cakes and sweets. If you’re interested in seeing the Australian War Memorial from another angle, check out Mount Ainslie for a different viewing point. From here, you can see the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin, Old Parliament House and New Parliament House all in the one spot.
Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon which is Canberra’s National Science and Technology Centre, aims to promote awareness and understanding of science and technology within our community. Situated near Lake Burley Griffin, they strive to make science and technology fun for all with interactive and relevant exhibits to explore. They host shows specific to particular areas of science or technology such as ‘flight’, where kids get the opportunity to explore, experiment and question why and how things occur.
Questacon inside and out offers different interactive exhibits and displays that people of all ages can explore. One main area that tends to be a crowd favourite across all ages is the Excite@Q Gallery which is an experience to put your hands and mind to the test. Excite@Q was formally known as Sideshow Alley to those who have been in Canberra for a long time and possibly did school excursions in year 6 to Questacon for science class. Each gallery has a recommended minimum age attached to it, making it easy for adults to navigate areas kids will and won’t understand.
Old Bus Depot Markets
Operating every Sunday, the Old Bus Depot Markets began in 1992 from you guessed it, an Old Bus Depot in Kingston. These markets began from a simple idea of wanting to open a weekly, high quality market every week for Canberrans. Now known as an iconic Canberra location, the Old Bus Depot Markets have become a hive for creativity and freedom of expression where talented individuals can exhibit and sell their work. Some stallholders are frequents at these markets meaning that if you fall in love with their product on your first visit, you can generally be assured that they will be available in the future Old Bus Depot Markets. We personally love the cannoli’s and bagels you can buy specifically from the Old Bus Depot Markets.
Each Sunday at the Old Bus Depot Markets comes with a different theme within the market. There are three themes within each month that the Old Bus Depot Markets showcase. Their weekly themes are Multicultural Sunday’s, Designer Sunday’s and Collectable Sunday’s.
The Old Bus Depot Markets has a variety of stallholders to suit everyone of all ages:
- Kids toys, clothes and activities
- Art and photography
- Collectables and crafts
- Homemade delicious food
- Fashion and accessories
- Garden and homewares
- Jewellery
- Lifestyle
- Arts
- Skincare
National Museum of Australia
Established in 1980, the National Museum of Australia is one of Australia’s newest cultural institutions and is located in Canberra Australia. Though it was established in 1980, it didn’t move into it’s now home on the Acton Peninsula until 2001. The museums main collections, exhibitions, research and programs focus on three themes across the board: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, History of Australia and it’s society since 1788 and the interaction of people in the environment. In simple terms, they focus on showcasing the land, nation and people to explore the past, present and imagining the future of Australia.
The National Museum of Australia has a variety of exhibitions that are temporary and permanent and their aim is to show you where stories come alive. The museum offers self-guided tour information for family trails around the National Museum of Australia for the whole family to explore and enjoy. Catch a tour of your favourite exhibition or even a building and architecture tour of the museum. The National Museum of Australia is one of kind within Canberra and you will be intrigued and curious with every turn within and outside this building.
8 Honourable Mentions
The National Arboretum Canberra
Formerly a pine plantation prior to the horrific bushfires in 2003, the Arboretum was first created in 2005 with major construction not beginning until 2010 and then officially opening in 2013. Since opening, the National Arboretum Canberra has welcomed over 4 million visitors and has become an iconic, award-winning attraction that is a fan favourite amongst Canberra locals and tourists. During your time at the National Arboretum, you can explore the tracks and trails, check out the national Bonsai and Penjing collection, relax at the Arboretum Café and the gift shop and if you have kids, explore the POD playground which is nothing like other playgrounds you will find in Canberra.
National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
Australia’s national visual arts institution that is dedicated to sharing, collecting and celebrating art from around Australia and the world. With over 155,000 works of art available on display to explore, the National Gallery aims to inspire all Australians and centralises their vision to elevating First Nations culture and women artists. There is more to discover than just what is inside the NGA though with the Sculpture Garden just outside on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. At the end of your visit, check out the art store for a unique range of products to purchase and then head to the Street Café for sweet and savoury snacks and light lunch options.
National Portrait Gallery
Located next to the NGA, the National Portrait Gallery is the youngest of the national cultural institutions in Australia. The gallery was opened in 2008 and their purpose is to develop, preserve, maintain and promote the national collection of portraits and other works of art while engaging and inspiring an national audience. The Portrait Gallery Store is managed by the same operators of the National Arboretum’s store and showcase an extensive range of arts and design. To finish up your trip to the National Portrait Gallery, visit the Portrait Café for a casual dining experience of homemade goods from community-focused produce.
National Zoo and Aquarium (NZA)
Opened in 1990 as the National Aquarium, it consisted of only 30 different species. It wasn’t until 2001 that the name changed to the “National Zoo and Aquarium”. Combined with the zoo and aquarium, NZA also has an Adventureland Playground, a café and separate bistro and BBQ and function areas that will suit the whole family for a day out. To elevate your experience at the National Zoo and Aquarium, you can stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge next to the zoo which offers a range of accommodation options where you can see the animals within the zoo, up close and personal. In some rooms, you can even feed the zoo animals from your balcony.
National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia was the first building within the Parliamentary Triangle apart from Old Parliament House. Resources of national significance related to Australia and it’s people have been collected, preserved and made accessible within the National Library of Australia to continue the history of Australia’s diverse culture and heritage. Grab a library tour here of the libraries, relax and read some of the amazing collection pieces in one of their designated reading rooms. Then on your way out, sneak in a delicious meal at Bookplate Café. Bookplate is situated on the lake side of the National Library and has a two beautiful outlooks depending on where you sit. Inside, you will have stunning stain glassed windows to get lost in. Outside, you will have lovely views over Lake Burley Griffin.
Royal Australian Mint
Situated in Deakin, the Royal Australian Mint produces coins for not only Australia but for other countries and also produces medals, medallions, tokens and seals for national and international clients. Visiting the Mint is a unique experience and you can mint your own coin here and take it home or complete the Mint Treasure Hunt. There is also a giant robot named Titan that you can spot from the factory viewing area and a few other robots that assist with making coins. At the end of your experience here, check out the Mint Café in the main foyer for a light lunch and refreshments.
Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House
The Museum of Australian Democracy which is situated in Old Parliament House, is a living museum of Australia’s political and social history. Offering contemporary exhibitions, the Museum of Australian Democracy has tours available as well as interactive exhibits for all ages to explore. With multiple exhibitions happening at once at the Museum of Australian Democracy, you could spend a whole day here easily. In the middle of Old Parliament House, there is the Courtyard Café which you can enjoy the outdoor garden and courtyard of Old Parliament House. You can also purchase products and goods from the MoAD shop and all sales go into supporting the work of the Museum.
Canberra Glassworks
Situated in Kingston next to the Old Bus Depot Markets, the Canberra Glassworks hold intensive workshops held by leading industry glass artists. They provide state-of-the-art equipment to artists and visitors of the Canberra Glassworks have unique opportunities to interact with and learn about glass making. Tours are available for visitors to have a hands-on experience working with glass as well as learning about the history and heritage of the Kingston Power House. You can gain insights into the artistic processes of the resident artists and watch molten glass transform or see glass tubing glow. Once you’ve finished up with the Canberra Glassworks, head downstairs to Brodburger for an ultimate Canberra foodie experience. Their burgers and chips are gold standard in terms of the Canberra foodie scene.
Some of these places may not be a surprise to you if you’re a Canberra local but we hope it inspires you to check out the city you call home in a different light rather than just as tourist locations. If you liked this article, check out our article on things to do in Canberra for families. Let us know in the comments below which place is your favourite and if we have missed anything that should have definitely been included.