Things to do in Canberra

Australia’s Capital is home to some of our country’s most outstanding cultural, historical and art institutions. Exploring our nation’s attractions will help to tell a story that is uniquely Australian.

We have attractions to appeal to every visitor’s interest and age – from art and sculpture, to animals and gardens, and film, sport and science. Our attractions are easily accessible around Canberra’s CBD, our Parliamentary Triangle, or an easy ride or drive away.

Canberra Attractions

National Capital Exhibition

The National Capital Exhibition tells the unique story of our Nation’s Capital – from the people, events, history and design.

Captain Cook Memorial

The Captain Cook Memorial, Jet and Globe was constructed by the Commonwealth Government to commemorate Captain James Cook’s first sighting of Australia.

Australian Institute of Sport

Australia’s premier elite sports precinct, here you will discover our rich sporting past and catch a glimpse into its future.

National Botanic Gardens

The Gardens, located in Acton, grows the largest collection of Australian plants in the world. Engage with the wide diversity of Australian flora from tropical rainforests to central deserts.

Australian War Memorial

Museum, shrine and research centre, the War Memorial tells the story or the men and women who have served Australia in wars, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian work.

Canberra Museum and Gallery

Designed as an interactive learning space, Canberra Museum and Gallery celebrates our history, visual arts and unique programs.

Cockington Green Gardens

Located in Canberra’s Gold Creek Tourist Precinct, Cockington Green features meticulously crafted miniature buildings from more than 30 different countries.

Government House

Government House is located on Lake Burley Griffin and is a heritage listed building. It is the residence of the Governor General, with parts of the historical elements of the property preserved.

Mount Stromlo Observatory

With both daytime and evening tours, Mount Stromlo offers all things science and astronomy.

National Arboretum

Showcasing a collection of 94 forests of more than 44,000 rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world, the Arboretum offers opportunities to explore sustainability, conservation and ecology.

National Dinosaur Museum

One of Canberra’s premier tourist attractions, step back into the Age of the Dinosaurs and stand among dinosaur models that move, bite, roar and breathe.

National Film and Sound Archive

A living archive that collects, preserves and shares our film, sound and audio-visual history.

National Gallery of Australia

Featuring resident and visiting artists, Australian art, sculpture and natural collections, the National Gallery inspires creativity. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection is the largest in the world.

National Library of Australia

The largest library in the Southern Hemisphere, The National Library features information and quirky facts in its collection of Australian history.

National Museum of Australia

The museum offers the opportunity to get hands-on with Australia’s history and cultures, with the architecture of the building providing a place that brings our stories and people to life.

National Portrait Gallery

Showcasing a diverse range of Australian’s that inspire, move, perplex and delight, from artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and royalty.

National Zoo and Aquarium

Get immersed into the animal kingdom and learn about animal feeding and enrichment, conservation, habitats and interactions. The National Zoo and Aquarium features a diverse range of native and exotic animals.

Parliament House

An interactive experience where you can learn about the Australian political system, how it works, and the important role that parliament plays. There is opportunity to see the areas of the building, meet senators and see politics in action.

Questacon

The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone offers over 200 hands-on experiences in eight themed galleries. At Questacon, you are encouraged to interact, explore and discover the science behind our world.

Royal Australian Mint

Discover the technology, history and design behind Australia’s coins, and see how they are made.

CSIRO Discovery

As Australia’s leading scientific agency, CSIRO solves our greatest challenges through science and technology. Learn about DNA, forensics, robotics, virtual reality and ecology at our interactive display.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

A vital part of NASA’s deep space network, and one of only 3 tracking stations in the world, the complex displays exhibits on the past, present and future of space exploration.

Looking to stay locally?

The Y Canberra has two group accommodation locations in Canberra.

Leumeah Lodge Canberra

Leumeah Lodge

Leumeah Lodge is 20 minutes from Canberra CBD in the exciting Gold Creek Village precinct where your group can walk to family friendly attractions including Cockington Green, National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra Reptile Zoo and Canberra Walk in Aviary.

Bush Capital Lodge

Bush Capital Lodge is set within tranquil bushland and is just a 5-10 minute drive from major Canberra venues and attractions.