Canberra Attractions For Your Holiday In The Australian Capital Territory

Canberra is of course Australia's Capital City and is home to the 'Parliament House' and many other important architectural, landmarks, museums and galleries.

The Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state or territory with a population of about 360,000.

Planning a holiday or a road trip is exciting and there is so much to think about like creating an itinerary and deciding where to go.

Using maps of Australia and travel guides will help you decide and to plan your route. I have listed many attractions, road trip and things to do ideas below for suggestions.

Don't forget to take your camera to capture beautiful photos of Australia where ever you travel or holiday in Australia.

This list of Canberra attractions is a variety of things to do in Canberra that will appeal to most visitors. Whether you want to have fun, learn, admire the scenery, experience and understand Australia's history and current events.

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Historical Canberra Attractions

Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is one of many 'must see' Canberra attractions so that we can all appreciate the memorabilia, personal stories, displays, the sculpture garden, gallery exhibits. As it offers a unique view into the lives of our many soldiers and their families.
www.awm.gov.au

Old Parliament House
The Old Parliament House in Canberra was the seat of national political power for 61 years. This is a signicant Australian landmark in Canberra as it is an important symbol of the nation's political heritage.
www.moadoph.gov.au

Mugga Mugga Historic Cottage
Mugga Mugga is an historic cottage dating back to the 1830's, Discover what how hard life was like years ago as it is a rural workers' cottage.
www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au

Anzac Parade
Anzac Parade is a very a significant road in Canberra and was named in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of World War I. It is the site of many major military memorials and ceremonial occasions.
www.visitcanberra.com.au/anzacparade

"The design of the Australian Parliament House is based on the shape of two boomerangs, the Australian flag that is flying proudly is as big as half a tennis court. There is over four thousand rooms and about half of the building is set into Capital Hill with some of the roof covered in grass."

Scenic Canberra Attractions

National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens is a stunning display of unique Australian flora on 50 hectares at the base of Black Mountain. The gardens are a spectacular relaxing place to spend a several hours exploring.
www.anbg.gov.au

Cockington Green Garden
The Cockington Green Garden is a display of miniature buildings from around the world set in beautiful landscaped gardens that include miniature plants and fine lawns bordered by colourful annual flowers.
www.cockingtongreen.com.au

Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra's centerpiece and is used for a wide range of recreational activities, particularly in the warmer months.
www.nationalcapital.gov.au

Black Mountain Tower
Black Mountain Tower is one of Canberra attractions that is very popular as it is located in a beautiful nature reserve and boasts a 360 degree view of Canberra and the surrounding area and beyond.
www.visitcanberra.com.au

Captain Cook Memorial jet
The Captain Cook Memorial Jet is a feature of Lake Burley Griffin and is one of Canberra's attractions that is easily seen from many locations.
www.nationalcapital.gov.au

Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is located south of Canberra in the northern end of the Australian Alps. The park features bold granite outcrops, stunning wilderness and flora and fauna.
www.tams.act.gov.au/namadginationalpark

Canberra Nature Park
Canberra Nature Park has thirty three sections of bush land and grass land which is home to many rare species of birds and other wildlife. The park is within walking distance of most residents of Canberra and of course visitors are welcome to discover and explore.
www.tams.act.gov.au/canberranaturepark

Red Hill Lookout
The Red Hill Lookout is south of the city centre and you can lookout over many of the Canberra attractions and national icons. In autumn the view changes to brilliant reds and oranges of the deciduous trees in the suburbs below which are stunning.
www.visitcanberra.com.au/redhilllookout

"Commonwealth Park is showing it's beautiful autumn colours for a full on colourful display. Autumn in Canberra is an exciting time to visit.

There are many festivals, concerts and activities happening including the Canberra Festival, Balloon Spectacular, many music concerts and Canberra’s free birthday party in the park."

Family Fun or Leisure Canberra Attractions

Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing
Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing is a fantastic rock climbing facility for the whole family, challange yourself or just have a whole lot of fun trying.
www.canberrarockclimbing.com.au

Canberra Southern Cross Pitch 'n' Putt
Canberra Southern Cross Pitch 'n' Putt golf course has eighteen holes, the distance of the golf holes varies between thirty five and seventy metres, it is suitable for all types of players.
www.canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

Grand Prix Karting
At Grand Prix Karting you can enjoy the thrills of indoor go-kart racing in a safe and professional environment. Karts are available for adults and juniors, you can also enjoy the arcade games while you are waiting.
www.grandprixkarting.com.au

Petrie Plaza Merry Go Round Canberra
The Merry Go Round or Carousel at Petrie Plaza has the old world charm to delight children and adults. Built nearly 100 years ago with beautiful hand-carved wooden horses and two elephants. It is sure to be one of the memorable Canberra attractions for young children.
www.visitcanberra.com.au

Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre
The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre has a ice rink, a heated fifty metre swimming pool, a free waterslide and pools suitable for younger children.
www.swimskate.com.au

Big Splash Waterpark
Big Splash Waterpark is a great place to cool off in the summer months with eight waterslides and five swimming pools. Be cool and lounge around the pools or float on rubber tubes in Canberra's only waterpark cinema.
www.bigsplashwaterpark.com.au

National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo & Aquarium at Canberra is Australia's only combined aquarium and zoo. The Zoo has Australia's largest collection of big cats and all the other cuddly and not so cuddly zoo animals. In the Aquarium you can enjoy an amazing collection of marine life.
www.nationalzoo.com.au

Belconnen Ten Pin Bowling Centre
Sightseeing can be exhausting, ten pin bowling can give you that welcome break from visiting the many Canberra attractions. Afterwards get refreshed at the café and bar and have fun on the amusement machines.
www.visitcanberra.com.au

The Giant Mushroom at Belconnen Market
The Giant Mushroom is found at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. The Giant Mushroom is pink, yellow and blue, is six metre tall and covers 190 square metres. The Giant Mushrooms purpose is to cover the adventure playground and create protection from the sun.
www.belconnenmarkets.com.au

Australian Reptile Centre
The Australian Reptile Centre has some of Australia's largest, deadliest and colourful reptiles. Every exhibit and every animal on display has its own research, conservation or education story to tell.
www.canberrareptilesanctuary.org.au

Museums And Galleries Canberra Attractions

National Museum Australia
The National Museum of Australia is devoted to telling the great stories about Australia and Australians and explores the land, nation and people of Australia. Discover and explore the permanent galleries and informative exhibitions with interactive displays and fascinating objects.
www.nma.gov.au

National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum exhibits include 10 full size replica skeletons of dinosaurs, skulls and reconstructions of Australian dinosaurs and much more is displayed at this interesting Canberra attraction.
www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

National Gallery Of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is home to Australias national collection of art. The Gallery has an exciting exhibition program so it hosts permanent and international exhibitions, as well as a wide range of public events.
www.nga.gov.au

Museum Of Australian Decmocracy At Old Parliament House
The Museum of Australian Democracy at the Old Parliament House is the first and only museum dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy. See real life stories of ordinary people who shaped Australia.
www.moadoph.gov.au

The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery of Australia is a collection of portraits and the stories of the men and women who have made a major impact on Australia. The displays are paintings, photos, sculptures and more.
www.portrait.gov.au

Australian Parliament House
The Parliament House stands proudly on Capital Hill in Canberra, home of the national Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. The building is set into Capital Hill and its roof is covered in grass, the Australian flag is on a very high flagpole with a huge flag flying.
www.aph.gov.au

Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint was started to produce Australia's decimal coins. You can see through observation windows to see staff and one of the world's strongest robots making the coins. Surely this is one of the favourite Canberra attractions - Everyone loves money!
www.ramint.com.au

"The emu and kangaroo were chosen to be on the Australian Coat of Arms in 1912 because they both are a similiar size to hold it up. Also chosen because they both can only 'move forward' which was the 'motto' at the time. Both the Kangaroo and emu cannot step backwards."

Science Sports Arts Canberra Attractions

International Sports and Aquatic Centre
Canberra International Sports & Aquatic Centre is the premier public indoor pool and sporting facility in the ACT region.
www.cisac.com.au

Australian Institute of Sport
The Australian Institute of Sport or AIS is known in Australia and internationally as a world leading facility for elite athletes.
www.ausport.gov.au/ais

CSIRO Discovery Centre
CSIRO Discovery Centre offers an interactive journey through CSIRO and Australian science history. Science is presented in an entertaining way to demystify it and to educate people of all ages about the fascinating world of research and innovation.
www.csiro.au/discovery

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
For the past 40 years the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. See the largest giant antennae in the Southern Hemisphere and learn much more about outer space.
www.cdscc.nasa.gov

National Film and Sound Archive
The National Film and Sound Archive collects, preserves and shares Australia's film etc. You can view footage of television productions, listen to recordings of radio productions and screenings of great Australian films through exhibitions, live presentations, educational programs.
www.nfsa.gov.au

Canberra Glassworks
At the Canberra Glassworks you can see professional glass artists at work. You can make your own glass beads and tiles or buy an exquisite handmade glass piece in the gift shop.
www.canberraglassworks.com

Questacon - Australia's National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre has over 200 hands-on exhibits. It is designed for children, although adults can participate. It is not only educational but also fun. Experience 7 themed galleries, along with a Spectacular Science Show during the day.
www.questacon.edu.au

Best Canberra Attractions And Tours

A Short Drive From Canberra

Canberra District Wineries
The countryside around the Australian Capital Territory is rural and picturesque and is home to 140 vineyards with more than 33 wineries within about 30 minutes of Canberra.
www.canberrawines.com.au

The Murrumbidgee River Corridor
The Murrumbidgee flows from the mountains in the south through some of the most spectacular country in the Australian Capital Territory. Walking along the banks you will find stunning places to have a picnic and very interesting views like rocky gorges.
www.visitcanberra.com.au/murrumbidgeecorridor

Snowy Mountains High Country
The Snowy Mountains is not all about the snow. The Snowy Mountains are a stunning place to visit all year round, you can see the snow capped mountains in winter and beautiful scenery in summer, spring and autumn.
www.snowymountains.com.au

The Poachers Way
The Poacher's Way Drive was developed by a group of people from Canberra and the region drawn together by a common inspiration. Emjoy the different lifestyles and passions of these people by discovering exceptional artists, chefs, winemakers, galleries and rural retreats.
www.thepoachersway.com.au

Other States And Territories Attractions

New South Wales Attractions

Northern Territory Attractions

Queensland Attractions

South Australia Attractions

Tasmania Attractions

Victoria Attractions

Western Australia Attractions

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