Canberra
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Canberra - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Australian War Memorial
CampbellBoth as a moving memorial to Australians who served their country in wartime and as a military museum, this is a shrine of great national importance and the most popular attraction in the capital. The museum explores Australian military involvement from the late 19th century through the 1970s and Vietnam up to Iraq and Afghanistan today. Displays include a Lancaster bomber, a Spitfire, tanks, landing barges, and sections of two of the Japanese midget submarines that infiltrated Sydney Harbour during World War II, as well as more interactive displays in the Anzac Hall. Anzac is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, formed during World War I. One of the most moving places is the domed Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that stands above the Pool of Reflection and the Roll of Honour, which are two walls of names honoring the thousands of Australians who have died in all military conflicts. There are a range of free guided tours, led by volunteers, throughout the day. You can best appreciate the impressive facade of the War Memorial from the broad avenue of Anzac Parade. The avenue is flanked by several memorials commemorating the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nursing Corps, as well as some of the campaigns in which Australian troops have fought, including the Vietnam War. At closing time a bugler or bagpiper plays the emotive Last Post outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
View Tours and ActivitiesTreloar Crescent- 02 - 6243–4211Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 10–5 -
2. National Gallery of Australia
ParkesThe most comprehensive collection of Australian art in the country is on exhibit in the nation's premier art gallery, including superlative works of Aboriginal art and paintings by such famous native sons as Arthur Streeton, Sidney Nolan, and Arthur Boyd. The gallery also contains a sprinkling of works by European and American masters, including Rodin, Picasso, Pollock, and Warhol, as well as art and artifacts from closer to home, Southeast Asia. Free guided tours on a variety of topics with excellent guides begin in the foyer each day—check the website for details. A new wing, containing 13 galleries, is dedicated to indigenous art. The gallery extends outside into the Sculpture Garden, and the innovative Fog Sculpture takes place (outdoors) from 12:30 to 2 pm daily.
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3. National Museum of Australia
ActonThis unstuffy museum is spectacularly set on Acton Peninsula, thrust out over the calm waters of Lake Burley Griffin. The museum highlights the stories of Australia and Australians by exploring the key people, events, and issues that shaped and influenced the nation. Memorabilia include a carcass of the extinct Tasmanian tiger, the old Bentley beloved by former Prime Minister Robert Menzies, and the black baby garments worn by dingo victim Azaria Chamberlain (whose story was made famous in the Meryl Streep film A Cry in the Dark). Circa, a 12-minute movie, gives a fascinating snapshot of Australian history and should be your first port of call. Children love the KSpace display, an exhibit where they can use computers and 3-D technology to design a space-age city of the future. You can also take a guided tour—the First Australians tours cost A$15 as does the Building and Architecture tour.
View Tours and ActivitiesLawson Crescent, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia02-6208–5000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Parliament House
Capital HillMuch of this vast futuristic structure is submerged, covered by a domed glass roof that follows the contours of Capital Hill. You approach the building across a vast courtyard with a central mosaic titled Meeting Place, designed by Aboriginal artist Nelson Tjakamarra. Native timber has been used almost exclusively throughout the building, and the work of some of Australia's finest contemporary artists hangs on the walls. Parliament generally sits Monday to Thursday mid-February to late June and mid-August to mid-December. Both chambers have public galleries, but the debates in the House of Representatives, where the prime minister sits, are livelier and more newsworthy than those in the Senate. Free 40-minute guided tours take place at 9:30, 11, 1, 2, and 3 daily.
Parliament Dr.- 02 - 6277–5399Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 9–5, later when Parliament is session -
5. Australian National Botanic Gardens
ActonAustralian plants and trees have evolved in isolation from the rest of the world, and these delightful gardens on the lower slopes of Black Mountain display the continent's best collection of this unique flora. The rain forest, rock gardens, Tasmanian alpine garden, and eucalyptus lawn—with more than 600 species of eucalyptus—number among the 125-acre site's highlights. Two self-guided nature trails start from the rain-forest gully, and free guided tours depart from the visitor center daily at 11 and 2. Prebooked and more individualized guided tours cost A$5 per person.
Clunies Ross St.- 02 - 6250–9540Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 8:30–5, weekends in Jan. 8:30–8 pm, visitor center 9:30–4:30 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. National Film & Sound Archive
ActonHoused in one of Canberra's most beautiful art deco buildings, this museum displays Australia's audio-visual cultural history. Among the many exhibits are costumes from films including Muriel's Wedding,The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Ned Kelly, along with vintage film, sound equipment, and a film still collection of more than 300,000 images. You can relax in the small theatrette (designed along early 20th-century theater lines) and watch some of the country's early news reels and short films (some are very funny). Watch arthouse movies (at an extra cost of around A$5–A$25) in the beautiful Arc cinema, which regularly screens classic movies and other nonmainstream cinematic gems.
McCoy Circuit- 02 - 6248–2000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Open some weekends for special events, Weekdays 9–5 -
7. National Library of Australia
ParkesConstructed loosely on the design of the Parthenon in Athens, this library houses more than 5 million books and 500,000 photographs, maps, drawings, and recordings of oral history. Don't miss the state-of-the-art Treasures Gallery, which displays 80 of the library's prized pieces, such as Captain James Cook's journal of the Endeavour and Australia's only complete original convict uniform. A free Treasures Gallery tour takes place daily at 11:30 am, and a behind-the-scenes tour takes place on Thursday at 2 pm. The café has a wonderful view, and the bookshop is a browser's and buyer's delight.
Parkes Pl.- 02 - 6262–1111Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Thurs. 10–8, Fri. and Sat. 10–5, Sun. 1:30–5 -
8. National Portrait Gallery
ParkesThis terrific space is dedicated to portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who in some way reflect the national identity. Look out for famous faces like pop star Kylie Minogue and Olympic champion Cathy Freeman, as well as priceless portraits of Captain James Cook. The building on the south shore of Lake Burley Griffin caused some controversy, but most architecture fans like its simple, clean design. The gallery also has a good arts program, with talks and film screenings, and the café's outdoor terrace has lovely views.
King Edward Terr.- 02 - 6102–7000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 10–5 -
9. Question Time
Capital HillThe best time to observe the House of Representatives is during Question Time, starting at 2, when the Government and the Opposition are most likely to be at each other's throats. To secure a ticket for Question Time, contact the sergeant-at-arms' office until 12:30 pm on the day you require a ticket.
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