Things to do in Canberra

Activities, attractions and tours
Parliament House which includes an administrative building and landscape views
Canberra
Parliament House featuring an administrative building
Acton showing a city and modern architecture
Canberra

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Top places to visit

1. Parliament House

Australia’s Parliament House is the standout structure in the capital. It’s in the very centre of the city and has an impressive 62 acres (25 hectares)) of floor space. It’s the work of New York-based architectural firm Mitchell and Giurgola, who beat 329 entrants from 28 countries in a competition run by the Australian Government. Construction started in 1981, and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
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Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

2. Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is where the country pays its respects to members of the military killed in conflicts around the world. It was completed in 1941 and is dedicated to servicemen and women from the colonial era to today. Inside the memorial complex is a museum with exhibits exploring Australia’s military history.
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Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

3. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is the largest art museum in the country. It’s home to over 160,000 works, including the most extensive collection of Aboriginal art in the world. It also holds traditional and modern works from all around Asia, statues and paintings by European and American masters, and Australian works from the colonial era to the present day.
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National Gallery of Australia which includes interior views

4. Questacon

Questacon is the Australian National Science and Technology Centre. It features a range of exhibits about everything from water, to electricity and light. Most exhibits are targeted at children, but there’s plenty to see and do for adults as well.
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Questacon

5. National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia documents and interprets the country’s history. It occupies an enormous multicoloured building designed to reflect the different stories of Australia’s past and present. The museum holds thousands of items across dozens of exhibits. They cover everything from Aboriginal history to gold mining, immigration and industrial growth.
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National Museum of Australia which includes interior views

What to do in Canberra


Popular places to visit

Areas of Canberra

Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.

Canberra City Centre
Kingston showing modern architecture and a bridge

Kingston

Kingston is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and The Cusack Centre while you're in town.

Kingston
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Queanbeyan

Visitors to Queanbeyan enjoy its bars, and if you want to do some exploring, The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is worth a stop.

Queanbeyan
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Braddon

Abundant dining options and relaxing spas are well-reviewed features of Braddon. Make a stop by top sights like Canberra Contemporary Art Space while you're exploring the area.

Braddon
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Belconnen

Unique features of Belconnen include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Bimbi Beach or Yerra Beach while you're exploring the area.

Belconnen
Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.

Northern Canberra