Canberra

Australia’s national capital, Canberra is a vibrant inland city that is home to world-leading galleries and museums, incredible heritage and a thriving food and wine scene nurtured by nearby cool-climate wine country. Centred around famous Lake Burley Griffin, you can also explore one of the many bike trails in the region or visit one of the city’s thriving restaurants, bars or breweries. Take a deeper tour and learn more about the incredible Indigenous and colonial history.

Discover a fascinating collection of national treasures across art, history and culture in galleries and museums throughout the city. Institutions such as the Canberra Museum and Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Australia showcase stories of Australian history and Indigenous culture, as well as immersive exhibitions of national and international artists, community programs and events. 

Experience the stunning James Turrell Skyspace lighting installation built into the grounds of the National Gallery of Australia, a serene chamber you can walk inside with a portal to the sky above. Watch artists at work in the Hotshop at the Canberra Glassworks or explore over 100 different sculptures and public art found throughout the city. There’s something for every art lover.

Home to the Australian Parliament, Canberra is also rich in natural and cultural heritage, from ancient Aboriginal culture dating back 25,000 years to 19th-century colonial and pastoral history. Canberra is Ngunnawal country and there are thousands of Aboriginal heritage sites throughout the region including sacred trees, rock shelters and sacred ceremonial sites. Discover hidden rock art on a guided Aboriginal tour and learn about the customs and traditions of the local Ngunnawal people. 

For a glimpse into colonial life, book a tour of the heritage-listed Tuggeranong Homestead, a rural property in southern Canberra built in the 1830s, or visit the historic Blundell’s Cottage built in 1860. Explore the architecturally-acclaimed Parliament House overlooking the city or place a poppy in the Roll of Honour at the iconic Australian War Memorial and attend the Last Post Ceremony held daily.

With more than 30 wineries and boutique cellar doors within a half-hour drive of the city, as well as microbreweries, whiskey distilleries and award-winning restaurants, foodies have many options when it comes to eating and drinking in Canberra. Sample cool-climate wines and handcrafted beers in underground bars and cosy bolt-holes or relax in a leafy beer garden over a summer sip.

If fine dining is more your style, take your pick from hatted restaurants such as the much-lauded Aubergine and The Boat House, while Euro-style brasseries such as Ondine serve up delicious fare using fresh local produce. Hit the weekend farmers’ markets and enjoy gourmet foods and fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the grower, and afterwards head to the Kingston Foreshore on Lake Burley Griffin for a barista-made coffee.

Only two hours flight time from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, it is easy to get to Canberra Airport. Canberra is also a three hour drive from Sydney and eight hours from Melbourne. Regular bus services also run from Sydney, Melbourne and regional areas.