All citiesCanberra Things to do and walking itinerary
Australia Canberra travel guide
17 things to do in Canberra, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Canberra
- National Library of Australia — national reference library in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Gallery of Australia — National art museum in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Parliament House — house of parliament for Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Australia — museum in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Australian War Memorial — national war memorial and museum in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Black Mountain Tower — telecommunications tower in Australia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Australian National Botanic Gardens — botanical garden in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 45 min)
- National Portrait Gallery — art gallery in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Canberra Museum and Gallery — art museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- ANZAC Parade — road in Canberra (visit ≈ 15 min)
- St. Christopher’s Cathedral — church in Manuka, Australian Capital Territory, Australia (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Questacon — science museum in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St John the Baptist Church, Reid — church building in Australian Capital Territory, Australia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Weston Park — park in Canberra, Australia encompassiong Yarralumla Peninsula and Kurrajong Point (visit ≈ 45 min)
- National Zoo & Aquarium — zoo and aquarium in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Reconciliation Place — sculpture garden (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Commonwealth Park — park in Canberra, Australia (visit ≈ 45 min)
3-day Canberra walking itinerary
Starting point: Civic (City Centre). The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.7 km · 13,090 steps · 2 h 9 min on the way): Australian National Botanic Gardens → Black Mountain Tower → National Museum of Australia
- Day 2 (≈ 8.4 km · 11,390 steps · 1 h 52 min on the way): National Library of Australia → Parliament House → National Portrait Gallery
- Day 3 (≈ 8.4 km · 11,310 steps · 1 h 52 min on the way): National Gallery of Australia → Australian War Memorial
Where to stay in Canberra
- Civic (City Centre): Bus and light-rail hub, shopping.
- Braddon: Cafés, bars and modern apartments.
- New Acton: Design hotels close to the lake.
- Kingston: Lakeside, restaurants and market.
- Barton: Walk to Parliament and galleries.
Getting from the airport to Canberra
- Canberra (CBR): Bus route 3 ≈ 25 min; taxi ≈ 15 min
Getting around
The city is spread out; light rail runs Civic–Gungahlin and buses cover the rest (MyWay or contactless). The lake loop is great by bike.
Classic places to eat
- Lonsdale Street Roasters: House-roasted coffee in Braddon.
- Mocan & Green Grout: Local-produce breakfast in New Acton.
- Old Bus Depot Markets: Sunday market for local food and crafts.
- Aubergine: Canberra’s long-standing fine-dining address.
- Courgette: European fine dining in the city centre.
- Durham Castle Arms: English-style pub in Kingston; beer and pub food.
Romantic views
- Mount Ainslie Lookout (Sunset): The city plan from Anzac Parade to Parliament is visible at a glance.
- Lake Burley Griffin Foreshore (Evening): A calm evening walk along the lakeside paths.
- Australian National Botanic Gardens (Early morning): Walk among native plants through a rainforest gully.
- Red Hill Lookout (Sunset): From the hill you see Parliament House, the lake and the city in one frame.
Good to know before visiting Canberra
- Fine: Declare all food, plant and animal products at customs; failing to declare is heavily fined.
- Fine: Nicotine vapes may only be bought from pharmacies; importing or buying elsewhere is illegal.
- Fine: Many areas are alcohol-free zones where public drinking is banned.
- Fine: Smoking is banned in outdoor dining areas and on most beaches.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: Swim only between the red-and-yellow flags; rip currents are dangerous.
Extra rules for Australian Capital Territory / Canberra
- Warning: Small amounts of cannabis aren't a local offence, but public use is banned and federal law still applies.
- Buses and light rail use MyWay+ or contactless payment.
- Emergency: 000
- Plugs: I, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't expected; 10% for great service is a nice extra.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Australia, Wikivoyage — Australia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Canberra travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Canberra?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 14 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Canberra?
- Highlights: National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House, National Museum of Australia and Australian War Memorial. The map has 17 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Canberra?
- Civic (City Centre): Bus and light-rail hub, shopping. Other options: Braddon, New Acton, Kingston and Barton.
- How do you get from the airport to Canberra city centre?
- Canberra (CBR): Bus route 3 ≈ 25 min; taxi ≈ 15 min
- How do you get around Canberra?
- The city is spread out; light rail runs Civic–Gungahlin and buses cover the rest (MyWay or contactless). The lake loop is great by bike.
- What is the emergency number in Canberra?
- Emergency: 000.
- Do you tip in Canberra?
- Tipping isn't expected; 10% for great service is a nice extra.
Nearby cities
Sydney · Melbourne · Queenstown · Auckland · Wellington · Port Vila · Port Moresby · Honiara
Australia travel guide: all cities · All cities