Surrounded by bush yet resplendent with modern architecture, major art galleries and a burgeoning restaurant scene, Canberra is Australia’s sophisticated yet hip capital city
With Lake Burley Griffin as a centrepiece, endless blue skies and more than 400,000 trees planted over 800 square kilometres, across its public areas, Canberra is beautiful to behold. Kangaroos are easy to spot in city parks and its many nature reserves make it an outdoor paradise. And for city slickers, there are design-forward boutiques, award-winning bars and some of the best restaurants in the country. Drawcards include blockbuster art exhibitions as well as major festivals such as the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, the National Folk Festival and Floriade flower display.
When to go
Canberra has blue skies all year round but the best time to visit is spring (September to November) when the days are a mild 16–25 C° and blossoms abound, and in autumn (March to May) with its spectacular foliage.
How to get around
Canberra’s CBD is compact and very walkable. To see more of the city’s natural beauty, hire a bicycle and enjoy its extensive cycling network, including the 30km Western, Central and Eastern lakeside loops. Buses are also available to take you to sights in the Parliamentary Triangle and the restaurant zones in Manuka, Kingston and NewActon.
Discover everything the city has to offer and more
A guide to the hippest neighbourhoods in Canberra, Australia
With bountiful tracts of unspoilt landscape, Canberra is known as Australia’s Bush Capital. But a…
Which iconic Australian train journey suits your personality most? We break it down for you
From a luxury voyage to an expedition between Perth and Sydney, here’s the rundown on Australia’s…
Quirky retreats in the heart of the Canberra countryside
Unique stays close to Canberra offer the chance of rural adventure within reach of the urban jungle
An insider’s guide to Canberra, Australia
Hugh Chevrant-Breton, the (former) manager of Singapore Airlines’ Canberra office shares the many…
The new Canberra drinking experience
In Australia’s capital, fresh perspectives have inspired a new generation of mixologists, brewers…
Review: Ovolo Nishi, Canberra
Quirky curiosities from around the globe, contemporary Australian art and an entire salvaged…
The best locally owned establishments in Canberra
Five of the best independent boutiques and eateries to head to in Australia’s capital city
3 dinosaur exhibitions to check out for a roaring good time
These three lesser-known museums play host to jaw-dropping dinosaur fossils, reconstructions and…
Discovering the best of Canberra and Wellington in one trip
Where you should go to enjoy the best attractions, dining, arts and culture, and nightlife in…
5 best hiking trails around Canberra, Australia
Must-do scenic hikes in the Australian capital that will take you through bush tracks, forests…
