Canberra is the official capital of Australia, even though many travellers don't know that. They often think that Sydney is the capital, but Canberra is really the country's political power centre. This city in Australia's south-east is home to parliament, ministries, embassies and important national institutions. Canberra was chosen in 1909 as a kind of compromise in the battle between Sydney and Melbourne, both of which wanted to become the Australian capital.
Consequently, this entire capital city in the Australian Capital Territory, as the small province is called, was designed on the drawing board. American architect Walter Burley Griffin won a design competition and came up with a city with lots of greenery, a clean layout and geometric shapes. The name 'Canberra' is derived from Kamara or Canberry, which means 'meeting place' in the indigenous Aboriginal language.
Such a modern political city might be boring to many. Yet this couldn't be further from the truth! Its unique design, rich history, and host of attractions make Canberra an intriguing city to explore.
If you decide to visit, you may start exploring other parts of Australia too. One that shouldn't be missed is the Gold Coast. With its beautiful beaches and incredible surf, it's perfect for those looking for a holiday with a mix of beach life and city vibes. And if you need a place to stay, check out the Burleigh Gold Coast Motel on burleigh-motel.queenslandhotelmotel.com. It's ideally located to give you easy access to everything the Gold Coast has to offer.
Looking for accommodation for your trip to Canberra?
► Book a hotel or bed & breakfast in Canberra online here
Canberra is actually a surprisingly fascinating city, with some of the best museums in the country (all of which are free, too!). The capital city introduces you to Australian politics, takes you to Australia's wartime past and immerses you in its - still short - history. There are fun attractions for children, but you can also take a trip to one of the surrounding vineyards. Canberra is also the ideal stopover between Sydney and Melbourne, as the capital is about halfway there. Curious about Australia's most underexposed city? Here are the 10 best tips what to do in Canberra!
Take a tour of Parliament
A visit to Parliament House is one of the first things you should do in Canberra: the heart of democracy! New Parliament House has been home to the Australian Parliament since 1988. In the room with the green benches (the 'Lower House'), elected MPs meet to debate the direction of Australia, while in the room with the red benches (the 'Upper House'), Senate members have the final say. You can attend debates and question sessions, but even more fun is to join a guided tour.
You will then get to hear all the ins and outs about Australia's complicated politics, as well as see the extraordinary parliament building. From the outside, it already looks photogenic, with the 81-metre-high flagpole and the pond reflecting the building. Inside, you see the foyer with 48 columns of green-grey marble symbolising a eucalyptus forest. There is also a collection of Australian art on display, including one of the world's largest tapestries.
You can enjoy coffee or high tea at the popular Queen's Terrace Café. The Old Parliament House, which was the seat of government from 1927 to 1988, is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy. A standard tour of the Parliament House takes 25 minutes and is free, but you must book in advance via the website. Address: Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia. Website: www.aph.gov.au
See Canberra's highlights on a day trip!
► Book a day tour to Canberra from Sydney here
Visit the National Gallery of Australia
Canberra is known for its many fine museums, but the National Gallery of Australia stands head and shoulders above them all. This museum holds Australia's most important art collection with almost 160,000 works of art. This includes the largest collection of Aboriginal and Street Torres Islander art in the world. You will not only see works from Australia here, but also from Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
The focus in the art collection is on the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum holds paintings by well-known artists such as Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Roy Lichtenstein and Lucian Freud. A highlight is the painting Blue Poles by American artist Jackson Pollock. The museum bought the work in 1973 for a record sum for contemporary American art, making it also the most controversial work in the collection. The museum is located in a cube-shaped building on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Admission is free, but temporary exhibitions often require you to buy a ticket. Address: Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia. Website: www.nga.gov.au
Shudder at the Australian War Memorial
Particularly impressive is the Australian War Memorial, erected in 1941 in memory of all Australians who died during wars. It is a huge Byzantine-style war memorial that you are more likely to find in a country like Turkey would expect. The heart of the monument is the Hall of Memory, with the grave of an unknown Australian soldier. In the courtyard are bronze plaques with the names of more than 102,000 Australian soldiers who died during World War I, World War II and other conflicts (such as Korea and Vietnam).
Besides being a memorial, it is also a war museum where you can learn all about the wars Australia was involved in. The stories are told through photographs, videos, weapons and military equipment, including a collection of old aircraft, cannons and maps showing battles. For children, there is the Discovery Zone where they discover more about wars with interactive displays. Every day at 16:55, The Last Post is played, a moving tribute with the Australian national anthem to the war dead. Admission is free, but it is necessary to book online. Address: Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia. Website: www.awm.gov.au
Taste the wines of Canberra
Canberra is the ideal place to hang out if you love wine. Surrounding the Australian capital are three wine regions where vines thrive thanks to the cool climate, regular sunshine, volcanic soil and moderate rainfall. As early as 1840, the first vines were planted and, especially in recent years, the wine region has increasingly put itself on the map. Within a half-hour drive from Canberra, 140 vineyards from more than 40 wineries can be found. Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz in particular do well.
So a wine tasting should not be missed when in Canberra! You can visit several wineries for a tour and tasting session, such as Mount Majura Vineyard(www.mountmajura.com.au) a 15-minute drive northeast of the capital. Located on the slopes of Mount Majura, this winery is among Canberra's best, with several award-winning wines. Don't have your own transport? Then book a tour of three vineyards, visiting a distillery and a chocolatier along the way!
National Museum of Australia
Australia's history comes alive at the National Museum of Australia, a sensational building on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. There are exhibitions on the native Aborigines, as well as on colonisation and the gold rush, Australian industry, migration, sporting achievements and contemporary inventions. A crowd pleaser is the first prototype of the 1946 Holden, a car made in Australia. This was proof that the country could set up its own car industry. The Holdens soon dominated Australia's roads.
A notable object is the coat of Chris, a sheep from Canberra. The ram gained international fame in 2015 for a record amount of wool shorn from its fleece (over 40 kilos). Of the asymmetrical museum building itself, no wall and corner is the same. The design was inspired by a jigsaw puzzle, meant to connect the different peoples of Australia. Like many museums in Canberra, admission is free (except for exhibitions). Address: Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601, Australia. Website: www.nma.gov.au
Take the kids to the zoo
Want to do something with kids in Canberra? Take them to the National Zoo & Aquarium, a private zoo with some 80 different species of animals. You'll see exotic animals from all over the world, from lions and tigers to giraffes and penguins. Of course, the zoo also has native Australian animals like kangaroos, koala bears and wallabies.
The zoo is known for its meet-and-greets. You can feed cheetahs or white lions, get up close and personal with meerkats and pet giraffes. The entrance fee is high, but you do get two attractions for the price of one. Staying overnight is also possible, in a lodge, a treehouse or a jungle bungalow. The zoo is a 10-minute drive west of central Canberra. Address: 999 Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2611, Australia. Website: www.nationalzoo.com.au
National Portrait Gallery
See famous Aussies at the National Portrait Gallery, with over 400 portraits of the most important people in Australian history. This museum showcases Australia's true influencers, from Mel Gibson and Olivia Newton-John to Nick Cave and James Cook. Even people you might not have known were born in Australia, such as Princess Mary of Denmark.
They are artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and royalty who have shaped the nation. The nice thing is that the portraits have different styles. They can be abstract paintings, but also photographs or busts. Near the museum is a bookshop and café. Entrance is free. Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia. Website: www.portrait.gov.au
Lake Burley Griffin
You can't avoid this picturesque lake when visiting Canberra. Located in the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is the city's ideal water playground. But numerous museums and important buildings can also be found around the lake, such as the National Gallery, the National Library and the National Museum. The artificial lake was created in 1963 by damming a river and named after American architect Walter Burley Griffin. He and his wife won an architectural competition to design the city of Canberra.
You can take to the lake by pedal boat or hire an electric sloop from GoBoat(www.goboat.com.au) to sit back and picnic on the water. Stretch your feet by docking at one of the six islets. Relax, too, at one of the many parks, cafés and restaurants along the 40-kilometre-long shore, or go cycling or hiking around the lake. A popular 5-kilometre walk is known as Bridge to Bridge, as it runs from the Commonwealth Bridge to the Kings Avenue Bridge. Locals also walk between the two bridges to unwind.
Questacon science museum
Novice (and experienced) scientists will enjoy visiting Questacon. It is the ideal attraction for children, but age doesn't really matter at this national centre for science and engineering. There are more than 200 exhibits where you can interact to surprise or inspire yourself.
Experience the power of an earthquake, witness a real lightning strike up close and listen to the sound of singing whales. Meanwhile, you can brush up on your knowledge: about the human body, the solar system and everything in between. This is one of the few museums in Canberra where you do have to buy a ticket. Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia. Website: www.questacon.edu.au
National Library of Australia
You really don't have to be a bookworm to pop into the National Library of Australia. The national library has been managing everything published in Australia since the 1960s, with now some 10 million books, newspapers, magazines, manuscripts, official documents and other publications. But in addition, the library is also a literary treasure trove with some valuable pieces. Highlights include the diaries of Captain James Cook and the earliest known writing of an indigenous Australian from 1792.
You can see these treasures in the Treasures Gallery, which you can visit for free. Or sign up for a free half-hour tour given every day at 11am. Then marvel right away at the grandeur of the library built in the style of a Greek temple. Tall columns surround the building and the foyer is lavishly decorated with marble and stained-glass windows. Check the website for temporary exhibitions, for which unique material is fished from the repositories. Address: Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia. Website: www.nla.gov.au
What to do in Canberra: practical tips
Staying in Canberra
Canberra is attracting more and more tourists, besides the usual diplomats, politicians and bureaucrats visiting the city. The Australian capital now has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels and boutique hotels to flats and bed and breakfasts. Canberra also has hostels for backpackers and camping sites where you can park a campervan.
Many of Canberra's attractions are in the so-called Parliamentary Triangle - the Parliamentary Triangle - which is bisected by Lake Burley Griffin. On the south side is Capital Hill with Parliament. This is a convenient place to stay, with most attractions within walking distance. For liveliness, look for a hotel in Canberra North, also known as Inner North. Located north of the lake, this area is the oldest part of Canberra with many shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Ovolo Nishi Hotel
One of the most special places to stay is the Ovolo Nishi Hotel, on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and a few minutes' walk from Canberra city centre. It is a sustainable 5-star boutique hotel with a remarkable design inspired by Japan. From the outside, this architectural gem looks like a pineapple.
Inside, all rooms are an ode to nature, using materials such as cork, eucalyptus wood and natural fibres. Rooms are furnished with refurbished retro furniture and have their own art on the walls. From your room, you overlook a courtyard with tree ferns from Tasmania. The hotel has a free breakfast, a vegetarian restaurant, a gym and a self-service launderette. ► Book an overnight stay at Ovolo Nishi Hotel from €125
Kurrajong Hotel
Elegant and stylish is the Kurrajong Hotel just steps away from the parliament building. Opened back in 1926 at the 'birth' of Canberra, the historic hotel was for many years the preferred sleeping place for MPs and civil servants. Former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley even stayed at the hotel his entire term in office, from 1945 to 1949.
History is reflected in the hotel's beautiful art deco style, nostalgic mood lighting, jazz music and a lounge full of books and artworks on the city's political history and leaders. On the walls hang black-and-white photos from days gone by. Today, it is an attractive 4-star boutique hotel with restaurant, bar and gym. There is a lovely garden to enjoy the cocktail Benny's Double: an intoxicating mix of Johnny Walker Gold Label Reserve, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, orange bitters and 23-carat gold leaf. ► Book an overnight stay at Kurrajong Hotel from €162
Travelling to Canberra
Canberra is located in south-eastern Australia, inland between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. You can reach the Australian capital by plane, train, bus and car. The city has its own airport, Canberra Airport (CBR)(www.canberraairport.com.au), 8 kilometres east of the city centre.
You can fly to Canberra from all major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. From Sydney and Melbourne, it is about a 1-hour flight. Flights go all day. If you take a tour of Australia by rental car, you'll be on the road a bit longer. From Sydney it's a 3-hour drive, from Melbourne you'll be behind the wheel for 7 hours. So Canberra is the ideal stopover if you want to drive from Sydney to Melbourne (or vice versa). At Canberra airport, of course, you can also rent a car.
By train, you can only travel from Sydney to Canberra. It is a scenic train journey through Australia's southern highlands. The train runs a few times a day and the journey takes 4½ hours. Canberra's train station is in the Kingston district, just east of the city centre. Train tickets can be booked on the Transport NSW website(www.transportnsw.info). There is no direct train from Melbourne to Canberra. However, you can catch the train to Albury (3½ hours) and continue by bus.
Eating and drinking in Canberra
For wine, Canberra is the place to be (as we wrote above), but the Australian capital has also made quite a name for itself with beer. The city has a thriving scene of craft breweries producing tasty and award-winning beers.
Beloved by locals is Capital Brewing Co(www.capitalbrewing.co), some of whose brews have made the top-25 list of Australia's 100 best beers. BentSpoke Brewing Co.' s beers(www.bentspokebrewing.com.au) have won awards several times. A well-known brewery in Canberra is Zierholz(www.zierholz.com.au), with beers inspired by Germany (as you can tell from the name). At many breweries, you can go for a tasting and a behind-the-scenes look.
As a political capital, Canberra has excellent restaurants where you can enjoy an evening of fine dining. Try reserving a table at Sage(www.sagedining.com.au), voted Australia's best 'fine dining' restaurant by TripAdvisor users in 2020. The menu features only local produce sourced from Canberra farmers, winemakers and growers. A masterful seven-course menu awaits you at Pilot(www.pilotrestaurant.com), relatively young and already considered one of Australia's best restaurants. The menu is never on the website, so this always remains a surprise.
For more information on what to do in Canberra, check out the official tourist board website: www.visitcanberra.com.au