THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Canberra
Things to Do in Canberra
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Canberra.
Full-day Toursfromper adultAU$189
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$45- fromper adultAU$229
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$20
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$60
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$189
Historical Toursfromper adultAU$21- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$825
Food & Drinkfromper adultAU$170- fromper adultAU$65
Other Top Attractions around Canberra
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
What travellers are saying
- Dave CAlexandria, VA1,628 contributionsAn extensive collection of medals awarded to Australian service members. I actually joked with a staff member that I've now seen every medal ever awarded to a digger, which she gently pushed back on, but I think I'm right. Some incredible displays of important groups and individual items-- where else can one see bits of the Red Baron's aircraft?-- but some items that on-line guides say are here are actually elsewhere right now (A7V, ME-262, ME-163, etc) due to an ongoing renovation, and my wife was a bit nonplussed that they didn't have an intact Meteor fighter. The gift shop is incredible-- and puts this over the top to a 5-- my bibliophile wife and I dropped $162 on books and a model, well worth it. Also, the chapel is very moving. I'm sure this will be world-class again when they get the place finished.Written 12 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sharon BSydney, Australia2 contributionsDid the Self-Tour, walked around with my 3 children for around an hour and took in the building, rooms and art works etc. You could have probably done another hour if grown ups only as children under 14 are not too interested. Over all the children enjoyed taking everything in and 1 hour was perfect amount of time. Ages 9, 11, 14Written 22 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- galaga_girlBermagui, Australia4,319 contributionsWe usually visit Questacon when in Canberra, the kids love the interactive displays.
The fee to get in is reasonable and it's great on a hot or rainy day when you just want to be inside.
The cafe has pretty limited options and is pricey but the food is not bad.
My only wish is that there were different shows in the Japan Theater, they repeat the same show a few times a day - it would be nice to have different ones on the same day as when we were there the show didn't interest our group and was for over 8+ which didn't suit my kids age group so we couldn't attend, they had 3-4 shows but they were all the same one.Written 30 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - staceyCanberra, Australia1 contributionAnyone thinking of doing the night zoo adventure, don’t hesitate! We had the best night. Staff were all amazing and so knowledgeable you can tell how passionate they all are, it’s quiet, you get a very personal tour with your guide. The animals were very interactive on our tour. Will definitely go again and can’t stop raving about how good it was. So much better than walking around yourself. Love love loved it!!Written 25 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jenni L8 contributionsFantastic view with very little effort and short drive from the city. Definitely worth a look for anyone - probably only need to allow 10-15 minutes tops.Written 4 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jajavalBLampang, Thailand2,787 contributionsIt's landmark of the capital with beautiful lake promenade, cafe ( jetty on the lake), beer, aperitif kiosk with tables and chairs to sit sipping your drinks and chatiing.there are also many watersport activites and electric boat ride service for sightseeing.Written 14 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nitawilson70Upper Coomera, Australia106 contributionsFrom sculptures to the power of paintings & touring exhibitions, this museum of art offers plenty to showcase her artists work and engage with audiences who travel here from far and wide. The website provides a full scope of weekly events & activities for families to immerse themselves in.Written 7 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KBofLBLittleborough, UK564 contributionsThere are two elements to a visit to what was for many years until 1988 the Australian Parliament. To begin with, there is an explanation about the chamber given by a guide. This was very helpful in two ways. Firstly, it related to the specific physical features of the chamber. Secondly, the similarities and differences between the Australian and British parliaments were enumerated.
After that talk visitors are at liberty to wander around the other rooms. There are helpful information points in them. Here again, there is a contrast with the British parliament. The offices of all the principal government ministers and their advisers are grouped together. Truly, these are 'the corridors of power'. This contrasts with London where all ministerial offices are in Whitehall rather than in the Houses of Parliament.
Our group of 150+ then had lunch at the building which was much enjoyed.Written 14 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - yazitravelsBordeaux, France416 contributionsOhh wow, we really didn't expect the museum to be so big. There is a parking however you have to pay to park. There are spaces dedicated to long veihcules. We only paid for an hour. That was before seeing the size of the museum. You definetly need more than an hour to visit. At least 2 hours. Also good for kids.Written 7 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gethwaitesEarby, UK43 contributionsOnly 45 minutes from Canberra and a real gem! I went to the Dalsetta Car Park and headed up the trail for Gibraltar Peak - a most enjoyable 3 hours with the full gamut of grasslands, forest and spiritual culture! Thereafter, I headed to the Eucalypt Forest to play 'spot the Koala' but stopped at the 'Homestead' (1860) on the way A fantastic 6 hours spent in the Park and there are so many trails to follow so, be selective or be locked in!!Written 6 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brent CTweed Heads, Australia74 contributionsJust a wonderful place to visit, everything about this place is just relaxing. Loved the views and the gardens, seeing kids flying kites and couples just enjoying the morning. Recommend anyone visiting Canberra goes and has a morning or afternoon here. Only thing I don’t like is the paid parking, should be free so everyone can come enjoy this place.Written 9 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ian RSydney, Australia456 contributionsFabulous, fabulous collection of Archibald Prize entrants. They’re not all winners but you can’t help thinking many that weren’t, should have been.
I’ve always found Archibald pieces either loveable at first sight or detestable - with very little in between. This collection has a fine balance of both.
The exhibit is arranged thematically. Not sure if that put pressure on wall space as a few pieces were poorly lit. Hopefully somebody pointed that out to them.Written 30 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canberra
- The top attractions to visit in Canberra are:
- Australian War Memorial
- National Gallery of Australia
- Parliament House
- Mount Ainslie Lookout
- Questacon
- The best outdoor activities in Canberra according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- Lake Burley Griffin
- ANZAC Parade Walk
- National Zoo and Aquarium
- National Arboretum
- The best day trips from Canberra according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Canberra Day Trip from Sydney
- Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch
- Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch
- Canberra Floriade Tour
- Private Canberra Day Tour from Sydney
- The most popular things to do in Canberra with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Australian War Memorial
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- National Bonsai & Penjing Collection
- Museum of Australian Democracy
- Lake Burley Griffin