Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Canberra

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Canberra from other articles such as Lonely Planet Top Choices, Australia 21 days itinerary, If you only have a day, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Canberra

Parliament House
Parliament House
4.4 (1140 ratings)4.5 (3448 ratings)
Vast, hilltop building housing Australia's parliament, opened in 1988, topped by 81m-high flagpole.
Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Federal government officeSights & LandmarksGovernment officeGovernment Buildings
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Canberra, Australia
"Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building is crossed by two axis, north–south and east–west, representing the historical progression and legislative progression of Australian democracy. There's plenty to see inside, whether the politicians are haranguing each other in the chambers or not."
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Mount Ainslie Lookout
4.6 (2495 ratings)4.5 (2023 ratings)
Paved observation deck with panoramic vistas & information plaques detailing distant landmarks.
20 Mount Ainslie Dr, Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia
Vista pointSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
4.7 (562 ratings)5 (227 ratings)
Hiking & wildlife viewing are popular at this expansive park with tours & a visitor center.
Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620, Australia
Nature preserveNature & ParksNational parkWildlife refugeNature & Wildlife Areas
Cotter Reserve
Cotter Reserve
4.6 (915 ratings)4.5 (138 ratings)
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
National reserveNature & ParksCampgroundNature preserveNature & Wildlife Areas
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin
4.6 (217 ratings)4.5 (1730 ratings)
Serene trails for walking & cycling border this scenic man-made lake offering boating & fishing.
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Royal Australian Mint
Royal Australian Mint
4.5 (3291 ratings)4.5 (1238 ratings)
Manufacturing site of Australia's coins, offering tours with coin history, plus a cafe & shop.
Denison St, Deakin ACT 2600, Australia
Sights & LandmarksCollectibles storeGovernment Buildings
National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
4.6 (247 ratings)4.5 (647 ratings)
Public library with a reading room, treasures gallery, changing exhibitions, a bookshop and a cafe.
Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
National libraryGovernment BuildingsLibrariesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Telstra Tower
Telstra Tower
4.3 (2845 ratings)4 (1214 ratings)
Open since 1980, this 195m-high telecoms tower has observation decks, a cafe & exhibition space.
100 Black Mountain Dr, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
TowerSights & LandmarksObservation Decks & Towers
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Australian National Botanic Gardens
4.6 (1940 ratings)4.5 (667 ratings)
Tranquil botanical garden featuring a diverse array of native plants, walking trails & a cafe.
Clunies Ross St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
Botanical gardenNature & ParksGardenParkNational Parks
Mentioned by Australia 21 days itinerary
3 Week Itinerary to Visit Australia
"Royal Botanic Gardens –you can’t beat the serenity and harbour views from these gardens. Have a picnic or take a walk and admire the many different types of plants and city views on a free self-guided walking tour."
High Court of Australia
High Court of Australia
4.1 (71 ratings)4.5 (311 ratings)
Monumental, concrete and glass building housing court charged with applying the law of Australia.
Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
CourthouseSights & LandmarksFederal courthouseGovernment Buildings

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Canberra

Gus' Place
Gus' Place
4 (480 ratings)
Stalwart institution with a simple cafe menu, a sleek wooden fit-out and ample pavement seating.
8/68 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
CafeAustralian restaurantBreakfast restaurantCoffee shopRestaurant
Harvest
Harvest
4.4 (199 ratings)
Choice espresso and baked goods, served in a chic, moody cafe with low stools and a wooden counter.
40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
CafeBreakfast restaurantCoffee shop
Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Canberra
"Whether you’re in the mood for the perfect espresso, pour over or cold brew, Harvest will sort you out with a solid refuel. It’s been a long-term favourite for coffee fans in Canberra thanks to its range of quality coffee serves. They also sell beans to take home, so you can try to replicate your brew."
La Baguette by R&M
La Baguette by R&M
4.6 (45 ratings)
ANU School of Art and Design, Cnr Ellery Crescent and, Liversidge St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
CatererBakeryCafeFrench restaurantDelivery Restaurant

Best Dinner Places to Eat in Canberra

REBEL REBEL
REBEL REBEL
4.5 (202 ratings)
23 Marcus Clarke St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
Restaurant
Mentioned by OpenTable
Canberra Restaurants
"REBEL REBEL is a casual eatery, wine bar and bottle shop in Newacton, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week."
Močan & Green Grout
Močan & Green Grout
4.3 (611 ratings)
Stylish, retro-chic nook with inventive meals cooked in an open kitchen, plus fair-trade espresso.
1/19 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
RestaurantCafe
Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Canberra
"They champion local ingredients and artists in-store, and use Fairtrade Organic coffee beans. As well as serving up great coffee, their food menu is a highlight: think local produce that changes with the seasons. australiaCanberraCanberra coffee"
Shorty's
Shorty's
4.1 (630 ratings)
Burgers, shakes & gourmet pub classics with an international twist served in funky, industrial digs.
29 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
PubBarBar & grillBeer gardenHamburger restaurantRestaurant

Top Best Chinese Restaurants in Canberra

CBD Dumpling House
CBD Dumpling House
4.2 (1046 ratings)
Glass-fronted, industrial-style restaurant with a casual vibe for dumplings and Chinese dishes.
Shop FG13C, 148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Chinese restaurantAsian fusion restaurantBar
Mentioned by VisitCanberra
Discover Canberra’s great Asian dining in the city
"This spacious and popular restaurant is tucked away at the back of the Canberra Centre. CBD Dumpling House has built a reputation for generous portions, and of course, tasty dumplings. The kitchen is an integral part of the dining experience – open both sides so you can watch the chefs hard at work creating your dinner."
Tasting China 錦上
Tasting China 錦上
3.8 (217 ratings)
108 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Chinese restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Chinese Restaurants in Canberra 🥇
"If you are looking for a great place where you can enjoy contemporary Chinese cuisine, this is an excellent restaurant for you. Truly, you will be taken on a unique culinary journey as you will be introduced to a new dimension of authentic Chinese dishes. In addition to that, they take pride in their dishes’ authentic flavours and textures."
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant
Happy’s Chinese Restaurant
4.3 (414 ratings)
Simple eatery with a painted mural of the Great Wall of China, serving classic Cantonese meals.
1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Chinese restaurant
Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Chinese Restaurants in Canberra 🥇
"First up, we have Happy’s Chinese Restaurant at the top of our list. This is a simple yet top-rated Chinese restaurant that you can find in Canberra. It first opened its doors back in 1962."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Canberra

Burbury Hotel & Apartments
Hotel
$209 /night
View deal
4.3 (1531 reviews)
Garden City Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Motel
$140 /night
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4.8 (13 reviews)
Last Stop Ambledown Brook Train 4388
bed & breakfast · 2 Guests · 1 Bedroom
$262 /night*
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.