48-hour summer itinerary in Canberra
By VisitCanberra
January 1, 2019
Heading to Canberra in summer? Whether it's for the Canberra Domain Test Match (1-5 February, 2019) or Summernats (3-6 January, 2019), we've got the locals guide of where to eat, what to see and how to catch the warmer side of the nation’s capital.
Add an extra 24 or 48 hours to soak up our summer delights.
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Day 1 – the first 24
Breakfast
Start the day right with a healthy dose of organic goodies and delicious local coffee at Organic Bean Café on Kingston foreshore. Plenty of gluten-free options to choose from, plus frittatas, waffles and a great variety of wholesomeness.
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Morning
About five minutes away by car, the National Gallery of Australia’s blockbuster exhibition will immerse you in the world of John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.
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Lunch
Overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, you can sit back and enjoy the view on the terrace at Bookplate at the National Library, or stay inside amongst the glorious stained glass windows. Elegant and simple, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
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Afternoon
Explore more of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin – the National Carillon, International Flag Display, Captain Cook Memorial Jet – via a fun SegGlideRide tour or book a bicycle hire through the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. Check out the cycling map for helpful riding routes.
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Dinner
The popular American Express Openair Cinema runs from 25 January until 4 March showing a wonderful selection of new and classic films – all on the Patrick White Lawns in front of the National Library of Australia. Plus music sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, and yummy food and a licensed bar.
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Day 2 – the second 24
Pre-breakfast
Avoid the summer heat by getting up early and pumping those legs up to Red Hill Lookout. It’s about 3km return and you can start from Mugga Way near the top of Flinders Way.
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Breakfast
Either stop during your hike or head back up via car for a casual breakfast and coffee at Little Brother. Continue to savour the sunshine over a tasty bene or the decadent French toast.
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Morning
A moving and insightful exploration of Australia’s stories of war, the award-winning Australian War Memorial is a must on any itinerary. Guided tours start each morning at 10am, 10.15am and 11am.
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Lunch
A foodie paradise with a casual vibe, you can grab a bite then explore the strips of Braddon for some great boutique shopping.
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Dinner
Dig in for two of the best things in life - burgers and beers - at Capital Brewing Co. Their delicious beverages draw inspiration from the Canberra region's natural spoils such as Coast Ale and Summit XPA and are perfectly paired with Brodburgers famed burgers and hot dogs.
Looking for accommodation in Canberra?
There is a huge range of accommodation on offer in Canberra. Browse and book hotels, motels, serviced apartments and other options through our website, or use the listings to research and plan your weekend visit to suit this itinerary.
Find out what else is on offer this summer in Canberra via our enewsletter.
