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Top tips for affordable travel and activities in Canberra

Updated 18 Jul 2025

Best budget break ideas for Canberra

Canberra is the perfect destination for a weekend escape that’s big on experiences and light on your wallet. Bursting at the seams with attractions, cuisines, and an immaculate balance between nature and bustling cosmopolitan life, Canberra offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or an outdoor enthusiast, this capital city has it all, and you won’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it.

Flowers in the foreground, ferris wheel in the background.

Free events worth planning around

Canberra’s calendar is packed with free seasonal events that showcase the city’s charm and creativity. Time your visit to coincide with these highlights:

Held annually in Commonwealth Park, Floriade (14 September-13 October) is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring and a highlight of Canberra’s packed events calendar. Each year, Floriade transforms the park into a dazzling floral spectacle with over one million blooms on display.

Another springtime favourite, Canberra Nara Candle Festival (26 October) celebrates Canberra’s sister city relationship with Nara, Japan, and brings a touch of Japanese culture to the capital. The festival features traditional Japanese performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops.

Where to see the best views

Canberra’s natural beauty is just minutes from the city centre, offering peaceful escapes and scenic adventures. A quick drive from your hotel and you can find yourself in what feels like a world away from the city.

The National Arboretum Canberra, just a ten minute drive from the city centre, is home to 94 forests of rare and significant trees and is also renowned for its scenic lookouts and impressive sculptures. There are numerous ways you can explore the Arboretum, from taking a guided Forest Tour, exploring the breathtaking views, enjoying a cuppa in their award-winning Village Centre, or cruising along the cycling tracks on your own. 

If you’d rather enjoy a close encounter with Aussie animals in the great outdoors, an explorative hike through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers trails great and small, encounters with wildlife in the sanctuary, and playgrounds and picnic spaces for family gatherings of all sizes. A short drive away, Namadgi National Park is home to an abundance of native wildlife, 160 kilometres worth of hiking trails, and First Nations and European cultural sites.

To top it all off, hike up Mount Ainslie for panoramic views of Canberra that are worth every step. So much free beauty and bounty to explore, right on Canberra’s doorstep.

The dome at the war memorial looking over the outdoor memorial space, with an elderly man giving a tour to two men and two women. | © Rohan Thompson Pew Pew Studios

What to see

Canberra’s national attractions are rich in history, art, and culture, and most offer free entry.

Immerse yourself in Australian and internationally renowned artworks at the National Gallery of Australia. If you want to refresh your knowledge of Australia’s most defining moments, head on over to the National Museum of Australia, which is a sight to behold with its exterior alone. Both attractions have free entry to their general galleries, and your visit can be rounded off with a frothy cup of coffee at their on-site cafes or by having a stroll through their beautifully curated gift shops.

You can also visit other major attractions that boast free entry, like the Australian War Memorial, National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia, and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

Tip: Hire a bike from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and explore the lakeside attractions at your own pace.

An exterior of a Chinese restaurant serving dumplings in the CBD

Eat well on a budget

Canberra’s food scene is full of flavour and value. Rest assured, eating well in Canberra doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

CBD Dumpling House is a local favourite for affordable and flavour-packed Chinese cuisine. Watch the chefs in action through the open kitchen.

Or head to Dairy Road to see how Burgers and beer work together in glorious tandem at Capital Brewing Co. The beer is brewed in-house and Capital is the first carbon-neutral brewery in Australia proud to be B Corp certified, which signifies their consistent dedication to giving back to the planet with the products they create. Within the same building, you find Canberra-famous Brodburger. Hailing from humble food-truck beginnings, Brodburger has cemented itself as one of Canberra’s greatest culinary prides and always dishes up a satisfying feed.

A modern and simple room with a large bed in the centre

Where to stay

Little Drifter is a fantastic choice for saving money during a weekend away. Centrally located and easy walking distance from plenty of the city’s most popular cafes and eateries, Little Drifter proves that securing a great location doesn’t need to come with an exorbitant price tag. With room options to suit all budgets, your stay will be comfortable and accommodating. 

Nestled in a quiet bushland setting less than five minutes from the heart of Canberra city, Alivio Tourist Park is your perfect home away from home when visiting Canberra, with accommodation options to suit every budget. Take advantage of their great on-site restaurant to enjoy pizza and a lengthy drinks menu, overlooking the inviting pool, water play space and heated spa. Leisure facilities also include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, barbeques and picnic areas, playgrounds, and a ping pong table, so everyone in the family will have plenty to do.

Look no further than Ibis Budget for a reliable, no-frills option for travellers looking to save on accommodation while staying close to the action.

Racks of clothing in an outlet centre shop

Where to shop

Canberra’s outlet centre and local markets offer great deals on fashion, gifts, and gourmet goods. 

Located in Fyshwick, Canberra Outlet offers a range of international and national brands without the price tag, it's worth the visit. Boasting brands such as T.K Maxx, Nike, Peter Alexander, Lindt, Bonds Outlet, Asics, Puma, Converse, Hype DC, Seed and Cue there's something for everyone. There's up to 70% off across all factory and Homemaker Centre retailers and even offers free underground car parking.

Locals and visitors alike flock to the Capital Region Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for a bountiful harvest unlike any other. Filled with passionate stallholders, fresh produce, and hot breakfast options, you’ll find everything from artisanal jams and sauces to fresh cut flowers and pastries. It’s the perfect way to try the best and freshest produce the region has to offer. The Haig Park Village Markets (Sundays) are also a must-visit when it comes to sampling local fare and enjoying vibrant market atmospheres.

Staff at tourist centre assisting a visitor with information

Need more tips?

Visit the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point for local advice, free Wi-Fi, bike hire and help with last-minute accommodation deals. The friendly team is always ready to help you make the most of your stay.

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