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Mist in a rainforest at the National Botanic Gardens

Top Free Things to Do in Canberra: Best Attractions, Events, Activities, and Iconic Spots

Updated 18 Jul 2026

Looking for free things to do in Canberra?

Canberra offers a wealth of incredible experiences that won’t cost you a cent. From stunning outdoor spaces to engaging events, this vibrant city has plenty to offer visitors eager to discover its culture, history, and natural beauty for free. Whether you're interested in world-class art galleries, fascinating museums, or iconic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Canberra. So, if you're ready to explore Australia’s capital on a budget, check out these top free attractions and events you won’t want to miss.

Free Attractions

A woman and a young girl reading a book in the National Library's Main Reading Room

National Library of Australia

Parkes, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Acton, ACT
Entrance to Canberra Museum + Gallery

Canberra Museum and Gallery

Canberra City, ACT
An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Museum of Australia

Canberra, ACT
The spiritual home of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy

Parkes, ACT

Free Festivals and Events

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Fyshwick, ACT
Market sign at the lake
12 Sep – 5 Dec 2026

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
The hustle and bustle of visitors of stallholders at the Old Bus Depot Markets

Old Bus Depot Markets

Kingston, ACT
Entrance to market
12 Jan 2025 – 27 Feb 2028

Haig Park Village Markets

Haig Park, Braddon
Next on 8 Nov 2026 from 8:00am to 2:00pm

Free Outdoor Activities

A body of lake with monuments in the background

Lake Burley Griffin

Acton, ACT
Water Jet and Bronze Globe

Captain James Cook Memorial

Canberra City, ACT
Small group of people looking out over magnificent views of the valley and mountain ranges

Gibraltar Peak

Paddys River, ACT
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

Acton, ACT
Swan next to Yarralumla Bay

Yarralumla Bay

Yarralumla, ACT
Japanese plantings in Canberra Nara Peace Park

Lennox Gardens

Yarralumla, ACT
Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Australians of the Year Walk

Parkes, ACT
Group of cyclists going past the R G Menzies statue on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore

R G Menzies Walk

Canberra, ACT

Free Family-Friendly Activities

Three large oversized acorn cubbies

POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra

Molonglo Valley, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Tours at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD)

Parkes, ACT
An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Museum of Australia

Canberra, ACT

Find more to explore in Canberra

Canberra's spring gardens guide

Pink blossoms in foreround with Margaret Whitlam Pavilion in background

A Guide to Spring Blossoms

What’s on in spring