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

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

Updated 24 Dec 2024

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

National Library of Australia building

National Library of Australia

TripAdvisor rating705 reviews
Parkes, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

TripAdvisor rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
Entrance to Canberra Museum + Gallery

Canberra Museum and Gallery

TripAdvisor rating159 reviews
Canberra City, ACT
An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Museum of Australia

TripAdvisor rating2121 reviews
Acton, ACT
The spiritual home of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy

TripAdvisor rating1338 reviews
Parkes, ACT

Free Festivals and Events

Three women in cultural dress clap for the festival parade performers
7–9 Feb 2025

National Multicultural Festival

Garema Place and Glebe Park, Canberra
Next on 7 Feb 2025
A day at the markets - stalls and people
23 Mar 2024 – 31 May 2025

The Little Burley Market

By the lake on Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, Parkes
Next on 1 Feb 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
The hustle and bustle of visitors of stallholders at the Old Bus Depot Markets

Old Bus Depot Markets

TripAdvisor rating348 reviews
Kingston, ACT
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

TripAdvisor rating58 reviews
Fyshwick, ACT
Haig on Sundays
2 Jul 2023 – 14 Dec 2025

Haig Park Village Markets

Haig Park, Braddon
Next on 12 Jan 2025 from 8:00am to 2:00pm

Free Outdoor Activities

Hire bikes for the family

Lake Burley Griffin

TripAdvisor rating12 reviews
Acton, ACT
Water Jet and Bronze Globe

Captain James Cook Memorial

TripAdvisor rating68 reviews
Canberra City, ACT
Small group of people looking out over magnificent views of the valley and mountain ranges

Gibraltar Peak

Paddys River, ACT
Darter on a birdwatching tour

Jerrabomberra Wetlands

TripAdvisor rating58 reviews
Fyshwick, ACT
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

TripAdvisor rating95 reviews
Acton, ACT
Swan next to Yarralumla Bay

Yarralumla Bay

Yarralumla, ACT
Japanese plantings in Canberra Nara Peace Park

Lennox Gardens

TripAdvisor rating8 reviews
Yarralumla, ACT
Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Australians of the Year Walk

TripAdvisor rating6 reviews
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

TripAdvisor rating1559 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Two people walk up the steps of Old Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

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

National Museum of Australia

TripAdvisor rating2121 reviews
Acton, ACT

Find more to explore in Canberra

Top ways to explore Lake Burley Griffin

A woman walking across a hill overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and the National Arboretum.

Experience Ngunnawal Culture at the National Arboretum Canberra

A mum and two sons posing for a photo amongst a sea of red tulips.

What’s on in spring

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