5 unexpected things you didn’t know about Australia’s capital city

Canberra is home to some of Australia’s most iconic cultural institutions—and many of them are free to explore. Step inside the National Gallery of Australia to marvel at works by Monet, Jackson Pollock, and Sidney Nolan, or wander through its tranquil Sculpture Garden along the lake’s edge. At the Australian War Memorial, uncover stories of courage and sacrifice through immersive galleries and moving tributes like the daily Last Post Ceremony. Or for a hands-on experience, head to the National Museum of Australia, where interactive exhibits bring the nation’s history to life. These unforgettable experiences are yours to enjoy—without spending a cent. 

Canberra isn’t just spacious—it’s restorative. With 353 square metres of green space per person, the city offers room to breathe and reconnect. Studies show that time in nature can reduce psychological distress by up to 27%, and Canberra makes it easy to find that calm. It’s also a leader in sustainability: the first city outside Europe to achieve 100% renewable energy, home to Australia’s largest community-owned solar farm, and rolling out a zero-emission electric bus fleet alongside its fully electric light rail. For a unique experience, explore Lake Burley Griffin on an electric GoBoat. You’ll tread lightly on the environment while supporting a business that helps keep local waterways clean. 

Where else can you spend the morning with masterpieces and the afternoon among vineyards? Canberra’s wine region is just 30 minutes from the city, offering cool-climate varietals and cellar doors that pair perfectly with a cultural morning at the National Gallery of Australia or National Portrait Gallery. Sip a Shiraz Viognier at Clonakilla or enjoy wood-fired pizza at Four Winds Vineyard. 

Canberra punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. The city boasts 21 hatted restaurants, making it one of Australia’s most concentrated culinary hotspots. From inventive tasting menus at Pilot to lakeside elegance at The Boat House, Canberra’s food scene is all about quality over quantity, and it’s all within easy reach. And it’s not just fine dining—Canberra’s food culture extends to bustling brunch spots, craft breweries, and cool-climate wineries and handmade chocolates just beyond the city.

Canberra is one of the few Australian cities where you can experience all four seasons in their full glory. Autumn paints the city in fiery reds and golds, celebrated with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular; spring bursts into colour with Floriade; summer brings long, sunlit evenings by the lake; and winter invites cosy fireside dining and crisp mountain air during a truffle hunt at a Canberra truffle farm. No matter when you visit, Canberra offers a season worth celebrating.