Don't miss out on Australia's summer of cricket
Extend your Australian summer holiday with a visit to its capital city, Canberra.
With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural offerings, and premium experiences, Canberra is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Australian adventure.
Rich in culture, Canberra is home to many of the country’s most iconic attractions, museums and galleries including Australian Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia. Together, they tell Australia’s unique story.
This summer also sees Canberra play host to the English men’s cricket team at Manuka Oval (2 December). Be part of history and celebrate Australia and England's long-running cricket ties with a trip to Canberra as part of Australia’s summer of international cricket.
How to get to Canberra
Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and is just a short drive or flight away from major international arrival ports in Sydney and Melbourne.
Make the journey part of the adventure and take a scenic drive from Sydney, making a stop at the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral to learn about one of Australia's most beloved sports legends.
Getting around Canberra
Canberra is a modern and well-planned city with a range of efficient and convenient transportation options.
Getting around is easy, whether you choose to rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation such as the bus or light rail. If you're feeling adventurous, bike and e-scooter hire are popular options.
Canberra is known for being a driveable city with the majority of its attractions and destinations reachable by car within just a 15-minute drive. Having access to your own vehicle allows you to explore the surrounding region of national parks and country towns as well as the city.
What to see and do
See Manuka Oval under lights
A Canberra fixture since the 1920s, Manuka Oval is home to famous Australian matches, including this year's Men's T20 Australia v England. If you’re a cricket fanatic, don’t miss the chance to witness a match at this historic venue.
Lovers of the pace and fanfare of the T20 format will be thrilled to see three Big Bash league matches hosted at Manuka Oval this summer. Kicking off the season, Sydney Thunder will rival Adelaide Strikers
Relaxing nature walks and wildlife spotting
Nestled between mountains and surrounded by bushland, Canberra is a nature lover's paradise, offering walking trails, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to see Australia's unique wildlife up close.
Be guided by the experts on the Best of Wildlife Tour by Canberra Guided Tours. You'll be led by a friendly guide who can help you to spot a variety of native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypi, colourful parrots and emus.
One of Canberra's most leisurely walks, known as the Bridge to Bridge loop, is the perfect way to take in the inner city and visit major attractions dotted along the way including the National Gallery of Australia, International Flag Display, and National Library of Australia, as well as several waterfront dining options.
Just five minutes from the city centre you can be transported to another world at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Join a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide as you travel on the magical flora bus and take in over 4,500 plant species on display in Canberra's bushland setting.
Premium experiences
Canberra offers visitors unforgettable experiences in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
At Australian Parliament House, discover exclusive behind-the-scenes access to rarely seen private, official and ceremonial spaces, along with a traditional high tea with a contemporary twist on the Signature Experience Tour.
For the ultimate picture-perfect moment try hot air ballooning, where you can soar above the city and enjoy sky-high views of Canberra's natural landscapes and iconic landmarks.
Mount Stromlo Observatory offers world-class private tours and stargazing sessions. The stargazing tours are led by professional or experienced amateur astronomers from the Canberra Astronomical Society and include after-hours access to the observatory, use of Mount Stromlo’s outreach telescopes, and a guided experience in viewing some of the most interesting features of the Southern Hemisphere sky.
Family activities
You will be delighted to discover that there are endless activities perfect for the whole family to enjoy in Canberra.
Children will feel like giants as they explore hand-built miniatures at Cockington Green Gardens in Gold Creek Village. The Canberra Reptile Zoo, National Dinosaur Museum, and Canberra Walk-in Aviary are all within walking distance.
Canberra hosts one of Australia's best playgrounds, Pod Playground. The playground is situated in the National Arboretum Canberra, an award-winning attraction with good reason. While children play amongst giant acorn cubbies and music-making instruments, adults will appreciate the sweeping views of the city and the Bonsai Collection, which hosts a world-class display of some of the finest miniature trees and forests in the world.
Exceptional dining
Canberra is known for its showcase of diverse cuisines, fine dining restaurants, wineries, breweries & distilleries, and local favourites.
The city hosts an array of restaurant choices including a number of much-loved Indian restaurants, such as Blu Ginger.
No visit to the capital would be complete without dining at an exceptional vegetarian restaurant like Monster Kitchen and Bar at Ovolo Nishi hotel, which uses rich aromas, vibrant colours and foods of flavour.
For a taste of Australia's mouth-watering burgers, head over to Brodburger in Kingston, where you'll try some of the best burgers in the country.
With stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin, Snapper & Co. offers fresh fish and chips with a relaxed family atmosphere.
Unique accommodation
With a range of luxury accommodations, including award-winning boutique hotels and spas, immerse yourself in comfort and style while enjoying breathtaking views of the city's natural surroundings.
Canberra is home to five-star rated Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium, where you can spend the night only meters away from lions, bears, cheetahs or tigers in the jungle bungalows, or relax on the balcony of the giraffe tree house as you marvel at the size and beauty of your new giant friend. This incredible and immersive experience also treats guests to two exclusive zoo tours that encounter some of the zoo’s rarest, largest and most dangerous inhabitants.
Located just minutes from the airport, Beltana Farm beckons with its expansive trufferie boasting over 800 trees. Immerse yourself in the seamless blend of nature's beauty and luxurious comfort as you choose from a range of charming and unique accommodations. The on-site restaurant caters to both truffle enthusiasts and non-truffle lovers with a menu designed to delight every palate.
If you're looking for accommodation in the heart of the city at one of Australia's most sustainable buildings, Ovolo Nishi is a good option, where every angle of this captivating building provides the perfect photo opportunity.
