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EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA’S CAPITAL CITY, CANBERRA

Updated 18 Dec 2025

Fly from Los Angeles to Canberra with a tropical stopover in Fiji.

Begin your Australian vacation in Canberra, the nation’s capital and a sanctuary of quiet luxury. Nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, this gateway to the east coast offers effortless arrival and an itinerary bursting with unique Australian experiences.  

Canberra is home to the Australian story, playing host to many of the country’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries. Together, they tell Australia’s unique story. 

Here, luxury is understated, nature is breathtaking, and every moment tells a story. Canberra is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable Australian adventure.

Flower beds with pink tulips and purple pansies at Floriade Festival 2014 with the Ferris wheel in the background. | © Jo Bakas
Floriade
A kangaroo on the grass featuring a sky full of colourful hot air balloons drifting in the background.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Brindabella Hills Winery
A wide view of Canberra from a mountain
Visit Australia's capital city, Canberra.

How to get to Canberra

Accessing Australia’s capital is simpler than ever before. Start your Australian vacation with ease flying from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth or Vancouver to Canberra with Fiji Airways. 

Enhance your adventure with a tropical stopover in Fiji. Enjoy pristine beaches and island life before continuing seamlessly to Canberra from Nadi, Fiji. It’s the perfect way to combine relaxation with discovery – a resort-style paradise and Australia’s capital in one unforgettable itinerary. 

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Canberra Guided Tours

Getting around Canberra 

Canberra is a modern and well-planned city with a range of efficient and convenient transportation options. In fact, two American architects won the competition to design Canberra in 1912.  

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 hire is a popular option which can be rented directly from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

Canberra Guided Tours takes the stress out of exploring the capital, combining seamless transport with curated experiences and guided commentary so you can relax and enjoy every moment. 

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What to see and do

Nature walks and wildlife spotting

Nestled between mountains and surrounded by bushland, Canberra is a nature lover's paradise. A city in a park, run on 100% renewable energy and with progressive climate change policies, Canberra offers hiking trails, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to see Australia's unique wildlife up close.  

With more than half of Canberra being dedicated parkland and nature reserves, it’s not unusual to see kangaroos soaking up the sunshine around Canberra’s central lake, Lake Burley Griffin. To spot even more native animals, join the experts from Canberra Guided Tours on the Kangaroos and Koalas Tour at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, and keep an eye out for wallabies, koalas, platypus, colourful parrots, and emus. 

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 through the gardens on the magical Flora Explorer bus to take in the over 4,300 plant species set on 35 hectares throughout this Canberra bushland setting. 

Top outdoor adventures

Vibrant cultural offerings

Canberra is home to many of Australia’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries. Each showcases a unique perspective of Australia's story from First Nations history to contemporary times.  

See the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia and discover where the big decisions are made at Australian Parliament House. Pay your respects to Australia and America’s shared history at the Australian War Memorial and see famous faces at the National Portrait Gallery. 

There are exhibitions, events and experiences to interest everyone at the National Museum of Australia. Laugh at the best political cartoons of the year at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House  

or learn about the women who have shaped Australia’s history on a  She Shapes History tour.

Museums and galleries

Two people looking out to the distance in front of an artwork

Premium experiences

Canberra offers unforgettable experiences within its most iconic attractions, allowing you to discover, connect, and understand Australia’s identity. 

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. 

At the Australian War Memorial, experience a private exploration of the memorial’s collection told through the powerful stories of courage, devotion, and mateship. Stay for the Last Post Ceremony which takes place daily. 

Experience the artistry of fire and glass with private glassblowing workshops at Canberra Glassworks – an unforgettable opportunity to craft your own masterpiece to take home under expert guidance. Or soar above the city in a hot air balloon to see these iconic attractions and Canberra’s stunning natural beauty from above.

Exterior shot of a heritage hotel

Unique accommodation

With a range of luxury accommodation, including award-winning boutique hotels and spas, you can immerse yourself in comfort and style while enjoying breathtaking views of the city's natural surroundings.

Canberra is home to a five-star experience at Jamala Wildlife Lodge within the National Zoo & Aquarium, where you can spend the night only meters away from lions, bears, cheetahs, or tigers in the jungle bungalows, or spend the morning 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 stay also treats guests to two exclusive zoo tours that encounter some of the zoo’s rarest, largest, and most dangerous occupants.

Located just minutes from the airport, the newly opened Beltana Farm beckons visitors 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 on-site accommodation. The restaurant caters to both truffle enthusiasts and non-truffle lovers alike with an elevated dining 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 no-brainer, where every angle of this captivating building provides the perfect photo opportunity.

More accommodation

Interior of Inka's decorative and colourful restaurant

Exceptional wineries and dining

Canberrans take their food and drink incredibly seriously. Home to chef-hatted dining experiences and even a World Barista Champion, every meal in Canberra is sure to be one to remember.

The city hosts an array of award-winning restaurants and local favourites like Inka, alongside exceptional vegetarian restaurants like Monster Kitchen and Bar at Ovolo Nishi hotel, which is home to rich aromas, vibrant colours, and local produce full of flavour. Or take in the stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin at Snapper & Co., which offers fresh fish and chips in a relaxed family atmosphere.

Just a 35-minute drive from the city, wine lovers can take their pick of more than 140 vineyards and nearly 40 cellar door experiences on a tour of the Canberra Wine District. Find your new favourite Riesling or Shiraz as you visit cellar doors, meet the makers, and even stay overnight amongst the vines.

Award-winning restaurants

A group is with a tour guide in a courtyard section of the Australian War Memorial.
What's next?

Book your trip

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience all that Australia’s capital has to offer. 

Whether you’re drawn to uncovering the city’s rich history and culture, embarking on an outdoor adventure, immersing yourself in behind-the-scenes experiences, or enjoying the cool climate wine region; Canberra’s diverse experiences cater to every preference.  

Book your trip to Canberra today and discover why it is a must-visit destination in Australia. You'll leave with memories destined to last a lifetime. 

Book your trip

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Two women sit outside and a man stands and high fives a young boy at the National Museum of Australia.

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Crowd cheering enthusiastically toward performer on stage at the Folk Festival, under red stage lights. | © Richard Poulton

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Aerial of some food dishes on a black table at Temporada | © Ashley St George

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