Mocan and Green Grout

Acton

It’s a precinct that blends cultural experiences perfectly with nature, where modern offices are draped in living greenery set alongside heritage buildings and the vast Australian National University campus. NewActon is the  edgier hipster slice of this ‘hood and features hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants. You’ll find two of Australia’s social history museums here, too.

Highlights of the area

Heritage meets modern architecture

From the UFO-like Shine Dome to the eco-friendly Nishi building and visually spectacular National Museum of Australia, design is in this area's DNA.

Gardens house our national treasures

Walk through the biggest collection of Australian flora housed in the sprawling Australian National Botanic Gardens at the base of Black Mountain.

Close to the city

Acton is home to some of the city's pre-eminent cultural jewels connected by lush greenery and public art trails.

Couple walking across bridge surrounded by large, green ferns.
Featured

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Opened in 1970, the Gardens give you the opportunity to explore approximately one‑fifth of Australia’s diverse and spectacular flora in a bushland setting. With over 4,300 species set within 35 hectares, a journey through this oasis is a journey through Australia's many eco-systems.

Nestled within the Gardens refuel at Pollen Cafe, be inspired at the bookshop, or recharge with a massage at Jindii Eco Day Spa.

Australian National Botanic Gardens
A plate of food being served at Rebel Rebel, an eatery in NewActon.

Perfect Sunday in Acton

9am: Coffee at Mocan and Green Grout

10am: Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens

12pm: Lunch at Monster Kitchen and Bar

1pm: Check out Drill Hall Gallery

3pm: Explore the National Film and Sound Archive

6pm: Dinner at Rebel Rebel

8pm: Watch a movie at Palace Cinemas

Discover Acton’s popular cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and tours below to create your own ultimate day out.

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

National Museum of Australia

TripAdvisor rating2148 reviews
Acton, ACT
Garden's Ranger with international visitors

Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
Flora Explorer

Flora Explorer

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
Adults and children on board the Flora Explorer electric bus

Secrets of the Australian Bush - A Family Adventure

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
A volunteer guides leads a free guided walk

Daily Guided Walks

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
See the latest exhibition at the Gardens' Visitor Centre Gallery

Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery

TripAdvisor rating756 reviews
Acton, ACT
Fresh food with a funky vibe

Mocan & Green Grout

TripAdvisor rating499 reviews
Acton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

TripAdvisor rating96 reviews
Acton, ACT
Grab a drink from our licensed bar before your film!

Palace Electric Cinema

TripAdvisor rating59 reviews
Acton, ACT
Image: installation of Backwash, ANU Drill Gallery, 1 Sept - 22 Oct 2023.

Drill Hall Gallery

TripAdvisor rating12 reviews
Acton, ACT
Hire bikes for the family

Lake Burley Griffin

TripAdvisor rating12 reviews
Acton, ACT
Family looking over Canberra from the Telstra Tower lookout

Telstra Tower

TripAdvisor rating1363 reviews
Acton, ACT
NFSA building facade, McCoy Circuit entrance

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

TripAdvisor rating225 reviews
Acton, ACT
Plate of fresh food with a Pollen napkin

Pollen

TripAdvisor rating125 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Badger & Co - Bar

Badger & Co

TripAdvisor rating17 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Animation of young girl with blonder hair, blue dress and bow in her hair, surrounded by animals
5 Sep – 29 Nov 2025

Family Friendly Screenings this Spring at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on today from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
guided walk
1–7 Sep 2025

September Themed Walk - What is it about Wattles?

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on today from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Pandanus mat
17 Apr 2025 – 27 Jan 2026

Our Story: Aboriginal–Chinese People in Australia

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Black and white still of a woman and man sitting next to each other acting coy
13–16 Sep 2025

NFSA Restores Films for Spring

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
bird
20–28 Sep 2025

Wake up with the birds

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on 20 Sep 2025 from 8:30am to 10:30am
Challenge Canberra triathlete competing in Challenge Canberra 2023
14–16 Nov 2025

Challenge Canberra Triathlon Festival

Rond Terrace, Acton, Acton
Next on 14 Nov 2025 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Cameraman and actors shooting on a boat on water
4 Nov 2025

NFSA Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua | Special Screening at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Kien Situ
25 Sep 2025

(Metal) | Artist Talk with Kien Situ

CIW Gallery, Acton
Next on 25 Sep 2025 from 12:30pm to 1:00pm
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    Continue exploring the inner north

    A group of friends dining at Rizla, a restaurant in Braddon.

    Braddon

    Highroad cafe

    Dickson and surrounds

    Customers enjoying their meal in the outdoor dining area at Verity Lane Market.

    City Centre