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.

Australian National Botanic Gardens Jindii Eco Spa massage in the rainforest.
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.

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

National Museum of Australia

TripAdvisor rating2094 reviews
Acton, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

TripAdvisor rating749 reviews
Acton, ACT
See the latest exhibition at the Gardens' Visitor Centre Gallery

Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery

TripAdvisor rating749 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 rating749 reviews
Acton, ACT
Garden's Ranger with international visitors

Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating749 reviews
Acton, ACT
Flora Explorer

Flora Explorer

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating749 reviews
Acton, ACT
Fresh food with a funky vibe

Mocan & Green Grout

TripAdvisor rating495 reviews
Acton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

TripAdvisor rating94 reviews
Acton, ACT
CSIRO Discovery Centre

CSIRO Discovery Centre

TripAdvisor rating59 reviews
Acton, ACT
Grab a drink from our licensed bar before your film!

Palace Electric Cinema

TripAdvisor rating56 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
NFSA building - facade

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

TripAdvisor rating221 reviews
Acton, ACT
Plate of fresh food with a Pollen napkin

Pollen

TripAdvisor rating110 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Badger & Co - Bar

Badger & Co

TripAdvisor rating17 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Still from Edward Scissorhands: close up of Edward
8 Dec 2023

A Very NFSA Christmas: Edward Scissorhands

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 7:45pm
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
My Grandmother’s Home, 2019, Sheryl Pamulkan, Apalech, Wik and Kugu Arts Centre, acrylic
4 Mar 2023 – 18 Feb 2024

Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today
Still from Gremlins
9 Dec 2023

A Very NFSA Christmas: Gremlins

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 9 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Photograph showing south view of Garden of Australian Dreams, National Museum of Australia
4 Apr 2023 – 3 Apr 2025

Breathing Space

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Still from Carrie showing two people in formal dress in front of a sign that says "Senior Prom"
16 Dec 2023

Prom Night at the NFSA: Carrie special screening

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 16 Dec 2023 from 6:00pm to 9:45pm
Aurora Australis
3 Feb – 31 Dec 2023

The Antarctica Experience

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 8 Dec 2023 from 9:15am to 4:00pm
Fun Lovin' Criminals
21 Feb 2024

Fun Lovin' Criminals

Kambri at ANU, Acton
Next on 21 Feb 2024
Bush tucker
11 Aug 2023 – 4 May 2024

Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 2 Feb 2024 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm
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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