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.

Rowing for All - Inspiring Wellness - Fostering Community

Red Shed

Acton, ACT
Shopfront

Urban By Asian Tiger

Acton, ACT
Under $20
Runner in Canberra
1 Nov 2026

The Canberra Times Run Canberra

Rond Terrace, Parkes, Acton
Next on 1 Nov 2026 from 5:30am to 11:30am
Plate of fresh food with a Pollen napkin

Pollen

Acton, ACT
Under $20
Man looks sternly at young child with nodes attached to the head
17 Jun – 18 Nov 2026

Science. Art. Film. at the National Film and Sound Archive

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Oct 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Rowing for All - Inspiring Wellness - Fostering Community

Red Shed

Acton, ACT
Woman dressed with headdress and costume
31 Oct 2026

A Day at the Movies - Dementia-friendly screenings

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 31 Oct 2026 from 10:30am to 2:00pm
Garden's Ranger with international visitors

Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

Acton, ACT
Animation of a flying dishevelled house
14 Jun – 15 Nov 2026

Book Club at NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 15 Nov 2026
Flora Explorer

Flora Explorer

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

Acton, ACT
Drag artist man wearing a blonde wig and brown moustache
21 Nov 2025 – 11 Dec 2026

Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 23 Oct 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Adults and children on board the Flora Explorer electric bus

Secrets of the Australian Bush - A Family Adventure

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

Acton, ACT
Woman in bathing suit standing in water leaning back with another woman flicking water at her
3 Sep – 5 Nov 2026

Queer Flicks at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Nov 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
A volunteer guides leads a free guided walk

Daily Guided Walks

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

Acton, ACT
Animation of colourful animal human hybrids
21 Nov 2026

Canberra Premiere of a debut collaborative album and visual experience.

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 21 Nov 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
An image of a woman dancing with arms in the air, outdoors and looking toward the sky
14 Nov 2026

Closing Party | Dance of Dissent

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
A man with a beard sits at a laptop playing a game
7–15 Nov 2026

Digital Dissent | Microgames Showcase

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Nov 2026 from 10:30am to 3:30pm
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Acton, ACT
Two men in shopping centre with pink shopping trolleyrs
6 Nov 2026

Director Spotlight at the NFSA: Paul Thomas Anderson

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 6 Nov 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
visitor centre gallery

Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery

Acton, ACT
Firefighters in the midst of burning bush with fire truck in the background
26 Nov 2026

Fire Front: An unfiltered look at Australia's firefighters

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Nov 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

Acton, ACT
Challenge Canberra triathlete competing in Challenge Canberra 2023
22 Nov 2026

Challenge Canberra Triathlon Festival

Black Mountain Peninsula, Acton
Next on 22 Nov 2026
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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