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

National Museum of Australia

TripAdvisor rating2121 reviews
Acton, ACT
Family looking over Canberra from the Telstra Tower lookout

Telstra Tower

TripAdvisor rating1363 reviews
Acton, ACT
Garden's Ranger with international visitors

Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
Flora Explorer

Flora Explorer

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating753 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 rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
A volunteer guides leads a free guided walk

Daily Guided Walks

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

TripAdvisor rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
See the latest exhibition at the Gardens' Visitor Centre Gallery

Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery

TripAdvisor rating753 reviews
Acton, ACT
Fresh food with a funky vibe

Mocan & Green Grout

TripAdvisor rating496 reviews
Acton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

TripAdvisor rating95 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, McCoy Circuit entrance

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

TripAdvisor rating224 reviews
Acton, ACT
Plate of fresh food with a Pollen napkin

Pollen

TripAdvisor rating118 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Badger & Co - Bar

Badger & Co

TripAdvisor rating17 reviews
Acton, ACT
Under $20
Person examines artworks by Sidney Nolan in For the Term of His Natural Life exhibition
1 Feb 2025

For the Term of His Natural Life | Reconstructed, 4K | Arc Cinema

Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, Acton
Next on 1 Feb 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
A man stands in the desert
1 Dec 2024 – 28 Feb 2025

Summer Film Series

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on today
DinoFest Canberra
11 Jan – 2 Feb 2025

DinoFest Canberra - Age of the Tyrannosaur

Black Mountain Peninsula, Acton
Next on 11 Jan 2025 from 10:30am to 3:00pm
Rowing for All - Inspiring Wellness - Fostering Community

Lakeside Functions at Red Shed

Acton, ACT
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
(banner): Kalu Yani - Walk-off fenceline banner, 2000. Image (above): Daguragu banner, 2000.
11 Feb – 28 Mar 2025

Gurindji Freedom Banners - Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla - From the darkness into the light

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Acton
Next on 11 Feb 2025 from 10:30am to 3:30pm
Photo of Cockburn Ranges, Kimberley, taken at Dusk.
26 Dec 2024 – 28 Feb 2025

The Great Kimberely Wilderness Virtual Reality Experience

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Dec 2024
Plants and seeds in coolamon
2 Aug 2024 – 3 May 2025

Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Feb 2025 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