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 rating2168 reviews
Acton, ACT
Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

TripAdvisor rating761 reviews
Acton, ACT
See the latest exhibition at the Gardens' Visitor Centre Gallery

Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery

TripAdvisor rating761 reviews
Acton, ACT
Garden's Ranger with international visitors

Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating761 reviews
Acton, ACT
Flora Explorer

Flora Explorer

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating761 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 rating761 reviews
Acton, ACT
A volunteer guides leads a free guided walk

Daily Guided Walks

by Australian National Botanic Gardens Tours

TripAdvisor rating761 reviews
Acton, ACT
Fresh food with a funky vibe

Mocan and Green Grout

TripAdvisor rating500 reviews
Acton, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

TripAdvisor rating97 reviews
Acton, ACT
Grab a drink from our licensed bar before your film!

Palace Electric Cinema

TripAdvisor rating59 reviews
Acton, ACT
Hire bikes for the family

Lake Burley Griffin

TripAdvisor rating12 reviews
Acton, ACT
Front of heritage building with green lawn in front and blue sky

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

TripAdvisor rating226 reviews
Acton, ACT
Spaceship speeding through a multicoloured universe
27 Jun – 15 Aug 2026

Movie Marathons at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 25 Jul 2026
Items on display in the ANU Classics Museum

ANU Classics Museum

Acton, ACT
Group of people performing
2 Jul – 6 Aug 2026

Queer Flicks at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on tomorrow
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
Blue glowy image with the backs of people standing in white lab coats
17 Jun – 26 Aug 2026

Film Program: Science. Art. Film.

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Aug 2026
Black and white still of Marilyn Monroe surrounded by musicians
11 Jul 2026

A Day at the Movies: Some Like it Hot (Dementia-Friendly)

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 11 Jul 2026
One male lying on couch sleeping, another sitting in front reading a book
14 Jun – 15 Nov 2026

Book Club at NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Jul 2026
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 31 Jul 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Man coming out from a satellite trap door
23 Aug 2026

National Science Week at the National Film and Sound Archive

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 23 Aug 2026
Man wearing a space suit in snow surroundings
1 Jun – 31 Aug 2026

Winter Film Series at the National Film and Sound Archive

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on today
Three people in a small inflatable boat looking at the large ice formation in front of them.
1 Jul – 11 Oct 2026

Antarctica

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A family of four looking past the camera, huddling together scared
7–9 Jul 2026

School Holidays at the National Film and Sound Archive in Acton

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Jul 2026 from 11:00am 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