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.

High Jinks Bar

High Jinks

Acton, ACT
Not specified
Diprotodon at the Australian National Botanic Gardens
1–31 Jul 2025

MEGAfauna: Look Alike

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on today from 8:30am to 5:00pm
Woman on motorcycle doing a jump and upside down, set in mountains
5–6 Aug 2025

Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Photograph showing south view of Garden of Australian Dreams, National Museum of Australia
4 Apr 2023 – 3 Apr 2026

Breathing Space

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today
Bronwyn Saunders
5–20 Jul 2025

Join children’s author Bronwyn Saunders for MEGAfauna fun!

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 10:30am to 1:00pm
Tom - Artist
8–17 Jul 2025

MEGAfauna Makers Art Workshop

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on 8 Jul 2025 from 10:00am to 2:30pm
a collage of vinyl album covers
7 Feb – 5 Dec 2025

Vinyl Lounge

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Jul 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Animation of two dogs eating spaghetti together
8 Aug 2025

Pizza & Pyjamas at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 8 Aug 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Learn to Row

Red Shed

Acton, ACT
Photo of adventure sporting in the sky
14–15 Oct 2025

The Adventure Reels Tour at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 14 Oct 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Items on display in the ANU Classics Museum

ANU Classics Museum

Acton, ACT
Rowing for All - Inspiring Wellness - Fostering Community

Lakeside Functions at Red Shed

Acton, ACT
Dog sitting in field of purple flowers with its front paws lifted to the camera
26–27 Aug 2025

Top Dog Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Canine Connections at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 26 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
Photo of Cockburn Ranges, Kimberley, taken at Dusk.
3 May – 29 Dec 2025

The Great Kimberley Wilderness Virtual Reality Experience

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Jul 2025 from 10:15am to 3:15pm
Black and white image of man with curly hair smiling
21 Jun – 17 Aug 2025

Peter Weir Spotlight at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 10 Jul 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
The Big Bike Film Night
18 Aug 2025

The Big Bike Film Night - Canberra

Kambri at ANU, Acton
Next on 18 Aug 2025 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Pirate running through shallow water being chased
9–23 Aug 2025

Pirates of the Caribbean Trio at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 9 Aug 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
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
woman drags  her feet walking towards camera, in the desert covered in paint
12 Jul 2025

SPEAR + Q&A with Stephen Page AO

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 12 Jul 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Nine people pictured smiling and laughing at camera celebrating
12 Jul – 19 Oct 2025

A Day At The Movies | Dementia-Friendly Screenings

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 12 Jul 2025 from 10:00am to 1:15pm
Bush tucker
1 Aug 2025 – 2 May 2026

Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 1 Aug 2025 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