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.
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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.

Black and white portraits of Nas Campanella, Christina Ryan and Wayne Herbert with a teal background
27 Nov 2025

Disrupting the narrative – attitudes to disability from past to present

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 27 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
High Jinks Bar

High Jinks

Acton, ACT
Not specified
Cafe Sosta

Cafe Sosta

Acton, ACT
Not specified
Rowing for All - Inspiring Wellness - Fostering Community

Red Shed

Acton, ACT
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 2026

Breathing Space

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today
Audience in a theatre and a man at the front preparing to play a vinyl
7 Feb 2025 – 4 Dec 2026

Vinyl Lounge at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Dec 2025 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
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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