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.

Meet amazing bugs like millipedes, ladybirds, beetles and more.
2–9 Oct 2026

Bugs Alive Exhibition

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on today from 9:30am to 4:30pm
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
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
Woman sitting on a chair holding a book reading to a group of children.
7–8 Oct 2026

Artistic Antarctica with Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 7 Oct 2026 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Two hikers walking on snowy ground, in front of snow-covered peaks.
2–9 Oct 2026

Choose your own Antarctic adventure

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 9 Oct 2026 from 10:00am to 12:30pm
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
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
Woman dressed as angel and man dressed in armour kissing her hand
10 Oct 2026

Romeo + Juliet (35mm) - Special anniversary costume party and screening

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 10 Oct 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
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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