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.

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 tomorrow from 10:15am to 3:15pm
Items on display in the ANU Classics Museum

ANU Classics Museum

Acton, ACT
Pandanus mat
17 Apr 2025 – 27 Jan 2026

Our Story: Aboriginal–Chinese People in Australia

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
Challenge Canberra triathlete competing in Challenge Canberra 2023
14–16 Nov 2025

Challenge Canberra Triathlon Festival

Rond Terrace, Acton, Acton
Next on
Bush tucker
1 Aug 2025 – 2 May 2026

Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 6 Feb 2026 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Cafe Sosta

Cafe Sosta

Acton, ACT
Not specified
Animation of young girl with blonder hair, blue dress and bow in her hair, surrounded by animals
5 Sep – 29 Nov 2025

Family Friendly Screenings at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 29 Nov 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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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