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.

Items on display in the ANU Classics Museum

ANU Classics Museum

Acton, ACT
'Vanishing Point' 2019, exhibition installation view.

ANU School of Art & Design Gallery

Acton, ACT
South Korean girl group Aespa group photo.
12 Dec 2025 – 10 May 2026

Hallyu! The Korean Wave

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 12 Dec 2025 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Lady modelling outfit behind pink stairs and purple background
13 Dec 2025

Curators in Conversation: Hallyu! The Korean Wave

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 13 Dec 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Andy Trieu doing a live DJ set  on stage doing a peace sign
12 Dec 2025

Opening party Hallyu! The Korean Wave

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 12 Dec 2025 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm
sunset Cinema, outdoor movies, Canberra, events,  food, wine, cheese, bar, picnic
20 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026

Sunset Cinema Canberra

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on 20 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:30pm
Photo of a Museum staff member and an Auslan interpreter signing a book in the Discovery Centre
27 Nov – 4 Dec 2025

International Day of People with Disability at the National Museum

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
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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