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.

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 this Spring at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 5 Sep 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Bush tucker
1 Aug 2025 – 2 May 2026

Tasting Australia with Adam Shipp

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on 31 Oct 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Black and white still of a woman and man sitting next to each other acting coy
13–16 Sep 2025

NFSA Restores Films for Spring

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 13 Sep 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
High Jinks Bar

High Jinks

Acton, ACT
Not specified
Items on display in the ANU Classics Museum

ANU Classics Museum

Acton, ACT
A puppet of a rocket ship and Mr Squiggle
4 Jul – 13 Oct 2025

Mr Squiggle and Friends

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Cameraman and actors shooting on a boat on water
4 Nov 2025

NFSA Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua | Special Screening at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Next on 4 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Cafe Sosta

Cafe Sosta

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