Experience Australia’s capital city, Canberra
Updated 9 Apr 2026
Dreaming of your next Australian adventure? Canberra is calling.
Ideally positioned between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra – Australia’s capital and a destination waiting to be discovered – offers a distinctive blend of culture, history and natural beauty. Surrounded by bushland and framed by mountain ranges, Canberra invites you to discover the Australian story through its iconic attractions, welcoming locals and easy access to the outdoors.
How to get to Canberra
Getting to Australia’s capital is now easier than ever. Fly to Canberra via Doha with Qatar Airways and enjoy a new gateway to Australia. Discover the country’s history and culture in its capital before exploring further.
There are many other options to get to Canberra including a seat-in-coach from Sydney to Canberra, offering comfortable seating, scenic views along the way, and a hassle-free travel experience. Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour drive from Sydney and 8-hour drive from Melbourne on major highways. There are scenic route alternatives to visit country towns along the way.
The Sydney Melbourne Inland Discovery Drive is a historic route of colourful Australian stories and serene landscapes.
Getting around Canberra
Getting around is easy, whether you choose to rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transport such as the bus or light rail.
Canberra Guided Tours takes the stress out of exploring the capital, combining seamless transport with curated experiences and guided commentary so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
What to see and do
Discover the Australian story
Canberra is home to many of Australia’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries.
At Australian Parliament House, discover where the big decisions are made on a guided Best of Parliament tour. At the Australian War Memorial, experience a private exploration of the memorial’s collection told through the powerful stories of courage, devotion, and mateship. Stay for the Last Post Ceremony which takes place daily.
See the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia and see famous faces at the National Portrait Gallery.
Nature walks and wildlife spotting
Canberra is where city life meets the great outdoors. Just beyond the city streets, you’ll find a landscape of rolling hills, eucalyptus forests, and native wildlife waiting to be explored. Whether you’re cycling around Lake Burley Griffin, hiking through nearby nature reserves, or simply enjoying the sight of kangaroos grazing in open parklands, the natural world is woven into everyday life here.
Join the experts from Canberra Guided Tours on the Kangaroos and Koalas Tour at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, and keep an eye out for wallabies, koalas, platypus, colourful parrots, and emus.
See the skies of the Southern Hemisphere with Canberra Stargazing, where an unforgettable astronomy experience lies just 25 minutes from the city centre along the banks of the tranquil Murrumbidgee River.
Exceptional wineries and dining
Dine at chef-hatted restaurants, taste Australia’s best flat white, relax at long lunches in boutique wineries, enjoy lunch al fresco, or listen to live music in popular bars.
Wine lovers can take their pick of more than 140 vineyards and 40 cellar door experiences, all within 30 minutes-drive of the city. Explore the region on a private luxury tour with Van Du Vin to find your new favourite riesling or shiraz. Wineries are small and intimate providing an interactive experience.
From modern Australian to Asian fusion, Italian to Indian, Canberra offers a true taste of multicultural dining. Whether you’re looking to indulge in inventive Asian fusion, savour traditional Italian pasta, or enjoy the comforts and classics of home, the city promises to delight every food lover.
Experience Canberra through the seasons
Canberra’s distinct seasons shape the rhythm of life in the capital, each one offering its own unique experiences. Autumn transforms the city into a canvas of red and gold, with the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular painting the skies with hot air balloons at sunrise. Spring bursts into colour with Floriade, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest celebration of flowers, while summer invites alfresco dining, lakeside adventures, and open-air concerts. In winter, the city’s crisp air and clear skies set the scene for cosy escapes, truffle hunts, and warming food and wine experiences.
With a year-round calendar of cultural festivals, sporting events, and seasonal celebrations, Canberra is a destination that delights in every season.
Explore the region
Canberra’s location makes it a perfect destination as part of a Sydney or Melbourne itinerary. Whether flying or self-driving, Canberra is as an ideal stop-over for a few days or longer. Given its proximity to beaches and mountains, it serves as a gateway to the stunning south coast and Snowy Mountains, which are both about 2 ½ hours’ drive away. Within Canberra’s region are lovely country towns with their own charm and history, including Murrumbateman, Yass, Collector, Goulburn and Bungendore.
Book your trip
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience all that Australia’s capital has to offer.
Whether you’re drawn to uncovering the city’s modern history, embarking on an outdoor adventure, immersing yourself in behind-the-scenes experiences, or enjoying the cool climate wine region; Canberra’s diverse experiences throughout the seasons cater to every preference.
Book your trip to Canberra today and discover why it is a must-visit destination in Australia. You'll leave with memories destined to last a lifetime.
