Canberra 3-Day Itinerary

A 5-kilometre loop path around the central lake, passing the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, Commonwealth Place, and the National Library.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Hire a bike from the dock near the library for about $15 per hour — flatter route than walking and you'll cover more sights.

Research library with free exhibitions on Australian history, maps, photographs, and manuscripts. The reading rooms are open to the public.

🕐 Exhibitions: 09:00–17:00 daily; Reading rooms: 09:00–17:00 Mon–Thu, 09:00–16:30 Fri, closed weekends

💡 Check the free short film screenings in the theatre on weekdays; the café has outdoor seating overlooking the lake.

Tourist Hotel · ££

Walsh's Hotel · ££

Artificial lake at the heart of Canberra, perfect for walking, cycling, or picnicking along the shoreline paths.

🕐 Always open

💡 Rent a bike from the Acton Ferry Terminal for $10/hour — the full loop is 12km with great views of Parliament House.

Major art gallery housing Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections, international art, and the famous Blue Poles painting by Jackson Pollock.

🕐 10:00–17:00 daily (closed Christmas)

💡 The Sculpture Garden is free and often quieter than the main building; bring a picnic if the weather is fine.

Public walking and cycling path encircling the central lake, passing landmarks like the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, Commonwealth Place, and the High Court.

🕐 Always open; jet water display runs 10:00–16:00 daily (weather permitting)

💡 Rent a bike from the shop near the National Carillon for about $15/hour—the full loop is 25 km but the central section from Commonwealth Bridge to the Jet is an easy 4 km there and back.

A 5 km loop path circling the lake past landmarks like the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and Carillon. Flat, wide, and well-maintained for walking or cycling.

🕐 Open 24 hours (cycle hire hours vary)

💡 Hire a bike from the Canberra Bike Hire kiosk near the Commonwealth Place bridge—$15 for an hour, cheaper than a taxi for the loop. Keep left for the best photo of Parliament House reflected in the water.

Hotel Queanbeyan

the Jerra Fine Asian Cuisine

The former seat of Australian federal parliament (1927–1988), now a museum of political history. Free entry to the ground floor and courtyard, with rotating exh

💡 Guided tours of the chambers are free but book out—reserve online a day ahead. The lawns out front are perfect for a lie-down and people-watching.

Tour the working federal parliament building, including the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, the Great Hall, and the rooftop grassed area.

💡 Check the schedule online — question time (usually 2pm on sitting days) is free to watch but seats fill fast.

National museum and memorial commemorating Australian military history, with extensive exhibits from colonial conflicts to modern peacekeeping.

💡 Arrive by 10am weekdays to attend the Last Post ceremony at closing; no need to book for general admission.

Houses the national art collection, including Indigenous works and international pieces. The sculpture garden is open-air and always free.

💡 Skip the paid exhibitions; the permanent collection is vast. The Garden of Australian Dreams outside is a quirky map you can walk on.

Jerrabomberra Hotel

Royal Hotel