Things to Do in Canberra

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.

A 9km loop path around the artificial lake, passing the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and Commonwealth Park. Flat and easy.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Rent a bike from the docks near the National Library for about $15 per hour. The eastern section has fewer crowds.

5km loop trail around the lake's central basin, past the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and Commonwealth Place. Benches and grassy spots for a picnic.

🕐 Accessible 24 hours

💡 The section between Kings Avenue Bridge and the National Library is quietest on weekday mornings—take a thermos and a book.

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.

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.

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.

Major art museum with the largest collection of Indigenous art in the world, plus international and Australian works. Admission free to permanent collections.

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

💡 Skip the main entrance queue—enter through the sculpture garden side. The lake-facing lawn is a quiet spot for a picnic lunch.

Houses the national art collection including Indigenous works, international modern art, and the sculpture garden along Lake Burley Griffin.

🕐 Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💡 The outdoor sculpture garden is free even after the gallery closes; bring a picnic and watch the sunset over the lake.

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.

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 exhibitions.

🕐 09:00–17:00 daily (closed Christmas Day)

💡 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.

🕐 Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Christmas Day)

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

A solemn memorial and museum covering Australia's military history. The courtyard of the Roll of Honour lists the names of the fallen.

🕐 Daily 10am-5pm

💡 Come for the Last Post ceremony at 4.55pm daily—it's free and moving. Arrive early for a good spot.

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

🕐 10:00–17:00 daily (closed Good Friday, Christmas)

💡 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.

🕐 Daily 10am-5pm

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

Houses a major collection of Australian and international art, including Aboriginal works and the famous Blue Poles painting.

🕐 10:00-17:00 daily

💡 Head to the Sculpture Garden for a quiet walk with views over Lake Burley Griffin — most tourists miss it.

Houses a 155,000-piece collection including Indigenous art, modern masterpieces and international works. The sculpture garden is worth a wander.

🕐 10:00–17:00 daily

💡 Download the audio tour app before you arrive—layered talks on key pieces are free and add a lot of context.

Explores the social history of Australia, from Indigenous stories to post-war migration. The architecture itself is worth a look.

🕐 Daily 9am-5pm

💡 The free 'Connections' gallery has hands-on objects. Check the website for free guided tours—they're excellent.

Explores Australian social history through interactive exhibits, including stories of Indigenous cultures and immigration.

🕐 09:00-17:00 daily

💡 The permanent galleries are free; bite the bullet and pay $12 for the temporary exhibitions — the current one on surfing is excellent.

Comprehensive national museum and memorial commemorating Australian military history. Includes galleries, aircraft, and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

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

💡 Arrive for the Last Post ceremony at 4:55 PM daily—get there by 4:30 for a good spot. The rooftop cafe has decent coffee without the crowds.