As the national capital, Canberra tends to punch above its weight when it comes to galleries and iconic institutions for visitors and locals to explore. And as the bush capital, our fair city also offers heaps of natural beauty for us to enjoy close to where we live, work or play.
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, we’ve rounded up five ideas for things to do and places to go in the heart of Canberra that will cost you nothing or next to nothing.
Australian War Memorial and national institutions
People travel from across Australia and around the world to visit the jewel in the crown of Canberra’s national icons – the Australian War Memorial. As another Anzac Day approaches (25 April), step inside and feel the reverberations of the impact war has had on our nation and national identity. Free entry. Donations welcome.
Other treasured national institutions to visit that offer free entry to public galleries/spaces (entry fees may apply to some exhibitions) include: in the National Triangle – the National Archives of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery of Australia; and across the lake near Acton – the National Museum of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens on the lower slopes of Black Mountain.
Mt Ainslie and Marion Mahony Griffin View
After you’ve finished exploring the Australian War Memorial, get your heart and legs pumping with a walk up Mt Ainslie. View the panoramas from the Marion Mahony Griffin View and marvel at the vision Marion and husband Walter Burley Griffin demonstrated in creating their winning design for the bush capital, sight unseen, circa 1912.
If climbing mountains isn’t your thing, head from the Memorial towards Lake Burley Griffin and walk along Anzac Parade to view the numerous memorials that flank this landmark boulevard.
Lakeside paths
Go for a leisurely or brisk walk, run or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin. The 5km circuit around central basin and over the two bridges is the most popular, but there are plenty of quieter spaces along the foreshore, too. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to be by the lake as so many of the exotic tree species planted in Canberra’s early years change colour to shades of yellow, orange, red and claret.
Canberra Museum + Gallery
Right in the heart of Civic Square (near Canberra Theatre and Libraries ACT Civic branch) is the Canberra Museum and Gallery where you’ll find a range of exhibitions that tell stories about the people, places, culture, history and heritage of the Capital region. Most exhibitions are free, though charges may apply for some temporary exhibitions. Open 7 days: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 12-4pm; closed some public holidays. More information: cmag.com.au/about
New Acton
Explore New Acton, where a neglected heritage site was transformed into an award-winning arts & entertainment, residential and commercial precinct in the 2000s. Wander the paths to explore the architecture and environs and discover striking pieces of public art, or partake of refreshments in one of the many eateries in the area.
A short stroll from New Acton, the city also offers plenty of public art to explore, such as Fiona Hooton’s Circuitry at the Civic Bus Interchange, Matthew Harding’s ACT Memorial on the corner of Ainslie Place and London Circuit, and Les Kossatz’s beloved Ainslie’s Sheep in City Walk, Civic. artsACT has compiled a Public Art Map that you can use to create your own public art discovery trail, whether in the CBD or the outer suburbs.
Have an idea for an affordable outing in the city that you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments below.
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