Visiting the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) is a must-do, if we do say so ourselves. Filled with a wealth of culture, historical sights, galleries, wine countries, and the expanse of the Namadgi National Park bordering the city, there are plenty of holiday attractions to suit all types of travellers. 

To get the most out of your trip, especially for first-timers, we have compiled a list of all our top dos and don’ts (mostly do’s, to ensure you make your trip worthwhile).

When is the best time of year to book your trip?

For travelling to the ACT, many visitors favour Autumn (March to May), which offers mild temperatures and some of the most beautiful scenery for nature lovers. Spring is also idyllic and coincides with Floriade, Australia’s biggest flower festival. Enjoy the city’s parks being transformed with millions of flowers, vibrant art installations, markets, and live entertainment.

How to prepare for your trip

In preparation, you should ensure that you have all the travel documents and identification you need. Passports, photo ID, credit cards, and travel insurance are essential to ensure your trip runs smoothly and that you are covered for any emergencies or life’s “what-if” moments.

Timing is another thing to consider, so we recommend booking early. Give yourself enough time to do your homework: research the best areas to stay, compare accommodation prices, and consider the travel needs of everyone in your group. You will thank yourself later and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling or having to pay over-inflated hotel prices and airline tickets (unfortunately, we’ve all been there).

Top attractions & activities for your ACT trip itinerary

Now comes the fun part: the itinerary — deciding what to see and do on your trip. Some of the best attractions in Canberra are the historical monuments it has to offer.

Parliament House

At the top of the list is Parliament House, one of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings and famous for the Great Hall Tapestry. Explore Australian history and politics — you can even spectate proceedings from public galleries for free. 

For those who want a deeper dive into parliamentary processes, why not book a tour? There are plenty of options available on GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor. 

National Museum of Australia

For those interested in Australia’s history, specifically the stories of its people, you should explore the National Museum of Australia. Inside, you can learn about Indigenous heritage and find artefacts dating back 50,000 years, including bark paintings and ochre by Aboriginal artists. 

The museum is filled with rich history, exhibitions, and installations. The architecture itself is also an attraction, with beautiful design and landscaped surroundings. There is something for everyone, of all ages, and entry is free, making it a truly accessible venture.

Lake Burley Griffin

If visiting Canberra, a must-see is Lake Burley Griffin, the city’s centrepiece, surrounded by key landmarks and parks. For those interested in staying active during your trip, think of Lake Burley Griffin as your recreational hub for outdoor activities — kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and even hot air ballooning — you name it, you can find it. 

Canberra Balloon Spectacular (Annually in March)

Hot air ballooning is especially popular in March during the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular. You can participate in one of the sunrise balloon flights or watch from spots like Patrick White Lawns during the festival. We recommend booking with a local operator, such as Balloon Aloft Canberra, for private flights, which often include breakfast.

Walks, hikes, & picnic spots

If heights aren’t your thing, we recommend a gentle walk or cycle around the lake. Canberra cyclists are spoiled with some of the best trails looping around Lake Burley Griffin, with paths ranging from 5 km to 14 km. Feeling up for a challenge? Tackle the entire lake loop, around 30 km. Some hidden gems along the way include the Traditional Chinese Welcome Gate in Lennox Gardens.

You can even make a day of it with a picnic or explore some of Canberra’s best cafes. Our favourites include Harvest, Cupping Room, and Mayfair, all within a 10-minute walk from the lake. 

Where to collect souvenirs and trinkets in the ACT

Visiting any new city and exploring shops, buying souvenirs, is part of the experience — often how you get a real feel for the city. For more traditional high-street shopping, Canberra Centre is a great choice. Located in the heart of the city, think of it as a one-stop shop for everyday and premium brands, including David Jones, Myer, and Uniqlo.

For those who love designer clothes and bargains (yes, the two can coexist), Canberra Outlet is perfect, just a short 10-minute drive or Uber from the city.

For more cultural experiences and unique souvenirs, explore the local markets. Every Sunday of the month, the Hall Markets at Hall Showgrounds feature curated stalls of produce, arts and crafts, and homeware. If you can’t make that, there’s also the Old Bus Depot Markets, open every Sunday, where you can find artisan baked goods, local produce, and handmade trinkets perfect as keepsakes.

With all shopping trips, food and eateries are essential to keep energy levels up — breaks are needed when shopping can be a serious business of perusing, heavy lifting, and high social energy. Some of the best nearby restaurants include Such & Such, Courgette, and Banana Leaf. Plenty of fabulous options, depending on your preference.

Venture beyond the City: From wilderness to wine country

Our final suggestion for your itinerary is to get out of the city and explore the Canberra District wine region. It may sound counterintuitive, but the ACT is lucky to be surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful wine valleys. Decide how you want to experience it — whether driving yourself or booking a guided wine tour, such as the hop-on hop-off Wine Hopper.

Some of the most popular wineries include Shaw Wines, Mount Majura Vineyard, Brindabella Hills Winery, and Eden Road Wines. All are excellent, so you won’t be disappointed whichever you choose. If driving, consider adding a stop at Mount Ainslie Lookout or Black Mountain Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. And if you want to really travel off the beaten path, then a day or two of hiking in the wilderness of the Namadgi National Park surely won’t disappoint either. It’s the perfect way to end your Canberra adventure, relaxing with stunning scenery, and the potential for wildlife encounters and other memories that will last long after your trip.

Experience all the ACT has to offer with a strong trip itinerary

From Parliament House to the forests of Namadgi, and the many galleries, museums, and exhibitions that colour the streets of Canberra, a trip to the ACT delivers ample opportunities to learn about the past, present, and future of Australia. Make sure your first trip to the ACT ticks all the boxes by adding a few of our travel recommendations above to your own trip itinerary.