ACT travel guide

your ultimate guide to theAustralian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory is home to the nation’s capital, Canberra the centre of government, finance, arts and culture in Australia. The ACT is perfectly positioned between Melbourne and Sydney and easily accessible to the Snowy Mountains making it the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.

Canberra and surrounds is the capital of cool, boasting hip hotels, a thriving dining scene and some of the greatest galleries and museums in the country.

What to do in ACT

Whether you’re a hiker, art appreciator or foodie, you’ll find something to love on a trip to the ACT. It’s an ideal destination for families, with most major museums offering free entry. Flower lovers should book a trip during spring to see the annual Floriade festival, while foodies would do well to visit during winter to take advantage of the Canberra Truffle Festival. You’ll also find some of Australia’s best food and wine experiences, galleries, museums and an abundance of natural attractions all year round.

Australian galleries and historical landmarks

The ACT is home to some of Australia’s best museums, galleries and historical landmarks. Here’s our guide of 5 Canberra classics, considered the cultural A-list of museums and galleries in our nation’s capital.

Iconic events

Floriade is the biggest blooming event in Australia! The annual flower show showcases over one million flowers in bloom, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year to Canberra’s most iconic event. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is a mesmerising display of hot air balloons, taking to the skies over Canberra during the nine-day event. Foodies will love the annual Canberra Region Truffle Festival held throughout the truffle season with a series of degustation dinners and truffle hunts.

Scenic natural landscapes

See the National Arboretum for a unique perspective of Canberra’s scenic natural landscape. Canberra is blessed with plenty of national parks and trails for bushwalking and outdoor adventure. Check out our list of Canberra’s 10 best walks; they’ll take your breath away.

Fine Dining & Wineries in the ACT

There are plenty of fine dining options in the ACT, starting with the acclaimed Aubergine for contemporary cuisine in a moody, intimate setting. Sage Dining Rooms offers discerning diners a tasting menu of Modern Australian dishes to be savoured in style. Venture to Canberra wine region for dining amongst the vines at establishments such as Poachers Pantry with perfectly matched Wily Trout wines or Olleyville at the picturesque Shaw Vineyard Estate.

Places to Visit in ACT

There are plenty of places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory, but first time visitors should head straight to Canberra and put Parliament House at the top of their list. You’ll get to watch our democracy in action, observe question time or take a behind the scenes tour of Parliament House. Visitors should also take a stroll along Lake Burley Griffin and visit the Australian War Memorial for a glimpse into wartime experience and commemorate the brave men and women who served our nation.

Canberra

Australia’s capital, Canberra is the perfect weekend getaway with lots of things to see and do. Rich with art, culture, award-winning restaurants as well as natural attractions and landmarks, a visit to Canberra is full of surprises.

Tuggeranong

Tuggeranong is the southernmost town centre of Canberra on the way to the ski fields. The Tuggeranong Arts Centre presents an array of arts activities for visitors and the local community. The best Tuggeranong accommodation is Abode Tuggeranong offering modern accommodation close to the major shopping precinct, parks and Lake Tuggeranong.

Woden Valley

Woden Valley is an outer district of Canberra with Westfield Woden as the main shopping precinct and home to significant government agencies. The best accommodation in Woden is the Abode Woden ideal for business travellers and close to Woden Town Centre.

Choosing Where to Stay in ACT

The ACT offers travellers handy precincts near major attractions to explore and are located north and south of Canberra’s centrepiece Lake Burley Griffin. Central Canberra or ‘Civic’ is the precinct alive with bars, restaurants and cafes, shopping and the cultural hub for theatre and events.

Nearby precincts of New Acton and Braddon offer inner-city style and culture. South of the lake you’ll find the Parliamentary Triangle, the perfect base to uncover Australia’s history. Kingston and Manuka precincts offer great cafes and lifestyle and Barton offers some great accommodation. North Canberra offers access to family-friendly attractions, shopping and cafes.

Wherever you choose to stay in the ACT there are hotels, apartments and accommodation to suit your style and budget.

Where to Eat in ACT

You’re spoilt for choice for top-notch places to eat in the ACT with Canberra’s foodie scene on the rise. From exceptional coffee roasters, to creative cafes and award-winning restaurants you won’t go hungry in Canberra. Canberra also has some of the best bars in the country with a renowned wine region right on its doorstep. Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, a casual breakfast, family-friendly restaurants or fine dining, Canberra and the ACT has it all.