The ultimate guide to Canberra with teens in tow

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Teenagers are in for a treat in Canberra, from zooming around the lake on two wheels to bouldering, glassblowing and everything in between.

Canberra is often seen as a city as a quiet destination popular among the politically inclined, as well as business travellers, history buffs and those keen to visit its historical and cultural sites. But Canberra’s burgeoning arts and foodie scene, as well as its stunning natural landscape, make it the perfect place for a family holiday. Trust us, the kids will love it, especially after ticking everything off this list.

1. Canberra Glassworks

If you’re visiting Canberra with teens in tow, you simply must pop in to Canberra Glassworks. The company’s Teen Glass Blowing class will not only keep your kids entertained, but engaged in the art of glassmaking. The sessions will have them feeling like a fully formed glass artist, where kids aged between 14 and 19 can learn how to make bubbles, bowls and cups.

For parents: Take your own glassmaking class or tour the onsite. state-of-the-art studios and exhibition space.

Canberra Glassworks, ACT
Canberra Glassworks holds workshops for teens. (Image: VisitCanberra)

2. Share a Bike

Canberra is a bike rider’s paradise, and it’s super easy to get in the saddle and set off on a freedom ride. There are various bike hire options in the city, but one of the best is the self-serve Share a Bike , set up at various hotels in the heart of the city. Once you’ve got your bike (and helmet – safety first) head to Lake Burley Griffin, which has plenty of dedicated bike paths along the foreshore.

For parents: Not too keen on cycling? If you’re teens are old enough to explore on their own, hit up one of Canberra’s best spots for brunch nearby.

Bike riding around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, ACT
There are plenty of bike paths around Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: VisitCanberra)

3. Canberra Centre

If only there was some place that offered everything… What if we told you there is (cue surprise face)? The sprawling Canberra Centre on Bunda Street has everything from ten-pin bowling and arcade games to mini golf and escape rooms. And did we mention the pizza and doughnuts? We can sense you Googling right now.

For parents: Canberra Centre also has plenty of shops and restaurants, which is like the adult version of escape rooms and doughnuts.

Getty Images of ten pin bowling
Strike out at the Canberra Centre. (Image: Mihailo Milovanović)

4. Questacon

Put aside the day to visit Questacon and you’re sure to win best parents of the year. Also known as the National Science and Technology Centre, it’s all about science, technology and innovation here, but made engaging, immersive and so much fun. There are interactive experiments, hands-on workshops, games, live shows, interesting exhibitions and so much more, it’s seriously one of the best things to do in Canberra.

For parents: We’ll be honest, this is definitely one mum and dad will enjoy just as much as the kids.

Questacon in Canberra, ACT
There are more than more than 200 interactive exhibits at Questacon. (Image: VisitCanberra)

5. National Zoo and Aquarium

Animal lovers will forever remember their trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium . With a huge selection of close-encounter experiences, teens can become a zookeeper for the day and meet the friendly locals. From an African Savannah Safari to see rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs to an epic lion encounter for the particularly brave, there’s something for everyone.

For parents: The National Arboretum  is a five-minute drive from the zoo and has beautiful gardens to wander, a bonsai collection to admire and a cafe to relax in.

A giraffe at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra
Make new friends with the friendly locals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

6. Treetops Adventure

If you’ve got cheeky monkeys in tow, let them swing from the branches at Treetops Adventure , just a short drive from the CBD. In the heart of Majura Pines, teens will love jumping and zooming through the air on over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines up to 15 metres above the ground. With trained instructors onsite as well as plenty of safety equipment, it’s a safe and fun way to do Canberra with kids.

For parents: If you’d rather stay on the ground, Majura Pines is perfect for a leisurely nature walk.

Treetops Adventure in Majura Pines, Canberra
Zip through the pine trees at Treetops. (Image: Nathan Darma/Treetops Adventure)

7. BlocHaus Bouldering

You’ve heard of indoor rock climbing, but bouldering at BlocHaus takes the concept one step further. With a dedicated location for younger climbers in the happening suburb of Fyshwick (known as FamilyHaus), its the perfect place for kids to expel their energy. There are shorter walls, ropes, harnesses and big padded mats to catch kids if they fall. Book a family day pass and get going!

For parents: Afterwards, head across the road to Capital Brewing Co. for a family feed, where you can sample some epic craft brews, too.

wall climbing at BlocHaus, Fyshwick
Challenge yourself at this indoor rock climbing gym. (Image: Izzy Huang)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.