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 are 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 the 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.
The ACT is home to some of Australia’s best museums, galleries and historical landmarks. Here’s our guide to 5 Canberra classics, considered the cultural A-list of museums and galleries in our nation’s capital.
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.
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 14 best walks; they’ll take your breath away.
Where to stay in the ACT
The ACT offers travellers handy precincts near major attractions to explore, and they 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 the 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 have it all.
