Location

Canberra,
Australian Capital Territory

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located inland between Sydney and Melbourne. There are multiple ways to reach Canberra—you can fly, drive, take a bus, or hop on a train.

Canberra offers a diverse mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for all kinds of travellers.

Self driving routes around the capital

Want to see a different side of Canberra? Discover the architectural highlights of 33 diplomatic embassies and high commissions with the Yarralumla diplomatic missions self-guided driving tour.

To learn about local history, choose from six self drive tracks that take you through Ngunnawal Country, heritage tracks and pioneer routes. 

what to do

  • Visit the Australian War Memoral

    A poignant and moving tribute to Australia's military history, the War Memorial includes museum exhibits,
    a shrine, and an extensive archive.

  • Explore Parliament House

    Take a guided tour or explore on your own to learn about Australia's political history
    and see where the country's laws are made.

  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

    Canberra is one of the few cities in the world where you can take a hot air balloon ride over the city, offering spectacular views at sunrise.

  • National Museum of Canberra

    Dive into Australia’s social history, from Indigenous cultures to contemporary issues, with interactive exhibits and diverse collections.

  • Self driving routes around the capital

    Only takes around 30 minutes to get from one side of Canberra to the other, even in peak hour traffic.

SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO do ON YOUR VISIT

Discover the National Gallery of Australia

  • Home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art, including Indigenous works and pieces by famous artists like Jackson Pollock.

Walk Around Lake Burley Griffin

  • The heart of Canberra, this lake offers walking, cycling, and boating opportunities. You can visit landmarks like the National Carillon and Captain Cook Memorial Jet along the way.

National Museum of Australia

  • Dive into Australia’s social history, from Indigenous cultures to contemporary issues, with interactive exhibits and diverse collections.

Visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens

  • Explore a vast collection of native Australian plants, with well-marked walking trails and plenty of spots for a peaceful picnic.

Climb Mount Ainslie

  • A popular spot for panoramic views of Canberra, with a relatively easy hike to the summit or you can drive up for the same rewarding views.

Tour the Royal Australian Mint

  • See how Australia's coins are made and learn about the history of currency in Australia.

Explore Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

  • Ideal for families, this interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun.

National Arboretum Canberra

  • A beautiful space with 94 forests of rare and endangered trees from around the world, offering scenic walks, a bonsai collection, and stunning views of the city.

Visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

  • A short drive from the city, this reserve offers bushwalks and the chance to see native wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and emus.

Explore the National Library of Australia

  • An impressive collection of books, manuscripts, and special exhibitions that delve into the history and culture of Australia.

Go Wine Tasting in the Canberra District Wine Region

  • Just outside Canberra, you can visit local vineyards, sample regional wines, and enjoy the picturesque countryside.

These activities provide a well-rounded experience of Canberra, highlighting its cultural significance, natural beauty, and unique attractions.

  • For cost-effective and easy public transportation throughout the city, it’s hard to go past Canberra's public buses and light rail. Visit Transport Canberra to find out more information about public transport.

    Alternatively, if you want to see Canberra's iconic sights in one easy loop use the Red Explorer Loop Bus.

  • Tap on and off public transport using a MyWay smartcard, a prepaid ticketing system. You can purchase a MyWay card from recharge agents across Canberra.

    Scan your card at light rail stations and when you get on a bus or purchase a daily ticket. Daily tickets are ideal for sightseeing and are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. Children under five years travel free.

  • Transport Canberra operates the public bus and light rail network, a convenient and cheap way for visitors to get around the capital. Use the journey planner to find out just how easy it is to get around Canberra.

    Transport Canberra's fleet includes easy access (i.e. no step) buses for people with reduced mobility, and these are used on the high frequency routes known as Rapid services. Select Rapid services also have specially designed carry racks making it convenient to commute or cover longer distances when cycling by taking your bike on a bus. You can also take your bike on the light rail.

  • Transport Canberra provides daily services to and from Canberra Airport. Rapid Bus 3 runs on a half-hourly schedule on weekdays and on the hour on weekends. The route takes passengers between the Canberra Airport terminal through to the city interchange, Belconnen interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus.

  • Hop on and off at key attractions with the Red Explorer Loop Bus. The bus departs from Canberra Museum and Gallery at regular times from Monday through to Saturday. There's no need to make a booking, turn up 10 minutes before a scheduled departure time and buy your ticket on the bus.

  • Canberra is known as the cycling capital of Australia, with its fine network of cycle paths and off-road mountain bike trails. 

    Hire a bike or use your own pedal-power and enjoy the scenic side of Australia’s capital on two wheels. 

  • Hiring an e-scooter is a great way to get around the city and surrounds. The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Beam and Neuron, hire out e-scooters with helmets. Road rules and conditions apply so make sure you familiarise yourself with these before you ride.

  • Getting around Canberra is quick, affordable and easy with its various taxi cabs and ride sharing services. Most attractions and things to see and do are located very close to each other, so order your car, then sit back, relax and enjoy the short drive. 

    To catch a taxi in Canberra, use a taxi rank where the clearly marked cars are parked and ready for dispatch. You can also phone ahead or book online.

    Canberra taxi companies include:

    • ACT Cabs: Phone 02 6280 0077 or book online.

    • Canberra Elite: Phone 6126 1600 or SMS your name, pickup address and time to be collected to 0481 072 700. Book, track and prepay online.

    • Silver Service: Phone 13 31 00 or book online. This premium service features luxury sedans and seven seater vans, accredited silver standards, and guaranteed delivery times with travel bookings. 

    • Wheelchair accessible taxis must be booked ahead. Phone 13WATS (139 287), email bookings@13wats.com.au or book online.

    • Canberra taxis and cabs accept payment by credit cards, Cabcharge vouchers, cash and electronic funds transfer.

  • Did you know Canberra was the first city in Australia to regulate and promote ride sharing?

    Choose between Uber, Ola, GoCatch and other ride-share services operating across Australia’s capital, including the airport. 

    If you are after a pick up service to drive you and your car contact PKUP.

  • There are many options for car hire in Canberra. Most major national car rental companies have offices located in the city and at Canberra Airport, making pick up and drop off a breeze.

Getting around Canberra