Canberra walking tour & city guide
A planned capital of museums around a lake.
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Canberra, Australia's capital, was built from scratch in the early 20th century as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne. Designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, it is a green, spacious city around a lake, home to the nation's parliament and its greatest museums.
The Parliamentary Triangle
Parliament House, opened in 1988, is built into a hill, and you can walk on its grassy roof. Inside, visitors can watch debates. Across the lake, the Australian War Memorial is one of the most visited museums in the country, with a moving Last Post ceremony every afternoon.
Around Lake Burley Griffin stand the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library and Questacon, an interactive science center. The National Museum of Australia, on a peninsula, tells the story of the country and its First Nations peoples.
Lake and city
The lake is ringed by walking and cycling paths, with the Captain Cook Memorial Jet fountain and the National Carillon. For the best view of the city's design, drive or hike up Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain, topped by the Telstra Tower.
The city center, called Civic, has a pedestrian mall and nearby neighborhoods like Braddon and New Acton with cafés and bars.
Visiting tips
Canberra is about three hours by road from Sydney. In spring, the Floriade festival fills Commonwealth Park with more than a million flowers. Most national museums are free. Winters are cold and frosty.
Top sights in Canberra
- 1
Parliament House
Australia's parliament, with a grassy roof.
- 2
Australian War Memorial
A national museum and memorial.
- 3
National Gallery of Australia
The nation's art collection.
- 4
Lake Burley Griffin
A lake for walks, cycling and boating.
- 5
Mount Ainslie Lookout
The classic view of the city's design.
- 6
National Museum of Australia
Stories of the country and its peoples.
Food markets & where to eat in Canberra
Braddon
A district of cafés, bakeries and bars.
Capital Region Farmers Market
A Saturday market of local produce.
New Acton
A precinct of restaurants and cafés.
Kingston Foreshore
Dining along the lake.
Food to try in Canberra
Canberra District wine
Cool-climate Shiraz and Riesling.
Truffles
The region is known for black truffles in winter.
Brunch
A big part of Canberra's café culture.
Anzac biscuits
Oat and golden syrup biscuits with a history.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Canberra
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in CanberraCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Canberra.
- eSIM for AustraliaStay online from the moment you land.
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