Canberra Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)



Canberra Tourist AttractionsThe plentiful tourist attractions within Canberra are worthy of its capital city status and range from cruises around Lotus Bay, and sightseeing helicopter and hot-air balloon flights, to steam train rides along the Michelago Tourist Railway and souvenir shopping at the Gold Creek Village.

Tourists will particularly enjoy the sheer beauty and appeal of Lake Burley Griffin, an enormous man-made lake dominating the centre of Canberra. Further city attractions suitable for families include the CSIRO Discovery Science Centre, the solar system shows at the Observatory, and the Royal Australian Mint and its numerous hands-on exhibits.


Walking Tours

Walking tours around the city are operated by numerous tour guides in central Canberra. These city walking tours offer a fascinating insight into many of the most prominent tourist attractions and impressive buildings, such as the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House, New Parliament House and the Telstra Tower.

The guided walking tours are led by knowledgeable, trained guides, who are always pleased to answer any questions that you may have about the city's interesting past. The Canberra Tourist Information Centres hold up-to-date information about guided tours and their availability.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts usually available for children and seniors

Canberra Tourist Attractions

Cruises

Address: Lotus Bay, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Cruises are a popular way to sightsee in Canberra and cruises travel around the Lotus Bay area, in the Yarralumla district. These cruises, combined with informative commentary, provide some of the best views of the skyline and major waterfront landmarks.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 and 14:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Helicopters Tours

Address: Canberra Airport, Pialligo, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2609, Australia
Helicopters tours of the city are available at nearby Canberra Airport and provide an exciting way to sightsee both high above the city and the surrounding countryside, travelling to the mountainous regions and beyond.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, some discounts available

Canberra Tourist Attractions

Hot-Air Balloon Trips

Hot-air balloon trips over Canberra are one of the most memorable ways to see this beautiful city. The fine weather and clear skies ensures that regular early-morning hot-air balloon flights are available and that the cityscape views are usually exceptional.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

CSIRO Discovery Centre

Address: North Science Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6246 4646
The exciting CSIRO Discovery Centre stands in the city centre and houses many impressive scientific displays. Full of hands-on exhibits, ranging from natural history to local ecology, other attractions at the CSIRO Discovery include science labs, a café and a gift shop with many scientific souvenirs.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, weekends by appointment only
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors.

Canberra Tourist Attractions

Lake Burley Griffin

Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Lake Burley Griffin, in central Canberra, is a spectacular beauty spot, created by the Scrivener Dam. With numerous pathways suitable for walking, jogging and cycling, other highlights at Lake Burley Griffin include rowing, yachting, fishing and general relaxing.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Lake Burley

Address: Barrine Drive, Acton Park, Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6249 6861
Lake Burley, in central Acton Park, is the perfect family day out. You will find a number of popular leisure attractions at Lake Burley, such as rowing boats, pedal boats, canoes, seating areas, picnic spots and walking trails. The main attractions at Lake Burley are generally closed between June and July each year.
Open hours: May and August, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30, September to April, daily - from 08:00
Admission: free, charge for boat hire

Lake Ginninderra

Address: Emu Bank, Belconnen, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2617, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Lake Ginninderra, in the Belconnen district, is a picturesque lake, surrounded by walking and cycle trails, marshlands, forests, large trees, picnic spots, barbecue facilities and playground areas for children.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free



Lake Tuggeranong

Address: Drakeford Drive, Tuggeranong, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2900, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Lake Tuggeranong is another of Canberra's numerous lakes and is situated in the Tuggeranong district, with scenic views, wildfowl, picnic areas and a children's playground.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Ginninderra Blacksmith's Workshop

Address: Barton Highway, Gungahlin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2912, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6239 5222
Ginninderra Blacksmith's Workshop is an important attraction, since it is the only working blacksmith in the whole area. Located in the Gungahlin region of the city, Ginninderra Blacksmith's Workshop provides regular demonstrations and dates back to the mid-19th century.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Girrawah Park Aboriginal Site

Address: Gamburrah Street, Gungahlin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2912, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6239 5222
The Girrawah Park Aboriginal Site is a National Trust heritage site, in the Gungahlin district. Featuring a number of ancient Aboriginal sites and archaeological remains, Girrawah Park Aboriginal Site is also rich in native flora and fauna.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Gold Creek Village

Address: O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2913, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The historic Gold Creek Village is situated in the Gungahlin region of Canberra and is home to an interesting collection of shops and crafts outlets. Highlights at the Gold Creek Village include street cafés around Federation Square, walking trails and the Gold Creek Cultural Centre, with information about local heritage in this area.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kambah Pool

Address: Kambah Pool Road, Kambah, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2902, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The main attractions at Kambah Pool include scenic picnic spots, golden beaches, rock pools and nudist areas. Kambah Pool is a secluded and peaceful region, in the city's appealing Tuggeranong district.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Michelago Tourist Railway

Address: Griffin Centre, 19 Bunda Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6257 1379
The Michelago Tourist Railway, in central Canberra, is always popular with visitors to the city. Featuring restored steam locomotives and historic diesel trains, the Michelago Tourist Railway travels from the city's railway station to Michelago, taking in many spectacular views along the way.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Mount Ainslie

Address: Mount Ainslie Reserve, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Mount Ainslie can be found opposite Parliament House, close to the very centre of Canberra. Providing some of the best panoramic views of Canberra city and the surrounding countryside, it is just a short climb to reach the top of Mount Ainslie.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mount Majura

Address: MacKenzie Street, Hackett, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2602, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Mount Majura, close to the city centre, is a popular spot for walking. Offering attractive views and an abundance of wildlife, attractions at Mount Majura include nature trails, parrots, cockatoos and tranquil picnic spots.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mount Stromlo Observatory

Address: Cotter Road, Weston Creek, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2611, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6249 0232
Mount Stromlo Observatory is sited in the Mount Stromlo forest. With state-of-the-art telescopes and modern equipment, the Mount Stromlo Observatory is a popular place for some serious star gazing and also features a number of displays and hands-on exhibits.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

National Archives of Australia

Address: Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6212 3600
Located to the south of central Canberra, the National Archives of Australia house an important collection of Australian heritage. Featuring excellent research facilities, the National Archives of Australia is home to a wealth of historic artefacts, including original documents, old books, maps, photographs and videos.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

National Capital Exhibition

Address: Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Barrine Drive, Parkes, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6257 1068
Situated in central Canberra, the National Capital Exhibition celebrates the rich and interesting heritage of this capital city, with large exhibitions and displays about the city's history. Attractions at the National Capital Exhibition include impressive Aboriginal artefacts, scale models, early photographs and original maps of the rergion.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

National Library of Australia

Address: Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6262 1111
The National Library of Australia, to the south of the city centre, is much more than just a library. Housing literally millions of books, many important documents and some local artefacts, other attractions at the National Library of Australia include a number of historic photographs, a visitors' centre, seasonal exhibitions and detailed tourist information.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 09:00 to 21:00, Friday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Royal Australian Mint

Address: Denison Street, Deakin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6202 6819
The popular Royal Australian Mint attraction can be found in the Deakin area of central Canberra. Attractions at the Royal Australian Mint include interactive exhibits, fascinating historic displays about Australian currency production over the years, many important collections, hands-on activities, a café and a well-stocked gift shop.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Canberra Tourist Attractions

Canberra Theatres

Canberra is home to a number of excellent theatres that regularly host theatrical productions, dramas, comedies, concerts, operas, workshops and exhibitions in Canberra. Popular theatres in and around the city include the following selection: