Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of Sydney or Melbourne. However, this planned city offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that make it a perfect destination for a short getaway. If you have two days to spend in Canberra, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit.
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Climb Mount Majura (893m) at sunrise (Day 1)
To start your discovery of Canberra, there is nothing like starting your first day with a sunrise hike. The Mount Majura Nature Reserve is part of the Canberra Nature Park. It is located north of the capital and easily accessible (even on foot). If you walk there, you are sure to see kangaroos along the footpath. Canberra is one of the most kangaroo-friendly cities in the country, so keep your eyes open.
Mainly made up of hills and ridges, there are several walks that allow you to climb this mountain. Among these, you will find Casuarina Walking Trail (3.8 km – 2h – moderate level – family) and the Mount Majura Circuit which forms a loop (6.1 km – 1.25h – difficult). Once at the top, take time to admire the splendid view on the valley.
Explore the heart of Canberra: Day1
Australian War Memorial
Then continue your day with a visit to the Australian War Memorial, a significant site that pays tribute to the men and women who have served in Australia’s armed forces. The memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The place opened its doors during the Second World War (1941) and traces the military history of the country. Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into Australia’s military history and don’t miss the poignant Last Post Ceremony held every afternoon.
Admission to the site is free. The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, so allow 2 hours for the visit.
Australian Parliament House
After the War Memorial, head to Parliament House, the political heart of Australia. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with its unique design symbolizing the openness of democracy. You can join a guided tour to learn about the Australian political system, the history of the building, and view the impressive art collection.
You may even be able to observe the sessions taking place. The interior decoration is inspired by the London model par excellence, unsurprising when you learn that Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated this place in 1988.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the Parliament House café or head to the nearby suburb of Kingston for a variety of dining options. The Kingston Foreshore area offers a range of cafés and restaurants with beautiful views of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Old Parliament
With its real name “Museum of Australian Democracy“, the visit of this museum of Australian democracy will immerse you in the parliamentary atmosphere of the 1900s. It is a treat for history lovers. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to get into the heart of the Senate and the Government since the museum was built in the old Parliament. Finally, all you have to do is stroll through the Prime Minister’s office and you are immersed.
Admission is free but reservations are recommended. Moreover, guided tours are offered at no extra cost (just show your entrance ticket).
On the other hand, a little further on the lawn, you will also see the Aboriginal Embassy. This tents is a testimony to the struggle for equal rights and recognition of this people. It was erected in January 1972, on the Australian national day, as a symbol that of the continued fight for equal rights.
National Gallery of Australia
Art enthusiasts will love the National Gallery of Australia as not only is admission to this free, but it is home to one of the biggest collections in Australia. Also situated in the Parkes district, this establishment is full of international masterpieces (Salvador Dali, Monet, Sydney Nolan and Andy Warhol, to name a few..). It also features sculptures, engravings and paintings, ranging from Chinese dynasty to Australian art right through to modern American art – this museum is a must for art fans. Whilst here, visit the gardens where many other surprises await. Definitely something you should do on your 2 days in Canberra.
Admission is free (except for some rare exhibitions) and free guided tours are organized. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm.
National Portrait Gallery
Just a short walk from the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery. This gallery showcases portraits of notable Australians from all walks of life, providing a fascinating insight into the country’s history and culture through its people.
Night out at MooseHeads
Not satisfied with such a busy day and want to end the day with some fun? Mingle with the Australian crowd on Saturday night at trendy pub MooseHeads which is a hot spot here. Students and locals alike enjoy meeting up with friends for some great beers. But when night falls, the MooseHeads transforms into a nightclub across two rooms with a very festive atmosphere. For a successful evening, we advise you to come early enough to avoid the long lines at the entrance. Once inside, all you have to do is set the dance floor on fire!
Day 2: Nature and Culture
Walk along Lake Burley Griffin
For some, the night was short. For others, they will have recharged their batteries. In order to start this second day well, we’d head to Parkes where a nice walk along the lakeside awaits you. This district of Canberra is one of the greenest and most cultural of the city. Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake with a circumference of 28 km. On its shores you will find many important institutions and monuments.
Feel free to walk along the trails where cyclists and pedestrians enjoy the groves to relax. If you choose to ride your bike, it will take you 2 hours. On foot, the walk may be long… don’t hesitate to take one of the bridges to save time. Occasionally, you may come across a street theatre performance. Indeed, troupes regularly perform throughout the parks.
National Capital Exhibition: The story of Canberra
After your pleasant break, head to the National Capital Exhibition near Lake Burley Griffin. This free, small-scale museum explains how Canberra became the capital of Australia. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has an audio-visual room where the city’s archives are shown. Ideal for understanding the political climate of the time. In addition, you can examine and enjoy various architectural models and watercolour drawings. These were selected during the international architectural competition, before the its construction in 1913.
The National Capital Exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Lunch
Grab lunch at the museum’s café, which offers stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin, or head back to the city center for more dining options.
Australian National Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden of Canberra is one of the largest botanical gardens in Australia. Indeed, this one extends on 35acres of garden and 50hectares more of bush. We advise you to discover the flora and its 1.2 million plant species thanks to the thematic routes indicated. The main trail is one of the best walks to follow. In 30 to 45 minutes, you will discover the eucalyptus and its 70 species, the rainforest and many other secrets. Don’t miss the nature trail (3.2 km) that takes you to the top of the gardens to discover the Australian bush.
Discover the CBD
For a change of scenery head for the CBD. Take time to stroll through the pedestrian streets of the city where colorful murals, statues and fountains mingle. The buzz of the CBD is unmissable as you will find many shops, restaurants, lively bars, parks and shaded terraces to relax and absorb the atmosphere. After your hike, enjoy a well deserved treat at Via Dolce, a deliciously tasty pastry shop offering the best baked goods in the city. So, sit back and enjoy!
Dinner at the Kingston Foreshore
Head to the Kingston Foreshore for dinner. This waterfront area is known for its vibrant dining scene, offering everything from fine dining to casual eateries. Enjoy your meal with views of the lake, and perhaps take a relaxing evening stroll along the boardwalk.
Bonus: Do an activity
What would you say to ending this two day visit in style? For those who dream of flying over Canberra, you can! Go to the Hyatt lobby where you can climb inside a hot air balloon. A unique experience that will only add to your memories of your stay in Australia.
For those with a more limited budget, no worries. A nice, one-hour cruise at a reasonable price is offered by Lake Burley Griffin Cruises from mid-September to May. Definitely enough to remember your trip to the capital.
Finally, you can also take a more gastronomically inclined tour. Some tour operators offer guided tours to discover the breweries or wineries of the region.
Best period to visit Canberra
The best time to visit Canberra is during the summer months from December to February. The weather is ideal during this period with sunny days and terraces to relax. Take advantage of the good weather to discover the capital on foot.
If you didn’t already know, the city offers many festivals throughout the year. You can check out all the events at Visitcanberrra.com.au/events
If you’re passing through Canberra in March, the Enlighten Festival & Canberra Balloon Spectacular is beautiful. The city’s most iconic institutions are illuminated with sound and light shows. The city’s symphony orchestra performs on stage and you can enjoy the show with a bite to eat. Local food and drink stands are set up nearby. Finally, a string of colorful hot air balloons will be flying over the capital for nine days. For the early birds, you will have the possibility to enjoy the show at dawn, under a sky with the colours of the sun.
Getting around Canberra
Navigating Canberra is relatively easy due to its well-planned layout and efficient public transportation system.
By bike
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation, with numerous bike paths and scenic routes around Lake Burley Griffin and throughout the city.
There are two options:
- Go to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre to rent a Brompton Bikes. The little plus: they are foldable and therefore easy to transport (especially if you use public transport). Count 20$ for 2 hours and 45$ for a day.
- The second option is the self-service bike rental (Share A Bike). Several stations are installed in the city and even south of Lake Burley Griffin. To use this service, simply swipe your credit card at the station. Rates range from $1.50 per hour (for a 24-hour rental) to $12 for a one-hour rental.
If you’re interested, you can also “pre-order” your bike and have it delivered wherever you want. The company offers a delivery service called Bikes2You.
By bus
Equally convenient, the bus remains the capital’s preferred means of public transport. The city features an extensive network of buses operated by Transport Canberra, which connects key attractions, suburbs, and business districts.
Taxi / ride-sharing
For a more flexible option, the city also has a reliable taxi service and ride-sharing options like Uber and Ola.
