Top 100 Places to Visit in Canberra

Gibraltar Rocks

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers outstanding wildlife and natural experiences. The 8.2 kilometre Gibraltar Peak walking trail is well worth the effort, affording magnificent views from the top.

This walk is rated moderate to hard and will take approximately three to four hours return.

Golf Courses

Canberra offers some of Australia’s premier inland courses that will challenge players of all skill levels. Golf Courses around Canberra include Federal Golf Club, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Gold Creek Country Club, Yowani, Narrabundah, RMC and Queanbeyan.

Mt Tennent

Mt Tennent offers a challenging 15 kilometre walk with magnificent views at the summit. Mt Tennent is one of the most popular walks in Namadgi National Park and takes approximately six hours. Visit the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre for the latest track conditions, weather updates, local information and detailed maps before embarking on any bush walk. Hot and cold drinks and snacks also available.

Mt Taylor

At 856 metres, Mount Taylor is a prominent hill in Southern Canberra. Join a two-hour tour run by Dhawura Tours and learn about the habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including a number of endangered species. Dharwra Aboriginal Cultural Tours travel back in time where you can become a part of 'The Dreaming'. Gain a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture with one of their experienced Aboriginal guides.

Highlights: Aboriginal interpretation of the landscape, bush foods, artefacts/stone tools and traditional uses, and the scenic views across Tuggeranong and Woden valleys.

National Arboretum

The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre.

With over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourism and recreation.

Delta Force Paintball

Movie-set scenarios, quality equipment and professional staff are just a few features you can expect on a day out at Canberra’s premier paintball centre, Delta Force Paintball. Enjoy playing on quality fields, many of which are new to Australian shores, and experience an action-packed paintball adventure. You won’t be disappointed! Located in Tuggeranong just 25 minutes from Canberra CBD.

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra

At Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, escape into a virtual world of flight. Based on the Boeing 737-800 you can captain and have control of the most popular commercial plane in the world or put your physical skills to the test in the virtual reality worlds as your control ICAROS by shifting your centre of gravity. No experience is needed but bookings are essential.

VR Canberra

VR Canberra brings to you the latest in virtual reality!

Come visit VR Canberra – be amazed by the state-of-the-art virtual reality games and rides that are suitable for gamers, couples, families and team building events. You will be visually, physically and emotionally astonished by new virtual worlds filled with awe-inspiring rides, characters, sights and sounds.

Stromlo Forrest Canberra

If getting active in the great outdoors is your idea of living it up, you’ll love Stromlo Forest Park, a unique bike park experience, just 15 minutes’ drive from the Canberra city centre.

Whatever your passion – running, walking, mountain biking, cycling or horse-riding – this world-class facility has you covered.

The Vapour Trail network has been expertly designed to allow rider progression from the top of the mountain down to the bottom so there’s plenty of opportunities for people to develop their skills and progress as riders.

With trails and tracks for all levels, as well as a criterium cycling circuit and event pavilion, Stromlo Forest Park is perfect for professionals and rookies alike. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!

Get the most out of your visit with the Mt Stromlo Shuttle Service with 11 runs per day and over 15 ways to descend the mountain.

Uriarra Loop

Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for this 3.5 km walk with sandy river banks and views. It's mostly flat and easy. Watch out for the steep rocky section along the Molonglo River before the track leaves the river.

Make use of toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired BBQs at Uriarra East and West Picnic areas. The walking trail is marked by a series of totems.

Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports

An alpine experience right here in Canberra! Ski and board all year 'round, learn from scratch or master your skills, keep fit, and have fun.

Nothing could ever replace the mountains, the experience will help you learn and train in a controlled environment.

Plus, you can wind down from your lesson with a coffee or hot chocolate or wood fired pizza by the fire.

Mt Ainslie

For picture-perfect views of Canberra, you can’t go past a visit to Mount Ainslie. Walk, cycle or drive to the lookout and enjoy the impressive scenery. See how Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for the city has been brought to life and take in Lake Burley Griffin and many of Canberra's national attractions, framed by picturesque mountain ranges.

Mt Majura

At 888 metres, Mount Majura is the highest peak in suburban Canberra. Join a two-hour run by Dhawura Tours and learn about the habitats of a wide range of wildlife, including a number of threatened species. Travel back in time to become a part of 'The Dreaming' and gain a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture with one of their experienced Aboriginal guides.

Highlights: Bush foods, scar tree, artefacts and their traditional uses, and the view of Mount Majura valley.

Namadgi National Park

Venture into Namadgi to discover its Aboriginal heritage. Experience wonderful birdlife, picnic areas and bushwalks with scenic views. Enjoy ranger guided walks or escape into the rugged Bimberi wilderness. Horse riding and mountain biking is permitted only on designated fire trails.

Take a walk on the Bendora Arboretum heritage track that offers insight into the historical and natural value of the last high-altitude arboretum in the region and home to some of the best examples of mature conifer trees seen anywhere in the world.

Namadgi National Park is located at the northern end of the Australian Alps, 45 minutes’ drive from Canberra city.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

See koalas, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and more in the natural setting of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just 45 minutes drive from the Canberra CBD.

Keep an eye open for wandering wallabies and emus, and you may even catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus!

The kids will love the Nature Discovery Playground and you’ll love the idyllic picnic spots, BBQ areas and fresh open air.

There are 22 marked trails at Tidbinbilla – ranging from a 15 minute walk to full-day hikes. You can grab a map from the Visitors Centre or download it from our website.

Regular guided activities are on offer to visitors covering topics such as Australian plants, animals and habitats, wetlands and waterbirds at The Sanctuary and Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open daily from 10am to 5pm except Christmas Day. Bringing together a world-class museum, memorial, and research centre, it tells the stories of men and women who have served, and continue to serve our nation in conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Through exhibitions, artworks, large technology objects and personal records, we share personal experiences of military service. There are a range of suggested itineraries to help plan your visit from 1 hour, half or full day.

Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre

Twin arts centres, Ainslie and Gorman, host the National Capital's largest collective of professional artists and arts companies a stone's throw from the city centre. If it takes a village to raise an artist, this is the village.

Gorman Arts Centre is where new ideas, new works, and new artists are made and where they rub shoulders with audiences and each other in a bustling, multi-arts environment.

Ainslie Arts Centre dedicates everything to music. Through education, rehearsals, and public performances, this music hub unites music-makers and music-lovers in an exciting program.

Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres are located just 400 metres apart from one another, in Braddon.

Canberra Sculpture Gardens

Some of the National Gallery of Australia’s greatest masterpieces can be found outside of the exhibition spaces and curated galleries in the Sculpture Garden surrounding this grand building.

When exploring the Sculpture Garden there are some artistic highlights that are not to be missed including Fujiko Nakaya’s Foggy Wake In A Desert: An Ecosphere 1976, Mark Di Suvero’s Ik Ook 1971–72, James Turrell’s Within Without 2010, and more.

Museum of Australian Democracy

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a living museum of social and political history, located in a nationally listed heritage building in Parkes, Canberra.

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House helps people to understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past and present and exploring the future.

New Parliament House

See democracy in action at Australia’s iconic Parliament House high on Capital Hill. Book your tour for Question Time to see the country’s elected politicians making decisions on behalf of the nation.

Take a guided tour, visit the popular Queen's Terrace Cafe, and see an impressive collection of Australian art including one of the world’s largest tapestries.

Australian of the Year Walk

The Australians of the Year Walk is a permanent record of the Australians selected to be Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero. Take the lakeside walk, read about these Australians and discover this symbol of national aspiration and achievement for yourself.

Search for the five metal strips that form the five stave lines of a music score. The plinths represent the notes to the music score of Advance Australia Fair, which can be read from West to East.

Canberra Glassworks

Situated in the historic Kingston Power House, Canberra Glassworks combines spacious industrial cathedral interiors with the drama and thrill of glass blowing for a truly unforgettable experience.

There are diverse opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn about glass making and the heritage of Canberra’s Kingston Power House. Visitors can meet artists, see glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, take tours and have a hands-on experience working with glass.

National Capital Exhibition

The National Capital Exhibition tells the Story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia. It is an essential stop on any tour of Canberra. Explore displays featuring the people, events, history and design of this unique, modern, planned city. Discover the people behind the design – Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion. Canberra is unique and innovative in the history of town planning. The built and natural landscapes have equal importance and the shape of suburbs is determined by the surrounding natural features. Don't miss the scale model of the National area of Canberra and free guided tours everyday at 11am.

National Carillon

Located on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon was a gift from the British Government to the people of Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national capital.

With 57 bronze bells, the National Carillon rises to a height of 50 metres and is played on a regular basis during the year.

The best location to listen to the National Carillon is anywhere with an unobstructed view of the tower, within a radius of about 100 metres.

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

Located at the National Arboretum the collection consists of 120 exhibits with approximately 75 trees on display at any one time. The trees are a variety of traditional and modern styles with the Collection highlighting Australian native species including Banksia serrata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis’.

Many of the trees are owned by the Collection whilst others are on loan from around Australia by the artists or their family. This allows for continued involvement with the community and enables for a dynamic and diverse collection that is always changing and providing new experiences for visitors.

Canberra Theatre Centre

Canberra Theatre Centre is Canberra’s premier performing arts venue, providing world class performing arts and entertainment to the people of Canberra and surrounding regions. To see what is currently showing visit Canberra Theatre Centre.

National Film and Sound Archives

The NFSA is the custodian of the national audio-visual collection. The collection represents the cultural diversity and breadth of experience of all Australians. Visit their website to see what is on offer on the day you plan to visit.

National Gallery of Australia

Delight in the art and world-class exhibitions on show at the National Gallery of Australia, on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. Art lovers will enjoy meandering through the galleries and admiring the collection, which includes the famous 'Blue Poles' by Jackson Pollock and the Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan.

The new Australian and International art galleries provide plenty of things to see, following a large-scale rehang of almost every piece. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection comprises over 7500 works and is the largest in the world.

National Library of Australia

See the beautiful, the rare and the unexpected at the National Library of Australia on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. Eat at the café, Bookplate, before exploring the collections and exhibitions and admiring the incredible architecture of the building itself.

National Museum of Australia

Australia's stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia, on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. The Museum's stunning architecture provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.

Take a guided tour or wander solo through the many exhibitions. Get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history.

National Portrait Gallery

Located in Barton, The National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits of prominent Australians who are important in their field of endeavour or whose life sets them apart as an individual of long-term public interest. Tours run hourly and must be booked in advance.

Royal Australian Mint

A visit to the Royal Australian Mint is a unique experience accessible to everyone.

Head upstairs to the factory viewing area and see where the coins are made. Titan the robot is often dancing, even when the factory isn’t producing coins. Interactive touchscreens explain the coin making process and videos take you even closer to the action! Take a walk through the galleries of rare and significant coins and watch a short film on the history.

Downstairs you can mint your own $1 coin (cost is $3), browse the coin shop and enjoy refreshments at the café’. Entry to the mint is free and is open daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Bike Around Lake Burley Griffin

The 40km ride around the lake is mostly flat and can be done with ease on a road or mountain bike. Along your way stop at the Galleries, museums, zoo, Arboretum, scenic wetlands, cafes or breweries.

Escape Rooms Canberra

You have 70 minutes to unravel the mystery of a hidden room, working as a team of 2-5 to solve a variety of quirky and inventive puzzles to escape.

The puzzles will test all of your abilities – be prepared to flex your mental muscles to solve lingual, visual, mathematical, spatial, physical and lateral brainteasers.

For more information visit escaperoomscanberra.com

GoBoat Canberra

Enjoy the fresh air on your very own Scandinavian electric picnic boat on Lake Burley Griffin.

Each booking is for the exclusive, private use of one picnic boat, so you can chart your own course!

Boat licence or previous boating experience is not required and operation is simply powered by quiet, smooth electric motors.

There’s no minimum age, and GoBoat is a relaxed and safe way to introduce kids to boating.

Segway around the Lake

Discover Lake Burley Griffin’s foreshore, famous landmarks and iconic buildings in a fun and memorable way. This 30 minute Segway Cruise run by Seg Glide Ride is ideal if you don't have a lot of time but want to see a lot of the lakefront.

Guided segway rides are designed to ensure an awesome segway riding experience rather than a fact filled tour.

Canberra Secrets Personalised Tours

Canberra Secrets offer personalised tours that provide you with a true local perspective of what makes this city tick. They highlight the secrets and the quirky within — from national attractions, through to the city’s thriving café culture and wonders of the bush capital.

Explore the hidden secrets of the capital with the half- or full-day Canberra Highlights tour, or contact Canberra Secrets to create an exclusive private, personalised tour to suit.

Taste Of Braddon

Discover Canberra's food and beverage scene on a Eat Canberra Food Tour. The Taste of Braddon tour will take you on a foodie adventure to discover some of the top venues and hidden gems in this hip and popular shopping and foodie precinct.

You'll find craft beer, gastropubs, cafes, boutiques, food trucks, fine-dining restaurants, bakeries, artisan chocolate, incredible ice cream and more.

Enjoy a range of tasty food and drinks as your guide shares local knowledge and the latest food trends with you, giving you an insight into Canberra's amazing food scene.

The Paddle Hub

The Paddle Hub is Seasonal and open between the Months of October and April.

Join in the latest aquatic craze with The Paddle Hub, Canberra’s stand-up paddle board and kayak rental service on Lake Burley Griffin. Located at the YMCA Aquatic Recreation Centre in picturesque Yarralumla Bay, The Paddle Hub offers a fantastic way to have fun and get fit on Canberra's iconic lake.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Wake up to a view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Held at the beginning of March every year over nine days the Canberra Skyline is a flurry of colour, sound and movement. Beginning at the Patrick White Lawns, watch the pilots inflate and launch their balloons from 6.15am and enjoy hot drinks and breakfast as the balloons ascend into the sky. Or for a morning to remember, experience the thrill of hot air ballooning with a balloon ride.

Enlighten

Canberra shines bright with culture and creavitity during the Enlighten festival. Held at the end of February each year for 17 days there is a range of free and ticketed events. To see the full program visit enlightencanberra.com.

Floriade

Floriade is a flower and entertainment festival held annually in Canberra's Commonwealth Park in September and October featuring extensive displays of flowering bulbs with integrated sculptures and other artistic features. Visit floriadeaustralia.com to see this years theme and events

Multicultrical Festival

The National Multicultural Festival is a free community food and cultural festival held annually each February. The Festival is a celebration that promotes equality of opportunity, maintaining social cohesion, building social capital and minimising social exclusion for culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans.

Summernats

Summernats is an annual car show held on the first weekend in January each year. Street Machine Summernats is Australia’s biggest car festival. Celebrating modified car culture in Australia, this four-day party in the nation’s capital is all about stunning cars, big horsepower and even bigger burnouts.

Apple Picking At Tanbella

With the seasons commencing in late January and running until May, come and discover when your favourite apples, pears, peaches and berries are ripe and ready for picking. Starting with Early Golds and Summer Reds for those warmers months and ripening into Pink Ladies and Sundowners as the season cools, experience the taste of a wide and changing choice of fruit each week, straight from the trees at their very best.​ Open Friday to Monday from 10am—4pm during the season, find them at 20a Beltana Road in Pialligo, pick up your bucket ($5) and start foraging for your fruit bowl ($7/kilo). Visit Tanbella Orchard for more information.

Arboretum Pod Playground

Challenging and exciting, POD Playground encourages children to climb, explore, learn and have fun. The playground features giant acorn cubbies, nest swings, banksia pods, music-making instruments and more, all surrounded by spectacular views.

A truly unique and adventurous playground designed to create wonder, imagination and enchantment, and to encourage activity and spontaneity in play.

Located next to the Village Centre, café and gift shop. Open daily
7am - 5.30pm (Eastern Standard Time)
6am - 8.30pm (Daylight Saving Time)

For more information visit nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/pod-playground

Australian Botanical Gardens

Inspiring, informing and connecting people with the Australian flora, the Australian National Botanic Gardens maintains a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia. The plants are displayed for the enjoyment and education of visitors and are used for research into plant classification and biology.

The Gardens also cultivates plants threatened in the wild. This helps protect them against extinction and provides information which might assist reintroduction to their natural habitat.

Australian Institute of Sport

Go behind the scenes at Australia’s premier elite sports precinct and experience one of Canberra’s most popular tourist attractions. You might catch some of Australia’s top athletes in training.

Challenge yourself in Sportex, a leading interactive sports exhibit set amongst a unique collection of Australian sporting memorabilia. Best of all Sportex is included free as part of every AIS Tour.

Be sure to visit the AIS Shop whilst you are here where you can shop like a champion for exclusive AIS merchandise and refuel at the AIS café. Visit Australian Institute of Sport for more information.

Belconnen Skate Park

Belconnen Skatepark is Canberra’s best and potentially Australia’s top skatepark. Open 24 hours the skatepark was originally constructed in the early ’90s featuring the famous keyhole bowl that we know of as the Belco Bowl, home to one of Australia’s largest skate competitions. The skatepark in 2011 become the largest skatepark in the southern hemisphere at the time. The mellow mini ramps, snaking bowls, banks in an open plan makes it an appealing skatepark to almost every skater. Although Belconnen attracts the crowds, the free-flowing design makes it feel like you have the park to yourself every time you skate.

Big Splash

Big Splash Waterpark is open mid November to mid March. There's nine water slides, a kiddies pool, a play pool, a 50 metre pool, Splash Island and pool inflatables to keep you going all day.

Lounge around the pools or float on rubber tubes in Canberra's only waterpark cinema.

Check their website Big Splash Water Park for full details.

Blundells Cottage

Built in 1860 and made from stone taken from Mt Ainslie, this cottage is a valuable relic of Canberra's early days. Open Saturdays from 10am until 2pm come and explore the lives of the families that lived in the cottage.

Boundless Park

Boundless—The Centenary of Canberra National Playground is Canberra’s first all abilities playground, located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin at Kings Park.

The Boundless Playground caters to different levels of ability. It is a place where children, young people and their families can play, socialise, explore, challenge physical limits and make new friends. Boundless is a free, state-of-the-art play space that is fun and inclusive of all children of all ages and abilities.

Canberra Miniture Railway

The Canberra Miniature Railway is located at the far southern end of Jerrabomberra Avenue in Symonston adjacent to the Monaro Highway. The Canberra Miniature Railway is open to the public on the second and last Sundays of each month. Come and ride the wonderful miniature railway behind perfect miniatures of real locomotives. Great fun for big and little kids.

Ideal venue for birthday parties, Christmas Parties and other occasions.

Rides
Passengers 3 yrs and older are charged for rides.
Infants under 3 years ride FREE but must be accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Single ticket ride $3.00 each

Canberra Reptile Zoo

With over 50 different species of reptiles and frogs on display, the Canberra Reptile Zoo is large enough to be impressive but still small enough to have a very strong hands on approach. Come to the Zoo and touch a python, or dragons and talk face to face with the keepers!

Open daily from 10am until 5pm
Adults $18
Children 4-12 $11
Family $50
Pre purchase tickets online

Canberra Walk-In Aviary

The Canberra Walk-In Aviary is a 1000 square metre, planted, privately owned walk-in aviary where the friendly free flying birds can be observed, photographed and fed. The Walk-in Aviary's owners developed the aviary as a way to enjoy and share their extensive collection of feathered friends.

Visitors to the aviary walk amongst approximately 500 birds representing over 60 different species (Parrots, Finches, Doves and Quail) from Australia and around the world.

On admission to the aviary, as part of your admission price, visitors are given a small plate of food and a small tub of mealworms with which to feed the birds.

Cinemas

There’s more to love at Dendy Canberra – with fifteen screens, including two Premium cinemas, it is the biggest cinema in Australia’s capital!

Cockington Green

"Venture into the fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings currently featuring 30 different countries, set within beautifully landscaped gardens. Complete the experience with a ride on the miniature steam train is a must!

Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm
Book your tickets to Cockington Green Gardens

Commonwealth Park

Take a walk or have a picnic on the lawns of this beautifully landscaped park in the city, right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin.

You'll find interesting sculptures, hidden walks and tranquil ponds within the park's 34.5 hectares.

Corin Forest

Corin Forest, located in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra, is a year-round alpine adventure. Surrounded by tall forests in a secluded mountain valley, the rustic lodge provides a unique venue in the region.

During winter Corin Forest provides Canberra's only snow experience. Rug up and get set for beginner skiing or boarding, with lessons from trained instructors available. Join snow play for tobogganing, snowmen and snowball fights. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by the roaring open fire in the lodge.

In summertime take in the spectacular views of the Nation's Capital, with Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve right next door. Ride on the exhilarating Alpine Slide that descends 1.2km through the forest. Nearby Square Rock, Gibraltar Falls and Tidbinbilla make a for a great day trip, with BBQs, the cafe and picnic tables available.

Cotter Dam

The Cotter Dam is a popular recreation venue ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. Facilities include short walking tracks to the Cotter Dam and river and limited camping at the adjacent Cotter Campground.

Take the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with stories of Canberra's water history. It features a 16-metre wide, amphitheatre style viewing platform with majestic views of the dam wall.

Deep Space Communication Complex

Take a leap into outer space at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, a 45-minute drive from the heart of Canberra. Here you’ll discover NASA’s Deep Space Network, an international network of antennas that support interplanetary spacecraft missions. The impressively sized antenna dishes at the complex send and receive data from spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond. For a great view of the dishes, as well as an insightful exhibit about Australia’s role in space exploration, head to the Canberra Space Centre on the complex grounds.

Funland

Funland Canberra is located in Mitchell offers a modern collection of safe, imaginative and engaging play equipment to suit children of all age groups.

The environment will keep the busiest of children happy and entertained while parents and friends can gather and enjoy food and beverages from the cafe.

Relax and enjoy the indoor play centre for the day or just an hour. Funland is open daily from 9.30am until 5pm.

Inflatable World

Inflatable world located in Kambah is open Saturday and Sunday only from 9am until 4pm. There is endless fun to have bouncing on the inflatable activities and parents are encouraged to join in. Bookings are essential.

Kingpin

Kingpin is not just about Bowling, it is a full entertainment experience. They offer Laser Tag, Escape rooms Arcade games, Karaoke, Table Tennis and Virtual Reality. With fully licensed bars, curated food menus and the widest activities range in Australia, Kingpin is the spot for your next outing. Located in the Canberra Centre and open everyday visit Kingpin Canberra to make your booking

Llama experience - Alpaca Magic

Go on a Llama stroll through sprawling, picturesque countryside with these incredibly rare and exotic animals. This is a unique opportunity to learn about and experience these very rare and exotic animals up close and personal in a small group with an experienced guide. (There are only 5,000 llamas in all of Australia and New Zealand combined!).

Little Sandpiper

Located in Westfield Belconnen, Little Sandpiper is an indoor kids play centre that provides a series of entertainment activities for children. The team have scheduled plenty of learning activities and each event contains an educational program that interacts with children to inspire their craftsmanship and brainwork – activities designed for the different age group of children.

Mini Golf Gold Creek

Located at Federation Square in Gold Creek Mini Golf is Canberra’s newest professionally built mini golf course. Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Mount Stromlo Observatory

The Visitor Centre has something for everyone with science exhibits, a kids zone, and information about Mount Stromlo’s rich history of tragedies and triumphs.

There’s also a heritage trail with augmented reality to transport you to a different time as you stroll past kangaroos while taking in the sweeping views across Canberra and the surrounding mountains. Mount Stromlo Observatory is open to the public daily from 8am until 6pm and if you are interested in star gazing, public astronomy nights are held from April to September.

Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary provides a safe haven where our reintroduced species can thrive. The sanctuary is open to the public but why not go behind the scenes with one of the ecologists guides and discover the sanctuary at night when it really comes to life. Visit mulligansflat.org.au/visit/ for more information

National Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaur fans of all ages will completely ‘dig’ the National Dinosaur Museum, located in Canberra’s Gold Creek Village. With one of the largest permanent displays of dinosaurs and prehistoric life in Australia, you’ll discover how dinosaurs evolved and interacted amid skulls, skeletons, murals, models and fossils not on display anywhere else in the world. There are even animatronic dinosaurs that move, roar, blink and breathe including the Big Dinosaur - a 20 metre long T Rex!

Wander through the lifelike models in the newly renovated and landscaped Dinosaur Garden, and browse Canberra's largest display of minerals, fossils and crystals for sale

The museum is offering timed 1 hour sessions from 10.00-16.00 with a maximum capacity of 20 pax per enclosed space which includes the museum galleries, retail store and the new garden.

Open daily from 10am until 5pm
Adults $18

National Zoo and Aquarium

The National Zoo and Aquarium endeavours to create an inclusive environment for all to enjoy. Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures on the Awesome Roarsome tours and make the most of your zoo visit by checking out the daily keeper activities. Open everyday except Christmas Day from 9.30am until 5pm.

Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre

Located in Phillip just 19 minutes from Canberra CBD, this Olympic-size indoor skating centre can cater for 250 skaters per session. Lessons and skate hire are all available on site. An ideal fun day with the family or adventure with friends. Bookings are essential.

Pools

There are a number of public pools located in Canberra ideal for keeping cool in the hot summer months. Canberra Olympic Pool located in the CBD is covered and heated so you can swim during every season. Manuka and Dickson pools are both outdoors and perfect for the Summer months.

Questacon

Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre, offers more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology. Travel to the centre of an earthquake, to the heart of a beehive, or all the way to outer space! Open daily, tickets must be prebooked online for a 2-hour timed session. Book your tickets for Questacon. To book tickets visit Questacon.

Powerkart Raceway

Canberra’s ultimate go-karting experience featuring world class electric go-karts on an F1 style indoor circuit. Located in Griffith, Power Kart Raceway also boasts jungle golf and an skate park.

Stromlo Leisure Centre

Stromlo Leisure Centre, overlooking the Molonglo Valley has an indoor heated Olympic pool, splash park for kids, ultra modern gym, creche and café. Open daily visit stromloleisurecentre.com.au for more information.

Telstra Tower

Telstra Tower is Canberra's iconic tower rising 195.2 meters above the summit of Black Mountain offering 360 degree panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounding countryside from an indoor observation deck and two outdoor viewing platforms.

As well as the telecommunications facilities the tower also has a café with spectacular outlooks. The lower level of the Tower's entrance foyer, houses the Telstra Heritage Exhibition which traces the history of Australian telecommunications as well as a theatre showcasing a video, produced shortly after the Tower opened in 1980 on the tower's design and construction.

Western Park

Head to Western Park for the beach and swimming area on the eastern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. There are cycle tracks that runs through the park where you can ride your bike or walk, and there’s special courts to play Bocce or Pétanque. There's picnic tables, electric barbecues, and the kids will love the large scale adventure playground. Enjoy the water playground designed for younger children or the wading pool for older siblings.

Yarralumla Play Station

Located in Western Park Yarralumla Play station enjoy putt putt around Canberra's most famous icons, feeding the animals at the mini farm, or ride on Bluebell the original mini railway.

Belconnen Fresh Food Markets

Belconnen Fresh Food Markets have 31 specialty stores. Enjoy the ambience of spruikers offering competitive prices, delicious flavours and aromas, and a cornucopia of fresh produce.

There is a smorgasbord of market-fresh, one-stop shopping coupled with friendly customer service.

Have lunch in one of the restaurants or cafés. For the food enthusiast, tasting tours are available on request.

Open each Wednesday to Sunday from 8am - 6pm

Haig Park Village Markets

Located in the heart of Braddon, the Haig Park Village Markets is an evolving collaboration of many farmers, bakers, artisans and talented people, seeking to share their crafted specialties. Open 8am to 2pm every Sunday.

Capital Regional Farmers Market

Visit the largest regional markets in the Southern Tablelands. Be lured by the smell of freshly ground coffee, the reassuring dirt on the potatoes, honey still warm from the hive, oranges beaming in the sun and the hum of chatter between the producers and their customers. Reward yourself with the region's freshest produce and the most flavoursome fare from over 100 stallholders. Taste the exciting seasonal characteristics and diversity of the region.

Open every Saturday, 7 to 11:30am.

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets are a Canberra institution and Canberra’s oldest markets. They offer unparalleled quality, range and convenience in one location.

The Fyshwick Markets has over twenty-five specialty shops, including fruit and vegetable shops, butchers, delicatessens, bakeries, cafés, seafood shops, a speciality Asian grocery, and a wine and liquor shop. Open Thursday - Sunday, 7am - 5:30pm.

Hartley Hall Markets

On the first Sunday of each month, the Hartley Hall Markets move into the Hall Pavilion and Showgrounds. Browse an appealing array of 300 stalls brimming with arts and crafts, organic produce, baked goods, jams, toys and plants. Open 10am - 5pm every Sunday.

Old Bus Depot Markets

Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is "Canberra’s Sunday Best".

Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.

Belconnen Westfield

Located in Belconnen just 13 minutes from the Canberra CBD, this Westfield boasts around 270 speciality stores plus the usual favourites like Kmart, Myer, Target, Aldi and Woolworths.

Canberra Centre

Located in the heart of Canberra's CBD, Canberra Centre is the city's leading destination for retail, entertainment and dining experiences.

Home to four department stores, David Jones, Myer, Target and Big W, two supermarkets and an impressive collection of specialty stores including a dedicated beauty and wellness precinct.

With an outstanding portfolio of fashion and sportswear brands, renowned restaurants and entertainment retailers such as Kingpin and Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Centre is the ultimate shopping destination.

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre sits within the Regatta Point precinct, boasting one of Canberra’s best views. Look out over Lake Burley Griffin towards a range of iconic national attractions including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia and Questacon.

Purchase local and regional wines, beer, spirits and schnapps. Pick up designer merchandise, jewellery and souvenirs from local and regional suppliers including: Jasper+Myrtle, Gundaroo Puzzler, Gatbi, Zilpah Tart, Lindner and more. Choose from a range of maps and books, and kids’ treats and toys.

You can also find the entire range of CBR merchandise boasting quality made hoodies, shirts and beanies, stationery, reusable coffee cups and more.

Chat to the friendly staff and volunteers. They’re a wealth of local knowledge, offering valuable insights to help you get the most from your stay.

Gungahlin Marketplace / Gungahlin Village

Located approximately 19 minutes from Canberra CBD Gungahlin Marketplace and Gungahlin Village feature 132 stores including Kmart, Coles, Woolworths and Best and Less.

Poachers Pantry

The Smokehouse Restaurant at Poachers Pantry is a modern Australia farmhouse - a place to enjoy a meal with loved ones in a relaxed and welcoming rural setting. The kitchen is open Friday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm.

Westfield Woden

Westfield Woden Plaza is a large shopping centre located in Phillip approximately 15 minutes from Canberra CBD. The centre comprises four anchor tenants Big W, David Jones, Woolworths, Coles and 250 other retail and dining outlets.

Robyn Rowe Chocolates

Made with the highest quality imported Belgian Callebaut Fair Trade couverture, Robyn rowed chocolates are deliciously smooth, glossy and creamy. Hand crafted near Murrumbateman, NSW, using traditional European methods, these moreish delicacies are filled with only the freshest ingredients and contain no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.

Bentspoke Brewing

Since opening its doors in 2014, BentSpoke has continued to move onward and upward in the Canberra craft beer and bar scene. 2020 was a big year for BentSpoke with them taking the number one spot in GABS hottest 100 craft beers, voted by you, the people that drink the beer. At the Braddon brewpub you will find 18 varieties of beer available, all brewed on premise. A wide range of beer styles are made by their award-winning head brewer, so there is something to suit all taste buds. All are on full display so you can watch the brew team at work while you sample a selection of brews by the pint or in the iconic sample bars.

Big River Distilling Co

Big River Distilling Co is a craft distillery offering tours, tastings and sales. It is situated in the makers and creators precinct at Dairy Road, Fyshwick.

Curious and independent, Big River Distilling Co is guided but not bound by tradition, creating spirits inspired by the unique Canberra environs to enliven your senses and evoke a sense of time and space.

Visitors to the distillery are encouraged to be curious, enjoy a drink their way, reinterpret their favourite tipple or try something new.

Capital Brewing

Capital Brewing Co. is 100% independently employee owned, formed by a close group of mates who froth on delicious brews, surfing waves and good vibes. They in making great brews, looking after people and the environment.

They also believe that the most important piece of brewing equipment is the stereo!

Brewery Tours also run every Saturday and Sunday. Come behind the scenes and see how Capital turn malt, hops, water and yeast into delicious beer! Places are limited so bookings are essential.

Hall Wineries

Canberra vineyards are blessed with cool climate conditions across a range of altitudes, aspects and soils. This produces an impressive class of wines in such a small geographic region. Among the hills of Hall you can find boutique vineyards and winery cellar doors, historical buildings and cottages dotted across the countryside, as well as the Memorial Avenue of Trees and vibrant Sunday markets. The Hall Wineries include Brindabella Hills, Pankhurst and Surveyors Hill.

Lake George Wineries

The large wine-growing region surrounding Lake George and encompassing Bungendore and Wamboin is blessed with an amazing climate, which results in even more amazing wines!

The vineyards in this area include Mount Majura, Lark Hill Biodynamic, Lambert, Lerida Estate, Lake George, Capital Wines, Tallagandra Hill, Little Bridge, Collector Wines, Contentious Character and Affleck.

Murrumbateman Wineries

Canberra has an established wine growing region, with more than 30 wineries within 35 minutes drive of the city. The boutique cellar doors offer an opportunity to meet the vignerons, share a yarn and taste the local creations, made with grapes including Riesling, Viognier or Tempranillo. There are also a variety of indulgent dining experiences to match your wines – from fine dining to wood-fired pizzas – plus tours and events. The vineyards in this area include Helm, Clonakilla, Eden Road, Four Winds, Shaw, Gallagher, Barton Estate, Murrumbateman, Pankhurst, Long Gully Road, McKellar Ridge, The Vintners Daughter, Wimbaliri Wines and Yarrh Wines.