Things to Do

Canberra is a rather special part of Australia, with a little bit of something for everyone no matter what your interests may be. There's history, culture, fine cuisine, nightlife, nature trails, boat rides, winery tours and festivals all ready to be explored in the nation's capital city, so if you're planning a visit soon, make sure to give yourself enough time to tackle them all.

The Must-See Sights

There are a spectacular selection of sights in this part of the world, but if you're in the Aussie capital for a limited time, be sure to put the following locations on your bucket list.

First up is the Australian War Memorial Museum. Packed with haunting stories, affecting tales, jaw-dropping exhibits and amazing contemporary material, this museum puts WWII in a light like you've never seen before, allowing you to peer into the war years with a startling degree of authenticity.

Next is the city's most famous landmark - Parliament House. A gorgeous, broad white building propped up by gigantic pillars, this momentous site allows you to explore some of Australia's finest historical treasures and even watch parliamentary decisions unfold right before your very eyes. Parliament House lures in thousands of tourists every single year, and offers tours around the building on most days.

Canberra is also a fine place to explore nature, with the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve harbouring a stunning selection of indigenous wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, birds, reptiles and platypus. The Australian National Botanic Gardens is another spot to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this part of Australia, boasting its own rainforest and a dazzling variety of horticultural displays to marvel at.

The Finer Things

If you're visiting the Australian capital in search of some of the finer things in life, you'll be delighted to learn there are a terrific choice of fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels situated within the city - serving up sumptuous food and authentic fine wine acquired from the vineyards in the surrounding region. Courgette Restaurant is a particularly popular spot in the area, but European restaurant Les Bistronomes and Mediterranean eatery Ottoman Cuisine also boast reputations for extremely high quality. As well as general tourists, Canberra attracts many wealthier individuals and businessmen to its regions, both of whom demand a comfortable stay on their professional visits to the capital. The city caters for these types of crowds with boutique and five-star hotels such as the distinctive and jagged-designed Hotel Hotel, which offers wonderful views and pampering service.

By Night

This city knows exactly how to let its hair down in the evenings. If you're seeking some excitement and a few drinks, you certainly won't need to look far, with speak-easy style bars (Lucky's), funky dance clubs (Monkey Bar), sophisticated wine rooms (Benchmark), laidback cocktail lounges (Trinity Bar) and big gig venues (The Academy) all ready and waiting for you.