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Canberra is an ideal destination for an unforgettable Australian adventure, boasting stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural offerings, and premium experiences. As the nation's capital, it is home to many of Australia's must-see attractions, including the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Australian Parliament House, and National Zoo & Aquarium. Surrounded by extraordinary forests and mountains, this smaller city offers ample space to relax and explore, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. With something for everyone, from iconic attractions to natural wonders, family-friendly activities, wildlife encounters, and exceptional dining experiences, Canberra promises to impress and inspire. To help you make the most of your visit, here are the top five must-have experiences.
Reconnect With Nature And Australian Animals
Visiting Canberra's aquarium and zoo facility is a must-do activity in Australia. It's the only place in the country where you can experience both attractions in one place. The aquarium boasts an impressive range of marine creatures, from tiny reef inhabitants to dangerous sharks. Meanwhile, the zoo features a collection of significant Australian and exotic species, including fauna. You and your little ones can hand-feed a giraffe, pet a rhino, and feed a bear. It's an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.
Location 999 Lady Denman Drive, Western Creek, Yarralumla
Price Rs 3853
Timing 930 am to 5 pm, except Christmas Day
Explore The National Gallery Of Australia
Among the long list of Canberra, Australia, things to do, the second-best thing you can do here is explore the National Gallery of Australia. This gallery contains the most extensive jaw-dropping collection of art. It first opened in 1982 and still includes eleven three-level main galleries. The most extensive art collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders here and the eyes-struck work of Asian, Australian, American and European. Moreover, there are beautiful oil paintings, sketchbooks, ceramics, sculptures, costumes, and many more things to explore.
Location Parkes Place Parkes
Timing 9 am to 5 pm
Rejuvenate In The Australian National Botanical Garden
Another activity you can add to your list of things to do is a rejuvenating trip to the National Botanical Garden. Everyone knows Australia has a great collection of flora, especially when it comes to wildflowers. The national botanical garden depicts just that. Take a stroll around the Rainforest gully, children&rsquos discovery park, red centre garden and the Black Mountain Nature Park to get some fantastic views. Apart from being a tremendous strolling place containing many exotic trees and rare natives, it is also a perfect picnic spot with panoramic views.
Location Clunies Ross Street, Acton
Timing 830 am to 5 pm, except Christmas Day
Wander Around The Wine Breweries
Canberra has three cool-climate wine places, offering visitors a spectacular chance to go wine-tasting and wander through the breweries. A 30-minute drive through more than 140 vineyards and 40 wineries gives people a soulful experience. The region has been making wine for around 160 years and has been pioneered by scientists. Here you not only get to experience the traditional methods of producing low-volume vintages, but you also get to meet the winemakers in the cellar doors for testing.
Timing Starts from 930 am
Enjoy The Views From Mount Ainslie
Mount Ainslie is located in the northeast of central Canberra, inside the Canberra nature park. The place boasts a jaw-dropping panoramic view of central Canberra, like the Black Mountain, Capital Hill and other gorgeous statues of the west. If you want to show an excellent and highly educational side of this mountain to your young family member, find the Mount Kokoda summit train. It is a well-maintained and informational signposted trail behind the Australian war memorial.
Location 20 Mount Ainslie Dr, Australian Capital Territory 2609
Visiting the National Library Of Australia
This national library is the treasure trove of Australia, and visiting it is one of the best exciting things to do in Canberra. It contains many manuscripts, books, oral history, newspapers, historical documents, music and pictures that will completely blow your mind. Moreover, the place has the most valuable possession, i.e., Captain Cook&rsquos journal. Many find the structure of the national gallery mesmerizing because of its dramatic contrast and Greek style. Also, don&rsquot miss out on exploring the superb stained glass window in the foyer.
Location Parkes Place, Parkes
Timing 9 am to 5 pm
Discover Lake Burley Griffin
Discovering the beautiful sites of Lake Burley Griffin should be next in your list of things to do. It is the centrepiece of Canberra and is not only a place for biking and strolling but also an excellent spot for a picnic. Many find it very soothing to set up a picnic along a park bordered by shores and paddle along the glistening waters. Six islands lie in its centre, among which the largest is Aspen Island, home to National Carillon. Apart from these, there are also a national library, national gallery, national museum and Questacon, which you can explore.
Spend A Day At Questacon, The National Science and Technology Center.
When thinking of the best thing to do in Canberra with kids, you can visit the Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre. It is an interactive wonderland that explains to your kids the power of an element, witnesses lightning strikes and understands an earthquake's force. Moreover, your kid also gets to meet a friendly mechanical humanoid, the Robo Q. it is just beside the National Zoo and Aquarium, so you can also discover the National Dinosaurs Museum while enjoying the wildlife.
Location King Edward Terrace, Parkes Act 2600
Price Rs 1549 to 2008
Timing 9 am to 5 pm, last session 3 pm
Cover photo Credit Shutterstock
